Dynamics of Information Technology

Question: Discuss about the Dynamics of Information Technology. Answer: Introduction Cloud computing has drastically shifted the dynamics of information technology, more so on how information is managed, consumed and scaled by those who own it. Since its inception, cloud computing seems to have had substantial benefits in business because it allows organisations and individuals to deliver services that would otherwise be unaffordable. In fact, consider the analysis done by Gartner Inc. in 2013 that saw cloud-based services take up to 60 percent of all online earnings. However, these benefits are tailored differently based on the development procedures as well as deployment options/models. This paper will review the different development environments used to develop cloud-based solutions. Moreover, the analysis will be done in reference to the different aspects of software development i.e. their usability, performance, security and the system itself among many others. Furthermore, we will focus on two main approaches to software development, that is; predictive and ad aptive software/system development life cycle (SDLC). Cloud based solutions and SDLC SDLC defines the stages or steps used to develop a software or system, its basically a framework that designers use to develop a system (Kathuria, 2011). Now, cloud computing offers a different abstract of the underlying system hardware making it flexible, scalable and more robust (Velagapudi, 2012). The integration between these concepts provides organisations and businesses with better options to develop their systems. However, these options also depend on an organisations needs and resource availability. Lets discuss these options by analysing two commonly used methods of system development i.e. predictive and adaptive SDLC on cloud-based solutions. Predictive vs. Adaptive SDLC While following a predictive approach to a system design, a project assumes that all the steps leading up to the solution are known and can be predicted. Therefore, the solution adopted is developed based on these predicted steps. For instance, in the case study of Headspace organisation, we would assume all the parameter relating to the project are known and will never change e.g. personnel files (young person), professionals and even priorities (MSB, 2011). In essence, a logical or sequential process is followed with little or no overlap considered, either at the start or at the finish. A common model or method that follows this approach is the waterfall design method. In waterfall, the notable feature is the completion of each phase before proceeding to the next one. Typically, its design will follow a sequential procedure having six steps: Initiation, project planning, analysis, the design of specifications, building and testing, and finally, deployment (Feher, 2013). This sequen tial flow has its own advantages and disadvantages on the features and usability of a system as detailed below. Advantages of Predictive SDLC First, predictive SDLC yield systems that are easy to use because all the defining parameters are set to suit the overall systems and its objectives. Moreover, this approach tends to be more secure since the outcomes are planned prior to the start of the project, regardless of the people involved. Furthermore, this approach calls for stringent documentation which makes it easier to track a projects progress, which again makes it reliable and efficient to use. In addition to this, a predictive approach in system development reassures one of system quality and visibility because the results are always seen at the end of each phase. In the end, this makes it easier to communicate to designers and users about the project progress especially the systems delivery date (Mikoluk, 2013). As can be assumed the predictive approach is extremely rigid and therefore inflexible to change, a slight change in the system design could alter the overall system performance. In this case, the performance of the system be it a cloud-based solution will depend on the accuracy of the predicted system parameters at the start of the project. Moreover, its extremely dependent on the different phases of the project which can halt the system design if a delay is experienced in a given phase. Furthermore, consider the fact that a working software is only produced at the end of the life cycle, this means it can never be used for long time projects or projects with regular adjustments (Gupta, 2014). Adaptive SDLC An adaptive approach methods to system design acknowledges the possibility of changes in both system design and system requirements. For instance, changes may occur in system priorities, design personnel and for our case study change may occur in cloud infrastructure or even the overall architecture. To accommodate these foreseeable changes the project design is broken down into small sections, each holding a specific task. After completion, these sections are deployed together in an iterative procedure to produce the final project (MSB, 2011). Agile is a good example of an adaptive design approach that uses an iterative technique to develop a software or system. In it, the requirements and the design phases are executed concurrently at the same time to meet a common set objective. However, unlike predictive approach, the design and the solution obtained is dependent on the priority. In essence, a system design will have several iterations until the final and desired objective is met . Advantages of Adaptive SDLC Flexibility is the emphasis of this design system and with requirements ever changing, this approach offers the best solution to meet the modern day demand for system requirements. Moreover, this flexibility saves time and money as the projects requirements are determined by the users demands and the available resources. This approach also promotes user interface and system design because the customers is involved the project design at an early stage of system development. This involvement increases system performance and makes it easier to use for the front end user (Mikoluk, 2013). Finally, this approach makes collaboration amongst system designer easier as different modules can be developed simultaneously and integrated at a later stage for the benefit of the overall project. Since adaptive methods lack a planned procedure its hard to predict the end result, especially the date of target delivery. This limitation also makes it difficult to represent the desired project in a business setup where all the defining requirements are laid out on the table. Furthermore, in terms of personnel requirements, adaptive methods require highly trained personnel with the utmost skills in system design. Recommendation for the Headspace Project Before providing the recommendation for the project at hand, its good to point out that predictive SDLC methods are the traditional techniques of systems development. They are traditional because at the time of their development there was little variable to consider which led to linear systems. Adaptive methods, on the other hand, are the response provided by the industry to the current state of events (Kommalapati Zack, 2011). Now, having established this, cloud services and solutions (like the one suggested here) require a dynamic approach to meet their objectives. In our example, the organisation is set to develop a system with a young mans information which is later on accessed by different professionals who will continuously improve on it. Think of the different alterations and modifications that will take place. From this simple description, its clear to see that the adaptive approach will best meet the demands of this project. In addition to this, most traditional SDLC methods focus on the functional aspects of the systems where an on premise hardware system (infrastructure) is used. Furthermore, these features make these systems have implicit security that is sometimes rigid and often compromised by the reduced control. However, adaptive methods, unlike the predictive ones, highlight the non-functional aspects of a system, aspects such as the quality, interface and the constraints faced by the system. In addition to this, consider the advantages raised above where a projects design can shift based on the priorities and the feedback given by the end user (Kommalapati Zack, 2011). Therefore, if our cloud based solution uses an adaptive approach it will be able to adapt based on the requirements and the needs set by the end user, which again can change with time. However, if a predictive approach is followed a change in the system design could halt or stop the entire project which could call for a fresh sta rt. A fresh start would consume more money and time affecting the viability of the project. Cloud computing (CC) is all about flexibility and scalability where solutions are offered to increase movement of information over the World Wide Web. Furthermore, CC tries to cut the production cost by increasing the speed of system development. This form of efficiency can only be achieved through integrated system designs where a project optimises on the benefits of each development environment to meet a common goal. These objectives can only be met through an adaptive approach that aims to capitalise on the strengths possessed by different development techniques (Kathuria, 2011). Conclusion Headspace organisation proposes an innovative system that seeks to leverage the benefits of a digital media by incorporating cloud services into its organisation. Cloud services, unlike other systems, are designed to reach a wider, targeted demographic which is usually supported by its adaptive mechanisms. However, these adaptive mechanisms or techniques are based on certain foundations that later on produce the principles of modern system design. These principles such as usability, performance, security, reliability and scalability among many others set cloud computing apart as an innovative idea. Now, for these principles to be met, the development process must fit the dynamic nature of modern systems which change constantly to meet the needs of the end user. Furthermore, to meet other aspects of the system such as security, the development process must also consider the future and the changes it might have on security procedures. All these requirements among others can only be met by an adaptive approach to SDLC that uses a dynamic approach to develop systems. References Feher. D. (2013). What are the pros and cons of the waterfall and agile/scrum project management approach? Quora. Retrieved 24 January, 2017, from: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-the-waterfall-and-agile-scrum-project-management-approach Gupta. N. (2014). Project Management Life Cycle-Iterative Adaptive. IZenBridge. Retrieved 24 January, 2017, from: https://www.izenbridge.com/blog/project-management-life-cycle-iterative-adaptive/ Kathuria. K. (2011). Software Development Lifecycle and Cloud Computing. Scribd. Retrieved 24 January, 2017, from: https://www.scribd.com/document/37345932/SDLC-and-Cloud-Computing Kommalapati. H Zack. W. H. (2011). The SaaS Development Lifecycle. InfoQ. Retrieved 24 January, 2017, from: https://www.infoq.com/articles/SaaS-Lifecycle McCombs school of business (MSB). (2011). the System Development Life Cycle. Retrieved 24 January, 2017, from: https://utexas.instructure.com/courses/1166782/files/38198507/download Mikoluk. K. (2013). Agile vs. Waterfall: Evaluating The Pros and Cons. Udemy blog. Retrieved 24 January, 2017, from: https://blog.udemy.com/agile-vs-waterfall/ Sen. J. (2012). Security and privacy issues in cloud computing. Innovation labs, Tata consultancy services limited. Retrieved 24 January, 2017, from: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/4dc3/70d253020947a8e66b701e12dd0233161229.pdf Velagapudi. M. (2012). SDLC for Cloud Computing How Is It Different From the Traditional SDLC? Retrieved 24 January, 2017, from: https://bootstraptoday.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/sdlc-for-cloud-computing-how-is-it-different-from-the-traditional-sdlc/

Overcoming free essay sample

Growing up in America as a child of an Iranian family has been a challenge. On one hand I wanted to be true to my heritage and on the other hand I wanted to learn and acquire positive aspects of culture from my new country. My parents have always been strict with my social privileges. For my parents the most important thing for me is to be a good person and academically successful. My mother always in a serious manner tells me â€Å"You don’t need to follow what your friends do!†. As a child I never wanted to accept this, because I wanted to fit in with my peers. I wanted to live the relaxed life they seemed to have. In elementary school I was always concerned with what others thought of me. My self-consciousness spurred from the fact that I was the different kid in my school, the one with difference in language, religion and culture. We will write a custom essay sample on Overcoming or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This always made me feel like I would never be accepted by my friends in class and at school. In Jr. High most of the people who I wanted to become friends with were superficial and self-centered. All they cared about was clothes, fashion, and who was in their social network. I tried to make connections with them, but I was never successful, again because of my many cultural differences. In high school I realized that this is a great country and there are many opportunities for people who like to work and study hard. So I became independent and choose a path that would not compromise my beliefs. I focused on taking advanced classes and practicing my violin while my friends chose to take the self-centered route. Because of my rigorous and diverse schedule more opportunities opened up to me. I met different people who were more conscious of the choices they made. I learned from these people the importance of helping others. I began to volunteer at my city library and got involved wit h human rights groups. I know from my own experiences that it was beneficial I did not give in to the peer pressure. I have learned it is important to maintain my own culture while adopting new qualities from the society as well.

Create a Better Paper by Submitting Your Essay Through a MLA Format

Create a Better Paper by Submitting Your Essay Through a MLA FormatA mla formatted essay with a title page sample may seem like a natural choice for you, if you are in the market for one. This option is in high demand among students of MFA programs. It can be a great help to make your life as a student easier and your progress much faster.Some of the services offered by MLA-formatted essays include the format of the paper, the form and format of the answers, editing, and even the source of funding. In fact, if you are already working with a traditional publisher, the writing process can become quite time consuming and frustrating. On the other hand, you can save time and energy, if you choose to submit a book manuscript via this format.A mla formatted essay with a title page sample can actually be more straightforward. It is a piece of paper that is designed for the purpose of creating an outline for your paper. The outline makes it possible for you to compose a well thought out thes is statement, which would be the backbone of your essay. In fact, it is the content of your thesis statement that makes up the bulk of your paper.In addition to the content of your thesis statement, you should also consider how well your thesis would appear when it is put together in a coherent manner. You will get an idea if you submit a paper in this form by checking the response rates and the actual results of the research papers. There are many online resources where you can go to find the best and most recent samples of the topic. With the right approach, this format can indeed make your work much easier.In fact, it is possible to submit a paper in this format through a wide variety of methods. One of the most popular options available is the Internet. There are many websites available that offer it to students who need one.Of course, the one drawback of MLA-formatted essays with the title page sample is that the paper has to be submitted in its entirety. The style of presentat ion and the sentence structure may not be changed after it is submitted.If you are interested in submitting a MLA-formatted essay with a title page sample, you should take the time to go through as many samples as possible. Researching and finding the best one to use may take a bit of time, but it is definitely worth it if you want to ensure a more professional grade.

7 Step Guide to Making Your LinkedIn Profile Perfect [Infographic]

7 Step Guide to Making Your LinkedIn Profile Perfect [Infographic] You likely know that in order to find a job, it’s pretty much mandatory you have a LinkedIn profile. But navigating the ins and outs of the site can often lead to so much confusion that you throw your hands up, enter the bare minimum, and hope for the best. Don’t do that! Really- don’t squander the awesome opportunity gives you to create a brag sheet that will get you noticed. If you have no idea where and how to begin, check out this infographic by Leisurejobs  for a step-by-step primer on how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile and all it has to offer.

Internal Medicine Essays

Internal Medicine Essays Internal Medicine Paper Internal Medicine Paper Essay Topic: Bless Me Ultima Love Medicine Every person has a distinct definition of success that differs from the perspective of others. For some, success is a word that is closely attributed to being famous and earning a lot of money; for others, it is a word used to having a high position in the company that they are working for. Personally, I define success as being able to accomplish what is tasked of me and at the same manner, being able to contribute to the society in my own little way. The lesser the fame, the better. This sounds surreal, but it is true. My name is (insert your name here) and I am looking forward to studying at (insert name of school here). I am a person full of conviction and passion in this field because I wanted to serve people in the society. I love giving back the knowledge and expertise that I have to those people who really needed my assistance. Stepping a level in this field of will surely make me achieve those goals. At a very young age, I was able to realize the importance and the power of medicine. Looking back on my younger years, I met an accident when I was four as me and my brother walks across the street. I was struck by the fender of an Oldsmobile and fractured my femur. It took several months before I was able to recover from such experience. But then I came to understand more about life and how one should value medicines power to heal. My personal experiences and academic background made me learn the importance of Internal Medicine in every society. I graduated from (insert name of your previous school). Being a student, I am really fascinated in Science subjects and drew more interest about the human mind and body when I went to college. Whenever I rotate on the wards, I see how important medicine is in the treatment sand recovery of patients. I was keenly aware of the gravity and importance of a healthcare teams work. This is my passion and upon seeing myself years from now, I feel overwhelmed and blessed of what I can do for others. Once I reach such position I will also do my best to build rapport to patients so that they will refer me to other friends and relatives. Having a good relationship with your patients is necessary in order for the problem to be solved immediately. Aside from that, I believe that I am competent enough in studying more about Internal Medicine which will help me in my future endeavors. I wanted to bring back the glory not only by educating my patients but also by teaching students of all ages outside of the hospital. In my college statistics course, for example, I took it upon myself to tutor students that were struggling with the material. Many had taken the course already and failed, but after working together each student I helped got a B or above. Fulfilled by this chance to give back to the community, I took on more tutoring work, specializing in students who came from poorer schools. I found this work even more stimulating than my research, because of the personal bonds I formed with my students. The communication skills I developed through teaching will serve me well as a resident and throughout my career. My greatest asset though is my heartfelt desire to provide medical help for those in need. Choosing to study in this respectable institution will ease the path towards brighter opportunities in the future for me. I believe that this university is capable of making students the best among the rest in giving nursing services. It has wide array of educational resources and expert professors that will hone promising students like me. I believe that my passion and my hard work will give me a reputable place in the profession. I believe that this is the right time to step to another level of my life. I am a very optimistic, sincere, dedicated, enthusiastic, compassionate and hard working person and I believe that these qualities will made me reach the top of the ladder in the future. Physical medicine and Rehabilitation Always reach for the star. That is my ultimate goal in life. Personal experiences gave me learning and responsibilities that molded me to be what I am now. My endeavor in life that I wished to happen at the right time comes with great purpose. I am confident that being admitted in your institution has the capability of making students to stretch beyond the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation degree. I take one step at a time to manage my skills in a way that will lead to further enhancement and development. Life is a roller coaster and there are certain events where my abilities are put into test which later on taught me how strong I should be. I met an accident when I was four years old. That accident which fractured my femur made me understand the importance of this field of medicine. Ever since, I have wanted a career in which I too can help people achieve optimum function when recovering from similar experiences. I know firsthand that rehabilitation can be difficult, and I am committed to helping others regain dreams that seem lost. My third year of studies in (insert name of your medical school here), I experienced surgery and internal medicine rotations which enticed me to pursue physical medicine and rehabilitation. I want more exposure in dealing with cases of PM R. during the two PMR elective rotations I have at Elmhurst Hospital, we are immersed clinically, we are able to observe and rationalize for ourselves what the needs of the people for this specific time are. At the same time, it helps us to predict whatever it is that we need to accomplish in order for us to prevent certain dilemmas. Having those experiences like helping patients walk after surgery or move their limbs when in a rigid state would also help us to be more aware and careful of the lines that may be drawn while trying to accomplish the desired goals. I am keenly aware of the gravity and importance of a healthcare teams work. As such, I try to remain a consummate professional while achieving an intimate rapport with patients. I am careful in explaining treatments and diagnosis since I firmly believe that each patient has a unique individual story that drives me to work harder. Life is a give and take process and just as I enjoy educating patients about their health, I also find satisfaction in teaching students of all ages outside of the hospital. One example of this is my college statistics course; I tutored students that were struggling with the material that they have. Majority had taken the course already and failed, but after aiding those students they got B grades or above. I developed my communication skills through teaching and this will serve me well as a resident and throughout my career. In addition to my ability to listen and convey ideas clearly, I have a flair for solving complex problems. I also pride myself in my ability to get along well with others. I thrive when doing group work in service of a higher cause. Going to school in Grenada, for example, when a hurricane devastated the island, I immediately volunteered for GR3Grenada Relief, Recovery. Partnering with Humanity International, wse built temporary homes. The labor was demanding, but I enjoyed working as part of a team, and the results of our labor more than justified the effort. I am seeking a residency program that will provide a solid foundation in the clinical practice of rehabilitation medicine. In addition to structured training, I look forward to working with a diverse population in multiple facilities. My ideal learning environment will encourage close patient interaction. After my residency, I plan to continue my education with fellowship training in musculoskeletal or sports medicine. Eventually, I aspire to a career in clinical medicine with opportunities to do clinical research. I am passionate about restoring human function to those in needs, and am eager to acquire the vast amount of medical knowledge necessary to do so. Surgery Personal Statement Some say that life is filled with a lot of disappointments. There are disappointments that can normally make or break somebodys life. With the experiences that one has, it is sometimes unavoidable that they try and give up on everything, especially when they feel that their world has crumbled down on them. According to Denis Didero, an 18th Century French Philosopher, â€Å"only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things†. Hearing about this saying made me realize that life is not as bad as it may seem. It made me realized that there is more to life than what you can see and do. I always have this inclination to activities that requires dexterity and advanced critical and analytical reasoning. As a kid, I used my nimble fingers to assemble everything from bikes and model cars to computers, and when I began medical school I was eager to use this manual agility to help others in life or death matters. It seemed miraculous that I literally held the power to heal in my hands, and I knew I wanted to devote the rest of my life to surgery. At our early age, we tend to migrate to the fact that life becomes more and more realistic as we get older. The usual things that make us smile and be proud of ourselves tend to change as we go on and experience new and exciting things. I for one, am a very dedicated student and a very loving child to my parents. I love the adventure and the thrill of discovering new ideas everyday. Reaching out and helping other people to the best of my ability, has always been one of my greatest passions. I cant stand the sight of having someone fall down and not have anyone to help them out. Even as a young kid, I have always been searching for relevant answers as to why and how certain things happen to older people. As the perseverant type determined to succeed, I soon find answers to all of my queries. My love and solid appreciation for the gravity of a surgeons work. It made me more motivated to go out of this world and help people in my own way. I believe that being able to devote my specialization in this field will help me grow as a person and fulfill my dreams. With a solid appreciation for the gravity of a surgeons work, I remained devoted to the specialty throughout medical school. I assisted in 27 surgeries in this time, each of which involved meticulous care in the handling of scalpels and laparascopes. As I developed these technical skills, I also strived to improve my personal interactions with patients. I worked to achieve an intimate rapport with each patient, and was careful to explain each treatment and diagnosis thoroughly. Each patients individual story drove me to work harder. Fulfilled by this chance to give back to the community, I took on more tutoring work, specializing in students who came from poorer schools. I found this work even more stimulating than my research, because of the personal bonds I formed with my students. The communication skills I developed through teaching will serve me well as a resident and throughout my career. In addition to my ability to listen and convey ideas clearly, I have a flair for solving complex problems. I also pride myself in my ability to get along well with others. I thrive when doing group work in service of a higher cause. Going to school in Grenada, for example, when a hurricane devastated the island, I immediately volunteered for GR3Grenada Relief, Recovery. Partnering with Humanity International, we built temporary homes. The labor was demanding, but I enjoyed working as part of a team, and the results of our labor more than justified the effort. I know that being able to fulfill my dreams entails a lot from ones end. Sacrifices have to be made, and this means that I have to be more determined than ever to succeed. My greatest asset though is my heartfelt desire to provide medical help for those in need. After my residency, I plan on balancing a primarily clinical career with research and teaching opportunities. I know I will enjoy all of the work I do to promote greatest physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in patients. My dreams are just a few years away from me- and it is up to your good institution to help me fulfill that dream for me to become a complete person..

Does corporate Social Responsibility influence consumers behaviors Essay

Does corporate Social Responsibility influence consumers behaviors - Essay Example According to Philip L. Cochran and Robert A, if CSR tend to be negatively correlated with financial performance of firms, managers should be paying more attention to this area. On the other hand, a positive relationship indicates the CSR principles of the firm are good for company. In addition, the social responsibilities can help companies improve the brand image and enhance the reputation, and attract more employees and potential business partner (Tsoutsoura, 2004). They are finally creating more value of the firm. Some recent article also exam CSR as having positive relationship with consumers’ behaviour. The study of Rahim, Jalaludin and Tajuddin (2011) indicates that all of the CSR components (economic, legal, ethical, philanthropic) have a significant relationship with consumers' buying behaviour in Malaysia. Problem Statement The 2009 report, dubbed ‘Green to the Core’ published by Consumer Focus (soon to be a victim of the cuts), rated the UK’s top nine supermarkets on how well they inform consumers about sustainability issues and help them to make more sustainable choices; both through provision of products and information. In this report, Sainsbury’s and M&S were ranked A. (Ethical consumers 2011). Many studies have been done in CSR regarding consumer purchasing decisions in countries. However, not many studies have been conducted in organizations, such as food retailers. CSR activities should enhance a corporation's image. According to Lafferty, Barbara and Ronald (1999), a positive corporate image is positively correlated to purchase intention and also helps consumers to differentiate between companies and their product or service offerings. Therefore, loyalty and commitment from customers are likely to increase if companies act responsibly and accountably in terms of their social and environmental impact (Brown & Dacin, 1997; Pirsch, Gupta, & Grau, 2007). Ethical consumers 2011 shows Corporate Social Responsibility Scores (see the table above) of the 8 main food retailers in UK. The research was divided into seven main area: animal welfare, climate change, health, toxics, waste, water and worker’s right. Co-op was the leading retailer on CSR with 56 %, and following is M&S (39%) and Sainsbury’s (29%) (Ethical consumers 2011). Aims and Objective The aim of the current study is to use M&S as a case to analyse the consumers’ behavior on CSR. Marks and Spencer plc (also known as M&S) is a UK based retailer and it is mainly committed to the selling of high quality food products, stylish clothing and home products. It was set up in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds. Today, over 78,000 employees are hired by M&S PLC in the UK and abroad, and M&S has 731 branch UK stores and 387 stores across 43 areas around the world. According to the Annual Report of M&S (2012), there are 21 million people visiting the indoor stores every week. M&S is listed at the London STOCK Exchange and joined FTSE 100 index. Based on Interbrand 2012 Best Retail Brands Report, Marks & Spencer as the second most valuable retail brand in the UK and its brand value increased by 3% to. $6,256m (Perella, 2012). Significance of the Study M&S aims to become the world’s most sustainable retailer. Plan A is an environmental and ethical programme launched by M&S in January 2007 and set out 138 commitments in 2012. Plan B focus on climate change, reduce waste, use sustainable raw materials, trade ethically and help customers to

Cross-Cultural Management Skills in a Business Environment Research Paper

Cross-Cultural Management Skills in a Business Environment - Research Paper Example Culture changes or evolves over time, defined and altered by interactions amongst those who make up human society Culture is not monolithic because the human agents or actors who are imbued with intelligence and freedom give culture its dynamism through interaction and co-operation, giving rise to sub-cultures that add to societal diversity (Charon 2004, pp. 158-160). Culture is, therefore, a feature of a human society shaped by the behaviour of everyone in that society who learn and share that culture with future generations, affecting behaviour and outlook on life and determining how they think, feel, and act. Culture can be analysed using several perspectives and frameworks since it is visible to observers. Schein (2004, pp. 25-27) argued, in the context of business organisations, that these cultural manifestations range from the very tangible and over that one can see and feel: artefacts like organisational structures and processes, products and symbols of rituals, or architectur e and art, to the deeply embedded, unconscious, basic assumptions such as beliefs, perceptions, thoughts and feelings that form its essence. In between are espoused beliefs, values, norms, and rules of behaviour that members of the society use to depict the culture to themselves and to others. To understand the culture of any group and/or to change it, one has to get at its underlying assumptions and understand how such basic assumptions came to be. The best way to change a culture is to change the basic assumptions, but this is difficult, time-consuming, and highly anxiety-provoking.