Emperor Constantine Essay Example for Free

Emperor Constantine Essay The relationship between the man and religion is centuries old and so is relationship between the man and the God. God in many forms have profoundly been capturing the hearts and souls of humans. In whatever phase of life this world has taken the man into, religion has always predominated the man’s life and so along with it several questions? Since, the Western world’s explorations started way back in14th Century, Christianity also spread, dug its roots in many parts of the world and spread its own interpretations about the Jesus, and his teachings. see more:to be human is to err It is evidently true that now people have ardent belief that Jesus was both human as well as divine and the life of Jesus on this Earth was both of ordinary man as well as supreme but this belief was not always there. It was the period between first and third century; people never tried to ponder on this theological aspect of their so ardent belief. Even Church did not have time to delve and search about this aspect as they were occupied in missionary activities and striving to protect themselves from persecutions. But the time suddenly changed when Emperor Constantine put an ultimate end to persecutions and also gave his moral and financial support to the Church. His support bore fruit and Christians organized themselves. In the year 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea, there was a debate among the Scholars and religious preachers. The debate was on the topic, Was Jesus a human or divine? Arius, both a priest and a preacher from Alexander said that Jesus was a human but was the first to be created by God but his opponents gave a strong argument by saying that if Jesus had been only a common human being like you and me then his death and finally resurrection would never have been so powerful to redeem our sins. If it was Jesus who had to provide salvation to humans then he ought to be divine. The opponents won and their views and ideologues appeared in Nicaean creed, where it is written, Jesus is true God of true God, begotten, not made. (Flesher, 2003) Another debate took place at Ephesus in 431 A. D. and the topic was if Jesus was human as well as divine then how can these both natures be culminated in one? Many Christians from Abtioch in Syria said that Jesus had traits of both divine and human nature but he used it differently. For e. g. If Jesus is God, he performs miracles but when Jesus plays the role of human then he suffers like a human and died. The Christians from Alexandria argued that though these two natures were blended together but these characteristics were not of equal measure. His divine power was more powerful as with his divinity, he had led human kind towards salvation and redemption of sins. His physical and normal human beings traits are not of much importance. These debates did not come into any conclusion. Again the Fourth Council was held at Chalcedon 20 years later, when Bishops thought to resolve the problem by taking middle position and got into belief that Jesus was both human as well as divine and with both these natures blended, gave human beings the path of righteousness. As a human being, he got himself prone to temptation, sins but his divine power overcame his human instinct, and this divinity in him takes the humans on the path of salvation. This formulation became the basis for the Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy, but this belief was not adopted by every one especially Churches of Egypt, Syria, Ethiopia and Armenia. (Flesher, 2003). â€Å"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us† (ESV. Bible John 1:14). When Jesus was born, he was human being which his closest disciple also said, â€Å"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness † (1 John 1:1). John established him as a human being when he conveyed that Jesus disciples saw, touched and heard Him. (The Good News Magazine, Online Edition) He also felt hunger, thirst when he went on fast and fatigue too. Geza Vermes in his The Changing Faces of Jesus delve into the different facets of Jesus, taking into consideration the letters of Paul and the Gospel of John. The author said that as soon as the first century came to an end, Christianity forgot about the real Jesus and his messages. â€Å"Jesus, the religious man with an irresistible charismatic charm, was metamorphosed into Jesus the Christ, the transcendent object of the Christian religion. † (Vermes, 2000) In the most polemic tone, Geza Vermes (2000) said that: â€Å"As a historian I consider Jesus, the primitive church and the New Testament as part and parcel of first-century Judaism and seek to read them as such rather than through the eyes of a theologian who may often be conditioned, and subconsciously influenced, by two millennia of Christian belief and church directives. † Vermes consulted Gospel of John, which had endorsed the divine status to Jesus and then moved on to the Pauline letters, the book of acts and the Synoptic Gospels and said that if one goes by Synoptic Gospels, historical and Jewish religious tenor, Jesus is shown as a prophet – a holy man, a charismatic healer and exorcist. He also said that Jesus was a teacher to preach the words of God to the people on this Earth, as the other holy men of Jewish did. He went further to say that Jesus was a Hasid, a holy man from Galilean equivalent to other holy men as Hanina ben Dosa. Jesus always said that he was the son of man and just like other Galileans. Jesus did not indulge in halakhic matters. He even said that Jesus never wanted to form a new religion, as advocated by the Early Christian churches. Even Paul also never considered Jesus as a divine being or as a historical person. For Paul, Jesus is a redeemer of sins. He too said that Jesus was unmarried and no one else except Jesus has left a legacy of his magical words to take the human beings out of their sins towards the path of God and true living.

Experiences In A Society From Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Essay -- essays re

Love, Greed, and the Truth   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams is a play about the experiences in society. Among these experiences is death, communication, and honesty amongst men. Big Daddy has everything he needs. Brick got everything he wanted as a child. Yet Big Daddy learns later from Brick that there wasn’t one worldly possession that could satisfy Brick’s yearning for love from his father. Brick understands that the world is so focused on money and physical possessions that he isolates himself from this world. He wanted one thing from the world and his father, love. That is why he doesn’t want the money, land, and blue chip stocks. He just wanted Big Daddy to love him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fear of Death is one of the experiences in a society. Big Daddy talks a little bit about what he thought when it was suggested that he might have cancer. â€Å"A man can’t buy back his life when his life is finished. That’s a sobering thought, a very sobering thought, and that’s a thought that I was turning over in my head, over and over and overuntil today.†(Williams 65) He also moves on to talk about the burden of cancer being lifted. â€Å"I let many chances slip by because of scruples about it, scruples, convention crap†¦All that stuff is bull, bull, bull!It took the shadow of death to make me see it. Now that shadow’s lifted, I’m going to cut loose and have, what is it they call it, have me a b...

Psychology Essay

Outline and assess the use of experiments in social psychology drawing on the cognitive social perspective and one of the other three perspectives in the module (discursive psychological, phenomenological or social psychoanalytic). This essay will provide a description of the experimental method for both the cognitive social perspective and social psychoanalytic perspective. A compare and contrast will be given for the two perspectives in a critical evaluation as an approach to doing research in social psychology. The cognitive social perspective ontology is that, researchers view the person as a thinker in society. Thought processes are believed to have been shaped by and help create the world in which they live in. This perspective has to offer two approaches in the mainstream, social cognition and social identity. Social cognition views the person to be a cognitive miser thereby, being a social thinker and information processing. As a result forms limited opinions based on categorizing and prejudices. Social identity traditions gives emphasis to the socialised thinker whereby, ones’ cognitions are structured by group memberships located in a particular social system. The cognitive social approach follows a statistical methodology by which, researchers gather their results in the form of quantitative data to analyse. This is an experimental, social psychometric method. Researchers conduct studies in which they collect quantitative data and test theory based hypothesis using standard statistical techniques. The researcher’s primary tool is the laboratory – based experiment not confined to the field, such as, the classroom, work place, the crowd. The various techniques include, survey, questionnaires, case studies, and observational methods. As psychology takes part within the individual, this is the primary unit of analysis. The individual’s psychology is significantly affected by the social context. For example, attention to group memberships, inter group relations, a broader social structure that impinge on the individual. The approach is interactionist, which analyse the individual’s cognitions but, also appreciate the way in which these are structured by the social world they inhibit and helped to create. The social psychoanalytic perspective ontology is that, identity is formed psychically and socially in dynamic and inter-subjective relations with others. Human behaviour and consciousness are partly shaped by unconscious motivations. These unconscious motivations are frequently in conflict with conscious thoughts and intensions. Conflict is provoked by unconscious anxiety which is defended against through unconscious defence mechanisms. These defences play an important part in the construction of the individual, social, institutional, cultural lives. The social psychoanalytic approach follows a qualitative and interpretative methodology with the assumption that to understand social life, we need to understand how language is used and how the meaning is constructed. It also takes from psychoanalysis the notion that people are never consciously aware of what unconsciously motivates them or all the meaning of what they say and do. People are viewed as having unique biographies and identity that are made up of psychic defences that are partly developed from their social context. Many researchers explore the methods that people use to make sense of everyday life. For example, the use of narrative interviews because this allows research subjects to talk at length and freely as possible. Researchers seek to analyse contradictions and conflicts that arise from unconscious desires, anxiety and demands of the outside world. This is taken from applications such as, projection, splitting, and projective identification. The focus of analysis is the interconnections between the internal world of the psyche and ones’ understanding of their responses to the actions and on their external world. Meanings can only be understood in relation to a larger whole and a psychoanalysis is informed by the whole interview plus all other data collected in relation to the case, such as, the researchers field notes. There is no established psychoanalytic method because psychoanalysis is a clinical method and not a research method. Stanley Milgram 1963, (cited in Wendy Hollway, Helen Lucey, and Ann Phoenix) a pioneer in social psychology in the research of obedience to authority. Milgram ran a series of studies under different conditions to determine†¦ Milgram lead his subjects to believe that the studies were investigating the ffects of punishment on learning. The experimental subjects had to administer electric shocks to people whom they were unaware were actually his accomplices. The subjects were ordered to increase the voltage whenever the learner made a mistake. They were completely unaware that the electric shocks were not delivered, and that they were only lead to believe so. The subjects level of obedience were measured against a 30-point incremental scale of intensity of electric shocks delivered. The subjects received an ‘obedient’ status if they managed to deliver shocks throughout the experiment without refusal. However, if the reverse was true and refusal was encountered earlier on in the experiment, a ‘disobeyed’ status was granted. Results showed that even as subjects objected to administering the shocks as they heard pleas of distress, they still carried on after stern and insistent instructions were made. Milgram found that more than 60 per cent continued to administer the shocks at the higher end of the scale. As controversial as this type of research is especially of what is ethically acceptable today, Milgram found that the subjects were not negatively affected. He not only interviewed and debriefed the participants but, also introduced a follow up questionnaire a year later. The questionnaire confirmed Milgram’s assumptions that the participants felt positively toward the experiment (Milgram, 1974, cited in Wendy Hollway, Helen Lucey, and Ann Phoenix). By carrying out this type of research, Milgram has attached scientific authority to the phenomenon, ‘obedience to authority’. His research clearly demonstrates that people will obey authority even when they are aware of the distress and cruelty it may cause. Kurt Danziger, 1985 (cited in Wendy Hollway, Helen Lucey, and Ann Phoenix) agrees to a certain point that statistical methodology is effective in discovering a solution to problem areas. His argument is that statistical methodology is effective but limited. This is given that the context of a specific practical problem requires an unambiguous solution within limited confines. For example, in an experiment to investigate whether the surrounding of an individual interferes with their performance in the completion of a given task. The surrounding environment can be manipulated and the participant’s performance on the task can be recorded. The conclusion of the experiment is limited to the confines of the experiment and does not apply to any given situation outside of that. The experimental approach is useful in instances where it is difficult to find out what the true feelings of a given subject are. Colin Leach, 2005 (cited in Wendy Hollway, Helen Lucey, and Ann Phoenix ) conducted research into this area, in particular on the topic of Schadenfreude: pleasure felt at another’s failure. Schadenfreude is not openly expressed and can be difficult to detect. In this case, the experiment revealed hidden feelings by exposing causal relations and meaningful patterns among variables. Experiments allow the researcher to develop a model of the proposed processes and to test the implications of theories. This reveals what lies beneath the surface either what one does not wish to admit to, or is unaware of their unconscious thoughts and feelings which motivate their behaviour. The social psychoanalytic approach keeps the person more holistic rather than contextual. Therefore, techniques such as free association allow for the individual to uncover their deepest thoughts without restrictions or confines. For this reason, this type of approach is less intrusive compared with social cognitive approach in finding out what motivates an individual. The analysis of data, thereafter involve breaking down the material into themes and recognising a pattern. Hereby, is a chance to recognise any underlying motivations or unconscious thoughts and fears that is influencing the current behaviour. The social cognitive approach by comparison could be criticised for unethical considerations in their application to uncover the same data being unconscious motivations/thoughts. To conclude, the two approaches show how different perspectives will produce different knowledge due to the difference in which they frame their object of analysis. Experiments are good at revealing thoughts and feelings people do not wish to reveal or are unable to.

Evaluation Of Total Quality Management - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 15 Words: 4490 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? A critical evaluation of total quality management (TQM) and its influences on competitive advantage. The case of Trinidad and Tobago Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP), automotive lubricant division 1.1 Background Slack (2004) explains that Quality management is extremely important in gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. Growth, survival and attainment of strategic goals are all major issues of any organization quality therefore become a major issue. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Evaluation Of Total Quality Management" essay for you Create order Existing as a private label company NP has made their way into a market filled with experienced multinationals via for increased market share. Competitors compete in terms of pricing and quality, thus NP has to make a strong dent into the impact of the customer on these bases. Vying for increased market share the need for core competencies arises and as such quality should be the number one focus. 1.2 Company background As with many companies The Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) has an unfolding history. This company is owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and incorporated in 1972. Many acquisitions by the Government took place which put NP in its position within the industry today. NP acquired the assets of Shell Trinidad Limited thereby inheriting their Lubricant Blending Plant sited at Sea Lots, on the outskirts of Port of Spain. Under license, it continued to produce a range of lubricants, blended according to the Shell formulations, until the National Petroleum Brand of lubricants was launched in 1981. Since then NP continues to improve its product rating, they keep abreast of significant technological advancement in the lubricants industry. Despite competition from multi-national companies, NP brand continues to be a major player in the local and Caribbean markets, where ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s automotive and industrial lubricating oils and greases hold varying, but significant market share. NP stands out as one of the most successful state enterprises in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.[1] 1.3 Mission 1.4 Vision 1.5 Rationale for the study Rivalry has always been a major determinant of quality of products or services. Quality management and competitive advantage is a marriage necessary for the success of a company. Thus the researcher believes that total quality management principles can be applied within NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s operations to gain an advantage over their competitors. In todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s competitive arena brand image is everything, therefore if a company is able to sell their image then increased market share can be attained. The researcher therefore believes that quality will be a key determinant on NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brand image and overall head point within the industry. A customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ right to boast of brands have always been a trend in todayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s world, thus the ability to gain customers who can boast of NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brand is essential. This aspect will be the basis of the issue as NP exists in an industry filled will multi-national players, thus competition is fierce and forceful. With the economic downfall, companies were faced with increases in production costs, thus this cost was transferred to consumers. In the first quarter of 2010 NPà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s prices of its automotive lubricants rose twice. During an economic turmoil customers demand value for their money. Essentially quality will determine customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perception of products, thus ensuring a sale and continued loyalty. New methods of operations are expected to arise in an attempt to improve quality standards towards gaining a better positioning within the industry. Insights of best practices are also expected to arise. Improved efficiency and effectiveness in operations, branding, communication and services are all areas in which the researcher expects quality management to impact, thus this research can shed light on all of these areas to assist NP in attaining their mission and vision statement. 1.6 Research Aims Research question: Can the adoption of TQM contribute to competitive advantage at NP? Objectives: To critically assess the strategic TQM at NP. To evaluate the industry standards to benchmark TQM at NP. To ascertain the extent to which NP is in compliance with industry standards. To formulate recommendations with reference to quality management best practice and based on research findings. These aims are found to be most important as it is hoped to achieve a firsthand view into the quality management practices in relation to operations and how these practices contribute and impact on competitive advantage. 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW First hand knowledge is gained through the experiences of trial and error; companies have been able to create quality initiatives relevant to their operations. Various scholars have also contributed to the field of quality management by proposing models and frameworks. The researcher will examine secondary data from research to be conducted and analyze this against the literature review. Major areas of this literature review will therefore be: Total quality management Quality management systems The process approach Six sigma Balanced scorecard It is against these criteria that this literature review aims to provide pertinent information to critically assess the topic at hand. A definition of what a literature review is given as 2.1 TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) When considering business activities, ignoring quality can be a key ingredient for inefficiency and loss of profits. Hannagan (2002) claims The main objective of businesses is to make the highest profits possible; therefore one must consider the TQM issues in an attempt to succeed. 2.2 ORIGIN OF TQM Slack (2004) explains that the origin of TQM was a development by several à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"quality gurusà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ beginning from as early as 1957. Feigenbaum 1957 introduced the term TQM and he defined it as 2.3 WHAT IS TQM? Slack (2004) further goes on to state that TQM is best thought of as 2.4 TQM QUALITY INITIATIVES MANAGED Hannagan (2002) presents the thought that Organizations adopt TQM as a way of life as it is proved by quality throughout production until the product or service reaches the external customer. This process is measured by the quality of materials purchased from suppliers, the approach to defect control on the production line, the appearance of the building, the way problems are solved for customers, the way employees are organized and the organizations internal communication system. Hannagan (2002) continues by saying that Hannagan (2002) goes on further by claiming that TQM is a strategic approach within an organisation which can provide an à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"umbrellaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ under which a number of quality initiatives can be managed. These initiatives include: Statistical process control Right-first-time Just-in-time Quality assurance Benchmarking Quality circles Tauguchi method 2.5 CRITISM OF TQM IMPLEMENTATION Slack (20004) argues that These programmes may loose their impulse over time. This has been variously described as quality disillusionment and quality droop. Various researchers and consultants who have implemented TQM, Slack (2004) argues have put forward prescriptions which are intended to reduce the risk of recurring. These include the following: Do not define à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"qualityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ in TQM narrowly; it includes all aspects of performance. Make all quality improvement relate to the performance objectives of the operations. TQM is a means of improving performance and not an end in itself. TQM should not be viewed as a substitute for responsibilities of normal managerial leadership. It is important to note that ineffective managers are not made better simply by adopting TQM. TQM is not an attachment of a company. It should be integrated with and indistinguishable from everyday activities. TQM has a considerable intuitive attraction. It is sometimes tempting to exploit the motivation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"pullà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ of TQM rather than thoroughly thought-out plans. Different organizations will have different needs depending on their circumstances. TQM should be adapted to these circumstances. Companies may push quality for its own sake, and shift too much responsibility down to the shop floor. In addition TQM is incompatible with more radical improvement approaches such as business process reengineering (BPR). TQM may also imply empowerment and liberal attitude toward shop floor staff; however it is argued that this is merely a further example of management exploiting workers. Critics have been known to define TQM as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“management by stressà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. 2.6 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (QMS) AND PROCESSES A SIMPLE FLOWCHART SHOWING HOW PROCESSES ARE CHARTED IN AN ORGANISATION SOURCE: https://www.praxiom.com/process-approach.htm QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (QMS) PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS SOURCE: https://www.abcb.demon.co.uk/iso9k2kworkbook_part5.html Quality management system seeks to identify external quality related input requirements specified in Licenses to Trade, regulations, specified customer requirements and the chosen management system standard(s). In addition quality systems seek to define performance measures, as applicable, to the system requirements and generate the result or evidence that system requirements have been executed. The next step is to measure, monitor and report extent of compliance with these performance measures.[2] To achieve a standard the first step is to implement a QMS. Implementing a QMS can help your business to: achieve greater consistency, reduce expensive mistakes, increase efficiency, gain customer satisfaction, effectively market your business, exploit new markets manage growth more effectively and constantly improve your products, processes and systems. 2.7 THE PROCESS APPROACH The ISO 9000 series of standards is the main set of International Standards applying to the management of quality systems. It includes ISO 9001, the key internationally agreed standard for a QMS. Achieving ISO 9001 certification could mean new business. This certification can help distinguish à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ from competitors.   Slack (2004) refers to the ISO 9000 series as Slack (2004) recognizes that there are four additional principles which ISO 9000 stresses upon. He argues that quality management should be customer focused. In addition he states that quality performance should be measured. Thirdly Slack sees the need for quality management to be improvement driven. Fourthly top management must demonstrate their commitment to maintaining and continually improving management systems. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CERTIFICATION ADVANTAGES: 1. Increased Efficiency: Companies that go through the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Standards certification process have given a lot of thought to their processes and how to maximize quality and efficiency. 2. Increased Revenue: Studies have shown that ISO QMS certified companies experience increased productivity and improved financial performance, compared to uncertified companies. 3. Customer Satisfaction: Client confidence is gained because of the universal acceptance of the ISO standards. Customer satisfaction is ensured because of the benefits of ISO 9001:2000 QMS to company efficiency, consistency and dedication to quality service.[3] DISADVANTAGES: The actual change to ISO 9000 for operations can be very expensive. As is well known in business and industry, it is difficult to change the habits of long-time employees. New ways are usually resisted by everyone. This resistance cuts into profits and also decreases company morale. There are times when companies feel that the existing set of operational procedures is already working well and they do not feel a change is necessary. Now these companies have the choice of loosing a customer or implementing ISO 9000. Either way money is lost in the short term.[4] 2.8 SIX SIGMA INITIATIVES Six Sigma simply means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects in any process whether it is from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service. The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects.[5] Slack (2004) explains that Six Sigma processes are executed via belts. Master Black Belts are the experts in the use of Six Sigma tools, techniques and implementations. Six Sigma Black Belts can take a direct hand in organizing improvement teams. Green Belts work within improvement teams; they are not full-time positioned and have normal day-to-day process responsibilities. It is expected that they spend at least twenty per cent of their time in improvement projects. ARGUMENTS FOR AND against THE SIX SIGMA INITIATIVE Slack (2004) identifies the following positive perspectives of the Six Sigma initiative: Improvement activity is generally neglected in most operations and if it is to be taken seriously, it deserves the significant investment required. If operated well, Six Sigma improvement projects controlled by experienced personnel can save more than their cost. Slack (2004) identifies the following flaws of the Six Sigma initiative. It can be too hierarchical in the way it structures its various levels of involvement in the improvement activity. It is expensive. Training and improvement time can prove to be costly. 2.9 THE BALANCED SCORECARD The balanced scorecard is a strategic planning and management system that is used  to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization, improve internal and external communications, and monitor organization performance against strategic goals. It was originated by Drs. Robert Kaplan and David Norton  as a performance measurement framework  that  added strategic  non-financial performance measures to traditional financial metrics to  give managers and executives a  more balanced view of organizational performance.   DIAGRAM SHOWING THE VIEW OF THE BALANCED SCORECARD FROM FOUR PERSPECTIVES SOURCE:https://www.balancedscorecard.org/BSCResources/AbouttheBalancedScorecard/tabid/55/Default.aspx The balanced scorecard suggests that we view the organization from four perspectives, and to develop metrics, collect data and analyze it relative to each of these perspectives: The Learning Growth Perspective includes employee training and corporate cultural attitudes related to both individual and corporate self-improvement. The Business Process Perspective refers to internal business processes. Metrics based on this perspective allow the managers to know how well their business is running, and whether its products and services conform to customer requirements. The Customer Perspective explains that the realization of the importance of customer focus and customer satisfaction in any business is essential. The Financial Perspective states that often there is more than enough handling and processing of financial data. With the implementation of a corporate database, it is hoped that more of the processing can be centralized and automated.[6] Quality indeed provides companies with a competitive edge. Total quality management looks at a companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s operations holistically and determines best practice quality initiatives. Though there are pitfalls to the strategic implication of TQM, compilation of proper initiatives can reduce the occurrence of such pitfalls. TQM initiatives can also result in customer satisfaction, thereby resulting in customer loyalty. 3.0 METHODOLOGY Saunders (2003) simply defines methodology as Haralambos (2000) however goes a bit further by explaining what methodology is concerned with. He sees methodology as being The research to be conducted will take a deductive approach. This research approach is found to be the most appropriate, as a topic/ hypothesis is designed and a research strategy is designed to test the topic/ hypothesis. Although the research is a deductive piece of work, the researcher will adopt a mixed approach to data collection. That is the research paradigm will be a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative data. Generally the philosophies used are positivists and phenomenologist. Triangulation research will be conducted as this will increase validity and reliability. Research question: Can the adoption of total quality management (TQM) contribute to competitive advantage at NP? Having formulated the research topic it is essential that the researcher answers the research question. Thus essentially the researcher will undertake many strategies in addressing this question. By conducting structured research via hypothesis testing and analyze of information based on best practices and recommendations the answer to the research question will be attained. Thus the use of both primary and secondary data collection tools will be profound for this question. OBJECTIVE ONE: To critically assess the strategic total quality management initiatives at NP. In collecting data for objective one the researcher has found it fit to use case studies. Robson (2002) defines case study AS The data collection methods will include questionnaires, interviews, observations and documentary analysis. The researcher will select interviews and documentary analysis in an attempt to collect the data required. Interviews will be conducted by the researcher. Structured interviews will be utilized. Two groups will be targeted: quality control managers and quality supervisors. This will be done in an attempt to gain information based on the quality methods and standards N.P. currently has. Also to establish the quality initiatives deployed from subordinates in the upper section of the organizational structure. This data collection method will be of primary nature. Interviews will be conducted to these groups because these are the groups with the required information. Documentation analysis will also be selected as a means of data collection. The method used is necessary to gain information about N.P. and their documents based on quality control. It is intended to identify inspection points, certifications, specifications and any other relevant documents based on quality control initiatives. This data collection method is of secondary nature. This method will be used as it is upon these documents that N.P. thrives for their quality standards. Analytical technique: the funnel technique will be used in conducting interviews. Quality initiatives are not easily shared therefore by beginning the interview with general questions and narrowing down, the groups targeted will feel comfortable and easy going thereby gaining the information desired. Justification of methods: The researcher has found it useful to conduct interviews as detailed information is gained from people in a face-to-face situation, thereby allowing interviewers to explore issues in- depth. This method has its downside as it gives rise to the possibility of biasness due to interaction. In conducting documentation analysis the researcher will analyze documents in an attempt to identify trends in sales performance relative to competitorsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ performance with respect to the quality initiatives employed at this company. OBJECTIVE TWO: To evaluate the industry standards to benchmark TQM at NP. In collecting data for objective two the researcher found it useful to conduct surveys. Letts (2000) explains Saunders (2003) goes on further on this point by claiming that Data here is collected by using questionnaires, structured observations and structured interviews. Data collected from surveys are standardized, allowing easy comparison. The researcher will use questionnaires and structured observations in an attempt to collect the necessary data. A questionnaire will be constructed containing twenty five questions, in which respondents will be asked to answer. The questionnaire will be handed out to other companies within the industry. These companies include Bel-Ray, Castrol, Havoline and Shell. A total of 10 questionnaires each will be given out at these companies. These questionnaires will be given to members within the quality departments of these companies. These members will be randomly selected within the department. Questionnaires will be given out to these members as it was them who will have the required information. Structured observations will also be used to collect data. The researcher will adopt a participant observation approach to this method. While at the various service stations, quick shops and auto mechanic parts shops the researcher will spend time observing customersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ choice of lubricants when other brands are available. In addition observations will be made based on the prices of other brands compared to N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s brand and customer perception of quality based upon this factor. Research will be done on both customers and companiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ quality departments. This will be undertaken as gaining an increased market share results in gaining a resource capability towards having a competitive advantage. Thus customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s preferences of one product over another will give the researcher the entities of what constitutes competitive advantage based on quality. Thus making room for opportunities for benchmarking based on specifications u tilized by other companies within the industry. Justification of methods: Questionnaires will be utilized as the researcher wishes to question a large number of individuals within a short space of time. Time would constraint the researcher in conducting interviews with 40 persons individually within the industry. Participant observation will be used in an attempt to gain a complete understanding of the views, preferences and beliefs of the people being surveyed. In addition the researcher will interact with individuals of the sample in an attempt to gain reasons for their choice. The researcher will acknowledge that there will be a major drawback by using questionnaires. That is they cannot address issues in-depth. It is for this reason that participant observation will be used hand in hand with the questionnaire as it will allow individuals to go in depth on issues. Analytical technique: the researcher will use cognitive access in an attempt to gain information from customers. Participant observation requires interactive processes, therefore it is crucial to gain entry and carry out the research. The researcher acknowledges the fact that informal acceptance from intended participants will be necessary in order to gain access to the required information. Cognitive access will be used as it is necessary for participants to feel understood and this will allow the researcher to gain an understanding of their social reality by allowing them to know what is being studied and the objective. This aims at making participants openly give information based on the objective of the research. Objective three: To ascertain the extent to which NP is in compliance with industry standards. Documentation analysis will be selected as the means of data collection for the attainment of this objective. This method is necessary for analyzing the information gained about N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s documentations based on quality control. The N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quality initiatives discovered will be scrutinized along side information attained from the industry analysis. It is intended to identify gaps within the operation requirements relevant to inspection points, certifications, specifications and any other relevant quality control initiatives. This data collection method is of secondary nature. This method will be used as it is upon these analyses that gaps will be identified and compliance standards assessed. Justification of methods: documentation analysis was found to be the most appropriate method as it will provide comparative and contextual data. This method will allow the researcher to compare and contrast findings when compared to secondary data. OBJECTIVE FOUR: To formulate recommendations with reference to quality management best practice and based on research findings. In collecting data for objective three the researcher will use the multiple- source secondary data process. This objective will be achieved by evaluating the literature and documentary secondary data and matching up the findings to the survey- based secondary data. Documentary secondary data uses a combination of primary and secondary data. By reviewing the literature based on the selected topic, quality management best practice in relation to N.P. will be determined. In addition companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s print out from their intranet will be used to gain an inside view of N.P.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perspective of quality management best practice. Survey- based secondary data will allow the researcher to compare the findings gained from doing research via survey and case study methods to information derived from documentary secondary data. The researcher will be able to make recommendations based on this comparison. The comparison of the findings from both documentary secondary data and survey base secondary data will be necessary as this is the method which will reveal the necessary information. Justification of methods: The multiple- source secondary data process was found to be the most appropriate as it will provide comparative and contextual data. This method will allow the researcher to compare and contrast findings when compared to secondary data. The researcher however acknowledges the fact that there may be no real control over the quality of data. 3.1 ethical issues The research will guard against any unethical methods of data collection. Essentially the criteria relevant to the methods of data collection chosen are as follows: Voluntary participation and conformed consent: all participants will not be coerced into participating in the research. Consent will be sought after from all parties to be studied. All participants will be given a through breakdown on the study and its aims. Confidentiality and anonymity: the researcher will not seek after names or any personal information which may reveal the participantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s identity. This will be made clear to all parties in advance of the method of data collection. 3.2 Limitations of study When conducting research and collecting data one must consider the limitations of the study as this may provide boundaries and barriers to gaining a representative and accurate piece of work. The researcher will therefore guard against the following: Response rate: limited time and anonymity of respondents may provide barriers to the researcher for following up on people who didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t respond, thus resulting in a low response rate. Scope of information: Companies cherishes their quality management secrets and guiding principles, therefore information on the characteristics of the quality management initiatives may not be divulged. Time: the limited timeframe allotted to conduct this study may constrain the researcher form collecting sufficient comparative data from competitors in an attempt to present a more in-depth comparative analysis. Generalization: due to the nature of the topic and the research objectives, the findings may not be applicable to other organizations. The situation, time and place may be of a different nature. 3.3 RESEARCH TOOLS The researcher will ensure that the tools and resources are available to carry out the research designs. These materials will include: Stationary tools: pens; paper and note pads. Data collection tool: questionnaires and voice recorder. Monetary tools: The researcher will require finances to reach destination to attain data. 3.4 MARGIN OF ERROR: DATA RELIABILITY, VALIDITY AND ACCURACY Reliability and accuracy: McNeil (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"research methodsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢) defines data as Data reliability therefore, is concerned with ideas such as: 1. The consistency of the data collected 2. The precision with which data is collected 3. The ability to replicate a piece of work. The reliability of data collected will be an important consideration since if data used is not reliable, then the conclusions or findings drawn will be fairly useless. Data reliability will be affected by such things as researcher bias into data collection processes, standardization and interpretation. The inability to record data accurately will cause the data to be less reliable. Validity: Data is only useful if it measures what it is supposed to measure. Validity refers to the extent to which the data collected gives true measurement of social reality.[7] When conducting research the concepts of reliability, validity and accuracy go hand in hand. It would be safe to say therefore that if data is reliable but not valid then it may have limited use. Also if data is valid, but not reliable the researcher may not be able to make general statements. In undertaking this research the researcher acknowledges the fact that the research will not be one hundred percent (100%) reliable, valid and accurate. However the researcher will make every attempt to achieve these in an aim to stand against scrutiny. The researcher will conduct the research in a highly professional, ethical and confidential manner. In addition all interpretations and collection of data will be made in an attempt to be unbiased. 4.0 Justification of time plan Essentially projects must conform to set deadline dates. Thus a plan is essential to ensure the successful completion within the timeframe allowed. The dates proposed are expected to conformation however contingencies will assist the researcher in any short comings. These dates are given in medium term expected time span, therefore any additional times required will be attained via slack times gained form other tasks running simultaneously. Therefore undergoing a successful dissertation a timescale becomes necessary to use to gain efficiency and complete the project on time. For the purpose of this study the duration will be six months. The stating date will be June 15th 2010 to December 15th 2010.