The Myth of Gilgamesh, Hero King of Mesopotamia

Gilgamesh is the name of a legendary warrior king, a figure based on the fifth king of the first dynasty of the Mesopotamian capital of Uruk, sometime between 2700–2500 BCE. Real or not, Gilgamesh was the hero of the first recorded epic adventure tale, told in the ancient world from Egypt to Turkey, from the Mediterranean coast to the Arabian desert for well over 2,000 years. Fast Facts: Gilgamesh, Hero King of Mesopotamia Alternate Names: King Gilgamesh of UrukEquivalent: Bilgames (Akkadian), Bilgamesh  (Sumerian)Epithets: He Who Saw the DeepRealms and Powers: King of Uruk, responsible for building the city wall, and King of the Underworld and Judge of the DeadFamily: Son of the Babylonian King Lugalbanda (also known as Enmerkar or Euechsios) and the goddess Ninsumun or Ninsun.  Culture/Country: Mesopotamia / Babylon / UrukPrimary Sources: Babylonian epic poem written in Sumerian, Akkadian, and Aramaic; discovered at Nineveh in 1853 Gilgamesh in Babylonian Mythology The earliest surviving documents referring to Gilgamesh are cuneiform tablets found throughout Mesopotamia and made between 2100–1800 BCE. The tablets were written in Sumerian and describe events in Gilgameshs life that were later woven into a narrative. Scholars believe that the Sumerian tales may have been copies of older (non-surviving) compositions from the court of the Ur III kings (21st century BCE), who claimed descent from Gilgamesh. The earliest evidence of the stories as a narrative was likely composed by scribes at the cities of Larsa or Babylon. By the 12th century BCE, the epic of Gilgamesh was widespread throughout the Mediterranean region. Babylonian tradition says that the exorcist Si-leqi-unninni of Uruk was the author of the Gilgamesh poem called He Who Saw the Deep, about 1200 BCE. The 11th tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh, in which Utnapishtim tells the story of the Great Flood. CM Dixon / Getty Images A nearly complete copy was found in 1853 in Nineveh, Iraq, partly at the Library of Ashurbanipal (r. 688–633 BCE). Copies and fragments of the Gilgamesh epic have been found from the Hittite site of Hattusa in Turkey to Egypt, from Megiddo in Israel to the Arabian desert. These fragments of the tale are variously written in Sumerian, Akkadian, and several forms of Babylonian, and the latest ancient version dates to the time of the Seleucids, Alexander the Greats successors in the fourth century BCE.   Description   In the most common form of the story, Gilgamesh is a prince, son of King Lugalbanda (or a renegade priest) and the goddess Ninsun (or Ninsumun). Though he was a wild youth at the outset, during the epic tale Gilgamesh pursues a heroic quest for fame and immortality and becomes a man with an enormous capacity for friendship, endurance, and adventure. Along the way he also experiences great joy and sorrow, as well as strength and weakness. Drawing of a statue of Mesopotamian ruler Gilgamesh, as he holds a lion under his arm. Stock Montage / Getty Images Epic of Gilgamesh   In the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh is a young prince in Warka (Uruk), fond of carousing and chasing women. The citizens of Uruk complain to the gods, who together decide to send a distraction to Gilgamesh in the form of a large hairy creature, Enkidu. Enkidu disapproves of Gilgameshs wastrel ways and together they set off on a journey through the mountains to the Cedar Forest, where a monster lives: Huwawa or Humbaba, a monstrously fearsome giant of immemorial age. With the help of the Babylonian sun god, Enkidu and Gilgamesh defeat Huwawa and kill him and his bull, but the gods demand that Enkidu be sacrificed for the deaths.   Enkidu dies, and Gilgamesh, heartbroken, mourns by his body for seven days, hoping it will come alive again. When Enkidu isnt revived, he holds a formal burial for him and then vows he will become immortal. The rest of the tale concerns that quest. Seeking Immortality Gilgamesh seeks immortality in several places, including the establishment of a divine tavern owner (or barmaid) on the sea coast, across the Mediterranean, and through a visit to the Mesopotamian Noah, Utnapishtim, who obtained immortality after surviving the great flood. After many adventures, Gilgamesh arrives at the home of Utnapishtim, who, after recounting the events of the Great Flood, eventually tells him that if he can sleep for six days and seven nights, he will obtain immortality. Gilgamesh sits down and instantly falls asleep for six days. Utnapishtim then tells him he must go the bottom of the sea to find a special plant with healing powers. Gilgamesh is able to find it, but the plant is stolen by a serpent who uses it and is able to molt its old skin and be reborn. Gilgamesh weeps bitterly and then gives up his quest and returns to Uruk. When he finally dies, he becomes the god of the underworld, a perfect king and judge of the dead who sees and knows all.   Engraved weight depicting the hero Gilgamesh fighting two snakes, steatite or chlorite. Sumerian civilization, 3rd millennium BCE. G. Dagli Orti / Getty Images Plus Gilgamesh in Modern Culture   The epic of Gilgamesh is not the only Mesopotamian epic about a half-human, half-god king. Fragments of epics have been found concerning several kings including Sargon of Agade (ruled 2334 to 2279 BCE),  Nebuchadnezzar I of Babylon (1125–1104 BCE), and Nabopolassar of Babylon (626–605 BCE). However, Gilgameshs is the earliest narrative poem recorded. Plot points, heroic aspects, and even whole stories are thought to have been an inspiration for the Old Testament of the Bible, the Iliad and the Odyssey, the works of Hesiod, and the Arabian nights. The Gilgamesh epic is not a religious document; it is a story of a dimly historical hero who interfered with and was guarded by several gods and goddesses, a story that evolved and was embroidered over its 2,000-year-long existence. Sources and Further Reading Abusch, Tzvi. The Development and Meaning of the Epic of Gilgamesh: An Interpretive Essay. Journal of the American Oriental Society 121.4 (2001): 614–22. Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, The Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.George, Andrew R. The Babylonian Gilgamesh Epic: Introduction, Critical Edition and Cuneiform Texts, 2 vols. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.idem. The GilgameÃ… ¡ Epic at Ugarit. Aula Orientalis 25.237–254 (2007). Print.Gresseth, Gerald K. The Gilgamesh Epic and Homer. The Classical Journal 70.4 (1975): 1–18. Heidel, Alexander. Gilgamesh Epic and Old Testament Parallels. Chicago IL: The University of Chicago Press, 1949. Milstein, Sara J. Outsourcing Gilgamesh. Empirical Models Challenging Biblical Criticism. Eds. Person Jr., Raymond F., and Robert Rezetko. Ancient Israel and Its Literature. Atlanta, GA: SBL Press, 2016. 37–62.

Essay on The Causes of Homelessness - 1301 Words

Walking down the streets of many metropolitan areas, a person is often faced with an often ignored problem: homelessness. Homelessness in America could be considered a major issue considering that over six hundred thousand people are homeless at any one time. Of those homeless, 46% were individuals not regularly occurring homelessness, 37% were individuals with chronic homelessness, and about 16% were families (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2013). One might ask themselves, â€Å"How does this affect me?† Currently, it might not, however if you look at the statistics, homelessness was not a regular occurrence for almost half of those found homeless. The reason for homelessness varies greatly. Culturally, many people consider those who†¦show more content†¦Combining all of these factors can put great stress on even the most stable of individuals. As described above, about 15% of the individuals experiencing homelessness had mental-health issues before being hom eless. What then are some of the other causes that an individual may have for experiencing homelessness? In 2003, Anderson and Christian took the time to try to ascertain that very fact about the causes of homelessness in the United Kingdom. Firstly they differentiated between the statutory and non-statutory homelessness explaining that those who were considered non-statutory homeless tended to not be offered housing through the social programs in place to end homelessness. From those who were considered statutory homeless, many were worked into the social system. The reasons presented were varied but what many would consider ‘normal’ situations in life. Reasons such as parents and friends no longer willing or able to accommodate, relationship breakdowns, late mortgage payments, late rent payments, disputes with spouse or roommates, fires, floods, storms, and landlord actions were all listed as reasons for leaving their last residence. These all seem like very normal ci rcumstances in life, although some are a bit extraordinary such as fires, floods, and storms. Even though they happen infrequently to many people, they do happen fairly regularly across the spectrum. When reviewing the common reasons listed above, it is also important to think ofShow MoreRelatedCauses Of Homelessness1405 Words   |  6 Pagesthey all share in common are the factors why a specific type of population became homeless. The interrelation of homelessness and mental illness are informed by many factors such as; the lack of support, extreme poverty, substance abuse, lack of affordable health insurance, and lack of affordable housing. The homeless population shares different struggles when dealing with homelessness and mental illnesses because there are not enough resources for them to be able to come back to their normal selfRead MoreThe Causes Of Homelessness1656 Words   |  7 PagesHomelessness is defined as the situation of an individual or family without stable, perm anent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means, and ability of acquiring it. It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioral or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, stressfulRead MoreCauses of Homelessness Essay1298 Words   |  6 PagesCauses of Homelessness Bentley Martin BSHS/302 July 16, 2011 Joey Schumacher Causes of Homelessness There are many factors that lead to poverty and homelessness. People often jump to conclusions and form stereotypes to look down upon those who are poor. Stereotypes include poor people who are viewed as lazy, jobless, criminals, or un-educated. When I think of a homeless individual, I would agree with most of the stereotypes and find within the reading and researching that there is more toRead MoreCauses And Effects Of Homelessness Essay1267 Words   |  6 Pages Causes and effects of homelessness in industrialized countries Student Name Institution â€Æ' Introduction Homelessness is the lack of a place to leave or sleep especially during the night. Homeless people do not have proper housing, security and most of them sleep in different places depending on various conditions. Homelessness definition can vary in countries or in various regions in the same country. According to Evans, L., Strathdee in the book â€Å"A roof is not enough†, he explainsRead MoreCauses and Effects of Homelessness2290 Words   |  10 Pagesï » ¿ Causes and Effects of Homelessness Tera Penrod Purpose: To help people understand homelessness. Audience: Readers interested in learning about some causes of homelessness and some effects it has. Homelessness is living without a home, be it on the streets or in shelters. There are many causes for people becoming homeless, and the combination of factors that lead to homelessness are different for every individual. Some of the factors that contribute to homelessness for youth, singleRead MoreThe Causes Of Veteran Homelessness2513 Words   |  11 Pagesgoals are put in place and there is enough effort and power backing up the motor of these goals, then accomplishing an end to veteran homelessness will occur. This paper will examine the causes of veteran homelessness and how to cease and prevent veteran homelessness from happening and reoccurring. According to the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, as of 2014, 13.2% of the American population was homeless. Additionally, it was found that another 3.5 million people were strainedRead MoreCauses of Homelessness in San Antonio888 Words   |  4 Pagespicture shows that homelessness has dropped nearly four percent from 2012 to 2013. Further, an average of 610,042 people are homeless across the United States on any given night. â€Å"Of that number, 36 percent – 222,197 people – were in families, representing a drop of 7 percent for that group† (Chappell, 2013, p. #). More than a third of these people were not found in shelters, abandoned buildings, cars, or under bridges. Although, there has been a small decline in homelessness, it’s still necessaryRead More Causes and Effects of Homelessness Essay829 Words   |  4 PagesHomelessness is a problem virtually every society suffers from. There are many things that cause pe ople to become homeless, such as unemployment, relationship problems, and being evicted from ones domicile either by a landlord, friend or even a family member. However, with every cause there must be an effect. Some of the effects of one becoming homeless, besides the obvious change of lifestyle, are various health problems which often times may lead to death. Many people find themselves inRead MoreCauses of Homelessness in the USA Essay1312 Words   |  6 PagesHomelessness has become a serious problem in today’s society. Despite the organizations that help multitudes of homeless people, homelessness is continually increasing. In recent years, America’s culture has been changing due to economic, political, and social issues. These issues have caused a lot of stress on America resulting in abject poverty in several cities. Poverty is not nationwide, but if dealt with lightly, the affects can be catastrophic. Homelessness is increasing more than ever, andRead MoreEssay on The Causes Of Homelessness In The U898 Words   |  4 Pages               The Causes of Homelessness in the U.S                               Nawaf Saif Almoeini Alex Westbrook University Preparatory Program January 16th, 2015   Ã¢â‚¬Å"In 2010, †¦ the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness issued a comprehensive plan to eradicate homelessness for all people through interagency collaboration and aligning mainstream services. A key goal is to prevent and end homelessness for all families, youth, and children within 10  years†Ã‚  (Bassuk, 2010, P.496).  Homelessness is a situation

Neonatal Respiratory distress syndrome reflective practice...

This assignment describes my own reflective experience while caring for a sick neonate with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in the neonatal unit. This has enabled me to explore the meaning and significance of my clinical practice and to recognise the complexities within it. The experience raises a number of issues frequently encountered in daily nursing practice. Within this assignment, I will be discussing a particular pre term baby with RDS and critically analyse the use of nasal continuous positive airways pressure (NCPAP) and surfactant therapy and possible effects on baby’s outcome. Pseudonyms will be used to maintain patient confidentiality in order to keep in with the nursing and midwifery council code of conduct. (NMC 2004)The†¦show more content†¦To understand whether the actions carried out was rational or whether it did more harm or good, it is necessary to review the development of RDS in a preterm baby. Neonatal RDS is a condition of increasing respiratory distress commencing at or shortly after birth (BAPM-2006). It’s the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants (Greenough, et al 2004). Typically RDS affects preterm infants with the incidence being inversely proportional to the gestational age (Stewart 2005) Approximately 60% of those born before 28 weeks gestation are affected (Fraser, et al 2004) Incidence also increases in infants of diabetic mothers those born via elective caesarean section (Fraser, et al 2004) and perinatal asphyxia (Rodriguez, 2003). RDS is characterised by tachypnoea, nasal flaring, intercostal and sub costal in drawing with sternal retraction and a predominantly a diaphragmatic breathing pattern and a characteristic expiratory grunt or moan and cyanosis without oxygen, all persisting within 4-6 hours of delivery. Diagnosis can be confirmed by history, blood gases showing impaired respiratory function and an X-ray film showing ground glass appearance and air bronchograms (Fraser, et al 2004) RDS is caused by a defective or delayed production of surfactant in structurally immature lungs. Surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and proteins secreted by the typeShow MoreRelatedRisk Factors For Gestational Diabetes Mellitus1765 Words   |  8 Pageshigher incidence of GDM than non-Hispanic Caucasian women [Ferrara, 2007; Slocum and Burke Sosa, 2002]), obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≠¥25 kg/m2), high pre-pregnancy fasting blood glucose levels, increased maternal age, parity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, sociodemographic and behavioral attributes, previous adverse pregnancy outcomes, and previous GDM (Gunderson, et al., 2007; Perkins, et al., 2007). King (1998) found that in the absence of risk factors, gestational diabetes is rare (0.6%), and

Essay on The Pent-up Guilt in Macbeth - 1720 Words

The Pent-up Guilt in Macbeth There is hardly any emotion in William Shakespeares tragedy Macbeth that outweighs that of guilt. Both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are seriously compromised by the impact of this emotion. Clark and Wright in their Introduction to The Complete Works of William Shakespeare explain how guilt impacts Lady Macbeth: Having sustained her weaker husband, her own strength gives way; and in sleep, when her will cannot control her thoughts, she is piteously afflicted by the memory of one stain of blood upon her little hand. (792) In Fools of Time: Studies in Shakespearean Tragedy, Northrop Frye sees a relationship between Macbeths guilt and his hallucinations: The future†¦show more content†¦The very use of such a tender allusion in the midst of her dreadful language, persuades one unequivocally that she has really felt the maternal yearnings of a mother towards her babe, and that she considered this action the most enormous that ever required the strength of human nerves for its perpetration. Her language to Macbeth is the most potently eloquent that guilt could use. (56) The Tragedy of Macbeth opens in a desert place with thunder and lightning and three witches who are anticipating their meeting with Macbeth. Macbeth is greeted by the witches with hail to thee, thane of Glamis, thane of Cawdor, and thou shalt be king hereafter! When Ross and Angus arrive with news of Duncans reward (He bade me, from him, call thee thane of Cawdor), it is logical for Macbeth to assume that all of the weird sisters prophecies will come true. At this point in the play there is no guilt felt. After the kings announcement that We will establish our estate upon / Our eldest, Malcolm, Macbeth says, The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step / On which I must fall down, or else oerleap, for his scheming is seriously underway. At Inverness in Macbeths castle, his lady anticipates Duncans visit: The raven himself is hoarse / That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan / Under myShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare Is A Well-Known And Recognized English1542 Words   |  7 Pages Shakespeare decided to move to London and took up the role of being an actor and a playwright. It wasn’t until 1594 that he began his career with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the leading theater company at the time. Shakespeare spent his time pumping out 37 written plays and over 150 poems, which only provoked him into becoming a prominent playwright, figure in his successful work output. Shakespeare didn’t only revert to tragedies such as Macbeth, but combined fascinating plots, strong ch aractersRead More Fate vs. Freedom Essay1046 Words   |  5 Pages Fate may state what will be in ones life however, how that destiny comes about is a matter of mans own choice. In other words, incidents dont occur because our destinies are written. In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare expertly uses the theme of fate vs. free will and raises the pre-eminent question of which holds power over the characters. In Shakespeare’s tragedy, fate is not the cause of his downfall, his own desires and choices prove to be the deciding factor. There are several examples ofRead MoreEssay Discuss the Supernatural in Macbeth.2548 Words   |  11 Pagesin Macbeth, provides for much of the plays dramatic tension and the mounting suspense. In this paper we shall look at some of supernatural elements in the play. Well first talk about the witches. Thunder occurs every time when the witches show up. In Act I sence i, it indicates the theme of discorder. When the witches enter, there is stormy weather. The storm attends the three witches when they are gather to express their exploits. They cast a spell that they are going to meet Macbeth. ThereRead More Macbeth Senior Research Paper1797 Words   |  8 Pagestried to keep up with the people’s needs. In 1605, Shakespeare was being hounded for another work of genius. Hamlet and King Lear had just been completed and the people begged for more. He knew not of what to write and like many playwrights, he did research. He found two stories from Hollinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland. Shakespeare had already taken ideas from Hollinshed for his plays like Henry IV and Henry V. William decided to combine the reign of Macbeth and the murderRead MoreHamlet, Prince Of Denmark1869 Words   |  8 PagesThomas Kyd s Spanish Tragedy. He goes on to challenge the verbal parallelism of theses two texts by strongly supporting Robertson’s view that ‘Shakespeare s Hamlet, so far as it is Shakespeare s, is a play dealing with the effect of a mother s guilt upon her son, and that Shakespeare was unable to impose this motive successfully upon the intractable material of the old play.’ Eliot quite wickedly also asserts a statement: â€Å"far from being Shakespeare s masterpiece, the play is most certainlyRead MoreA Freudian View Of Charles Lamb’s Dream Children: A Reverie1973 Words   |  8 Pageswas old but distinguished from every corner. Lamb used to spend his holidays there as a child and was each time overwhelmed by its beauty and majesty. Mrs. Field often spoke of seeing the apparitions of two small children (a boy and a girl), running up and down the steps of the house at midnight; of which Lamb had no luck of witnessing (probably an innuendo to The Babies In The Wood). He remembers how he used to stroll in the big house with its worn-out curtains and flinging tapestry. He would constantlyRead MoreModern English Macbeth21221 Words   |  85 PagesModern English Macbeth www.nosweatshakespeare.com Modern English Shakespeare resources ebooks Contents About the Author Page 3 Act One Scene One Act One Scene Two Act One Scene Three Act One Scene Four Act One Scene Five Act One Scene Six Act One Scene Seven Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 17 Act Two Scene One Act Two Scene Two Act Two Scene Three Act Two Scene Four Page 19 Page 21 Page 23 Page 26 Act Three Scene One Act Three Scene

Doctrine of Capital Maintenance and Statutory Developments

Question: Discuss about the Doctrine of Capital Maintenance and Statutory Developments. Answer: Introduction: A no liability company is a public company under the corporations act and limited by the shares the corporations Act, 2001. The no liability companies mainly used in the mining and oil exploration. The organizational structures of no liability companies are differ in comparison of other type companies. In Australia, a company that is public limited company by the shares known as no liability company thus type companies can issue their shares to public[1]. If companies follow all the guidelines and meets all the predefined terms and condition of section 117 and 112(2) of the corporation Act 2001, then company may be registered. The section 117, 112(2) includes the various elements which are essential and followed by the companies. The section 112(2) describes that a company may be registered as no liability company if it has share capital, engage in mining activities, and if company has no contractual rights to recover the calls from the shareholders on shares[2]. At the same time, section 117 describes the application process of registration for the no liability companies and other companies. According to Corporations Act 2001, for the registration of company a person needs to fill a registration form with ASCI[3]. There is below an application form for the registration of a company as an Australian company: The maintenance of capital doctrine: The Doctrine of Capital Maintenance is the collection of the rules that help company in the management of capital. It is also fundamental principle of the company law that restricts the business enterprise to manage or maintain the share capital rather than distributing among the shareholders for the benefit and protection of creditors[4]. The doctrine of capital maintenance has specific procedure which should be followed for the management of share capital. The doctrine of capital maintenance is developed basically for the two reasons. The first reason is to protect the creditors interest and second is to ensure that company directors applied the share capital properly and lawfully. This fundamental principle of company law supports the rules and regulations related to dividend payment to companys shareholders and rules for the reduction in the companys share capital[5]. Along with this, the doctrine principal also developed to restrict the companies for the buying their own shares by the company. This principal of company law describes that a company or organization cannot purchase their own shares without follow the specific laws and procedure. At the same time, the doctrine principal also restrict that a subsidiary company cannot purchase the shares of its holding company. Further, it describes that a company cannot provide the financial assistance for the merger and acquisition activities for its parenting company. It is also required for the company that they distribute the dividend to companies shareholders from distributable profit. The notion or Doctrine of the capital maintenance was developed during the nineteenth century[6]. The main doctrine of capital maintenance was that the companys shareholders will collect their dividend after the payment of companies creditors. This principal or doctrine was reformed in year 1980 and it was replaced by the new principal or doctrine statutory procedure. In the year 1998, the doctrine of capital maintenance was relaxed for the some specific capital transactions through Ch2Js introduction. Under the section 257A-257J of Corporations Act 2001 the provisions related to buyback of shares was allowed in Australia[7]. It indicates that remain doctrine of capital maintenance are included in the company law and gives the foundation to company law in Australia. Through relaxation in the doctrine of capital maintenance the companies were allowed to reduce their share capital. According to Corporation Act 2001, it is required that companies should follow the rules and principals of the capital maintenance to protect the interest of shareholders and creditors. The doctrine of capital maintenance helps the company to make the payment or interest of the shareholders and lenders, and creditors. Furthermore, the maintenance of capital helps the companies to address the transaction which leads to company beside the insolvency that helps in reducing the business risk[8]. Along with this, the doctrine of capital maintenance helps the business organization to disclose that company follows the all requisite laws for the protection of shareholders interests. Through the corporation Act 2001, companies can reduce their share capital therefore it is required that company should follow the legal procedure and comply with related laws. References: CCA, (2010) CORPORATIONS ACT 2001 - SECT 112 [Online] Available at: https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca2001172/s112.html (Accessed: 20 January 2017). CCA, (2010) CORPORATIONS ACT 2001 - SECT 117 [Online] Available at: https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_act/ca2001172/s117.html (Accessed: 20 January 2017). CCH (2010) Corporations Act 2001, ASIC Act 2001, related regulations, current as at 1 January 2010. AU: CCH Australia. CCH (2011) Australian Corporations Securities Legislation 2011: Corporations Act 2001, ASIC Act 2001, related regulations. AU: CCH Australia Limited. Dagwell, R., Wines, G. and Lambert, C. (2011) Corporate Accounting in Australia. AU: Pearson Higher Education. Islam, M.S., (2015) The Doctrine of Capital Maintenance and its Statutory Developments: An Analysis.Northern University Journal of Law,4, pp.47-55. Siems, M. and Cabrelli, D. (2013) Comparative Company Law: A Case-Based Approach. UK: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Determination of Quality Standard for Business- myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theDetermination of Service Quality Standardfor Business. Answer: In the present business scenario, contemporary business organizations have to provide effective customer service in order to maintain the retention rate of the customers as well as enhance the level of loyalty of the existing customers (Jahanshani et al. 2014). This concept is not only applicable for the service sectors, but also for the manufacturing sectors. This is due to the reason that, in the case of the manufacturing sector, providing tangible products to the customers will not enhance the customer experience but also they have to provide effective after sales service and various schemes related to the customer relationship in order to provide effective customer service (Wong et al. 2015). Current Business Scenario of Caterpillar Caterpillar is one of the leading organizations in offering diverse range of heavy mining machineries. They have their operations around the world and are having more than 100 years of experience in this field. However, in the recent years they are facing issues related to the customer service (Wilson et al. 2012). Various competitors are being emerged in the market, which are offering more cost effective service to the customers. Thus, the business potentiality of Caterpillar is being adversely affected. Thus, the Latin American wing of Caterpillar has initiated a scheme of customer service agreements. It is being projected that the initiation of the customer service agreements will help to gain competitive success factors and will provide effective customer service. The major stakeholders of Caterpillar include the customers, distributors, employees and the dealers. The proposed customer service agreements will involve all the stakeholders and it will be implemented in a holistic approach. The dealers and distributors will be involved to enhance the distribution networks and to provide effective and efficient customer service in the service centers. The industry where caterpillar is currently operating is having the core product of the tangible item, but the augmented product is of the service being provided to the customers (Beltagui et al. 2012). In the case of caterpillar, they provide mining machineries to their customers. However, it is being seen that a major portion of the existing customers are opting for other service providers for the after sale service or for the mid life services. Thus, providing effective customer service will not only retain the existing customers, but also increase their revenue generation (Khan and Inamullah 2012 ). Service Characteristics The service portfolio of caterpillar includes refurbishing the old products for the existing customers, financing services and insurance services. In this case, all of the above stated services will have their own significance in providing effective customer service. The refurbishing of the old machinery will help the existing customers in extending their life span of the machineries (Caixeta et al. 2013). Moreover, the refurbishing technologies being involved in the service of the caterpillar is more superior than that of the services being provided by the third party vendors. Thus, the loyalty of the customers will be increased if they can maintain their products as new one. The second service being provided by them is the financing service (Bernel et al. 2014). By providing this service, they will be able to provide the customers financial assistance in buying new products. Customers will have the options of paying in installment schemes. Thus, the customer convenience and custome r experience will be more in this case. The last service being provided by them is the insurance service. The machineries being offered by caterpillar is more vulnerable to the wear and tear and thus, there is more chance of depreciation and breakdowns. Thus, the insurance service being provided by them will be helpful for the customers due to the fact that it will be provide the customers of supports in case of any breakdowns. Providing this service will also enhance the customer convenience and will increase the customer loyalty and retention (Kaura et al. 2015). Micro and macro analysis In the case of the macro environment of caterpillar, the competitive scenario for them is rapidly changing. This is due to the emergence of the third party service providers is leading to the outsourcing of the fleet by the customers. Thus, due to this reason, the caterpillar dealers cannot get involved and the organization is getting deprived from providing service to their customers. In addition, the emergence of the various small workshops for servicing the mining machineries are also posing challenge for the service being offered by caterpillar. This is due to the reason that, these small workshops are offering similar level of expertise to their customers at more cost effective prices. Several equipment distributors have entered in the market of Latin America, which are offering equipments at lower cost than that of the caterpillar. The microenvironment of caterpillar includes the relationship between the caterpillar and dealers network. The internal environment and structure of the organization is feasible enough to provide effective customer service. However, there are several issues being identified, which is reducing the effectiveness of the service quality being provided by them to their customers (Zhao et al. 2012). One of the key issues being identified is the less information about the customer service agreements by the sales people. Moreover, the sales persons are not being provided for extra selling of the customer service agreements. Thus, the motive of increasing the customer service agreements is not being fulfilled. Another issue in the dealership network of caterpillar being identified is the lack of customer oriented focus of the dealership. It is being seen that the dealership of caterpillar is more concentrated on the effectiveness of the work being done rather than determining the effectiveness in providing the customer satisfaction (Jhandir and Saif Ullah 2012). Thus, though the dealership network of caterpillar is effective enough in providing effective and efficient service for their products but the customer satisfaction is not being taken care of. This should also be rectified in order to enhance the effectiveness of the service quality and the level of satisfaction of the customers. Constraints and Obstacles One of the key barriers that are being identified is the geographical distance between customers and the dealers. Thus, the time being consumed by the customers in availing the services is more and it have negative impact on the customer assumption. Another obstacle being identified is the lack of any particular standards being set by the organization to define the service quality (del Mar Alonso-Almeida et al. 2013). Thus, it is difficult for the dealership to maintain the service quality standard. Moreover, the diversity in culture in the Latin American region is also posing challenge for the effective maintenance of the service quality standard. Service Quality Standard The customers of caterpillar are actually the machineries from them but they are also expected to be given the good and effective service quality. The after sales services and other related augmented services is required and expected by them. However, emotional contagion can be an issue in providing the effective service quality due to the reason that, the customer will get influenced by the emotional labor being possessed by the employees. Thus, it should be considered that the emotional influence by the employees will have positive influence on the customers. For the successful service interaction, the emotional connectivity between the employees and the customers should be positive and effective. OrganizationalEffectiveness In the present scenario, caterpillar is performing positive in the Latin American market. However, the issues being identified may pose challenges in future. The issues they are facing in providing the customers service effectively. Thus, it should be well coordinated and implemented effectively in order to enhance the customer service. The back stage service being provided by them, consist of the employees in charge of servicing and repairing the machineries. On the other hand, front stage employees are the one who are responsible for enhancing the augmented service quality for the customers. They look after the emotional labor being provided to the customers and to effectively determine the requirement of the customers and offering services accordingly. The staffs are being trained effectively according to the job requirement. However, it should also be considered that the service requirement of the customers is rapidly changing and it is important for them to train and equip their employees accordingly (Elnaga, Amir and Amen Imran 2013). Effective implementation of the service marketing mix will help the organization in effectively providing the services to their customers. According to the service marketing mix, the service to be provided along with the place, promotion and pricing should be effectively managed and coordinated. Effective coordination of all the elements will help the organization in providing holistic service to the customers. The communication process in providing the service to the customers by caterpillar is not effective and it is been seen that employees are not been properly trained in promoting the CSA to the customers. Thus, in this case, caterpillar as an organization is failing to effectively marketing their services. Thus, it is being recommended that, initiation of an effective communication channel, preferably extensive will help to promote their services to the customers. It can be concluded that, caterpillar is effective in providing the products to their customers. However, in the case of the service quality, they should improve to gain competitive advantages from the market. Reference Beltagui, Ahmad, Marina Candi, and Johann CKH Riedel. "Design in the experience economy: Using emotional design for service innovation." 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