Rationalization in Organizations - 1508 Words

For an organization looking to cut costs, what would be the advantages and disadvantages of rationalization? Debbie Lester N0490833 Rationalization is the reorganization of a business in order to increase its efficiency. This may mean either decreasing the size of the company or sometimes even expanding it, a change in the strategy and maybe even a different way of performing some of the tasks included in making the business successful. This way the business is able to achieve its goals and targets. Rationalisation is advantageous for the business because it increases the efficiency of the business. Junction Hotel employees are incompetent and lack experience and productivity in the way in which the business is run. One way in which rationalisation will benefit the business is through Fayol and his philosophies on organising workers. He brings up the idea of direct and indirect control. Direct control is when one person is in charge of the business and is able to speak to the work force face to face and have a personal relationship with each employee. This would only work within a small business as the bigger th e business the more workers you would need to employee and having one person at the top with all the control of all would make the business unmanageable and disorganised as there is too many people for one person to be responsible for all. As the Junction Hotel is quite a large business I would advise that using indirect control would help the output of theShow MoreRelatedMax Weber s Views On Alienation Essay1085 Words   |  5 PagesFrank W. Elwell (2015) discussed Max Weber’s views on alienation and explained how Weber considered alienation to be a consequence of the intense rationalization process that has greatly affected Western culture (p. 239). According to the Glossary of Social Sciences, Alienation refers to a phenomenon in which individuals feel as if they have no power or control over the social institutions that they themselves have helped create (Elwell, 2013). Alienation occurs when individuals experience disaffectionRead MoreBureaucratic Rationalization799 W ords   |  4 PagesA bureaucracy is a big organization which is made by the decisions of many people and the organization is run by many departments. It is a system of administration which has a clear order of authority, staffed by full-time, salaried official and all the rules are written. While rationalization means the justification of something in which organizing something into a logical system. Many organization is often rationalized to make the organization as helpful as possible. This paper will discuss Weber’sRead MoreWeber s Principles Of Formal Rationality965 Words   |  4 Pagesthat are evidently bureaucratic. By using an increase in bureaucracy as support for rationalization, Weber is connecting changing actions with a concurrent change in orientation, even though the former may have possibly been enabled by a shift in external factors. Either way, Weber’s argument remains effective in demonstrating the growth of bureaucracies, and provides valuable su pport for the increase of rationalization in general. Furthermore, in addition to his examination of bureaucratization, WeberRead MoreMax Weber s Theories About Status And Social Stratification1343 Words   |  6 PagesWeber’s thoughts on rationalization and bureaucratization. This paper aims to apply the Weberian perspective to 19th century baseball, and how the sport mimicked the Weber’s perspectives. The bureaucratic organizations that Weber discusses are high divisions of labor, levels of hierarchy, and have an expert in the certain criteria at the top. The organizations help rationalize peoples everyday life, to make it easier for themselves. In this light of bureaucratic and rationalization perspectives, Weber’sRead MoreMax Weber s Influence On The Areas Of Individual Autonomy And Freedom1405 Words   |  6 Pageswas also concerned about rationalization of the society. Max Weber addressed different themes in his life time but this essay will focus primarily on reason/rationality coupled with capitalism and its underlying effect in the areas of individual autonomy and freedom. According to Max Weber reason is the ability of the mind by a means of logic to comprehend, and achieve knowledge (Weber. 1905), the concept of reason is sometimes viewed as rationality/rationalization because rationality can beRead MoreOrganizations Can Easily be Taken Advantage of by the Fraud Triangle784 Words   |  4 Pagesprofessor O’Hara is talking about how organizations will always have accidents. In other words, the author tries to explain that organizations by their nature always face some challenges or conflicts, whether it is economic or internal. There are several factors that cause the agency to have accidents. For instance, lack of oversight, segregation of duties, checks and balances, accountability, and etc.; that all may become a part of an accident in organizations. Another example is when there are politicsRead MoreIs Rationalization a Desirable Strategy for Managing Organizing Junction Hotel in the Current Economic Climate?1005 Words   |  5 Pag esIs Rationalization a desirable strategy for managing organizing Junction Hotel in the current economic climate? Junction Hotel is currently facing problems within the business and is struggling to keep its identity of a ‘quality hotel’. The problems have arisen from a mix of poor leadership and co-operation of staff within the business and also the external influences of businesses which has led them to compromise on quality of service for profit. In this essay I will delve into whether or notRead MoreRationalization and Mcdonaldization1308 Words   |  6 PagesRationalization and McDonaldization Bureaucracy is the structure, and set of regulations in place to control activity, usually in large organizations and government. It is represented by standardized procedure (rule-following), formal division of powers, hierarchy, and relationships. In practice the interpretation and execution of policy can lead to informal influence. Bureaucracy is a concept in sociology and political science referring to the way that the administrative execution and enforcementRead MoreThe Fraud Triangle Of Opportunity, Rationalization, And Pressure1468 Words   |  6 PagesThe fraud triangle of opportunity, rationalization, and pressure involves asset misappropriation, corruption, and financial fraud reports. These are the three occupational frauds that company chief executives and employees commit. Introduction: In today’s information world, monitoring and securing confidential data in companies has become a trending issue as most of the fraudsters are covert which makes them difficult to identify. Occupational fraud refers to stealing a company’s assets such asRead MoreFinancial Fraud, And Identification Of The Different Fraud Types1734 Words   |  7 Pagesidentification of some of the method in which people commit fraud. A discussion of the importance of the fraud triangle, and how rationalization contributes to fraud is a key area of focus. Finally, there is an examination of some controls that prevent and detect fraudulent behavior, including the value and importance of understanding the nature of fraud for organizations. Financial Fraud Fraud includes seven specific parts: a representation about a material point, which is false, and intentionally

Acct 574 Case Study 1 - 1093 Words

THE PARMALAT SCANDAL The Parmalat situation started out as a fairly standard – although sizeable –accounting fraud. Not even the best auditors could prepare for what was to come from this company. The Parmalat group, a world leader in the dairy food business, collapsed and entered bankruptcy protection in December 2003 after acknowledging massive holes in its financial statements. This happened when billions of euros seem to have gone missing from the company’s accounts. This dramatic collapse has led to the questioning of the soundness of accounting and financial reporting standards as well as of the Italian corporate governance system. Parmalat, which is headquartered in the central Italian city of Parma, was, like most Italian†¦show more content†¦Most of the money that moved in, around and out of the company has since been traced, although the final destination of some of it is still unknown. Tanzi has admitted transferring some â‚ ¬500 million to family firms, but investigators say that up to â‚ ¬1.3 billion may have gone this route. Tanzi was sentenced to 10 years in prison for fraud relating to the collapse of the dairy group. The other seven defendants, including executives and bankers, were acquitted. Another eight defendants settled out of court in September 2008. In September 2009, three lawsuits by Parmalat Capital Finance Ltd. and Enrico Bondi, CEO of Parmalat, against Bank of America and auditors Grant Thornton, were dismissed. In an attempt to downplay the extent to which corruption and fraud have penetrated to the heart of global capitalism, commentators have seized on the fact that many of Parmalat’s former top executives are related to claim that the scandal is simply a case of a â€Å"family firm† failing to adhere to good corporate governance practices. Not surprisingly, Parmalat’s top executives are going along with this story, insisting they were only acting â€Å"under orders† from the padrone. The scandal, however, has engulfed other major firms. There are the accounting firms—Grant Thornton and Deloitte and Touche, and the banks—Citicorp and Bank of America. Citicorp is directly linked to the $1.5Show MoreRelatedSamsung and Financial Crisis Case Study11108 Words   |  45 Pagesdownloaded without charge from the Social Science Research Network electronic http://ssrn.com/abstract=1605782 1 Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1605782 1 Brand Attachment and Brand Attitude Strength: Conceptual and Empirical Differentiation of Two Critical Brand Equity Drivers May 12, 2010 C. Whan Park Joseph A. DeBell Professor of Marketing ACCT 306C Marshall School of Business University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90089-0403 Phone: 213-740-7107;Read MoreProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 PagesCross Reference of Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Concepts to Text Topics Chapter 1 Modern Project Management Chapter 8 Scheduling resources and cost 1.2 Project defined 1.3 Project management defined 1.4 Projects and programs (.2) 2.1 The project life cycle (.2.3) App. G.1 The project manager App. G.7 Political and social environments F.1 Integration of project management processes [3.1] 6.5.2 Setting a schedule baseline [8.1.4] 6.5.3.1 Setting a resource schedule 6.5.2.4 ResourceRead MoreCma Solutions63195 Words   |  253 Pagesselection of problems and cases as well as their solutions, most of which focus on a few related topics. Some, however, are teaching cases that integrate several Syllabus topics. You are cautioned that the set of illustrative questions in this material does not cover the entire range of Syllabus requirements. It would be a mistake to conclude that in the next CMA Entrance Examination the omitted topics are less important or less likely to occur than any other. CMA Canada 1 Entrance ExaminationRead MoreQuality Improvement328284 Words   |  1314 PagesSons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201)748-6011, fax (201)748-6008, E-mail: PERMREQ@WILEY.COM. To order books or for customer service, call 1-800-CALL-WILEY(225-5945). Montgomery, Douglas, C. Introduction to Statistical Quality Control, Sixth Edition 978-0-470-16992-6 Printed in the United States of America. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 About the Author Douglas C. Montgomery is Regents’ Professor of Industrial Engineering and Statistics and the Arizona State University Foundation ProfessorRead MoreCost Accounting134556 Words   |  539 PagesSolutions Manual for COST ACCOUNTING Creating Value for Management Fifth Edition MICHAEL MAHER University of California, Davis Table of Contents Chapter 1 Cost Accounting: How Managers User Cost Accounting Information Chapter 15 Using Differential Analysis for Production Decisions Chapter 2 Cost Concepts and Behaviour Chapter 16 Managing Quality and Time Chapter 3 Cost System Design: An Overview Chapter 17 Planning and Budgeting Chapter 4 Job Costing Chapter

Accounting Information Systems and Computer Security

Question: Discuss about the Accounting Information Systems and Computer Security. Answer: Introduction Computer system has enriched the working. It has provided immense support and benefits to the user. However, the system is not devoid of problems and at times, it has hampered the smooth performance. It is a well-known fact that the computer security is a big landmark in the field of technology and has lead to an ethical practice. However, it is a big debate that the licensing of the softwares should be done or not. It is believe that licensing leads to suppression of the information and this keep the information away from the users. High security measures leads to a barrier that disrupts the smooth functioning. An unlimited access leads to bright prospect and ensure a better state of affairs. Information is undoubtedly one of the greatest assets that one can have both at individual at business levels (Abbas et. al, 2011). So it becomes utmost important to safeguard the interest of the stakeholders that use computer systems and such development of security systems that serve this ve ry purpose becomes necessary. The present report aims to address to three important questions. First, it has tried to analyze whether software licensing can be termed antisocial. The findings of the report has revealed that it is actually not because with the growing dependence on information systems along with increasing numbers of cyber attacks by intruders, it becomes highly essential for business organizations all over the world to resort to licensing of their software products. The report will also exhibit the useful recommendations relating to the protection of computer security systems through proper and effective awareness education programs at all user levels to educate them about endless potentials of the computer systems along with imparting valuable information with respect to the potential threats of cyber attacks, hackers, viruses, malwares etc. Licensing of softwares Computer security is to protect the information system from hardware or software being damage or under the risk of theft. For the increased reliance of todays world on computers, computer security is one of the important aspects to take care of. Software licensing is one of such measures (Francen, 2014). Computer security or software licensing is required to get return from efforts put for research development of new developments of computer software and valuable resources such as time and money spent for all new technologies. Licensing of software systems has been successful in safeguarding the interests of the business entities to a useful extent if not fully (Francen, 2014). But all these efforts in developing computer security systems creates lot many problems which hampers performance of computer and it doesnt make available new technologies ,new information, new developments to all the people and therefore make software licensing, antisocial. The survival, growth, and success of these organizations depend largely on the revenue earned by them as compared to the costs incurred on them. So in order to safeguard the revenue earning interest of organization, software licensing can be a smart option (Van Venzke, 2015). However, there is no full proof licensing mechanism that can ensure 100 % protection. Again, the findings of the report also help us in better understanding the credibility and effectiveness of ethical teaching in curbing computer security problems. It is indeed a very positive approach towards finding an acceptable solution of computer security problems (Zissis Lekkas, 2012).Ethical teaching at school, college at university, levels certainly have brighter prospect in dealing with the manifold problems of computer security systems through making them more aware of them. Another interesting fact is that ethical teaching can also play a significant role in guiding the knowledge and skill-sets of the students to wards constructive thinking so that they can garner greater benefit from the information the present information revolution (Herr Romanosky, 2015). Finally, while addressing to the third issue our finding has revealed that loosening or eliminating security measures can never be successful in achieving 100% reduction in computer frauds. No matter how hard one tries there will remain avenues for cyber attacks in some way or the other. Although, the findings of the report do support software licensing but proper dedicated awareness programs certainly can play a significant role in countering security issues effectively (Basta, et al, 2013). Ethical measure As per systems and security specialists, ethical teaching can be the probable solutions to the different kinds of problems that arise due to computer security systems. Ethical teaching can also be beneficial for people to use the large pool of resources that are available freely in the market (Van Venzke, 2015). That will certainly help in the development of newer constructive new ideas effectively. Further, computer frauds, theft of information and others can be controlled or reduced by proper ethical teaching. However, this will not purely control frauds, as security system cannot be purely impenetrable. Systems security may reduce damages gut increases cost on the other hand. The present report will try to determine the effectiveness of computer security systems as a means of protecting the users from the hands of the intruders. It will also aim to emphasize how licensing can help protect the interests of the modern day business organizations amidst rapid increase of the number of cyber attacks as well as from the potential threats of viruses, malwares etc. The report will also attempt in ascertaining the role of dedicated ethical teaching on control systems security systems as a means to protect the interests of the users effectively (Nicolosi Ruivenkamp, 2013). Removal of computer security measures reduces computer fraud The report has also been highly instrumental in examining and analyzing the role of effective ethical teaching for the end users of computer systems and processes for garnering greater benefit and success at all user levels. It has also been successful in reflecting how the responsible use of control systems can protect valuable data information of business process of individual users and thereby heavily contribute in their survival, growth, development, and success largely (Kamiru, 2015). The report will certainly help the readers in better understanding various important issues related to computer security systems their licensing which in turn will help them achieving their individual goals and objectives and also in protecting them from the probable cyber attacks as well as from the evil intentions of the intruders. Owing to the ever-increasing popularity and usage of computer systems among the students, education programs on ethical use of computer systems should be organized at school, college and at university levels (Carroll, 2014). That will undoubtedly create the much required awareness among them regarding the computer security systems their ethical use which in turn will encourage them to use computer systems handle information in a more responsible, ethical constructive manner. Recommendation The present report has been highly beneficial in terms of bringing to forth the advantages and disadvantages of the various aspects of computer security systems in individual and at business level. The present era has been the gift of information that had made possible revolutionary business evolutions despite stiff challenges from the increasing complexities of the modern day individual and business requirements (Kamiru, 2015). Awareness programs on security systems and processes their potential threats organized by the government as well as by private participants to educate people regarding the ill effects of the same (Layton, 2007). It will certainly help the users to better deal with the potential threats in a better and effective way. It is also highly recommended to organize such awareness and education programs at school, colleges and at university levels so that the students are encouraged to use the information systems more ethically responsibly. Conclusion The present has been analyzing the benefits as well the drawbacks of computer security systems at the backdrop of the dynamic business environment. Again, in this information age where information is everything there should be a simple uncomplicated mechanism that support easy flow of information without much complication so that the users find it easy to use and are encouraged to use the same to protect their interests. Further, development of state of the art security systems alone cannot deal with the potential threats of cyber attacks, hacking, malwares, viruses etc (Herr Romanosky, 2015).. Finally, to control the growing number of cyber attacks from hackers causing financial and other loses to business entities all around the around, ethical hacking can be promoted as a means to route the skills, knowledge and expertise of the intruders towards constructive thinking and activities (Shelly,et al,2013). This rapid information sharing process across multifaceted domains has made c omputer security systems their licensing not only significant but also inevitable for the sake of uninterrupted and authentic information flow across all disciplines. References Abbas, H; Magnusson, C; Yngstrom, L Hemani, A 2011, Addressing dynamic issues in information security management, Information Management Computer Security vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 524 Almunawar, M.N. Low, K.C.P 2013, Open Source Solutions and CSR., Springer, Berlin: Heidelberg. Basta, A., Basta, N. Brown, M., 2013, Computer security and penetration testing, Cengage Learning. Carroll, J.M 2014, Computer security, Butterworth-Heinemann. Francen, E 2014, The 5 Ws of Information Security, viewed 14 September 2016 https://www.frsecure.com/the-5-ws-of-information-security/ Herr, T. Romanosky, S 2015, Cyber Crime: Security Under Scarce Resources, American Foreign Policy Council Defense Technology Program Brief. Kamiru, A.N 2015, Adoption of open source software by the telecommunications industry in Kenya, University of Nairobi. Layton, T.P 2007, Information Security: Design, Implementation, Measurement, and Compliance, Boca Raton, FL: Auerbach publications. Nicolosi, G. Ruivenkamp, G 2013, Re-skilling the Social Practices: Open Source and LifeTowards a Commons-Based Peer Production in Agro-biotechnology?, Science and engineering ethics, vol. 19, no. 3, pp.1181-1200. Shelly, G.B., Gunter, G.A. Gunter, R.E 2013, Teachers discovering computers: integrating technology in a connected world, Cengage Learning. Van A.S. Venzke, C 2015, Predatory Innovation in Software Markets, Harvard Journal of Law Technology, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 46-55 Zissis, D. Lekkas, D 2012, Addressing cloud computing security issues, Future Generation computer systems, vol. 28, no. 3, pp.583-592.

Workplace Social Capital and All

Summary The study was carried outwith the aim of examining the association that existed â€Å"between the social capital and all-cause mortality in a large in a large occupational cohort in Finland† (Oksanen et al, 2011, p.1742).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Workplace Social Capital and All-Cause Mortality: Public-Sector Employees in Finland specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, one of the hypotheses that the study sought to test is whether low workplace social capital exposure and the associated changes in capital had an association with increased levels of mortality (OKsanen 2011). Also, the study examined the above relationship using previous corresponding findings on depression, self related health, workplace social capital, and 22 all-cause mortality correlates. The study’s respondents came from the Finnish public sector where employees were selected in 21 hospitals from different towns in Finland. While conducting the study, the records of the employees were used with the aim of identifying the eligible sample from the population who would be used during the survey. Two surveys were carried out but the analyses used only 28043 employees of between 20 and 66 years of age. The mortality rate was analyzed among the employees in the period between January 2005 and December 2009. The study combined both exploratory and explanatory study methods. For example, it is exploratory in the sense that it gives an introduction on the issues under the study as part of its exploration. On the other hand, it is explanatory as the researchers developed a hypothesis which is later proven after the collection and analysis of the collected data. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the study. For instance, statistical data was collected which was used for statistical inferences like regression and variances calculation. On the other hand, the study used qua litative data and information like demographics, age, and behaviours. On analysis, the data was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. For example, statistical variances, means, confidence intervals, and regression analysis were carried which are quantitative analyses. In the process, SAS software was used to analyze the data statistically. The study also adopted already existing data of the sample population which was collected from different offices. For example, demographic statistics of the employees were collected from the different employers of the sample population. Questionnaires were also designed and used to collect data and information from the selected sample. For example, a 12 item General Health Questionnaire was applied to measure psychological distress (OKsanen 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Generally, the research findings showed a strong corre lation between death and use of antidepressants and current smoking. As a result, males were associated with a higher mortality rate compared to women. On the aspect of demographics, the results from item 1 and 2 had similar results with less discrepancies being witnessed. The results on mortality risk and workplace social capital were parallel to the estimates of Cox regression. Therefore, the study hypothesis was verified as a relationship was found to exist between workplace social factor and employee mortality. To sum it up, the analytical studies carried showed that low workplace social capital could result to lowered employee mortality (OKsanen 2011). The authors conclude that diverse studies are required to refute or confirm the study hypothesis. Also, future studies are required to examine the association which exists between the used variables. Critical analysis Critically, the study has followed most of the scientific study approaches especially in the selection of the sam ple population. The data was collated and collected in a scientific and professional way as it used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Different analytical tools have been applied in a dimensional way with the objective of testing the hypothesis of the study. The study summarizes the study at the first page through the use of an abstract which gives the reader an overview of the research objective, method, results, and the conclusion. More specifically, the study is extensive, professional, articulate and well organized. However, despite the excellent work carried during the study, the research fails to show the major causes of death. For example, the study fails to show whether a relationship existed between the social capital workforce and the observed associations. The study failed to use the private service sector and correlate with the public sector before giving the conclusions. The study assessed using the obvious health risks behaviours like alcohol consumpt ion and smoking which are known to be major causes of death. Instead, employees not indulging in the associated health risks behaviours would have been used. The study has a number of limitations which makes it less applicable for generalization purposes. Firstly, the research uses more women (82%) and hence concludes that men are more likely to die from health risk behaviours than women. Secondly, the study uses public sector without putting into considerations the private sector. Also, the study limited its self to specific cohorts instead to conducting an extensive study.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Workplace Social Capital and All-Cause Mortality: Public-Sector Employees in Finland specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a result, the results may be biased hence not reliable for generalization purposes. Numerous studies are required where participants from private and public sector as well as from both gende rs would be used. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health which implies that it observed all the set ethical issues like privacy, confidentiality, and anonymity. However, the researchers had a lot of personal details which would jeopardize the ethics if it fell on wrong hands. Reference Oksanen, T., Kivimaki, M., Kawachi, I., Subramanian, S. V., Takao, S., Suzuki, E., Vahtera, J. (2011). Workplace Social capital and all-cause mortality: A prospective cohort study of 28043 public-sector employees in Finland. American Journal of  Public Health, 101(9), 1742-1748, This essay on Workplace Social Capital and All-Cause Mortality: Public-Sector Employees in Finland was written and submitted by user Andrea Flores to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

144 Genres and Subgenres for Fiction Writing

144 Genres and Subgenres for Fiction Writing From fantasy to westerns: Jonathan Strange Mr Norrell, Wild Cards I, His Majestys DragonChildrens StoryThis subgenre of fantasy often offers a child protagonist who faces a struggle or possesses some unique ability. There are often mythical/fantastical creatures who both help and hinder the young protagonist. In these stories, which are intended for an audience that is not yet classified as Young Adult (YA), the themes are often life lessons such as overcoming adversity, working with others, finding allies, learning from your elders, or facing ones fear. Examples: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, A Wrinkle in Time, The Phantom TollboothComedyThese stories are humorous and often set in fantasy worlds, and might include parodies of other more serious works. It is considered part of low fantasy (as opposed to high fantasy) but not all low fantasy is comedic in nature. Examples: The Princess Bride, Small Gods, The Tough Guide to FantasylandContemporaryThis subgenre of fantasy is a fantasy story in a moderns: American Gods, Hounded, The Raven BoysDark FantasyThis subgenre is the darker side of fantasy, with added elements of horror, mystery, and/or an overall feeling of dread or gloom. A common element is supernatural occurrences with a dark and brooding tone. It is often contemporary Fantasy, with the major difference being horror elements included. Examples: The Sandman: Book of Dreams, Gardens of the Moon, The Blade ItselfFairy TaleThis subgenre of fantasy is for stories told like fairy tales for adults or that are modern retellings of classic fairy tales. There is heavy use of motifs from fairy tale stories, particularly tropes from Grimms fairy tales. Examples: Uprooted, Cinder, Ella EnchantedFantasy of MannersThis subgenre contains stories that rely heavily on the Comedy of Manners, which focuses on social commentary. Often taking place in an urban setting, this type of story will contain very little magic or fantastical creatures. Rather, it will focus on morality and social structures, particularly for women, sacrificing an elaborate plot in some cases to do so. Examples: Shades of Milk and Honey, The Tropic of Serpents: A Memoir by Lady Trent, An Alchemy of Masques and MirrorsHeroicThis subgenre of fantasy contains heroic adventures in imaginary places. You will often find intricate plots and lineages in this subgenre, along with a protagonist who is often reluctant to be a champion and from humble beginnings. Examples: The Legend of Deathwalker, The Crimson Queen, The Wolf of the NorthHigh FantasyThis subgenre contains fantasy set in a fictional world, with a focus on epic characters or settings. The distinction between high fantasy and low fantasy involves the world in which it takes place (the real world with magical elements for low fantasy). Examples: The Fellowship of the Ring, A Game of Thrones, Crown of MidnightHistoricalFantasy set in a historical period, generally before the 20th century, with an added element of magic . Fantasy stories from legends focusing on Arthurian, Celtic, or Dark Ages historical timelines generally fall within this subgenre. Examples: On Stranger Tides, Grave Mercy, The Golem and the JinniLow FantasyA subgenre of fantasy depicting a realistic world, where magic is often present but not necessarily so. This is in contrast to High Fantasy, which occurs in a fictional world with magical elements present. The word low is in reference to the prominence of traditional fantasy elements within the work, rather than being a remark on the works quality. Examples: The Indian in the Cupboard, Lies Ripped Open, Tigers DreamMagical RealismThis subgenre presents a world in which the mundane and magical exist together without conflict. It refers to magic or the supernatural that is presented in an otherwise reals: One Hundred Years of Solitude, The House of the Spirits, The Night CircusMythicThis subgenre of fantasy draws heavily from myth to create a unique blend of fantasy and folklore. It often includes gods or goddesses as characters or could be a retelling of older myths set in a fantasy world or the real world. Mythic fantasy and urban fantasy often overlap, but Mythic fantasy includes many contemporary works in nons: The Lightning Thief, The Mists of Avalon, The Sacred BandSuperheroThis subgenre includes characters who have superhuman abilities. Characteristics tropes are secret identities and crime fighting. The protagonist often displays superhuman strength or special abilities, creating a juxtaposition between normal humans and those with superhuman traits. Examples: Steelheart, Renegades, VengefulSword and SorceryThis subgenre contains medievals: The Hour of the Dragon, Reign of Madness, The Disappearance of Winters DaughterUrbanThis subgenre of fantasy involves magical elements that take place in an urban setting. Books in the subgenre of Urban Fantasy are set primarily in the real world and contain aspects of fantasy, such as the discovery of earthbound mythological creatures, coexistence or conflict between humans and paranormal beings, and other changes to city life. Settings are not necessarily futuristics: Moon Called, City of Bones, Vampire AcademyYoung AdultIn this subgenre of fantasy, a teenager is often the protagonist. There is usually magic involved, as well as companions to help the protagonist defeat a magical foe. Common tropes are dramatic character growth, magic elements, and unexpected interactions between magical elements and the real world that influence the protagonist to become an adult. Examples: Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, Six of Crows, The Wicked KingHorrorPhoto by oldskool photography on UnsplashBody HorrorThis subgenre of horror focuses on graphic, disturbing violations to the human body, including disfigurement and mutation. There are often themes of biological horror, organic horror or visceral horror in which there is unnatural graphic transformation, degeneration or destruction of the physica l body. Examples: Annihilation, The Girl With All the Gifts, The TroopComedyA subgenre that is a spoof or satire based on the typical conventions of horror. In such, it mixes horror/gore with dark humor. Comedy Horror is typically categorized into three types: black comedy, parody, and spoof. Examples: John Dies at the End, Bloodsucking Fiends, Pride and Prejudice and ZombiesCreepy KidsA subgenre where the children are often under the spell of evil or are born inherently evil, and turn against the adults in the story. They then become the antagonist of the story and often must be stopped by other children or adults in order for lives to be saved. Examples: The Other, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, Such Small HandsExtreme HorrorA subgenre showing extreme and bloody violence, while focusing on gore and death. Also known as hardcore horror or splatterpunk, this genre contains stories that are the most violent, goriest, scariest ones on the market. Gore is highly detailed and nothing is left to the imagination of the reader. Examples: The Angel of Vengeance: An Extreme Horror Novel, Teratologist, The Girl Next DoorGothicGothic horror is a subgenre involving mystery, castle ruins, the fall of the aristocracy, spirits/hauntings, and madness. The varying locations in the house tend to be symbolic of the mental and emotional facets of its occupants. It often combines horror, death, and romance in the same tale. Examples: Dracula, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wuthering HeightsHauntingsA subgenre within horror in which ghosts or demons haunt a particular house or another setting, such as the woods or near an ancient burial ground. The focus is often on righting some wrong that was committed in order to set the spirits free. Examples: The Woman in Black, Ghost Story, The Haunting of Hill HouseHistoricalA story that takes place in a historical setting that includes elements of horror. These stories are often based on reals: Twelve, The Terror, The Edinburgh D eadLovecraftianA subgenre in which it is assumed aliens or otherworldly beings originally ruled our planet and will someday return to destroy all of humanity. It is fiction that emphasizes the cosmic horror of the unknown (or unknowable) more than gore or other elements of shock, and is named after American author H. P. Lovecraft (1890–1937), who was one of the first authors to explore the genre. Examples: A Study in Emerald, Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows, The Rhesus ChartMans: Feed, The Shrinking Man, Swan SongMonstersA subgenre in which nons: The Mongrel, The Sorrows, Little Black SpotsMythicA subgenre in which ancient mythology and folklore play a large role in the story, particularly the darker, terrifying elements of it. One way in which mythic horror is distinguished from fantasy is that mythic horror often takes place in the human world as opposed to a fantastical realm. Examples: The Selkie, The Djinn, The Queen of the DamnedOccultA subgenre of horror invol ving witchcraft, wizardry, esoteric brotherhoods, and communication with spirits. Other common themes and tropes are spiritualism, psychic phenomena, Voodoo, and characters who have mysterious or secret knowledge and power supposedly attainable only through magical or supernatural means. Examples: A Discovery of Witches, The Mark, The Witches of New YorkPsychic AbilitiesA subgenre in which humans have psychic abilities. These could include reading minds, speaking with the dead, seeing the past or future, or being able to move objects telepathically. This subgenre is often referred to as paranormal horror and shares crossover tropes with science fiction. However, in science fiction, these psychic abilities are generally explored in ways that are good, while in psychic abilities horror, psychic powers are a source of terror. Examples: Carrie, A Stir of Echoes, HornsPsychologicalIn this subgenre, the characters mind becomes his or her own undoing, such as a serial killer. These stories often involve human fears, mental instability, and emotional insecurities. Psychological horror is often similar to supernatural and haunting subgenres, because the protagonist may be confusing the horrors plaguing their mind with something supernatural. You will often encounter an unreliable narrator in this genre. Examples: American Psycho, Haunted, Diary Of A MadmanQuiet HorrorThis subgenre of horror offers a subtler form of fear, rather than explicit gore or violence. Also known as soft horror, quiet horror most often contains a creeping sense of dread in which much of the violence is left to the readers imagination. Much of the horror presented is cerebral instead of gory. Examples: The Yellow Wallpaper, The Hour of the Oxrun Dead, The NamelessYoung AdultA subgenre that does not have excessive gore and usually has a teenager protagonist. It could involve monsters, violent deaths, disturbing creatures, or slight gore. There are often comings: Anna Dressed in Blood, Asylum, Rot RuinMysteryPhoto by Mari Lezhava on UnsplashAmateur SleuthThis subgenre usually involves a nons: A Willing Murder, Small Town Spin, Prose and ConsBumbling DetectiveA subgenre in which a character makes a lot of mistakes in solving a mystery, but manages to solve it anyway. There is usually a lot of comedy involved in the process and the protagonist misses important clues, making the process of solving the crime more difficult than it should be. Often, the plot is intricate. Examples: The Spellman Files: Document #1, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie: A Flavia de Luce Mystery, Heat WaveCaperA subgenre in which the protagonist(s) perpetrate the crime(s). There is usually humor and cleverness involved, along with a sense of adventure. The typical caper story involves thefts, swindles, or kidnappings perpetrated by the main characters and seen by the reader. The police investigation attempting to prevent or solve the crimes may also be chronicled, but it is not the primary focus o f the story. Examples: The Lies of Locke Lamora, Heist Society, The Hot RockChild in PerilA subgenre of mystery in which a child is kidnapped or disappears. Often, it is the childs parents (or other guardians) who come to the childs rescue. There is often great focus on the parents anguish and loss as they play a role in finding their child. While there may be violence, it is rarely seen or very understated if toward the child. Examples: Home, The Couple Next Door, The Boy in the SuitcaseChildrens StoryA subgenre of mystery intended for a young audience who are not yet classified as young adult (typically 6 – 12 years old). There is usually a child protagonist who solves a mystery, often with the help of his/her friends. Violence is minimal if it exists at all, and there are often life lessons learned. Examples: Three Times Lucky, The Secret of the Old Clock: Nancy Drew #1, The Westing GameCozyA subgenre often containing a bloodless crime and a victim that the audience has no t developed empathy towards. The detective is almost always amateur, while sex and violence are downplayed. Often, the crime takes place in a small community where everyone knows each other. Examples: The Golden Tresses of the Dead, Crewel and Unusual, Death by CommitteeCulinaryA subgenre in which a professional chef is involved, usually as the protagonist. Murder and/or other elements of crime are often combined with food and recipes. Common settings or themes include bakery/dessert, barbeque, chef, coffee/tea, cooking class, farm/orchard, cheese, chocolate, food clubs/critics, organic food, pizza, restaurants, and wine/vineyards. Examples: Catering to Nobody, Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, Prime CutDoctor DetectiveA subgenre of mystery in which a physician plays the role of a detective to solve a murder or crime. In these stories, physicians apply their own specialized scientific knowledge to solve crimes that cannot otherwise be solved by police officers or detectives. Examples: D iagnosis Murder: The Dead Letter, The Doctor Digs a Grave, Blood DancingFurry SleuthA subgenre in which a dog or cat investigates a crime. It is most often told from the animals point of view, depicting them as fully intelligent and able to communicate with each other. Most books that qualify as furry sleuth mysteries are subgenres of cozy mysteries in their tone. Examples: Tail Gait, Downton Tabby, The Bark Before ChristmasHandicappedA subgenre in which the detective has some handicap that helps him/her solve a crime. For example, he or she might be blind, deaf, or unable to walk, but the handicap helps the main character see things from a different perspective in order to solve the mystery. Examples: The Question of the Dead Mistress, For Whom the Minivan Rolls, The Question of the Felonious FriendHards: The Big Sleep, The Maltese Falcon, The Black DahliaHistoricalIn this subgenre, the detective is in a historical setting and must solve a crime there. Many authors of historical my steries focus on particular eras or periods, such as Elizabethan England or Ancient China. Examples: The Lost Girls of Paris, The Paragon Hotel, The Golden Tresses of the DeadHowdunitThis subgenre of mystery leaves no doubt who the perpetrator is. Rather, the story revolves around how the criminal is caught. These novels begin with the reader witnessing the murder, thus the plot revolves around how the perpetrator will be caught. Examples: The Demolished Man, The Crossing, A Kiss Before DyingLegalA subgenre of mystery in which the protagonist is usually an attorney who solves the case on his/her own, while the police are unable to do so or are corrupt. The protagonists life is often at peril, as is the lives of his significant others or family. This subgenre also includes courtroom dramas. Examples: The Runaway Jury, The Lincoln Lawyer, The Gods of GuiltLocked RoomAlso known as puzzle mysteries, this is a subgenre of mystery in which a crime is committed in a location that seems imp ossible to enter/exit without being noticed. The protagonist must use careful observation and extraordinary logic to solve the mystery. Edgar Allen Poe is considered to be the first writer in this subgenre with his 1841 short story The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Examples: And Then There Were None, The Sign of Four, The Mystery of the Yellow RoomParanormalOften overlapping with fantasy, these stories contain traditional mystery tropes, with a strange crime or murder. However, a ghost or otherwise supernatural being is responsible for a crime. They are often part of the cozy mystery subgenre, without extensive gore or violence. Examples: Final Shadows, Secondhand Spirits: A Witchcraft Mystery, Better Read Than DeadPolice ProceduralA subgenre of mystery in which police detectives (or a detective and team of technicians) catch a criminal. The point of view in this type of subgenre often switches back and forth between that of the detective(s) and that of the criminal(s). Serial killer m ysteries are often included in this subgenre, as are forensic mysteries. Examples: The Black Echo, Rules of Prey, Faceless KillersPrivate DetectiveA subgenre in which a private investigators: Career of Evil, G Is for Gumshoe, Maisie DobbsThird WorldWhile typically heavy on characterization, this subgenre of mystery shows a unique, foreign culture with culturally diverse characters. These stories can range from cozy to hards: Murder in Mesopotamia: A Hercule Poirot Mystery, The Perfect Murder, The Gigolo MurderWhodunitA subgenre in which the perpetrator of the crime or murder is discovered at the end to be one of the least likely characters. These stories are often complex and plot driven, allowing the audience the opportunity to engage in the same process of deduction as the protagonist throughout the investigation of a crime. Examples: The Sentence is Death, Dead Girl Running, The CabinWoman in PerilA subgenre of mystery in which a woman is kidnapped (or in some other kind of troub le) and needs to be saved. A newer, feminist, and more modern take on this subgenre is a story that involves a woman being kidnapped (or becoming the victim of a crime) and saving herself through her own wit and action. Examples: The Shining Girls, Kiss the Girls, RoomYoung AdultA subgenre in which a teenager is the protagonist and solves a crime or murder. Adults in these stories are generally unable to be of much help, corrupt, or ignore the help offered by the protagonist. There are often coming of age themes and violence is sometimes downplayed. Examples: One of Us Is Lying, Pretty Little Liars, A Study in CharlotteRomancePhoto by freestocks.org on UnsplashBillionairesSteadily growing in popularity, this is a subgenre of romance focusing on a relationship with a wealthy and/or powerful lover. There is often an aspect of being a Cinderella story, and the woman is often of a lower socioeconomic class than the man. Examples: Fifty Shades of Grey, The Marriage Bargain, Bared to YouC omedyA subgenre of romance in which laughter and fun helps the couple overcome all emotional obstacles to finding love. There is often the theme of strangers who are perfect for each other finding love, or childhood sweethearts coming back together after heartbreak and loss. Examples: Wallbanger, Can You Keep a Secret?, PerfectionContemporaryIn this subgenre, the story takes place in the present (post 1950) and is focused on complex plots and realistic situations of the time. For example, women in the contemporary romances written prior to 1970 usually quit working when they married or had children, while the female protagonists of contemporary novels written after 1970 usually maintain their career after marriage and children. Examples: We Shouldnt, Unmarriageable, Faking ItFantasy RomanceA subgenre in which the relationship between lovers occurs in a fantasy world that contains magic (and/or magic creatures). There is often adventure that occurs and common tropes such as time trav el or superhuman abilities. Examples: Sin Magic, White Stag, NightchaserGothicA subgenre of romance set in an old house or castle that is haunted, with some light horror/mystery elements present. Common tropes are family secrets, insanity, incest, and secrets hidden within the home. There is also often a woman in peril theme that is prevalent in this subgenre. Examples: House of Shadows, Nocturne for a Widow, Mist of MidnightHistoricalA subgenre set before 1950 with realistic situations occurring between lovers (based on the time period). Many stories in this subgenre are set amongst real historical events, offering a parallel viewpoint to famous historical characters from the past. Common tropes are relationships across socioeconomic statuses and within feuding families. This subgenre has also been known as bodice rippers, famed for the female protagonists wearing corsets. Examples: The Parisians, Duchess By Deception, Tempt Me with DiamondsHolidaysA subgenre of romance in which l overs meet or unite during the Christmas or Hanukkah season. Common tropes are family, restoring past heartache, and returning to holiday tradition, as it was experienced in childhood. Examples: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, Unwrapping Her Perfect Match: A London Legends Christmas Romance, Baby, Its Cold OutsideInspirationalA subgenre of romance in which a religious or spiritual connection is an important part of a relationship. In these novels, there is a spiritual journey that the characters take that is an inherent part of their connection and romance. They can be set in any context or belief system. Examples: What the Wind Knows, LASS: A Friends to Lovers Standalone Romance, Down a Country RoadMilitaryA subgenre of romance featuring military personnel. These novels usually include some action and/or suspense, and the hero or heroine (or both) are active duty or former military personnel. The subgenre also includes stories that are set on military bases or vessels. Examples: Th e Darkest Hour, The Unsung Hero, Whispers in the DarkParanormalIn this subgenre of romance, there is often a relationship with a supernatural being, such as a vampire, werewolf, demon, shapeshifter, angel, ghost, witch or other entity. This subgenre can also include settings that are science fiction or fantasy, or any world with extraordinary elements that are magical. Examples: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, Vengeance Road, Alphas Secret: A Bear Shifter MMA RomanceRegencyA subgenre set during the period of the British Regency (1811–1820) or early 19th century. They have their own unique plot and stylistic conventions, such as much intelligent, fasts: Not the Dukes Darling, Beauty and the Baron: A Regency Fairy Tale Retelling, Ten Kisses to ScandalRomantic SuspenseA subgenre involving suspense or mystery elements that add to the romantic plot. While the focus of these stories is on the romance itself, they contain common tropes to mystery novels such as stalkers, crimes to be solved, kidnapping, or even murder. Examples: A Merciful Fate, Moonlight Scandals: A de Vincent Novel, You Will SufferScience Fiction RomanceA subgenre that is set in the future and often involves aliens. In many cases, there is a romantic relationship between humans and aliens. There are also common tropes that are shared with science fiction, such as technological innovation, space exploration, and living on other planets/worlds. Examples: Nightchaser, Angies Gladiator: A SciFi Alien Romance, Rising From the DepthsSportsA subgenre of romance in which one or both of the lovers is involved with sports, such as a football player or race car driver. Much of the romantic interaction takes place during practicing or performing this sport, and there are often elements of action combined with romance. Examples: Ruthless King, Overnight Sensation, Fired UpTime TravelA subgenre of romance in which a character travels through time to encounter his or her love interest. A recurring theme in t his subgenre is the conflict of falling in love and making the decision to stay in the alternate time or return to the time the protagonist came from. Some time travel romance settings are set in present day, and the character travels to the past. In others, the character travels to the future. Examples: Outlander, The Time Travelers Wife, A Knight in Shining ArmorWestern RomanceA subgenre of romance set in the Wild West (or West, if contemporary) and often with a cowboy/cowgirl as a main character. This subgenre contains both historical western romance and contemporary western romance novels. Historical western romance contains common tropes such as a wagon train journey, a bank robbery, a land war, a cattle drive, a saloon brawl, or a gunfight. Contemporary western romance novels are generally set near small towns with ranches, ranges, rodeos, and honkys: The Texans Wager, Comanche Moon, Texas GloryYoung AdultA subgenre focusing on young adult or adolescent love interests. A commo n theme is the exploration of sexuality and the obstacles of young love, such as family/socioeconomic class pressure, academic pursuits, and/or competition. There is also a broad spectrum of relationship types in these novels, such as LGBTQ relationships. Examples: King of Scars, Be The Girl, Even if I FallScience FictionPhoto by Filip Casey Horner on UnsplashAliensA subgenre of science fiction in which extraterrestrial beings are encountered by humans. These encounters can range from romantic to traumatic, and common themes are communication, fear of the other, intergalactic war, and a greater sense of ones place in the universe. Examples: Galactic Pots: The Man in the High Castle, 11/22/63, The Red GardenAlternate/Parallel UniverseA subgenre in which there is another reality cos: Zero World, The Gods Themselves, The Long EarthApocalyptic/Posts: Wool, CyberStorm, The RoadBiopunkA subgenre of science fiction in which there is use of biotechnology, genetic manipulation, and/or eugeni cs that occur in the near future. The subgenre stems from cyberpunk but focuses on the implications of biotechnology rather than information technology. Common themes are bios: Unwind, The Dervish House, LeviathanChildrens StoryA subgenre of science fiction written for younger audiences, with protagonists who are early adolescents or younger. Coming of age scenarios are often present. Science fiction themes such as aliens, advanced technology, and dystopian societies are often common, but violence and other adult themes are downplayed. Examples: The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet, Aliens for Breakfast: A Stepping Stone Book, Whales on Stilts!ColonizationA subgenre in which humans (or other lifeforms) move to a distant area or world and create a new settlement. Humans may start a colony for various reasons such as the Earths overpopulation, an uninhabitable Earth, the discovery of other worlds, acquisition of resources, or threat of human extinction. Examples: Last and First Men: A Story of the near and far future, The Word for World is Forest, The Moon is a Harsh MistressComedyThis subgenre contains a lot of humor and satirization of science fiction tropes, with a tendency toward a pessimistic view of humanity. There is often mockery of social conventions. This is a rather small subgenre of science fiction that is more common in short stories than novels and frequently seen in movies. Examples: Stainless Steel Rat Omnibus, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Finders Keepers: The Definitive EditionCyberpunkA subgenre of science fiction in which man and machine are combined, either literally or metaphorically, and there are multiple forms of virtual reality. The Earth is typically the setting for cyberpunk stories, but it is immersed in a cyber world. Common themes are the exploration of the relationship between humans and computers, often in a dark and bleak world, as well as cybernetics, prosthetics, cyborgs, and the internet. Examples: Neuromancer, Snow Crash, SoftwareDying EarthA subgenre in which the Earth is dying. Stories in this subgenre often take place at the end of the Earths existence, thus occurring in the future. Common themes are fatality, reflection, lost innocence, idealism, entropy, exhaustion of resources, and hope. Settings in these stories are often barren and sterile, with a fading sun. There is overlap with this subgenre and apocalyptic fiction. Examples: The Time Machine, Zothique, Tales of the Dying EarthDystopiaA subgenre of science fiction in which the world has become the opposite of a utopia and the protagonist must liberate himself/herself (or an entire community) from it. Common themes are a police state, overwhelming poverty, government control, and lack of personal freedom. Stories in this subgenre often include deep social control and exploration of what we fear will happen in the future of humanity. Examples: Fahrenheit 451, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, A Clockwork OrangeGalactic Empire In this subgenre, there is an empire that spans galaxies. The story usually takes place in the capital of the empire and often includes elements of dystopian science fiction. The protagonist is often a member of the empires military forces. Examples: Constitution: Book 1 of The Legacy Fleet Series, Bloodline: Star Wars, Darkest Hour: Liberation War Book 1Generation ShipA subgenre of science fiction in which there is a prolonged voyage on a spaceship and the original occupants have passed away, leaving their descendants to remain or find another place to live. As the ship journeys across the universe, generations have lived and died onboard, and social change often occurs. There is often an advanced ecosystem onboard and usually, the ship will have a destination, such as a distant planet to colonize. Examples: Orphans of the Sky, Captive Universe, Promised LandHard Science FictionA subgenre in which there is extreme scientific details, and less focus on characters or settings. This i s a subgenre that concentrates on relating stories from a correct scientific perspective with great attention to technological detail. These stories often include details from hard sciences, with some speculative technology incorporated. Examples: Ringworld, The Martian, Dragons EggImmortalityA subgenre in which there are beings who have lived (and continue to live) infinitely. The focus of this subgenre is eternal life, either as a blessing that is full of limitless opportunity, or the end of change that is full of boredom and stagnation. Examples: After Many a Summer Dies the Swan, The Boat of a Million Years, Methuselahs ChildrenLost WorldsA subgenre of science fiction in which there is a voyage to unknown or isolated places such as islands, continents, jungles, or worlds, resulting in a discovery of some wonder or ancient technology. These stories usually contain elements of adventure, and the worlds visited are usually isolated from our own world, containing their own history a nd unique geography. Examples: Journey to the Center of the Earth, A Princess of Mars, Lost HorizonMilitaryA subgenre in which there is interstellar or interplanetary armed conflict. Military values such as bravery, sacrifice, duty, and camaraderie are common themes, and the protagonist is typically a soldier. Military science fiction often features futuristic technology and weapons, with the setting being outer space or on a different planet. Examples: Enders Game, Starship Troopers, Old Mans WarMind TransferA subgenre of science fiction in which a human consciousness is downloaded into a computer or transferred to another human brain. This can occur in several ways: via computer, some kind of psychic power, alien technology, physical brain transplantation, etc., and the transfer can be temporary or permanent. Often, the process destroys the original or copies are made. Examples: The World of Nulls: Interzone, Schismatrix Plus, The Beast With Nine Billion FeetMythicA subgenre of sc ience fiction in which the story is inspired by, or closely imitates, myth and folklore. The story may be a complete retelling of a popular myth or could just draw from tropes and themes that are common in mythology. There is a variable level of real science, since myth has fantastical elements. Examples: Rendezvous with Rama, The Queen of Air and Darkness, PerelandraNanopunkA subgenre similar to cyberpunk in which the use of nanotechnology is explored, along with its effects on human lives. The nanopunk world is one in which the theoretical premise of nanotech is a reality, and it is well integrated with our world and human existence. Examples: Tech Heaven, The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Ladys Illustrated Primer, PreyRobots/A.I.A subgenre in which there are robotics and AI. This subgenre is generally focused on one of three mentalities: pros: Tiks: A Game of Universe, The Family Tree, The Dragonriders of PernScience HorrorA subgenre of science fiction in which there are also elements of horror. Often, these stories include themes such as medical research resulting in new diseases, aliens attempting to kill humans, artificial intelligence that revolts against its maker(s), or atomic bombs and technology that results in human destruction. Examples: Infected, The Hunger, The SandmanSlipstreamA subgenre with elements of the surreal and postmodern themes. It crosses the genres of literary fiction and speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy or both. Slipstream is often defined as fantastical, illogical, surreal, and jarring. Examples: The Bridge, Breakfast of Champions, White NoiseSoft Science FictionA subgenre with less focus on science and more focus on characters. These stories usually deal with the soft sciences and social sciences, and are more concerned with human activity and affairs than scientific detail. Examples: Babels: Constitution: Book 1 of the Legacy Fleet Trilogy, Titanborn, Rift: The Resistance Book OneSpace OperaA subgenre of scienc e fiction in which there is swashbuckling action and epic, panoramic settings. These stories often contain overs: The Foundation Series, Hyperion, The Ender QuartetSpyFiA subgenre of science fiction in which there is espionage, highs: The Baroness: Sonic Slave, Crown of Slaves, Call for the Dead: A George Smiley NovelSteampunkA subgenre of that is generally set in Victorian times, with the use of steam power as advanced technology. There is minimal scientific detail and the gadgets are often best described as retros: The Anubis Gates, Homunculus: The Adventures of Langdon St Ives, The Difference EngineTime TravelIn this subgenre of science fiction, the main characters travel through time. Sometimes, this can mean the character(s) move to a point in time that is in the future; sometimes, they can travel to a point in time that is the past. There is also a trend in these novels for characters to move to travel to parallel or alternate universes in an unknown time. Examples: A Sound of Thunder, Guardians of Time, The Time MachineUtopiaA subgenre in which humanity lives in a utopia and technology has removed societys problems. In many of these stories, war and sickness have been done away with, often through advanced technology. There is often much discussion of social implications and exploration of social sciences, approaching topics such as: What does a Utopia look like? Is one persons Utopia the same as anothers? Examples: The Giver, The Dispossessed, Childhoods EndYoung AdultA subgenre of science fiction created for an adolescent or young adult audience in which the protagonist is of the same age range. There is often budding romance within a dystopian society, and the protagonist faces comings: Dragon Pearl, The Similars, The DisastersThriller and SuspensePhoto by Sammie Vasquez on UnsplashActionA subgenre in which there is much physical action, and the protagonist must fight for his or her survival or to save the victim of a crime or kidnapping. In many cas es, the protagonist is a current or former member of the armed forces, special forces, or other government agency. Villains are often internationally located and the hunt for them often occurs across borders. Examples: The Killer Collective, The Cleaner, Freedom RoadComedyA subgenre of thriller suspense in which there is dark humor surrounding espionage and organize crime. Protagonists often having biting wit while being involved in adventurous activities related to solving a crime or thwarting the evil plans of secret societies. Examples: The Rook, Horrorstà ¶r, Crocodile on the SandbankConspiracyA subgenre of thriller suspense in which a protagonist must face (and defeat) a large, powerful organization or entity to stop a killer or halt a destructive plot. These stories often have protagonists who are scholars, journalists or amateur investigators who play a role in toppling secret societies or conspiracies. Common themes are rumors, lies, propaganda, secret histories, and coun ters: Betrayal, Mosaic: Breakthrough, The Atlantis Gene: A ThrillerCrimeIn this subgenre, the protagonist confronts a major crime plot, such as a murder, kidnapping, or theft. These stories often begin with a protagonist, who is going about his or her daily life, before becoming involved in a crime (either as a victim or helping the victim). He or she then uses wit and specialty knowledge to help solve the crime, with or without the help of authorities. Examples: Connections in Death: An Eve Dallas Novel, The Wedding Guest: An Alex Delaware Novel, A Merciful FateDisasterA subgenre of thriller suspense in which the protagonist is up against a major natural disaster that he or she must escape or stop. Disasters could include natural disasters, such as earthquakes, meteor strikes or tsunamis; or mans: The Virus, The Last Tribe, QuakeEspionageA subgenre in which there are secret agents. These stories are often set during war time. Often, the agent goes rogue to uncover corruption among his or her peers. Common themes include rivalries and intrigues between the major powers, corruption within modern intelligence agencies, rogue states, international criminal organizations, global terrorist networks, maritime piracy and technological sabotage. Examples: The Killer Collective, Betrayal, The CleanerForensicA subgenre in which forensic scientists play a major role in solving a crime. Common themes include finding evidence at a crime scene, blood splatter, DNA, bones, fingerprints, or other forensic details. There is usually a race against the clock to catch the perpetrator before someone else dies or another major crime is committed. Examples: Scarpetta, Body of Evidence, Break No BonesHistoricalA subgenre of thriller suspense set in a historical time period that includes details about the era. Real historical figures are often included in the plot, or encountered through a fictional characters point of view. These stories often concern real historical mysteries, doc uments, or conspiracies but offer an alternate reality connected to them. Some novels in this genre go back and forth between presents: A Discovery of Witches, Crucible: A Thriller, The Road Beyond RuinLegalIn this subgenre, the plot centers on legal dilemmas or courtroom dramas. The protagonist is usually an attorney who encounters danger and solves the crime, while the police are unable to do so or are corrupt. The protagonists life is often at peril, as is the lives of his significant others or family. Examples: An Innocent Client, The Rule of Law, In Good FaithMedicalA subgenre of thriller suspense in which the protagonist is in the medical field (or closely tied to it) and must use his or her knowledge of medicine to solve a mystery, cure a virus, halt or pandemic, or catch the perpetrator of a medicals: Blow Fly: A Scarpetta Novel, A Case of Need: A Suspense Thriller, Phantom LimbMilitaryA subgenre in which the protagonist is in the military (or former military) and must use his or her training to solve a mystery or crime. The subgenre also includes stories that are set on military bases or vessels. Common themes are brotherhood, avenging wrongs, protecting family members of servicemembers or former servicemembers, cartel interaction, and rogue militias. Examples: The Trident Deception, The Karma Booth, PersuaderMystery ThrillerA subgenre of thriller suspense and mystery, in which there is a ticking clock or mystery that the protagonist must solve before time runs out. This subgenre is different than a regular mystery in that it is fasts: An Anonymous Girl, Two Can Keep a Secret, The Au PairPoliticalA subgenre in which the protagonist is connected with the government (usually lows: Justice Redeemed, Duty and Honor, Target: Alex CrossPsychologicalA subgenre of thriller suspense in which the protagonist becomes involved in a situation that threatens his/her sanity or mental state. These stories often emphasize the unstable or delusional psychological st ates of its characters, and is told through the viewpoint of psychologically stressed characters. There is a combination of tropes from mystery, drama, and action. Examples: The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, Behind Closed DoorsReligiousA subgenre of thriller suspense in which a religious artifact or sects: The Da Vinci Code, The Blood Gospel: The Order of the Sanguines Series, SanctusParanormalA subgenre of thriller suspense in which there are elements of the paranormal and some characters display supernatural abilities. Otherworldly elements that are introduced are usually as an antagonistic force, but the plot line and feel are distinctly that of a thriller. Examples: Daughters of the Lake, The Rise of Magicks: Chronicles of The One, The ShiningTechnothrillerA subgenre in which there is cuttings: Jurassic Park, Daemon, The MartianYoung AdultA subgenre of thriller suspense in which the protagonist is a young adult or adolescent. There are often coming of age lessons to be learne d, such as loneliness, romantic interactions, and survival without adults. Friends, companions, and/or romantic interests often help the protagonist solve the problem or escape the villain, and adventurous, nails: One of Us is Lying, Theres Someone Inside Your House, I Hunt KillersWesternPhoto by Eric Welch on UnsplashBounty HuntersA subgenre of western in which there is a morally ambiguous protagonist who hunts criminals to receive a bounty. Common themes include the construction of a railroad or a telegraph line on the wild frontier, ranchers protecting their family ranch from rustlers or large landowners or who build a ranch empire, revenge stories, and outlaw gang plots. Examples: The Bounty Hunters: A Classic Tale of Frontier Law, Bounty Hunter, Broadway BountyCattle DriveA subgenre in which there a long journey the protagonist must make to move a herd of cattle. There are often life lessons learned along the way and friendships formed, as well as potential for romance. Example s: The Chuckwagon Trail, The Daybreakers: The Sacketts, The Last Cattle DriveChildrens StoryA subgenre created for children that contains western tropes. The typical audience of these stories are children, ages 7 through 12, and western tropes are present but presented in an acceptable form for younger children to read. Common themes are friendships, autonomy, adventure, and relationships with wildlife and nature. Examples: Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, By The Great Horn Spoon!, Old YellerComedyA subgenre of western in which there is humor, satire, or parody of traditional Western tropes. Common themes include cowboys or sharpshooters who dont know how to shoot or ride a horse, or drunken cowboys whose antics are entertaining to their compatriots. Examples: Anything For Billy, Hey, Cowboy, Wanna Get Lucky?, How the West Was LostGold RushA subgenre in which the protagonist is on a quest for riches, usually in the form of found gold. These protagonists and plotli nes were immortalized in the 1860s by authors Bret Harte and Mark Twain, while the California gold rush was in full swing. Examples: Calico Palace, Daughter of Fortune, Walk On Earth a StrangerGunfightersA subgenre of western in which the protagonist must go up against an antagonist in gun battle. The protagonist and antagonist are often experts in pistols, and each tends to own a special weapon whose reputation precedes it. The climax of these stories is a final gun battle with specific sportsman rules, usually taking place in an agreeds: Shane, The Autumn of the Gun, The Dawn of FuryLand RushA subgenre of western in which settlers must travel to and claim land that is available for homesteading, usually in Oklahoma or surrounding states. Common themes are survival within harsh elements, wild animals, benevolent and unfriendly natives, competing/feuding families or gangs, and making the land hospitable to growing food and sustaining life. Examples: Jolines Redemption, Gabriels Aton ement, Sarahs SurrenderLawmenA subgenre of western in which the protagonist is a lawman who must help bring order to a town on the frontier. The protagonist is often escaping a violent or tragic past and has often lost family or loved ones to frontier violence. Common themes are saloon brawls, gambling, outsiders, outlaws, and romance with a local resident. Examples: Lonesome Dove, Deadmans Fury, BowdrieMountain MenA subgenre in which the stalwart, lonely protagonist roams the mountain ranges of the West. Common themes are survival against harsh elements of nature, loneliness, civilization vs. the wilderness, and feuding families. Examples: Power of the Mountain Man, The Last Mountain Man, Revenge of the Mountain ManOutlawsA subgenre of western in which there are colorful villains. It usually involves train robberies, bank robberies, or some other form of criminal activity taking place in the West. There is a certain moral ambiguity to protagonists, making them loveable bad guys or villains with a heart. There is generally a romantic interest who is in a likewise unsavory career, such as a prostitute or barmaid. Examples: Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West, Threes: Prarie Justice, Prairie Crossing: A Novel of the West, West Winds of WyomingRevengeA subgenre of western in which a protagonist endures and survives a massacre or some other horrible event, and must find those who are responsible for it to achieve justice. In many cases, the protagonist is seeking justice for loved ones or family members who have been murdered. There is a sense of righteous anger and common themes are retribution, justice, personal peace, and loyalty. Examples: Cades Revenge, Montana Revenge, The Revenant: A Novel of RevengeWagon TrainA subgenre of western in which there is a journey taken by pioneers from the East looking to settle in the West. These tales are of an epic nature and often include drama such as budding romance and feuds between travelers. Examples: Ra veled Ends of Sky: Women of the West Novels, A Long Way to Go, SawbonesYoung AdultA subgenre in which the protagonist is an adolescent or young adult, and comes of age as the story progresses. These stories are intended for an adolescent or young adult audience and contain themes such as friendship, young love, escape from adult or responsible influence, and rebellion. Examples: Vengeance Road, Under a Painted Sky, Gunslinger Girl

Americas Standardization essays

Americas Standardization essays The idea that Intelligence can be counted is one that begun in 19th century. The belief that IQ-based standardized testing is an essential ingredient in an equitable process that establishes who is most deserving and who merits the rewards our society is an illusion. [Spearman, Terman, Brigham, Burt, Jenson and the Bell Curve ideologues Herrnstien and Murray believe in the four characteristics of biological determinist dogma. The contemporary educational system justly determines who the real Golden Children are focuses on them, and rewards them as the most deserving individuals within our American meritocracy. Gould and Singham refute the scientific characteristics of the biological determinists IQism. There are many ingredients, many of which are invisible in the Golden Child recipe in this country. Kienholzs assemblages are the result of a history of resisting standardization in the art world. Kienholzs assemblages are also examples of his anti-standardization perspective. There ar e many challenges students face in being exposed to a non-standardized education. My learning process in Core 11 mirrors that of one in The Dead Poets Society.] There are four key characteristics of biological determinist dogma. The Characteristics are Intelligence is innate, heritable, fixed and measurable. Professor Arther Jensen, a professor at the University of California Berkley, believed that certain racial groups were destined for the basement in society, not due to any environmental factors. Instead because of an apparent genetic shortfall. According to the Cognitive Elitists, Hernstein and Murray. Intelligence is innate and there exist a group of superior people that should be nurtured, pampered and taught to be the leaders of society. The eugenics movements passed laws to slow the flow of inferior breeds like, Italians, Jews and Poles. This was the result of the belief intelligenc...

Toll Holdings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Toll Holdings - Essay Example Toll manages a holding company’s administrative affairs and offers management services to its subsidiaries. The company also assists the board with financial support and control services. The major function of Toll Holdings is to supervise the whole group and its legal structure, financial and equity structures, and tax planning activities. In addition, the organization also deals with other activities including policy making, strategic planning, and marketing, recruiting personnel for senior management positions, approving investment proposals and budgets, and making ongoing evaluation of the group’s overall performance. Toll Holdings is one of the leading providers of integrated logistics services in the Asian region. Some of the principle activities of the company include freight forwarding services, temperature controlled transport service, container storage, warehousing and distribution, vehicle transport and distribution, wharf cartage, large scale liquid transpor tation, and contract distribution services (Toll Holdings Limited). Toll was founded by Albert Toll in Newcastle in 1888. For a long period after the foundation, the company mainly engaged in the transport of goods, especially coal, using horse and cart. Toll was sold to National Mineral Limited following the death of its founder, Albert Toll. Over the 1960, the company transported goods for diversified mining and manufacturing activities and hence the organization became the part of Peko Wallsend Group (Bidder’s statement). After two decades, the company was renamed as Toll Transport in 1985. In the next year, a management buyout team under the leadership of Paul Little and Peter Rowsthorn took over the Toll Transport. This management buyout can be considered as a milestone in the corporate history of Toll Holdings because the company grew dramatically since this buyout. Many of the innovative ideas put forward by Little and Rowsthorn benefited Toll to obtain a competitive edge

An essay about the right of habeas corpus in the context of the war on

An about the right of habeas corpus in the context of the war on terror - Essay Example Signing into law of the Magna Carta was occurred in 1215 by King John. It gained significant political and legal prominence during the preceding centuries. During the early 12th century, King John of England was hugely unpopular in his country and was at constant conflict with some wealthy oil barons. The archbishop of Canterbury, in an effort to protect the rights of the church and make the king and the barons be at peace, conceived the Magna Carta. Magna Carta turned out as the Great Charter of the Liberties. The Charter promised the protection of the church’s rights from interference either by the king or the rebel barons. It also promised the barons protection from unfair or illegal imprisonment and limitations to the feudal payments to the crown. A council of 25 barons were necessary for the implementation of the feudal payments (Davis, 2010). King Edward in 1297 later issued this charter in a bid to raise taxes for his indebted monarchial government and to win political support. Edward institutionalized it as part of the Statute Law hence Giving birth to the genesis of the Habeas Corpus. In the early 16th century, a prominent lawyer who was also a politician; Sir Edward Coke advocated for common law to override the authority of the king. In addition, the advocacy was for the establishment of a civilian power and extension of the civil liberties of the freemen (Halliday, 2010). Coke was instrumental in the drafting of the petition of right. This petition later formed the basis for the English constitution and allowed for specific liberties. Aside from limiting the king from invoking martial law during the times of peace, the petition of right also permitted prisoners to give their views in the circumstances where their detention was questionable. Habeas corpus in England originated among the powerful ruling elites whose intention was to put limitations on the powers of the monarchy.

Born For Liberty by Sara M. Evans Essay Example for Free

Born For Liberty by Sara M. Evans Essay The Introduction part of the book Born for Liberty by Sara M. Evans is the written path of being informed of the History of Women in America. As it is mentioned in the first few pages of this book, there is a lack of information that we need to fill in ourselves. We have all heard from many historians specially, that our World cannot take the right direction if it finds its past obscured and hard to be seen! I believe a lot of things are connected to each other, and history is one of the most relevant part of our globe and the reason being is because we depend on what our ancestors had been through! The fact that I am using the word depend might confuse you by giving you the wrong idea! In the past, there have been a lot of wonderful, but without forgetting to mention the not so pretty moments that people have lived years ago! Historians are the ones who are willing to examine and study the roots of out life in order to offer us the opportunity to improve our chances of the event that might happen again as it usually does when there are pieces of the puzzle missing! We learn from what had happened to our ancestors, and this way we figure out something else that should improve our life, and diminishing the chances of something ugly to happen again! I guess, all of us know that there has been an abundance of distinct wars in many different countries, and as the years are going by we are reducing the numbers of wars around the world and that is because we learned from the others mistakes! Now going back to the main topic, the history of Women in America, there is a great deal to talk about! Everybody, even my little sister can notice that women are kind of excluded from our History and it has always been that way till now! There was always this vision we had in our minds, that there was always a HE rather than a SHE! We always viewed women as weak creatures designed only for housework, and offering pleasure to the man she stands by! If you have noticed, the fairy tails and the other old stories we have heard during the years we grew, there was always the prince, the hero, the superman, etc! Well, I think it is time for us to have a look at the female part of the world and try to accept their accomplishments during the years that have passed! Women were always excluded from most formal public roles, and as the years passed they learned how to be heard and Sara M. Evans  supports really well this idea by giving a good example of this that is mentioned in the introduction part of the book when it says: The most extreme example is the women of Salem, Massachusetts; as accused witches, accusers, and witnesses, these women held an entire colony in thrall for months (Evans 4). There have also been feminist historians who have dedicated their lives primarily to clear the bad opinion people saved relating to women. Now it is more than obvious and lucid that women have really shaped the broader history and they have given it the flavor it lacked back then! They were the ones who helped to solve the uncountable problems the government had with the immigrants, the ethnic problems and the other ones that would still be present if it wasnt for the intellectual women who set goals to themselves! This is what Sara M. Evans is trying to explain in her book Born For Liberty!

Immunization and Violence :: Philosophy Kant

Immunization and Violence 1. In a text dedicated to Kant as interpreter of the Enlightenment, Michel Foucault locates the task of contemporary philosophy in a precise stance. It concerns that taut and acute relation with the present that he names the "ontology of the actual." How are we to understand the phrase? What does it mean to situate philosophy in the point or on the line in which the actual is revealed in the density of its own historical being? What does an ontology of the actual mean, properly speaking? The expression alludes above all to a change in perspective with regard to ourselves. To be in relation ontologically with the actual means to think modernity no longer as an epoch between others, but as a stance, a posture, a will to see one's own present as a task. There is in this choice, something -- let's call it a tension, an impulse -- that Foucault will call an à ©thos, which moves even beyond the Hegelian definition of philosophy as the proper time spent in thought, because it makes of thou ght the lever that lifts the present out of a linear continuity with time, keeping it suspended between deciding what we are and what we can become. Already in the case of Kant his support of the Enlightenment didn't signify only remaining faithful to certain ideas, affirming the autonomy of man, but above all in activating a permanent critique of the present, not abandoning it in favor of an unattainable utopia, but inverting the notion of the possible that is contained within it, making it the key for a different reading of reality. This is the task of philosophy as the ontology of the actual: while on the level of analysis, locating the difference between that which is essential and that which is contingent, between superficial effects and profound dynamics that move things, that transform lives and that mark existences. We are concerned here with the moment, the critical threshold, from which today's news [cronaca] takes on the breadth of history. That which is placed in being is an underlying question of the meaning of what we call "today." What does today mean generally? What characterizes it essentially, which is to say, what characterizes its effectivity, its contradictions, its potentialities? But this question doesn't exhaust the task of the ontology of the actual. It isn't anything other than the condition for asking another question, this time that has the form of a choice and a decision.

Forecasting Essay

1. Tupperware only uses both qualitative and quantitative forecasting techniques, culminating in a final forecast that is the consensus of all participating managers. False (Global company profile: Tupperware Corporation, moderate) 2. The forecasting time horizon and the forecasting techniques used tend to vary over the life cycle of a product. True (What is forecasting? moderate) 3. Sales forecasts are an input to financial planning, while demand forecasts impact human resource decisions. True (Types of forecasts, moderate) 4. Forecasts of individual products tend to be more accurate than forecasts of product families. False (Seven steps in the forecasting system, moderate) 5. Most forecasting techniques assume that there is some underlying stability in the system. True (Seven steps in the forecasting system, moderate) 6. The sales force composite forecasting method relies on salespersons’ estimates of expected sales. True (Forecasting approaches, easy) 7. A time-series model uses a series of past data points to make the forecast. True (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 8. The quarterly â€Å"make meeting† of Lexus dealers is an example of a sales force composite forecast. True (Forecasting approaches, easy) 9. Cycles and random variations are both components of time series. True (Time-series forecasting, easy) 10. A naive forecast for September sales of a product would be equal to the sales in August. True (Time-series forecasting, easy) 11. One advantage of exponential smoothing is the limited amount of record keeping involved. True (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 12. The larger the number of periods in the simple moving average forecasting method, the greater the method’s responsiveness to changes in demand. False (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 13. Forecast including trend is an exponential smoothing technique that utilizes two smoothing constants: one for the average level of the forecast and one for its trend. True (Time-series forecasting, easy) 14. Mean Squared Error and Coefficient of Correlation are two measures of the overall error of a forecasting model. False (Time-series forecasting, easy) 15. In trend projection, the trend component is the slope of the regression equation. True (Time-series forecasting, easy) 16. In trend projection, a negative regression slope is mathematically impossible. False (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 17. Seasonal indexes adjust raw data for patterns that repeat at regular time intervals. True (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 18. If a quarterly seasonal index has been calculated at 1.55 for the October-December quarter, then raw data for that quarter must be multiplied by 1.55 so that the quarter can be fairly compared to other quarters. False (Time-series forecasting: Seasonal variation in data, moderate) 19. The best way to forecast a business cycle is by finding a leading variable. True (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 20. Linear-regression analysis is a straight-line mathematical model to describe the functional relationships between independent and dependent variables. True (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, easy) 21. The larger the standard error of the estimate, the more accurate the forecasting model. False (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, easy) 22. A trend projection equation with a slope of 0.78 means that there is a 0.78 unit rise in Y for every unit of time that passes. True (Time-series forecasting: Trend projections, moderate) 23. In a regression equation where Y is demand and X is advertising, a coefficient of determination (R2) of .70 means that 70% of the variance in advertising is explained by demand. False (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 24. Tracking limits should be within  ± 8 MADs for low-volume stock items. True (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 25. If a forecast is consistently greater than (or less than) actual values, the forecast is said to be biased. True (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 26. Focus forecasting tries a variety of computer models and selects the best one for a particular application. True (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 27. Many service firms use point-of-sale computers to collect detailed records needed for accurate short-term forecasts. True (Forecasting in the service sector, moderate) MULTIPLE CHOICE 28. Tupperware’s use of forecasting a.involves only a few statistical tools b.concentrates on the low-level dealer, and is not aggregated at the company level c.relies on the fact that all of its products are in the maturity phase of the life cycle d.is a major source of its competitive edge over its rivals e.takes inputs from sales, marketing, and finance, but not from production d (Global company profile, moderate) 29. Which of the following statements regarding Tupperware’s forecasting is false? a.Tupperware’s fifty profit centers generate the basic set of projections. b.Tupperware uses at least three quantitative forecasting techniques. c.Tupperware uses only quantitative forecasting techniques. d.†Sales per active dealer† is one of three key forecasting variables (factors). e.†Jury of executive opinion† is the ultimate forecasting tool used at Tupperware. c (Global company profile, moderate) 30. Forecasts a.become more accurate with longer time horizons b.are rarely perfect c.are more accurate for individual items than for groups of items d.all of the above e.none of the above b (What is forecasting? moderate) 31. One use of short-range forecasts is to determine a.production planning b.inventory budgets c.research and development plans d.facility location e.job assignments e (What is forecasting? moderate) 32. Forecasts are usually classified by time horizon into three categories a.short-range, medium-range, and long-range b.finance/accounting, marketing, and operations c.strategic, tactical, and operational d.exponential smoothing, regression, and time series e.departmental, organizational, and industrial a (What is forecasting? easy) 33. A forecast with a time horizon of about 3 months to 3 years is typically called a a.long-range forecast b.medium-range forecast c.short-range forecast d.weather forecast e.strategic forecast b (What is forecasting? moderate) 34. Forecasts used for new product planning, capital expenditures, facility location or expansion, and R&D typically utilize a a.short-range time horizon b.medium-range time horizon c.long-range time horizon d.naive method, because there is no data history e.all of the above c (What is forecasting? moderate) 35. The three major types of forecasts used by business organizations are a.strategic, tactical, and operational b.economic, technological, and demand c.exponential smoothing, Delphi, and regression d.causal, time-series, and seasonal e.departmental, organizational, and territorial b (Types of forecasts, moderate) 36. Which of the following is not a step in the forecasting process? a.Determine the use of the forecast. b.Eliminate any assumptions. c.Determine the time horizon. d.Select forecasting model. e.Validate and implement the results. b (The strategic importance of forecasting, moderate) 37. The two general approaches to forecasting are a.qualitative and quantitative b.mathematical and statistical c.judgmental and qualitative d.historical and associative e.judgmental and associative a (Forecasting approaches, easy) 38. Which of the following uses three types of participants: decision makers, staff personnel, and respondents? a.executive opinions b.sales force composites c.the Delphi method d.consumer surveys e.time series analysis c (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 39. The forecasting model that pools the opinions of a group of experts or managers is known as the a.sales force composition model b.multiple regression c.jury of executive opinion model d.consumer market survey model e.management coefficients model c (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 40. Which of the following is not a type of qualitative forecasting? a.executive opinions b.sales force composites c.consumer surveys d.the Delphi method e.moving average e (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 41. Which of the following techniques uses variables such as price and promotional expenditures, which are related to product demand, to predict demand? a.associative models b.exponential smoothing c.weighted moving average d.simple moving average e.time series a (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 42. Which of the following statements about time series forecasting is true? a.It is based on the assumption that future demand will be the same as past demand. b.It makes extensive use of the data collected in the qualitative approach. c.The analysis of past demand helps predict future demand. d.Because it accounts for trends, cycles, and seasonal patterns, it is more powerful than causal forecasting. e.All of the above are true. c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 43. Time series data may exhibit which of the following behaviors? a.trend b.random variations c.seasonality d.cycles e.They may exhibit all of the above. e (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 44. Gradual, long-term movement in time series data is called a.seasonal variation b.cycles c.trends d.exponential variation e.random variation c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 45. Which of the following is not present in a time series? a.seasonality b.operational variations c.trend d.cycles e.random variations b (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 46. The fundamental difference between cycles and seasonality is the a.duration of the repeating patterns b.magnitude of the variation c.ability to attribute the pattern to a cause d.all of the above e.none of the above a (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 47. In time series, which of the following cannot be predicted? a.large increases in demand b.technological trends c.seasonal fluctuations d.random fluctuations e.large decreases in demand d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 48. What is the approximate forecast for May using a four-month moving average? 49. Which time series model below assumes that demand in the next period will be equal to the most recent period’s demand? a.naive approach b.moving average approach c.weighted moving average approach d.exponential smoothing approach e.none of the above a (Time-series forecasting, easy) 50. Which of the following is not a characteristic of simple moving averages? a.It smoothes random variations in the data. b.It has minimal data storage requirements. c.It weights each historical value equally. d.It lags changes in the data. e.It smoothes real variations in the data. b (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 51. A six-month moving average forecast is better than a three-month moving average forecast if demand a.is rather stable b.has been changing due to recent promotional efforts c.follows a downward trend d.follows a seasonal pattern that repeats itself twice a year e.follows an upward trend a (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 52. Increasing the number of periods in a moving average will accomplish greater smoothing, but at the expense of a.manager understanding b.accuracy c.stability d.responsiveness to changes e.All of the above are diminished when the number of periods increases. d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 53. Which of the following statements comparing the weighted moving average technique and exponential smoothing is true? a.Exponential smoothing is more easily used in combination with the Delphi method. b.More emphasis can be placed on recent values using the weighted moving average. c.Exponential smoothing is considerably more difficult to implement on a computer. d.Exponential smoothing typically requires less record keeping of past data. e.Exponential smoothing allows one to develop forecasts for multiple periods, whereas weighted moving averages does not. d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 54. Which time series model uses past forecasts and past demand data to generate a new forecast? a.naive b.moving average c.weighted moving average d.exponential smoothing e.regression analysis d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 55. Which is not a characteristic of exponential smoothing? a.smoothes random variations in the data b.easily altered weighting scheme c.weights each historical value equally d.has minimal data storage requirements e.none of the above; they are all characteristics of exponential smoothing c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 56. Which of the following smoothing constants would make an exponential smoothing forecast equivalent to a naive forecast? a.0 b.1 divided by the number of periods c.0.5 d.1.0 e.cannot be determined d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 57. Given an actual demand of 103, a previous forecast value of 99, and an alpha of .4, the exponential smoothing forecast for the next period would be a.94.6 b.97.4 c.100.6 d.101.6 e.103.0 c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 58. A forecast based on the previous forecast plus a percentage of the forecast error is a(n) a.qualitative forecast b.naive forecast c.moving average forecast d.weighted moving average forecast e.exponentially smoothed forecast e (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 59. Given an actual demand of 61, a previous forecast of 58, and an of .3, what would the forecast for the next period be using simple exponential smoothing? a.45.5 b.57.1 c.58.9 d.61.0 e.65.5 c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 60. Which of the following values of alpha would cause exponential smoothing to respond the most slowly to forecast errors? a.0.10 b.0.20 c.0.40 d.0.80 e.cannot be determined a (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 61. A forecasting method has produced the following over the past five months. What is the mean absolute deviation? 62. The primary purpose of the mean absolute deviation (MAD) in forecasting is to a.estimate the trend line b.eliminate forecast errors c.measure forecast accuracy d.seasonally adjust the forecast e.all of the above c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 63. Given forecast errors of -1, 4, 8, and -3, what is the mean absolute deviation? a.2 b.3 c.4 d.8 e.16 c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 64. The last four months of sales were 8, 10, 15, and 9 units. The last four forecasts were 5, 6, 11, and 12 units. The Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) is a.2 b.-10 c.3.5 d.9 e.10.5 c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 65. A time series trend equation is 25.3 + 2.1 X. What is your forecast for period 7? a.23.2 b.25.3 c.27.4 d.40.0 e.cannot be determined d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 66. For a given product demand, the time series trend equation is 53 – 4 X. The negative sign on the slope of the equation a.is a mathematical impossibility b.is an indication that the forecast is biased, with forecast values lower than actual values c.is an indication that product demand is declining d.implies that the coefficient of determination will also be negative e.implies that the RSFE will be negative c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 67. In trend-adjusted exponential smoothing, the forecast including trend (FIT) consists of a.an exponentially smoothed forecast and an estimated trend value b.an exponentially smoothed forecast and a smoothed trend factor c.the old forecast adjusted by a trend factor d.the old forecast and a smoothed trend factor e.a moving average and a trend factor b (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 68. Which of the following is true regarding the two smoothing constants of the Forecast Including Trend (FIT) model? a.One constant is positive, while the other is negative. b.They are called MAD and RSFE. c.Alpha is always smaller than beta. d.One constant smoothes the regression intercept, whereas the other smoothes the regression slope. e.Their values are determined independently. e (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 69. Demand for a certain product is forecast to be 800 units per month, averaged over all 12 months of the year. The product follows a seasonal pattern, for which the January monthly index is 1.25. What is the seasonally-adjusted sales forecast for January? a.640 units b.798.75 units c.800 units d.1000 units e.cannot be calculated with the information given a (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 70. A seasonal index for a monthly series is about to be calculated on the basis of three years’ accumulation of data. The three previous July values were 110, 150, and 130. The average over all months is 190. The approximate seasonal index for July is a.0.487 b.0.684 c.1.462 d.2.053 e. cannot be calculated with the information given b (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 71. A fundamental distinction between trend projection and linear regression is that a.trend projection uses least squares while linear regression does not b.only linear regression can have a negative slope c.in trend projection the independent variable is time; in linear regression the independent variable need not be time, but can be any variable with explanatory power d.linear regression tends to work better on data that lack trends e.trend projection uses two smoothing constants, not just one c (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 72. The percent of variation in the dependent variable that is explained by the regression equation is measured by the a.mean absolute deviation b.slope c.coefficient of determination d.correlation coefficient e.intercept c (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 73. The degree or strength of a linear relationship is shown by the a.alpha b.mean c.mean absolute deviation d.correlation coefficient e.RSFE d (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 74. If two variables were perfectly correlated, the correlation coefficient r would equal a.0 b.less than 1 c.exactly 1 d.-1 or +1 e.greater than 1 d (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 75. The last four weekly values of sales were 80, 100, 105, and 90 units. The last four forecasts were 60, 80, 95, and 75 units. These forecasts illustrate a.qualitative methods b.adaptive smoothing c.slope d.bias e.trend projection d (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, easy) 76. The tracking signal is the a.standard error of the estimate b.running sum of forecast errors (RSFE) c.mean absolute deviation (MAD) d.ratio RSFE/MAD e.mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) d (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 77. Computer monitoring of tracking signals and self-adjustment if a signal passes a preset limit is characteristic of a.exponential smoothing including trend b.adaptive smoothing c.trend projection d.focus forecasting e.multiple regression analysis b (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 78. Many services maintain records of sales noting a.the day of the week b.unusual events c.weather d.holidays e.all of the above e (Forecasting in the service sector, moderate) 79. Taco Bell’s unique employee scheduling practices are partly the result of using a.point-of-sale computers to track food sales in 15 minute intervals b.focus forecasting c.a six-week moving average forecasting technique d.multiple regression e.a and c are both correct e (Forecasting in the service sector, moderate) 96. A skeptical manager asks what short-range forecasts can be used for. Give her three possible uses/purposes. Any three of: planning purchasing, job scheduling, work force levels, job assignments, production levels. (What is forecasting? moderate) 97. A skeptical manager asks what long-range forecasts can be used for. Give her three possible uses/purposes. Any three of: planning new products, capital expenditures, facility location or expansion, research and development. (What is forecasting? moderate) 98. Describe the three forecasting time horizons and their use. Forecasting time horizons are: short range—generally less than three months, used for purchasing, job scheduling, work force levels, production levels; medium range—usually from three months up to three years, used for sales planning, production planning and budgeting, cash budgeting, analyzing operating plans; long range—usually three years or more, used for new product development, capital expenditures, facility planning, and R&D. (What is forecasting? moderate) 99. List and briefly describe the three major types of forecasts. The three types are economic, technological, and demand; economic refers to macroeconomic, growth and financial variables; technological refers to forecasting amount of technological advance, or futurism; demand refers to  product demand. (Types of forecasts, moderate) 100. List the seven steps involved in forecasting. 1. Determine the use of the forecast. 2. Select the items that are to be forecast. 3. Determine the time horizon of the forecast. 4. Select the forecasting model(s). 5. Gather the data needed to make the forecast. 6. Make the forecast. 7. Validate the forecasting mode and implement the results. (Seven steps in the forecasting process, moderate) 101. What are the realities of forecasting that companies face? First, forecasts are seldom perfect. Second, most forecasting techniques assume that there is some underlying stability in the system. Finally, both product family and aggregated forecasts are more accurate than individual product forecasts. (Seven steps in the forecasting system, moderate) 102. What are the differences between quantitative and qualitative forecasting methods? Quantitative methods use mathematical models to analyze historical data. Qualitative methods incorporate such factors as the decision maker’s intuition, emotions, personal experiences, and value systems in determining the forecast. (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 103. List four quantitative forecasting methods. The list includes naive, moving averages, exponential smoothing, trend projection, and linear regression. (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 104. What is a time-series forecasting model? A time series forecasting model is any mathematical model that uses historical values of the quantity of interest to predict future values of that quantity. (Forecasting approaches, easy) 105. What is the difference between an associative model and a time-series model? A time series model uses only historical values of the quantity of interest to predict future values of that quantity. The associative model, on the other hand, attempts to identify underlying causes or factors that control the variation of the quantity of interest, predict future values of these factors, and use these predictions in a model to predict future values of the specific quantity of interest. (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 106. Name and discuss three qualitative forecasting methods. Qualitative forecasting methods include: jury of executive opinion, where high-level managers arrive at a group estimate of demand; sales force composite, where salespersons’ estimates are aggregated; Delphi method, where respondents provide inputs to a group of decision makers; the group of decision makers, often experts, then make the actual forecast; consumer market survey, where consumers are queried about their future purchase plans. (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 107. List the four components of a time series. Which one of these is rarely forecast? Why is this so? Trend, seasonality, cycles, and random variation. Since random variations follow no discernible pattern, they cannot be predicted, and thus are not forecast. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 108. Compare seasonal effects and cyclical effects. A cycle is longer (typically several years) than a season (typically days, weeks, months, or quarters). A cycle has variable duration, while a season has fixed duration and regular repetition. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 109. Distinguish between a moving average model and an exponential smoothing model. Exponential smoothing is a weighted moving average model wherein previous values are weighted in a specific manner–in particular, all previous values are weighted with a set of weights that decline exponentially. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 110. Describe three popular measures of forecast accuracy. Measures of forecast accuracy include: (a) MAD (mean absolute deviation). This is a sum of the absolute values of individual errors divided by the  number of periods of data. (b) MSE (mean squared error). This is the average of the squared differences between the forecast and observed values. (c) MAPE (mean absolute percent error) is independent of the magnitude of the variable being forecast. (Forecasting approaches: Measuring forecast error, moderate) 111. Give an example—other than a restaurant or other food-service firm—of an organization that experiences an hourly seasonal pattern. (That is, each hour of the day has a pattern that tends to repeat day after day.) Explain. Answer will vary. However, two non-food examples would be banks and movie theaters. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 112. Explain the role of regression models (time series and otherwise) in forecasting. That is, how is trend projection able to forecast? How is regression used for causal forecasting? For trend projection, the independent variable is time. The trend projection equation has a slope that is the change in demand per period. To forecast the demand for period t, perform the calculation a + bt. For causal forecasting, the independent variables are predictors of the forecast value or dependent variable. The slope of the regression equation is the change in the Y variable per unit change in the X variable. (Time-series forecasting, diff icult) 113. List three advantages of the moving average forecasting model. List three disadvantages of the moving average forecasting model. Two advantages of the model are that it uses simple calculations, it smoothes out sudden fluctuations, and it is easy for users to understand. The disadvantages are that the averages always stay within past ranges, that they require extensive record keeping of past data, and that they do not pick up on trends very well. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 114. What does it mean to â€Å"decompose† a time series? To decompose a time series means to break past data down into components of trends, seasonality, cycles, and random blips, and to project them forward. (Time-series forecasting, easy) 115. Distinguish a dependent variable from an independent variable. The  independent variable causes some behavior in the dependent variable; the dependent variable shows the effect of changes in the independent variable. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 116. Explain, in your own words, the meaning of the coefficient of determination. The coefficient of determination measures the amount (percent) of total variation in the data that is explained by the model. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 117. What is a tracking signal? How is it calculated? Explain the connection between adaptive smoothing and tracking signals. A tracking signal is a measure of how well the forecast actually predicts. Its calculation is the ratio of RSFE to MAD. The larger the absolute tracking signal, the worse the forecast is performing. Adaptive smoothing sets limits to the tracking signal, and makes changes to its forecasting models when the tracking signal goes beyond those limits. (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 118. What is focus forecasting? It is a forecasting method that tries a variety of computer models, and selects the one that is best for a particular application. (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, easy) 124. A management analyst is using exponential smoothing to predict merchandise returns at an upscale branch of a department store chain. Given an actual number of returns of 154 items in the most recent period completed, a forecast of 172 items for that period, and a smoothing constant of 0.3, what is the forecast for the next period? How would the forecast be changed if the smoothing constant were 0.6? Explain the difference in terms of alpha and responsiveness. 166.6; 161.2 The larger the smoothing constant in an exponentially smoothed forecast, the more responsive the forecast. (Time-series forecasting, easy) 126. The following trend projection is used to predict quarterly demand: Y = 250 – 2.5t, where t = 1 in the first quarter of 2004. Seasonal (quarterly) relatives are Quarter 1 = 1.5; Quarter 2 = 0.8; Quarter 3 = 1.1; and Quarter 4 = 0.6. What is the seasonally adjusted forecast for the four quarters of 2006? PeriodProjectionAdjusted 9 227.5341.25 10 225180.00 11222.5224.75 12220132.00 (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 127. Jim’s department at a local department store has tracked the sales of a product over the last ten weeks. Forecast demand using exponential smoothing with an alpha of 0.4, and an initial forecast of 28.0. Calculate MAD and the tracking signal. What do you recommend? 130. A small family-owned restaurant uses a seven-day moving average model to determine manpower requirements. These forecasts need to be seasonalized because each day of the week has its own demand pattern. The seasonal relatives for each day of the week are: Monday, 0.445; Tuesday, 0.791; Wednesday, 0.927; Thursday, 1.033; Friday, 1.422; Saturday, 1.478; and Sunday 0.903. Average daily demand based on the most recent moving average is 194 patrons. What is the seasonalized forecast for each day of next week? The average value multiplied by each day’s seasonal index. Monday: 194 x .445 = 86; Tuesday: 194 x .791 = 153; Wednesday: 194 x .927 = 180; Thursday: 194 x 1.033 = 200; Friday: 194 x 1.422 = 276; Saturday: 194 x 1.478 = 287; and Sunday: 194 x .903 = 175. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 131. A restaurant has tracked the number of meals served at lunch over the last four weeks. The data shows little in terms of trends, but does display substantial variation by day of the week. Use the following information to determine the seasonal (daily) index for this restaurant. 132. A firm has modeled its experience with industrial accidents and found that the number of accidents per year (Y) is related to the number of employees (X) by the regression equation Y = 3.3 + 0.049*X. R-Square is 0.68. The regression is based on 20 annual observations. The firm intends to employ 480 workers next year. How many accidents do you project? How much confidence do you have in that forecast? Y = 3.3 + 0.049 * 480 = 3.3 + 23.52 = 26.52 accidents. This is not a time series, so next year = year 21 is of no relevance. Confidence comes from the coefficient of determination; the model explains 68% of the variation in number of accidents, which seems respectable. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 133. Demand for a certain product is forecast to be 8,000 units per month, averaged over all 12 months of the year. The product follows a seasonal pattern, for which the January monthly index is 1.25. What is the seasonally-adjusted sales forecast for January? 8,000 x 1.25 = 10,000 (Time-series forecasting, easy) 134. A seasonal index for a monthly series is about to be calculated on the basis of three years’ accumulation of data. The three previous July values were 110, 135, and 130. The average over all months is 160. The approximate seasonal index for July is  (110 + 135 + 130)/3 = 125; 125/160 = 0.781 (Time-series forecasting,  moderate) 135. Marie Bain is the production manager at a company that manufactures hot water heaters. Marie needs a demand forecast for the next few years to help decide whether to add new production capacity. The company’s sales history (in thousands of units) is shown in the table below. Use exponential smoothing with trend adjustment, to forecast demand for period 6. The initial forecast for period 1 was 11 units; the initial estimate of trend was 0. The smoothing constants are = .3 and  · = .3 136. The quarterly sales for specific educational software over the past three years are given in the following table. Compute the four seasonal factors. 137. An innovative restaurateur owns and operates a dozen â€Å"Ultimate Low-Carb† restaurants in northern Arkansas. His signature item is a cheese-encrusted beef medallion wrapped in lettuce. Sales (X, in millions of dollars) is related to Profits (Y, in hundreds of thousands of dollars) by the regression equation Y = 8.21 + 0.76 X. What is your forecast of profit for a store with sales of $40 million? $50 million? Students must recognize that sales is the independent variable and profits is dependent; the problem is not a time series. A store with $40 million in sales: 40 x 0.76 = 30.4; 30.4 + 8.21 = 38.61, or $3,861,000 in profit; $50 million in sales is estimated to profit 46.21 or $4,621,000. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 138. Arnold Tofu owns and operates a chain of 12 vegetable protein â€Å"hamburger† restaurants in northern Louisiana. Sales figures and profits for the stores are in the table below. Sales are given in millions of dollars; profits are in hundreds of thousands of dollars. Calculate a regression line for the data. What is your forecast of profit for a store with sales of $24 million? $30 million? Students must recognize that â€Å"sales† is the independent variable and profits is dependent. Store number is not a variable, and the problem is not a time series. The regression equation is Y = 5.936 + 1.421 X (Y = profit, X = sales). A store with $24 million in sales is estimated to profit 40.04 or $4,004,000; $30 million in sales should yield 48.566 or $4,856,600 in profit. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 139. The department manager using a combination of methods has forecast sales of toasters at a local department store. Calculate the MAD for the manager’s forecast. Compare the manager’s forecast against a naive forecast. Which is better?