Friday, November 8, 2019

Managing Innovations and Entrepreneurship

Managing Innovations and Entrepreneurship Introduction Protection of innovation is a key element in promoting the development or growth of entrepreneurship activities. For an entrepreneur to reap from their innovative ideologies there must be adequate measures in place for preventing actions that encourage imitations.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Managing Innovations and Entrepreneurship specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Entrepreneurs can prevent imitations in various ways such as the use of standard patent, trademarks and patents among many others. This document, therefore, is going to explicate the various ways that enterprises use to prevent imitations. Standard Patent An entrepreneur can protect a method, process or device that he or she has creatively developed by acquiring patent rights (Australian government 2003). For example, cochlear company has patent rights on its ear device designed for the deaf, in various countries to protect imitations. Thi s is an effective barrier to stop others form manufacturing, reproducing of commercializing this device unless upon proper authorization by the company. Innovative patent An innovative patent protects small entrepreneurs who cannot afford standard or normal patents (Australian government 2003). This protection is suitable for businesses, which have short commercial or existence period. Considering advantages, innovative patent are reasonably inexpensive as compared to the standard patent. Additionally, innovative patents are easily obtainable and further take relatively less time to acquire. Ultimately, innovative patents offer equal level of protection as the standard patent thus similar in terms of effectiveness. Trademarks One can define a trademark as a symbol, letter, picture, logo, packaging or a combination of these aspects, which differentiates a company’s goods or services from the rest in the market (Australian government 2003). For example, the word â€Å"Coca Col a† is a trademark for the renowned beverage organization. This, therefore, means that no other organization can use this name for any other reason without obtaining consent or permission of Coca Cola organization. The advantage of a trademark is that it protects or safeguards your brand in various ways.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Design Registered designs protect an entrepreneur from imitations of his or her product outlook (Australian government 2003). Perfect examples of designs include product configurations and features. For instance, bed sheets with Ken Done designs are registered. This prevents or deters anyone from reproducing or manufacturing the same pattern or design. The use any registered design without permission is punishable legally. Copyright Copyright protects an entrepreneur’s original work such as music, art, broadcasts, literat ure, films and computer programmes (Australian government 2003). Copyright prevents anyone from unauthorized copying of another’s creative work. Some of the protected works under copyright include music, artwork, literature, drawing, poems, and novels among other material. Circuit layout rights Circuit layout right provides entrepreneurs exclusive rights to manufacture copy and commercially reproduce the original layout design of integrated circuit and microchips. Trade secrets and confidentiality This is whereby an entrepreneur maintains secrets of his or her trading activities, commodities or processes (Australian government 2003). For instance, Coca Cola organization is the only organization that knows its product recipes thus limiting assuring protection confidentiality. Conversely, organizations use trade secret when there are complications in reversing engineering process or when there is complexity enforcing intellectual properties. Explicating barriers and protection to innovation One of the most successful companies that have managed to, fully, exercise barriers in preventing imitations is Coca Cola organization (Brown Severson 2011). No person or company has ever imitated Coca Cola’s soft drink recipes. It is a trade secret and thus confidential to Coca Cola. The Coca Cola organization has also trademarked the name Coca Cola to prevent the organization from any imitation. The trade secret and confidentiality of Coca Cola’s recipes has been one of the most successful barriers or protection against imitations (Brown Severson 2011). This is because the reverse engineering of the process is extremely difficult and the combination of the ingredients maintained as top secret.  The Coca Cola brand has grown thus recognized worldwide due to the consistency of the Coca Cola soft drink (Brown Severson 2011).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Managing Innovations and Entrepreneurship specifically for you for o nly $16.05 $11/page Learn More Various competitors wish to imitate the brand in order to attract more potential customers the market, but often end up in vain. This clearly indicates the effectiveness of imitation barriers imposed by the company.  Intellectual property poses immense challenges in management due to its intangibility nature. Therefore, for effective management of intellectual property, it is fundamental to uphold various protection measures. For instance, keeping a catalogue of all intellectual properties registered can help provide evidence of ownership. Evaluation of the intellectual property regularly can also assist in establishing the property values thus protect then using various available and appropriate ways (Australian government 2003). The choice of barrier to use in protecting or safeguarding intellectual property will entirely depend on the nature of product or service offered by entrepreneurs. He or she must establish the suitability of that particular barrier in relation to his or her product or service. The effectiveness of a barrier on a product or a service depends on the nature of the product or service. If a barrier does not suit the product or service, then it will be ineffective in protection or safeguarding of intellectual properties. In conclusion, barriers to imitation are incredibly vital in the protection of intellectual property. This motivates entrepreneurs in developing new ideologies thus promoting innovations al every organizational level. However, there are various ways of protecting innovation; some of the ways include intellectual properties, copyright, trademarks and design (Australian government 2003). Such protection assures complete or absolute benefits of their ideologies when they commercially exploited them. Imitation barriers also help in the development of brands in the market. References Australian government, 2003, intellectual property (IP) rights at a glance, (commonwealth governm ent of Australia), Australian government, Sydney.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Australian government, 2003, IP management, (commonwealth government of Australia), Australian government, Sydney. Australian government, 2003, IP valuation, (commonwealth government of Australia), Australian government, Sydney. Brown, R Severson, K (2011), Recipe for coke? One more to add to the file, New York Times. Web.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Ethics and Social Responsibility †Business Essay

Ethics and Social Responsibility – Business Essay Free Online Research Papers Ethics and Social Responsibility Business Essay Ethics and Social Responsibility in business and government today are very important subjects. There are numerous reasons for businesses to operate in an ethical and socially responsible manner. There are government regulations, corporate belief systems, and basic common sense. There needs to be a overall intent to be ethical and socially responsible in today’s business environment in order to stay successful. Ethics in Business In business today there are many instances of corporations that act from an ethical standard, including the company that I work for. In the wake of scandals such as Enron and Imclone it is more important than ever that companies make an effort to push out improper behavior and practices if they wish to stay in business. One example of good business practices is the case of Henry Thomas, a cellular technician for Southern Bell, who was asked to randomly terminate five employees as a disciplinary measure. He refused to do so based on his moral code, and was then terminated. He decided to go into business for himself and dedicate his business to God. He states that, â€Å"The Bible tells us that God’s eyes are looking to and fro throughout the earth for those whose hearts are wholly committed to him. Every day, I pray that God would give us wisdom and that he would find us usable so that we can continue our mission to help others and to show God how much we love him.† (Mi ller, 1). When Thomas rededicated his efforts to God and his business, his small business has grown to the point where they have monthly earnings in excess of $10 million. Not bad for just following your moral code and God’s plan. Another area where ethics are important is the government sector. It is important for the government to act in an ethical manner so that we, as citizens can have faith that the right things are being done for the right reasons. I was pleased to find that the government is active in the form of a website called the developmental gateway, which contains articles on topics such as ethics and social responsibility in government sectors and business sectors. It is extremely informative and a good source of information on how things are handled in government. The importance of ethics in business is seen all the way into the structural natures of businesses. It is not just a notion that you have; it is in the way a business operates that can show the importance of ethics in your company. The dedication to ethics must come from the highest ranks of the organization. In order to have a principled company, you must have a principled leadership. Principled leaders â€Å"†¦have their goals and views in line with all stakeholders in the company such as workers, stockholders, customers, and communities â€Å" (Batstone, 86). Another factor involved in principled leaders is credibility, credibility is â€Å"†¦intangible characteristics that lead their people to believe in and work towards objectives. Earning credibility is a daily, uphill journey that has to be continually renewed.† (Kouzes, 125). Credibility is something that many of the companies involved in scandals have lost. Getting it back will be either impossible or a t remendous effort. One way to handle the effects of any kind of catastrophe or scandal is to have a crisis management system in place. Crisis management is â€Å"†¦a systemic initiative to prevent man-induced catastrophes from effecting the organization negatively.† (Mitroff, 17). At my place of employment, we have an emergency response team in order to respond to any medical, chemical, and hazardous material situation. I think that this is a valid method of crisis management and will help if there is ever any problems in the future. Another very important area for ethics to be apparent is the medical field. Banja states in his interview that ethics are important because â€Å"†¦health care is so unpredictable, uncertain, stressful, and contains such high-stakes, that many practitioners exaggerate their competence. They come to believe that one ought never appear ignorant, uncertain, hesitant, or wrong. They work hard on convincing themselves and others that they are eminently capable, indeed, outstanding, so that when something like an error does occur, the cognitive dissonance it creates is traumatic because it threatens their self-image.† (Banja 1). The public often hears of tragedies that occur on the operating table, such as instruments left inside the body, or wrong limbs operated on. These instances scare people and lead to mistrust. It is essential that physicians maintain ethical standards so that they can maintain the trust that we need to place in them as customers. Social Responsibility in Business With the amount of pollution in the world today it is very important for business to be socially responsible in operation. For instance, my company has its own environmental department, which takes care of any environmental issues that may occur in our daily operations. Another instance of a corporation being ecologically sensitive is the case of Bainbridge Graduate Institute. Bainbridge Graduate Institute has committed itself to 100% use of renewable energy sources. One of Bainbridge’s faculty stated, â€Å"Our purchase of green tags [renewable energy certificates] is a natural extension of our mission to teach sustainable business practices† (www.epa.gov). It is important to note that Bainbridge is not the first to try this practice, but they are one of the most successful. Another case of social responsibility is the Brazilian sugar markets. These companies are becoming more globalized and are coming under the scrutiny of many other governments. Once used to free reign as far as their overall actions were concerned. One thing they are learning is that â€Å"Bad publicity can translate into a lower stock price† (Vogel, ethicsworld.com). Also, Frank Vogl in his article says that, â€Å"For business, coming to terms with this vital and complex agenda (social responsibility) means new strategies and corporate behaviors.† (Vogl, ethicsworld.com). Hopefully the Brazilian sugar makers will realize that they cannot exploit people or resources and continue to be profitable in this day and age. People are more valuable than to be used as mere commodities. In conclusion, Ethics and Social Responsibility are very important for modern businesses to possess to function productively and profitably. In a world that has been rocked my multiple corporate scandals and environmental disasters, it is essential that companies put forth the effort to regain and maintain the trust of their customers and the public in general. Hopefully the efforts of organizations like Bainbridge Graduate Institute, and people like Henry Thomas will help to regain some of the footing that has been lost over the years. With a little effort and responsibility, perhaps the organizations of today can leave the world in better shape for our children and their children. WORKS CITED Books or Literature Batstone, David. Saving the Corporate Soul (Who Knows?) Maybe Your Own. San Francisco: Jossey- Bass, 2003. Kouzes, James M. Posner, Barry Z. Credibility: How Leaders Gain It and Lose It, Why People Demand It. San Francisco: Jossey –Bass, 1993. Mitroff, Allen I , Anagnos, Gus. Managing Crises Before They Happen: What Every Manager Needs to Know about Crisis Management. New York: American Management Association, 2001. Peters, Thomas J. â€Å"Putting Excellence Into Management,† Business Week, July 21, 1980,  © 1980 by McGraw – Hill, Inc. Internet Sources Bainbridge Graduate Institute Commits to 100% Renewable Energy, Joins EPA Green Power Partnership (2006). Retrieved 1-15-2006 from www.epa.gov/greenpower. Miller, Kevin.(2006). Refusing to Compromise Pays Big Dividends. Retrieved 1-15-2006 from http://secretsofsuccess.com/people/thomas.html Vogel, David. (2005). The Market for Virtue: The Potential and Limits of Corporate Social Responsibilit. ethicsworld.com/ corporatesocialresponsibility/viewsandanalysis.php Vogl, Frank. (2005). Ethics Values of Globalization. Retrieved 1-15-2006 from ethicsworld.com/ corporatesocialresponsibility/viewsandanalysis.php. Professional Interview BANJA, JOHN. (2005). JOHN BANJA INTERVIEWS HIMSELF ON HIS BOOK MEDICAL ERRORS AND MEDICAL NARCISSISM. RETRIEVED 1-20-2006 FROM HTTP://WWW.ETHICS.EMORY.EDU/NEWS/ARCHIVES/000374.HTML. Richie Dunn dunn_richie@yahoo.com Research Papers on Ethics and Social Responsibility - Business EssayMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesPETSTEL analysis of IndiaBringing Democracy to AfricaTwilight of the UAWAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceOpen Architechture a white paperResearch Process Part OneThe Effects of Illegal Immigration

Monday, November 4, 2019

Gynocentric Feminism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Gynocentric Feminism - Essay Example In the past years, women were excluded from important activities in the society and, therefore, were denied the ownership of certain rights such as the right to expression, participation, and education among others. Although women had the power to change the situation, they did not have the courage to exercise this power. Every woman has an erotic resource lying deep within them and the spiritual plane. This resource is rooted in the power of their unrecognized or unexpressed feeling. However, in order to perpetuate the resource, various male models of power that bring oppression must be distorted. This is because oppression suppresses the erotic resource of the women making them powerless in the society (Allen 166). Men have made women to believe that it is only the suppression of the women’s erotic resource, within their lives, that can truly make them strong. However, that belief is illusory because it is framed by the male models of power which only aims at taking the advantage of female existence. However, through gynocentric feminism approach, women have come to distrust the male models of power. They have discovered the potentials and possibilities that lie within themselves. Their erotic resource offers a provocative and replenishing force to a woman (Ptacek 12). It is a source of information and power that can help them to explore the world. It is also a measure between the beginning of a woman’s sense of self and the pandemonium of their strongest feelings. In addition, it is â€Å"an internal sense of satisfaction† where once a woman has experienced it, she gets to aspire. Furthermore, this measure can be well understood by observing the current public housekeepin g of the modern cities in America. The city departments, controlled by men, have snatched women, their responsibility as housekeepers. This has affected their sense of self and they no longer aspire to carry out their responsibilities as housekeepers.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Microfinance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Microfinance - Essay Example In this aspect, they provide more than just banking services. In my opinion, MFIs have empowered the poor by bringing financial services closer to them. However, it is also of equal significance to lay policies for efficient management and operations of the MFIs (Ledgerwood 205). To determine if the MFIs are able to make sufficient returns to meet their needs without extreme risks and remain financially viable while extending loans to small businesses, a periodic analysis of their performance is necessary (Ledgerwood 205). The targeted beneficiaries also require training in capital management and investment to gain profits. A report on the financial analysis is not only helpful to the internal management of the MFIs, but also to donors and financiers that have invested in them (Ledgerwood 205). This aspect applies to both non-profit and profit making entities. An analysis of the performance provides information that assist in identifying existing and potential problems. From the analysis, changes in policy and management can be implemented, improving financial performance. In conclusion, I believe MFIs need to be monitored and undergo periodic evaluations. This is because well managed MFIs are in the forefront in supporting generation of sustainable income to financially challenged entrepreneurs, driving them towards a financially independent society (Ledgerwood 8). The way they are managed enables practitioners to determine how well they are performing financially and also determine future performance goals.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

How Cell Phones Can Cause Cancer for Users Research Paper

How Cell Phones Can Cause Cancer for Users - Research Paper Example Cell phones are examples of gadgets that emit radiofrequency energy. This paper, in effect, explains how cell phones cause cancer to their users. Radiofrequency Radiation and Cell Phone Use Radiofrequency (RF) is a type of electrical energy found between 300 kilohertz (KHz) and 1 megahertz (MHz) frequency ranges. Weinberg (p. 17) observes that â€Å"†¦RF penetrates human body and is absorbed by deep body organs without feeling of any heat sensation.† Weinberg (p. 17) deduces that it this property of radiofrequency energy that makes cell phones harmful to their users. The gadgets play a major role in development of brain cancers because the antenna which absorbs and emits signals transmits the same radiation to the brain of a user. Several studies confirm a strong correlation between use of cell phones and brain cancer. (Schuz et al.1707). Causes of neck cancer and cancers of various nerves in the head have also been attributed to cell phone use. Mechanism used by microwav e ovens to heat food is analogous to how RF energy emitted by cell phones behaves. However, heat produced by RF exposure from cell phones is not sufficient enough to significantly increase body temperature. Muscat et al. (p. 3001) explains that using a cell phone while holding it on one side of the head affects brain tissues close to antennae of the phone. Radiofrequency energy emitted from the cell phone increases glycolytic process (breakdown of glucose to pyruvate with release of energy) in these tissues. Slight increase in temperature in these tissues triggers faster metabolism of glucose than in tissues opposite to antennae of the cell phone. Uneven rate of glycolysis in the brain results to imbalance energy distribution in brain tissues. Unequal distribution of energy in the brain promotes unequal cell growth in brain tissues resulting to uncontrolled and imbalanced cell division and growth of brain tissues. Brain tumors are products of uncontrolled cell growth and division of cells in the brain tissues. The tumors grow rapidly and form enlarged cell masses than surrounding cells. Surplus energy on one side of the head can, thus, cause brain tumors on one side of the brain. RF radiations produce malignant tumors. The tumors are non-encapsulated cells that grow quickly and readily metastasize into surrounding cells. Metastasis is the ability of a tumor cell to break from the tumor and freely enter the bloodstream (Larjavaara et al. 4). Tumor cells can, therefore, travel to other parts of the body and begin to rapidly divide and grow. More often, malignant tumor cells are characterized by anaplasia, a condition in which a cell loses its distinctive features. Larjavaara et al. (p. 10) concludes that cancer is a result of cell reversion. Consequently, cell phone users not only expose themselves to brain cancer, but also increase their chances of developing cancer of other body organs. According to Larjavaara et al. (p. 2), common brain cancers caused by radi ations emitted from cell phones include glioma and neuroma brain cancers. Glioma is a spinal cord or a brain tumor made up of neuroglia, a connective tissue of the nervous system. Glioma tumors arise from abnormal glial cells in the brain. Immediate symptoms of gliomas, which are not as deadly as glioma cancer, include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and cranial nerve disorders among others. Neuroma brain cancer, on the other hand, is a cancerous tumor that

Monday, October 28, 2019

Bus 303 Practice Midterm Essay Example for Free

Bus 303 Practice Midterm Essay Characters: Cathy and Dave, a well-to-do professional couple Al, a real estate salesman Cathy and Dave are young, upwardly mobile. They hold good professional jobs in downtown Chicago. One day Cathy received an invitation in-the mail, from a resort called Green Acres (GA), which was located near the mountains, about eight hour driving time from Chicago. The mailer invited the young couple to spend two nights free of cost and receive $50 for expenses. All they had to do in return was to listen to a presentation, see a video, and take a tour of the resort for about two hours. Additional conditions included 24 hour advance booking of the room with 24 hour notice for cancellations, and a valid credit card. Green Acres would charge $50 for a no show. Although the letter made no mention of it, Cathy and Dave knew the invitation was a real estate promotion and guessed that the two hours with the GA staff meant a hard sell for a condo or a timeshare near a lake or a golf course, something they did not want. They decided to take the offer anyway in order to get a free vacation and arranged to visit GA the following weekend. Cathy and Dave had a good time at GA. The only sour point of the trip was the last exchange they had with Al the salesman. At the end of the two hour presentation when Cathy and Dave had refused to buy any GA properties, Al looked at Dave in frustration and said, â€Å"If you knew you weren’t going to buy any property here, why did you come? Our company spent $300 to get you down here, and you have taken food off my family’s table. What you did is immoral. Please don’t do it again. At this Dave retorted, â€Å"Your letter was clear, there was nothing in it that said a purchase of real estate was involved, and we had no obligation to buy anything from you. Your invitation was unconditional, I don’t owe you or your family anything and I resent what you just said.† At the end of this uncomfortable exchange, Cathy and Dave left the room with an unpleasant feeling. But the unpleasant feelings did not last long because the drive back through the mountain s was truly spectacular. After a few days Cathy said to Dave, â€Å"You know, Im still mad about what Al said to us at Green Acres. Should we write to his boss, or to the real estate board or to some government agency? You know, if we don’t do something, some poor unsuspecting people might fall for their gimmicks!† Dave replied, â€Å"No, I dont think we should waste any time on this. Most people know, or should know what they are getting into-there are no free lunches! Besides if we complain, Al may lose his job and when we’ll be really taking the food from his family’s table!† What Are the Relevant Facts? 1. Cathy and Dave are educated and well paid. 2. They received an unsolicited invitation from Green Acres (GA). 3. The invitation had nothing in it that said they had to buy anything from GA. 4. They correctly guessed that the GA sales staff would put pressure on them to buy real estate. 5. GA was eight hours driving time from Chicago. 6. Al made a sales presentation. 7. Cathy and Dave listened to the presentation. 8. Al said Cathy and Dave had acted immorally and had deprived him of a chance of earning a sales commission. 9. Dave said that they had fulfilled their obligation, as outlined in the invitation, and had not acted incorrectly. What Are the Ethical Issues? 1. What is the role of inducements in marketing? 2. What is the responsibility of individuals who accept inducements? Do they have any moral obligations to purchase goods if they accept free gifts from merchants? 3. Is giving attractive gifts to potential buyers an ethical practice? Does the size of the gift or the inducement matter? 4. Cathy and Dave were sophisticated, educated city folk and did not feel pressured to buy from GA. Do less educated or less sophisticated consumers feel pressured to buy merchandise under enticements of gifts? Would such business practice be considered ethical? 5. Should Cathy and Dave complain so that other vulnerable people may not be pressured into buying expensive property they do not want? Who Are the Primary Stakeholders? †¢ Cathy and Dave †¢ Al †¢ GA †¢ GA’s stockholders †¢ Other potential consumers, especially the vulnerable ones What Are the Possible Alternatives? 1. Cathy and Dave can forget the incident and do nothing. 2. They can file a complaint with GA. 3. They can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities. 4. They can write to Al. What Are the Ethics of the Alternatives? 1. What is the best course of action for Cathy and Dave from the moral standpoint? What is the best course of action that Cathy and Dave take that will provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number? 2. Do Cathy and Dave and other potential customers have rights not to be pressured or induced into actions they may not wish to take? Do GA and Al have rights to pursue their business and personal interests? Were any rights violated? 3. What is the just thing to do in this case? Which alternative distributes the burdens and responsibilities fairly? If Cathy and Dave act and if GA improves its practices everyone except Al may benefit. Not complaining may mean Al will continue his tactics and undermine GA’s goals assuming that word would get around and additional customers will be offended. What Are the Practical Constraints? None. What Actions Should Be Taken? 1. What should Cathy and Dave do? 2. Which alternative would you choose? 3. Which approach (utilitarian, rights, or justice) makes the most sense to you in this situation? Clearly, no action could mean unsuspecting people may be lured into buying expensive real estate with potentially severe consequences. Complaints could lead to improved practice and better performance but could lead to the loss of Al’s job. 4. What is the right thing to do?

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Revenge and Vengeance in Shakespeares Hamlet - Going Beyond Revenge Es

Going Beyond Revenge in Hamlet      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The simplest and superficially the most appealing way to understand Shakespeare’s Hamlet is to see it as a revenge tragedy. This genre was well established and quite popular in Shakespeare’s time, but it was precisely part of his genius that he could take old forms and renew them by a creative violation of their standards. As this essay will explore, Hamlet stands the conventional revenge tragedy on its head, and uses the tensions created by this reversal of type to add depth to its characters and story.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The revenge tragedy of Shakespeare’s age, as exemplified in such productions as The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kyd and The Tragedy of Hoffman by Henry Chettle was gruesome to a degree. In the latter work, for instance, the hero displays on stage the skeleton of his father, who has been tortured to death for piracy, and later on takes part of his revenge by killing one of his enemies with precisely the same tortures, and hanging him in chains beside the skeleton of his father. In the process, the original religious symbolism of death imagery, in particular the skeleton and the skull, is perverted into little more than eye-catching tokens of revenge (Jacobs 1993).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The classic revenge tragedy is thus quite a simple affair: there is an offence, and it is followed in a fairly mechanical manner by revenge, preferably bloody and protracted. However, as Delville and Michel (1998) point out, this structure is undermined by Shakespeare in the person of Hamlet. Unlike even Shakespeare’s own creations, Brutus, Macbeth, and Othello, Hamlet is unpredictable. In an earlier version of the play, referred to as the Ur-Hamlet, and attributed to Thomas Kyd, the only reason for... ...rd and poisoned cup. In the deaths of Polonius and Ophelia, and indeed in his own, he learns that means cannot be separated from ends, and that the consequences of his own choice of means – his madness – will come back to haunt him. It is in this sense that Hamlet may be read as a journey of self-discovery, even though the journey ends only in the grave.    Works Cited Delville, Michel and Pierre Michel. â€Å"Introduction to Hamlet.† Tr. Eriks Uskalis. University of Liege, 1998. 20 April 2001. Jacobs, Henry E. â€Å"Shakespeare, revenge tragedy, and the ideology of Memento Mori.† Shakespeare Studies 21, 1993: 96-108. Electronic. EBSCO MasterFILE Premier, 14 June 2001. Shakespeare, William. â€Å"Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.† The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. London: Spring Books, n.d.: 945-980. Â