Lеadеrs and Managеrs

RÐ µfocusing has bÐ µcomÐ µ onÐ µ of thÐ µ major stratÐ µgiÐ µs pursuÐ µd by largÐ µ organizations in thÐ µ 1990s. Prior rÐ µsÐ µarch in thÐ µ arÐ µa of uppÐ µr Ð µchÐ µlons (top managÐ µmÐ µnt tÐ µam) lÐ µadÐ µrship has rÐ µvÐ µalÐ µd that thÐ µrÐ µ is a strong rÐ µlationship bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn top managÐ µmÐ µnt tÐ µam charactÐ µristics and organizational stratÐ µgiÐ µs and outcomÐ µs.HowÐ µvÐ µr, rÐ µsÐ µarchÐ µrs havÐ µ confinÐ µd thÐ µir studiÐ µs to Ð µxploring thÐ µ impact of obsÐ µrvablÐ µ uppÐ µr Ð µchÐ µlon charactÐ µristics, namÐ µly thÐ µ dÐ µmographic traits on corporatÐ µ stratÐ µgiÐ µs and pÐ µrformancÐ µ. In this papÐ µr I will try to intÐ µgratÐ µ main sÐ µts of uppÐ µr Ð µchÐ µlon lÐ µadÐ µrship charactÐ µristics.During thÐ µ past dÐ µcadÐ µ thÐ µrÐ µ has bÐ µÃ µn considÐ µrablÐ µ rÐ µsÐ µarch invÐ µstigating thÐ µ rÐ µlationship bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn uppÐ µr Ð µchÐ µlons (top managÐ µm Ð µnt tÐ µam) lÐ µadÐ µrship charactÐ µristics and organizational stratÐ µgiÐ µs and outcomÐ µs. ThÐ µ lÐ µadÐ µrship of uppÐ µr Ð µchÐ µlons is critical to succÐ µss in companiÐ µs.To a vÐ µry largÐ µ Ð µxtÐ µnt, such bÐ µhavior on thÐ µ part of top managÐ µrs can bÐ µ Ð µxplainÐ µd using thÐ µ principlÐ µ of boundÐ µd rationality (RÐ µgÐ µr, MullanÐ µ, Gustafson and DÐ µmariÐ µ, 1994).According to this principlÐ µ, managÐ µrs arÐ µ not complÐ µtÐ µly rational in thÐ µ dÐ µcisions thÐ µy takÐ µ. ManagÐ µrs arÐ µ oftÐ µn constrainÐ µd by thÐ µ limitÐ µd information thÐ µy rÐ µcÐ µivÐ µ from thÐ µ Ð µxtÐ µrnal and intÐ µrnal Ð µnvironmÐ µnts and thÐ µrÐ µforÐ µ, takÐ µ dÐ µcisions which can bÐ µ dÐ µscribÐ µd as rational only within cÐ µrtain bounds.ThÐ µrÐ µforÐ µ, it is important to dÐ µvÐ µlop a thÐ µorÐ µtical framÐ µwork in thÐ µ arÐ µa of uppÐ µr Ð µchÐ µlons lÐ µadÐ µrship for undÐ µrstanding h ow thÐ µ psychological charactÐ µristics of top managÐ µrs influÐ µncÐ µ thÐ µ rÐ µlationship bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn thÐ µir dÐ µmographic charactÐ µristics and organizational stratÐ µgiÐ µs and outcomÐ µs.ThÐ µ businÐ µss Ð µnvironmÐ µnt during thÐ µ past two dÐ µcadÐ µs has bÐ µÃ µn Ð µxtrÐ µmÐ µly dynamic. WhilÐ µ corporatÐ µ divÐ µrsification sÐ µÃ µmÐ µd to bÐ µ thÐ µ norm in most industriÐ µs till thÐ µ 1990s, it is important to notÐ µ that corporatÐ µ rÐ µfocusing (i.Ð µ., rÐ µducing thÐ µ lÐ µvÐ µl of divÐ µrsification within a firm in ordÐ µr to focus on thÐ µ corÐ µ businÐ µss), has bÐ µÃ µn morÐ µ popular sincÐ µ thÐ µ latÐ µ 1990s (MarkidÐ µs, 1992; Donaldson, 1994).RÐ µfocusing rÐ µprÐ µsÐ µnts an important aspÐ µct of corporatÐ µ stratÐ µgic changÐ µ and rÐ µquirÐ µs dynamic lÐ µadÐ µrship on thÐ µ part of thÐ µ top managÐ µrs (AmburgÐ µy, KÐ µlly & BarnÐ µtt, 1990; Hoskisson and Hitt, 1994).ThÐ µ top managÐ µmÐ µnt of a firm rÐ µprÐ µsÐ µnts thÐ µ dominant coalition of thÐ µ firm and has considÐ µrablÐ µ influÐ µncÐ µ on whÐ µthÐ µr and how thÐ µ firm should rÐ µfocus to maintain a compÐ µtitivÐ µ position in thÐ µ industry (Hambrick & Mason, 1984). ThÐ µ succÐ µss of thÐ µ rÐ µfocusing stratÐ µgy dÐ µpÐ µnds on how thÐ µ top managÐ µrs arÐ µ ablÐ µ to lÐ µad thÐ µ initiation and thÐ µ implÐ µmÐ µntation of this stratÐ µgy.ThÐ µ dÐ µmographic charactÐ µristics of uppÐ µr Ð µchÐ µlons havÐ µ a considÐ µrablÐ µ impact on thÐ µ organization's propÐ µnsity to rÐ µfocus and that this rÐ µlationship is modÐ µratÐ µd by thÐ µ psychological charactÐ µristics of its managÐ µrs.ThÐ µ impact of dÐ µmographic charactÐ µristics: Hambrick and Mason (1984) statÐ µ â€Å"organizational outcomÐ µs – both stratÐ µgiÐ µs and Ð µffÐ µctivÐ µnÐ µss arÐ µ viÐ µwÐ µd as rÐ µflÐ µctions of thÐ µ valuÐ µs and cognitivÐ µ bas Ð µs of powÐ µrful actors in thÐ µ organization.† p.193.Drawing on Hambrick (1984) modÐ µl of stratÐ µgic dÐ µcision making, Hambrick and Mason (1984) thÐ µorizÐ µ that a managÐ µr's background charactÐ µristics can partially prÐ µdict stratÐ µgic choicÐ µs and pÐ µrformancÐ µ in organizations.ThÐ µy proposÐ µ that obsÐ µrvablÐ µ managÐ µrial dÐ µmographic traits such as agÐ µ, tÐ µnurÐ µ, Ð µducation and functional backgrounds arÐ µ important aspÐ µcts of managÐ µrial lÐ µadÐ µrship and that thÐ µy can influÐ µncÐ µ organizational stratÐ µgiÐ µs and pÐ µrformancÐ µ.Following Hambrick and Mason's (1984) concÐ µptual modÐ µl on uppÐ µr Ð µchÐ µlons lÐ µadÐ µrship, sÐ µvÐ µral rÐ µsÐ µarchÐ µrs havÐ µ tÐ µstÐ µd thÐ µir propositions in ordÐ µr to Ð µstablish thÐ µ linkagÐ µ bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn dÐ µmographic charactÐ µristics of top managÐ µrs and thÐ µir ability to lÐ µad thÐ µ organization to dÐ µsirÐ µd outcomÐ µs. ThÐ µ studiÐ µs conductÐ µd by Murray (1989), Norburn and BirlÐ µy (1988), BantÐ µl and Jackson (1989), Cho, Hambrick and ChÐ µn (1994), rÐ µvÐ µal that top managÐ µmÐ µnt dÐ µmographic charactÐ µristics such as agÐ µ, Ð µducation, functional backgrounds, top managÐ µmÐ µnt tÐ µam tÐ µnurÐ µ and organizational tÐ µnurÐ µ wÐ µrÐ µ significant prÐ µdictors of organizational pÐ µrformancÐ µ thus providing support for Hambrick and Mason's (1984) propositions.

Business and Technical Writing Essay

Phoenix Advertising as a whole has always put our clients first and is well known for our excellent work. As you know, the Roanoke branch had been experiencing difficulties since January of 2015 with regards to overworked and underpaid employees and a loss of clients. Productivity had declined by 20 percent over the course of the past few months, and we lost a few key members of our team. In response to our current crisis, I have developed a proposal in order to return Phoenix Advertising to the standard of excellence we have always maintained. Background Throughout 2014, the Roanoke branch of Phoenix Advertising had excellent feedback from both clients and employees. In December of 2014, the branch had taken a turn for the worse. By January of 2015, productivity had declined and an art director and account executive had resigned. The resignations left the remainder of the employees reconsidering their positions at Phoenix Advertising. Earlier this month, I conducted an investigation at the Roanoke Branch and found there to be a few issues that need to be resolved. The first issue brought to my attention was the current employees working overtime and not being properly compensated for their time. There were an influx of new clients and new projects being accepted without taking into consideration the number of projects currently assigned to the team, as well as the number of employees at the time. As the vice president of human resources, I also wondered why the employees had not contacted the human resources department before their sudden resignation. Company policy was not being strictly adhered to and the department directors were not properly trained to deal with a situation like this. Employees need to be compensated for their time, and as policy states, they should not exceed 20 hours of overtime monthly with exception of certain circumstances which would need to be approved by headquarters. There were not enough employees to keep up with the workloads, and both the employees and the quality of work had suffered. Our clients who had been with us for quite some time had noted a change in the work they received. In order to properly address the current situation and bring the branch back to our high standards, I suggest the following changes: The Roanoke branch needs to hire additional part time and seasonal help in order to evenly distribute the workload accordingly. The process of accepting new clients as well as projects will need to be revised and should adjust to the number of employees available. There needs to be an open line of communication between employees and their superiors. There is no reason that an employee should feel uncomfortable speaking to anyone within the company. Employees shall be rewarded with bonuses after excellent feedback from clients, as well as an employee of the month program. Proposal In order to return the Roanoke branch to its former level of excellence, I propose the following plan. Additional help: In order to properly manage time and increase productivity, the Roanoke branch needs to hire additional help for part time and seasonal positions for the busiest parts of the year. We also need to adhere strictly to the overtime policy and ensure that the employees are being properly compensated for their time. The additional help will also allow us to have more creative ideas and will allow the team to devise a customer loyalty program in order to retain current clients as well as gain new clients. Weekly meetings: Weekly meetings shall be held in order to maximize productivity and give the employees a chance to freely speak to their superiors. In each meeting, there will be a status report for the prior week from both the employees and superiors. The team will use the weekly reports to work together to come up with a solution to any problems, or to reward employees for excellent work. This will provide an open line of communication, as well as survey the current situation and see if there is a need for additional help to any and all team members. Training: Both managers as well as employees will need to complete a series of training courses to ensure that everyone is well versed in company policy, as well as have knowledge of what to do in case of an event such as the current crisis at the Roanoke branch. One such course would be on the importance of communication between employees and superiors. All employees will learn when it is necessary to hire additional help, when they really need to speak up, and that human resources is here to help and they should not be shy when they need guidance. It is important for all team members to be knowledgeable about the company and policy. Employees will be scheduled for two meetings a week – on days that best fit their schedule – for four weeks, followed by an evaluation to see if the course material was thorough. If more training is necessary, it will be rescheduled accordingly. Schedule Manager training: When to hire additional help; Project Approval: April 6- April 10 Employee training: Your rights as employees; YOU matter:April 13- April 17 All team members: Importance of open communication: April 20-April 24 Company policies:April 27- May 1 Staffing Kevin O’Hara, the director of employment services, has been with the company for 6 years and prior to working with our company, has worked with very prestigious companies in the industry. Mr. O’Hara is very well versed in company policy and will be in charge of conducting the training for when to hire additional staff members. I have great faith in Mr. O’Hara, as he has been a great help in this process. The director of customer relations, Paul Clemens has been with Phoenix Advertising for a total of 8 years. Mr. Clemens has exceeded our expectations in every aspect, and he will be conducting the project approval training process. The final three training seminars will be conducted by me, as well as the department directors. Together, we need to remind all team members that they are very important to the company, and their work is what gets us our reputation. We will thoroughly discuss open lines of communication, policies, and the importance of working together as a team. I am very confident in the department directors at the Roanoke Branch, and I feel that we can all present a very important matter in a way that gets the point across.

Electric dipole moments of elementary particles Essay

Electric dipole moments of elementary particles - Essay Example A significant increase in experimental sensitivity surged with over 106 factor4 improvement. Figure 1 below shows an impressive breakthrough in said improvement in the experimental sensitivity. This improvement was for about 8 years.5 Yet, despite all these improved pursuits, no electric dipole moment was observed. Why do some scientists still spend so much time and effort looking for an EDM, something that is almost deemed a lost cause? Lamareoux and Golub6 believe that the reason why many physicists are quite obsessed in in searching for the EDM is that the observation of a non-zero neutron electric dipole moment is proof of time reversal violation that goes over and beyond the electro-weak interactions called â€Å"Standard Model†. A vital point is that the standard model predictions of time reversal violation’s magnitude are not consistent with the existing ideas about the formation of our universe. The production of what is presently seen as matter/antimatter asymm etry needs time reversal violation that has many orders of magnitude more than what is forecasted by the standard model. Figure 1. Sensitivity of neutron EDM experiments over time. On the left of the graph are some theoretical predictions of the magnitude of the neutron EDM. The electric dipole moments could easily offer to the world of physics one of the, if not the most thrilling prospects for its progress, particularly in particle physics. This could easily spell a bright future awaiting prospective experimentations that has something to do with the EDM calculations. Golub and Huffman7 has been very precise on what physicists and scientists expect to find when it comes to the search for neutron electric dipole moments by saying that such search for nEDM could easily represent a good hope for understanding and learning Physics well beyond the Standard Model (SM) since finding any non-zero neutron electric dipole moment would be a strong proof of the breakdown of the SM. The C, P a nd T The reversal of space coordinates, or the so-called parity P, T or the time reversal invariance and C, the charge conjugation are the three significant symmetry principles in the field of nuclear science. In particle physics, these three have a crucial role in understanding weak forces and weak interactions. These 3 symmetries are also the main points in understanding if a nucleus is behaving differently when the spatial configuration becomes reversed (P),or if time’s direction is made to run in a backward direction instead of the usual forward direction (T), or should the nucleus’ matter particles are changed to antimatter particles (C).†8 In a CP symmetry, the charge conjugation turns a particle into its reverse or its anti-particle. Likewise, parity creates an object’s mirror image. It has been an accepted fact in science that physical laws are unchangeable or invariant when undergoing parity transformation. Time, charge and space are nuclear prope rties that are reserved or reflected in mirror-like changes in symmetry properties. In the natural universe, it is but expected that mirror symmetries or inverses to exist. Since parity symmetry is valid for all reactions that involve strong forces and electromagnetism, the fundamental conservational laws such as conservation of momentum and conservation of energy also include parity conservation. However, two physicists, Chen Ning Yang and Tsung-Dao Lee, contradicted

Eric Garner Incident Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Eric Garner Incident - Assignment Example It is evident through a video at the event that he expressed that he could not breathe. This paper discusses what federal law the NYPD officer violated and charges that Department of Justice might bring against him. It is apparent that the NYPD officer violated federal law that covers police misconduct. The federal prosecutors will tend to pursue criminal, civil rights charges to prove that Pantaleo violated Section 1983. The existence of the recording makes it easier to prosecute. This is because misconduct is proven easily when it entails physical force instead of shooting. The amount of pressure used by Pantaleo must be proved, but it might be easy since chokehold is banned under NYPD policy. Also, the race element in civil rights violation be considered but it can be tricky to prove it (Donnelly, par 1-3). After Pantaleo was cleared of civil rights violation charges, he still faces a civil lawsuit. It is apparent that in October, the Garner’s relatives filed a lawsuit against the NYPD and six individual officers accusing them of wrongful death, intentional infliction of emotional distress and assault. The family claimed that Pantaleo negligently placed Eric Garner in a chokehold that is banned from being used by the NYPD. They also identified that the officers involved failed to properly report the use of the chokehold maneuver to the seniors to create a cover up (Lu, par 5). There are several penalties that might be imposed to Pantaleo if he is found guilty. One is that he could be reprimanded. As at this time, he is subjected to an internal affairs investigation within the NYPD. Pantaleo is currently on desk duty where he has been limited to access his gun. If he is found guilty for using excessive force, the NYPD advocate office will determine the level of punishment. The officer may face a disciplinary action or get terminated as a police officer. It is evident that his fate lies with the Bill;

Regulating Corporate Power and Company Law in United Kingdom Essay

Regulating Corporate Power and Company Law in United Kingdom - Essay Example Pirg, 2007)1. Though this can be seen as a positive development by Congress, in favour of public interest, a lot more needs to be done in protecting the public. There is a lot to be desired, but governments around the world face stiff legislative moves by an entity, that seeks to make the most of their interest at the interest of the public- the corporate. On 3 October 2002, the contract of the British Railway with Railtrack came to an end, which initiated the government to establish Network Rail as the new contractor, provided Network Rail guaranteed that it would reinvest the profits into further railway infrastructure development in the pursuit of a safer and more reliable railway system. On closer observation, it is clear that these guarantees raise serious concerns in respect of the accountability of Network Rail; firstly, as its status as a private sector organisation, and secondly, its implications for the Treasury and the tax payer. This view could have been avoided had the Government adopted an alternative approach, commonly referred to as a 'government sponsored enterprise'. This would have given the government more authority in handling such a vital transport system in the country. This was not to be, and the government again goofed up an opportunity to gain increased control of the railway infrastructure at a significantly reduced price. The corporate was successful in twisting the government arm to its benefit (Lisa Whitehouse, 2003)2. Large, transnational corporations (TNC) are becoming increasingly powerful. Additional problems result from a variety of social injustice and human rights violations. This is not to say that corporates are a bane to society, but the muscle power of corporates to dictate and run policies in their favour is most disturbing. Profits are the driving factor, and not workers satisfaction. Corporates work tirelessly to improve their market presence and in the bargain, has no time or inclination to focus on the treatment vetted to their co-workers, or how society and the environment are affected. Sometimes, the role of these multinational giants can be seen in the backdrop of deliberate abdication of social clauses and regulations to maximise their profits. These companies manipulate international trade pacts and agreements, in order to maximise profits, such as cheap labour, government incentives and subsidies, tax rebates and so on (Anup Shah, 2002)3. Tax avoidance adds to the woes of the general public. Suppressing the formation of workers union to fight for their co-workers justice, these corporates run the show to their advantage at all levels. The future for the workers looks

Since ethics and profit are actually not related, what reasons are Essay

Since ethics and profit are actually not related, what reasons are there to apply ethical standards to business at all - Essay Example First of all, it ensures that the company survives in the long term as it increases profitability and sustainability. However, the common consensus, most of the time, is that profit and ethics are opposed to one another, and hence, if a company is ethical, it cannot think about profits. In addition, many believe that in order for a company to be profitable, it should necessarily be unethical. In other words, this school of thought gives legitimacy for businesses to be totally unethical to make profits. There are instances in the history that make people believe that ethics and business are totally opposite entities. A perfect example is the Ford Pinto of Ford Motors. In 1978, three people died as the gas tank of the Pinto they drove exploded as it was hit in the rear. It was proved that the company knew that placing the tank in the rear end was vulnerable. However, the expenditure involved in changing the gas tank was $ 11 per car; an amount that is considerably less than the amount the company would have to pay in compensation for the few people who die as a result of explosion. So, the company decided not to change the position of the gas tank. In addition, law declared the company not responsible for the deaths. This incident clearly reveals how company can aim at profit totally neglecting what is ethical. In addition, such incidents generate the opinion that profit and ethics are alien to each other. ... Thus, the first and foremost ethical obligation for a company is to make profits for its stakeholders. In other words, its ethical duty is to meet the expectations of its stakeholders including employees and creditors. In addition, only a profitable company can fulfil its social responsibilities and welfare commitments. Though it is very evident that making profit is in no way against profitability, as Bandyopadhyay points out, there certainly are ethical questions about the methods adopted to make profit, and also about the amount of profit being made. A look into the business world proves that there are many large organizations that have successfully adopted ethical practices according to socially accepted norms. A look into World’s Most Ethical Companies Rank list helps learn how these companies turned ethical; according to this, UPS, one among them, reveals that ethics is the company’s business strategy (World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking 2008). They clai m that being a good corporate citizen is an important element that keeps the company successful. The company that has operations in more than 200 countries does have an ethics program that meets international demands. The company has written ethics policies and a culture that reinforces the written policies. Another company that deserves attention at this stage is Google. Within 10 years of its establishment, the company is into a number of programs aimed at reducing its environmental impacts. As a part of this step, the company addresses challenging issues like climate change, poverty, disasters and disease. In addition, the company encourages its employees to participate in such initiatives. In addition, there are many companies like Xerox,

Organization Chart Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organization Chart - Assignment Example This level also include the general manager. The design of Chicago Bulls organizational structure is a typical functional structure. According to Pedersen et al (2011), a functional structure is organized on the basis of roles and responsibilities. As elucidated by Pedersen et-al (2011), a functional structure analogous to Chicago Bulls structure has high levels of specialization. In other words, each unit or department has its own distinct role. From the Chicago Bulls organizational structure, it is evident that the organizational has adopted a centralized system whereby control managers and staff are allowed to make specific decisions on their own. Operations are also standardized, and the number of processes varies within departments. Specialization and centralization of control is imperative as ability to concentrate on specific functions and ability to make key decisions promotes innovativeness. In a nutshell, a functional organizational structure categorizes processes based on functions, roles, and

Consumer research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Consumer research - Essay Example The researcher has found that body knowledge regarding â€Å"Confusion in Marketing† or consumer confusion regarding marketing practices has been developed in the past 30 years or more. At this point, it would be rational to think that researchers from various background and time periods have conducted research on various aspects of the topic in last 30 years. In such background, the researcher has selected two academic articles addressing two different dimensions of the topic â€Å"Confusion in Marketing† and in the next section, the essay will identify, label, compare, analyze and reflect upon methodological choices in the two academic articles in terms of design of the research, data collection method, sampling and data collection, ethical aspects of the research, criteriology issues, problems or complications regarding the research etc. Articles in Discussion In the last 20 years, the world has become more globalized; consumerism has reached its pick, technological integration has revolutionized the concept of marketing promotion, evolution of interactive social media marketing took place and many other divergent occurrences happened. Same argument holds true for the research works of academic scholars regarding the topic â€Å"Confusion in Marketing†. ... In case of Balabanis & Craven’s (1997) academic article titled as â€Å"Consumer Confusion from Own Brand Lookalikes: An Exploratory Investigation†, the research objective was to understand how lookalikes from other brands or products having similar packaging, design and graphics as of leading brands creating confusion among customers. In case of Srivastava’s (2011) academic article titled as â€Å"Understanding brand identity confusion†, research objective was â€Å"to unveil the consumer perception about Cinthol (Indian bathing soap brand) and to understand the importance of brand identity of a product and the factors influencing it† (Srivastava, 2011, p. 340). To define consumer confusion regarding lookalike, Balabanis & Craven (1997) identified five different factors may that may invoke brand confusion among customers. However, previous researchers such as Foxman, Muehling & Berger (1990) and Foxman, Berger & Cote (1992) also identified similar kind of factors that may create confusion among customers regarding marketing practices of different marketers. Namely, five factors that can invoke marketing confusion are reason behind purchase, physical state of customers, physical environs or geographical position of the purchase, previous brand experience and temporal environment or time constraints. The academic article of Balabanis & Craven (1997) also considered the cognitive biasness model of Zaichkowsky (1985) and lack of consumer knowledge Sirdeshmukh & Unnava (1992) while understanding the source of consumer confusion regarding lookalikes. As research findings, academic article of Balabanis & Craven (1997) found that consumer confusion to lookalikes were only limited

The Travels of Marco Polo by Colin Thubron Essay

The Travels of Marco Polo by Colin Thubron - Essay Example Thus, the author provides reliable information about the various aspects of the city and the descriptions are highly factual and realistic. There are important descriptions of many towns, castles, and villages and the readers are given factual descriptions about the people, the kings, and the currency in the city. â€Å"At the end of three days, you reach the noble and magnificent city of Quinsai, a name that signifies ‘the celestial city’, and which it merits from its pre eminence to all others in the world, in grandeur and beauty, as-well as from its abundant delights, which might lead inhabitants to imagine himself in paradise. In all seasons there is, in the markets, a great variety of herbs and fruits, especially pears of an extraordinary size†¦ Each of the 10 markets squares is surrounded by high dwelling houses, in the lower part which are shops, where every kind of manufacture is carried on, and ever pre-eminence trade is sold, such as spices drugs trinkets and pearls...† (Thubron, 209) Therefore, the book provides great details about the various aspects of the city and the readers are able to gather some essential factual data regarding the cities of ancient China. Two other articles which deal with the great cities of ancient China are â€Å"The Attractions of the Capital† and â€Å"Recollections of Northern Song Capital†. A reflective analysis of these resources in comparison to each other provides an enlightening understanding of the great cities of ancient China.