The Erechtheion on the Acropolys of Athens Essay

The Erechtheion on the Acropolys of Athens - Essay Example If we wish to understand ourselves, we must take care not to eliminate the ‘shell’ of our past, for it is the physical record of our aspirations and achievements† (Roth 3). This is a perfect analogy for the buildings we construct because the oldest segments of the nautilus shell are found within the depths of its interior just as the oldest concepts of architecture are still found within the depths of our architectural core theories. What Roth is suggesting is that architectural knowledge of any type must necessarily build upon the work completed in the past and this work remains forever embedded within the frameworks created in the present. As a result, there remains a great deal to be learned from some of the existing architectural works of the ancient past such as the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens. Attempting to trace the architectural theories of the ancients is not as easy as it might seem as there were a number of architects working at the same time, not all of whom worked from the same foundational theories which had yet to be codified. An example of this is best illustrated by more modern examples. Even though we have access to numerous books and articles about Greek art and architecture today, there are still a great number of theories in existence as to what exactly comprises architecture. These theories continue to change with time, material, usage of the structure and so forth. This makes architectural theory even today difficult to standardize. â€Å"The majority of programs that purport to be theories of architecture seek to combine aesthetic, social and practical considerations in an integrated whole; the emphasis being either theoretical or practical, according to whether the author is an architect himself, and on whom he is writing for† (Kruft 14). In other words, there seems to be as many theories of architecture today as there are architects and it seems reasonable to assume that this same condition existed in the past as it does now. If there were fewer theories in antiquity, this would be more the result of a fewer number of working architects rather than a limited number of ideas to float around. Extending back even to the ancient Romans, though, architects began to record their theories for the benefit of future generations to build and expand upon. Thus, they are able to continue to contribute to developing thought many years after their physical deaths. These published discussions are invaluable because they reveal the influences of the ancients and reveal some of the common shared theories that may have been employed by the ancient Greeks. An important figure in the recording of these ideas was the Roman Vitruvius. Vitruvius was originally an artillery engineer who worked during the period of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, but he made his name a part of history through his work as an architect and an author. â€Å"His ten books on architecture, De Architectura (trans. 1914) , are the oldest surviving work on the subject. They consist of dissertations on a wide variety of subjects relating to architecture, engineering, sanitation, practical hydraulics, acoustic vases, and the like. Much of the material appears to have been taken from earlier extinct treatises by Greek architects† (Calter). Within his texts, Vitruvius outlines three basic elements of design he and presumably the

Mobile Banking Technology and Innovation Management Essay

Mobile Banking Technology and Innovation Management - Essay Example Management has to face several challenges in the overall process of introducing the innovation in the market (Barton and Kraus, 1985). MOBILE BANKING TECHNOLOGY: There has been ongoing process of introduction of new technologies in the market every other day. However, all new technologies are not able to succeed and capture the considerable amount of market share. This requires proper and well thought planning and management. It should be ensured that the new technology which is introduced in the market is according to the needs and requirements of the customers (Souder and Sherman, 1994). Apart from this, the new technology should be user friendly and easy to use. All these factors increase the acceptance of the innovative technology. Mobile banking is one such technology, which have been introduced in order to provide customers with ease and comfort in the process of banking. In the start of banking facility, customers have to be physically present at the bank in order to make any kind of transaction. This requirement of physical presence gradually disappeared with the advent of different new technologies and facilities with passage of time. ... Mobile banking allows the customers to perform important transactions through their mobile phones and there is hardly any need of going to banks or being physically present there for the purpose of making transactions (Stair and Reynolds, 2009). There are several benefits of the mobile banking, not only for customers but also for the bank which is providing this facility. This facility of mobile banking can facilitates banks in reducing the charges associated with transactions, as low level of cost is associated with mobile banking. Along with this, the facility of mobile banking is easy and convenient for the consumers as it enables them to quickly access their bank account at any place and at any time (Krugel, 2007). INNOVATION AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT: The process of implementation of any change or innovation is always associated with several challenges and issue. These challenges and issues should be managed in an effective and efficient manner in order to ensure the successful impl ementation of the innovation. The process of innovation management is a complete change management process. Management has to conduct force field analysis in order to identify important restricting and supporting forces. Next step is to come up with effective strategies and tactics in order to minimize the restricting forces and maximizing the supporting forces (Tidd, 2001). The restricting forces can be both external and internal. Innovation or new technology not only faces resistance on part of the customers but sometime employees are also responsible for the failure of any new technology or innovation. It is important for the management to keep in consideration