Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Project Management Methodologies - 2126 Words

Running head: Project Management Methodologies Project Management Methodologies Gary D. Rice Webster University Abstract In Business, project management is used regularly to accomplish unique outcomes with limited resources under critical time constraints. There has been a rapid increase in the number of firms that use project management methodologies as the preferred way of accomplishing almost every business undertaking. There are a number of approaches to managing project activities and in project management these approaches are referred to as methodologies. This paper attempts to explore the many different methodologies in project management and allow the reader to determine the best approach for their organization.†¦show more content†¦And it means that the process should be minimized -- barely significant. The use of the word crystal refers to the various facets of a gemstone -- each a different face on an underlying core. The underlying core represents values and principles, while each facet represents a specific set of elements such as techniques, roles, tools, and standards. Cockburn also differentiates between methodology, techniques, and policies. A methodology is a set of elements (practices, tools); techniques are skill areas such as developing use cases; and policies dictate organizational musts. Dynamic Systems Development Model (DSDM) Methodology The Dynamic Systems Development Model was developed in the U.K. in the mid-1990s. It is the evolution of rapid application development (RAD) practices. DSDM boasts the best-supported training and documentation of any of the agile software development techniques, at least in Europe. DSDM favors the philosophy that nothing is built perfectly the first time and looks to software development as an exploratory endeavor. The nine principles of DSDM are: †¢ Active user involvement. †¢ Empowered teams that the authority to can make decisions. †¢ A focus on frequent delivery of products. †¢ Using fitness for business purpose as the essential criterion for acceptance of deliverables. †¢ Iterative and incremental development to ensure convergence on anShow MoreRelatedProject Management Methodologies For Project Managers1036 Words   |  5 PagesProject Methodology There are numerous project management methodologies available for project managers to choose from. The best process or methodology must take into consideration the unique aspects of the project, including factors such as staff size and system criticality, as determined by the project manager and the core team (Cockburn, 2000). From my vantage point, the primary concern is the team member buy-in and keeping the process participatory, while managing the interaction, communicationRead MoreA Project Management Methodology For Managing Projects996 Words   |  4 Pagesability and capability to organize project management could determine the success of an organization. Generally, project managers use formal project management methodology to run projects efficiently. This article describes the explanation of the differences between PMBOK and PRINCE2, the advantages and disadvantages of those models, and the example of a project which use PMBOK methodology. The differences between PMBOK and PRINCE2 â€Å"PMBOK† stands for Project Management Body of Knowledge. PMBOK GuideRead MoreProject Management Approach / Methodology Essay939 Words   |  4 PagesProject Management Methodologies MedDev is looking to streamline their resource planning across various departments in order to support their global growth and cut costs. In order to achieve this business objective, they are undertaking ERP Implementation as a Key project which involves largest investment MedDev has ever done as a single project. Thus success of this project is of prime importance to them. In order to achieve their business objective, project management and the used methodologyRead MoreImplementation Of Project Management Methodology981 Words   |  4 Pages1. Introduction Project management methodology is a combination of sensibly related practices, systems and procedures that decide how best to arrange, create, control and convey a task all through the continuous execution process until effective completion and termination. It is a logically demonstrated, precise and trained way to deal with project design, execution and completion. The purpose of project methodology is to take into consideration controlling the whole management process through powerfulRead MoreA Research Project Management Methodologies1627 Words   |  7 PagesReflection Today, Scrum methodology is one of the most adopted/ popular project management methodologies out there. It is recognised as a simple to follow framework, but effective in terms of productivity, scalability and flexibility with change. The scrum adopts an empirical approach which bases on the idea that the problem cannot be fully understood or defined. So the framework focuses on maximising the team’s ability to deliver quickly while adapting and responding to emerging requirements. IRead MoreAgile Methodology For Project Management2433 Words   |  10 PagesAGILE METHODOLOGY IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT 3 Agile Methodology in Project Management Name Instructor Institution Location Date of Submission Table of Contents Introduction 3 Approaches in Agile Methodology 3 Principles of Agile Methodology in Project Management 4 Comparison of Agile Methodology versus Traditional Approach 5 Overall Description of Agile Methodology 7 Benefits of the Agile Methodology 8 Conclusions 9 References 10 Running head: AGILE METHODOLOGY IN PROJECT MANAGEMENTRead MoreProject Management Methodologies For The Development Essay981 Words   |  4 PagesCHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW INTRODUCTION The first chapter introduced the research problem that raised the question of whether adaption project management methodologies can be tailored down to Nigerian SMEs. This chapter presents the academic literature pertinent to the research, and places it in context of the research. The aim of this chapter is to provide the background information of the research topic and to show the gaps in the research literature, so as to identify the areas this researchRead MoreImplementing A Project Management Methodology1769 Words   |  8 PagesThe use of structured methodologies in IT Project management is increasingly recognised as one of the fundamental drivers in reducing the likelihood of incomplete and costly IT project failures. The need for a systematic approach has been highlighted through a number of survey results on the failure of IT Projects. These results demonstrate that the significant issues associated with failed projects include the lack of; a defined project organisation, po licy and procedures, implementation plans andRead MoreProject Management Methodology For The Uk2793 Words   |  12 PagesPrince 2 is a widely recognised project management methodology in the UK. For this task you are required to provide an overview of Prince 2, critically evaluate this methodology and identify the types of project it is best suited to. It is essential that you appropriately reference your work using APA referencing. In the absence of appropriate referencing marks cannot be allocated for this task. What is a project? A project is a temporary endeavour designed to produce a unique product, service orRead MoreResearch Methodology On Agile Project Management1734 Words   |  7 Pages3. Methodology Chapter 3.1 Introduction to Methodology The purpose of this chapter is to describe the research methodology used in completing this dissertation. This chapter starts out by describing the initial research and literature review that was performed and then further describe with relevant research methodology. A research method is being selected and explained. A sample of questionnaire and interview questions can be obtained in Appendix. 3.2 Prestudy and Approach ( Literature Review )

Monday, December 16, 2019

Analysis Of John Montresor s The Cask Of Amontillado

Montresor is the narrator of â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† who is very educated and a man of stature. The entirety of the story Montresor conveyed his emotions through articulate words which exaggerated his desire to be respected. Montresor expressed how Fortunato injured him thousands of times until eventually Montresor had enough and vowed revenge. From this part of the story Montresor is angry and feeling belittled by Fortunato. Analyzing the feeling that Montresor was injured by Fortunato was really jealousy toward him. Fortunato was rich and powerful and Montresor was a joker. Fortunato must have insulted him one day and Montresor took it upon himself to never be disrespected again. Montresor is the wrong person to say anything offensive†¦show more content†¦Once Montresor states that he will go ask a man Luchresi if he can tell him if his wine is real or not Fortunato is taken aback that Montresor would not just ask him. Montresor knows Fortunato would jump at the opportunity to go to his vaults just to try his wine to prove he knows the difference between Amontillado and Sherry. The entire conversation Montresor continues to lie that he in fact just bought Amontillado and he would rather have Luchresi distinguish it for him because he does not want to interrupt any plans Fortunato had. Montresor declining Fortunato’s request amplifies Fortunato’s desire to go down into the vaults because of his pride being his weakness. Montresor knows that Fortunato is a prideful and he will exploit that weakness to lure him into the catacombs. Now Montresor is feeling as though he has the upper hand now because Fortunato is falling directly into his trap. Montresor finally gives in and allows Fortunato to come down with him to the catacombs, where his vengeance can finally take place. An already intoxicated Fortunato is offered more and more alcohol from Montresor as they get deeper into the catacombs. Montresor wants Fortunato not to be aware in the process of luring him to his death. Montresor tells his family motto to Fortunato which is â€Å"Nemo me impune lacessit. Which means â€Å"no one attacks me with impunity.† Montresor’s family motto means no person can attack or â€Å"insult† as Montresor took it, without punishment.Show MoreRelatedThe Cask Of Amontillado By Edgar Allan Poe1575 Words   |  7 PagesIs there anything that someone could do to you that would cause you to commit murder? Could you get away with it? Montresor is the murderous narrator who has committed the perfect murder in just such a tale, â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado.† Montresor plots and kills an unwary friend/foe during carnival time for motives that are unclear. The author of this tale, Edgar Allan Poe, influenced by his somewhat tragic life and one of t he most influential Gothic writers, uses symbolism and irony to show the multitudeRead MoreCharacter Analysis Of Montresor887 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿Character Analysis of Montresor If written with skill, â€Å"Villains† can be some of the most interesting characters in literature. The character of Montresor from Edgar Allen Poe’s â€Å"A Cask of Amontillado†. Poe, being the horror writer that he was, portrays this dark character in exactly that way. The story begins with Montresor explaining to the reader as a narrator that a man named Fortunato has insulted and hurt him for a great deal of time. Montresor never explains what exactly Fortunato did toRead MoreInfluence Of A Life By Richard Connell And Edgar Allan Poe1600 Words   |  7 Pagesviolence as a theme. He relates the violence from the war to redirect into his stories. Although, these different themes he writes will allow him to create an urge of passion, and confidence with the characters, and the piece. â€Å"The Most Dangerous Game† Analysis Richard Connell has written many stories with many of his techniques, but of the most memorable story is â€Å"The Most Dangerous Game†. This story shows the main character Sanger Rainsford, in certain positions on the island and in the game that add

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Marketing Strategic Report Amazon

Question: Discuss about the Marketing Strategic Report Amazon. Answer: Introduction Conducting a SWOT analysis helps the organization to analyze its core strengths and weaknesses. The organization can use its strengths to overcome its weaknesses and threats in the industry. The following marketing report will analyze SWOT (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and weaknesses) of Amazon.com. It is a leading group in the e-commerce business. To maximize the revenues in the online retail industry, the organization must make sure that it effectively addresses the issues shown in the below SWOT analysis. In this marketing report, a SWOT analysis of Amazon is conducted and recommendations are given for the company to overcome the weaknesses and threats. It briefly discusses the growth of Indian consumer electronic industry. The discussion includes the description about the market, target segment, new product development and services in India and customer value proposition of the organization. Company Background Amazon.com is the American multinational company, which was founded in the year 1994. It was established by Jeff Bezos in Seattle, Washington, United States. Amazon is the largest online retailer in across the world by the market capitalization and total sales. It is recorded the revenues of $107,006 million in the financial year 2015. There was a hike of 20.2% from the year 2014 (Pinkerton, 2013). In this year, United States was the largest market for the company with the 65.9% of total revenues. The organization has started its business as an online bookstore, after that it diversified its business in selling other products like; CDs, DVDs, electronics, video games, software, furniture, toys, etc. Amazon.com has distinct online websites for different countries; United States, Ireland, Japan, China, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Canada, Australia, France and United Kingdom (Parante, Diane 2007). The products and services of the organization include cloud computing, online shopping and cont ent distribution. According to the report of 2016, 230,800 employees are working under the organization (Mordor Intelligence 2016). The major competitors of Amazon.com are Wal-Mart stores, eBay, Alibaba Group, Best Buy, International Business Machines and Netflix Inc. SWOT Table Strengths Weaknesses 1. Cost leadership 2. Customer centered 3. Strong brand name 4. Effective delivery network 5. Good business relationship with the electronic companies and publishing houses 6. Huge customer base 7. It provides personalized user shopping experience 8. Variety of products offerings 1. Business model is easily imitable 2. Limited presence in the market in comparison to its competitors 3. Less penetration of online shopping and e-commerce 4. Runs at very low margin 5. Tax ignorance issue Opportunities Threats 1. Improve the measures to reduce the forged sales 2. Expansion of business in more product lines 3. Opening physical stores 4. Global expansion 5. People are getting more technology friendly 6. Growth in the demand for cloud computing services 1. Internet security threats 2. Threat of Imitation 3. Strong competitors 4. New emerging shopping portals 5. Local low cost retailers 6. Foreign exchange fluctuation Market Description In India, Consumer electronics market is growing with double growth rate from past few years. There are some reasons behind this, like; affordable pricing, increased awareness about the products, higher income and improvement in the life styles of the population. These are the factors, which are forcing changing the consumer spending pattern (Freeman 2010). It is resulting a strong growth in the consumer electronic market. According to a research report, Indian consumer market has grown at the CAGR of 18 percent in the duration of 2011-2014. The growth in the Indias GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and disposable income of customers is the major reason behind the growth in this market (Mitra, 2015). A research analyzes that there are some major sections of the consumer appliances in India, such as; television, air conditioner, mobile handset, refrigerator market, laptop personal computer market and gaming supports. But still, some products like; televisions, air conditioners and refrige rators have thee low saturation in the India. If India will grow in the future at current growth rate, then the household incomes will be twice in next five years (Joshi 2015). It will benefit the industry. Indian consumer electronics market was US$ 14 billion in the year 2015 and has a CAGR of 18 percent in the duration of five years. It is estimated to become 29 billion by the year 2020. Major players in the market are LG, Samsung, Videocon, Dell, Sony, Godrej, Panasonic, Microsoft, Philips etc. These brands have gained a good market share (Jones, Hill, Comfort Hillier, 2008). The presence of these brands makes the industry in India highly competitive. Findings To maintain the highest revenues in the online retail industry, Amazon must make sure that it effectively addresses the aspects, which are shown in the SWOT analysis. This SWOT analysis of the company states to be the requirement to ensure the strong brand reputation (Helms Nixon 2010). With the great strengths and opportunities, company is facing some issues related to its weaknesses and threats. All the aspects are ranked with the number and written down in order of their importance. An analysis of SWOT is mentioned in the below explanation. Explanation of SWOT table: Strengths Amazon is the largest online seller in the world. In the year 2015, the organization generated better revenues from the online business. With this growth rate, Amazon will become the 2nd largest online retailer in the world. The company is working with low cost structure (Vakhariya 2012). This is major strength of the company, thats why it is ranked at 1. It leads to lower prices, which jointed with the variety of products that result in a comparatively better customer experience. The cost leadership strategy has resulted in the organization in gaining the profits from this action and it assisted the shareholders rise the value from the organization. This is a strongest brand in the online retail industry (Out-Nyarko Sarbah, 2014). This strength is responsible for the rapid growth of the business. Increasing revenues is enabling the company to make the investment in new ventures and developing new products. Effective delivery network and variety of product offerings is helping it in developing a huge customer base. This fact of SWOT analysis indicates that Amazon has necessary strengths to sustain its market position in e-commerce. Weaknesses The weaknesses of Amazon.com develop the challenges, which limit its online retail business. Amazon is implementing a business model, which can be copied by other competitors easily. For example, other organizations can also establish online portal. If the firms will be fully established in the online retail industry, then it would be difficult for Amazon.com to compete in the market (Mishra Kotkar, 2015). The market presence of the company is limited. It edges its ability to attract more customers to any specific product line, which are more sellable in physical stores. As it delivers the products with no shipping cost, so it is in danger of low margins and therefore, it is not able to boost on the costs. Furthermore, Amazon.com has involved in the negative publicity due to avoiding the taxes in United States and United Kingdom. On the basis of this side of SWOT analysis, Amazon must maintain the competitive advantage to overcome its weaknesses (Vijaylaxmi Srinivasa 2015). Opportunities From the above table, it can be analyzed that Amazon has the opportunity to enter in the developing markets. This action should establish the presence of company before other online retailers move. The organization also has the opportunity to open physical stores to enhance the competitiveness against its other competitors, like; Wal-Mart (Das 2015). Furthermore, the company is facing the issues of forged or counterfeit sales, which is against the expectations of customers. This situation creates an opportunity for the company to enhance its technology and policies to consider the counterfeit sales. The demand of cloud computing services is increasing significantly. So, Amazon is expanding its web services in the past years. In 2015, it launched Amazon Machine Learning (Greenspan 2017). With these, Amazon also has the opportunities to come up with its own brands in diversified product lines. Thus, this SWOT analysis shows that Amazon has better growth opportunities in the future. Threats Amazon is facing several significant threats in the online retail industry. There are some external strategic factors, which reduce the business performance. The major threat is the threat of online security. Cybercrime challenges every online retailer. The company must keep some measures to face the attacks of cybercrime (Warner, 2010). For example, it must strengthen its network security. The Amazon.com is facing the major issue of imitation. The emergence of this threat can affect and reduce its market share. Furthermore, an intense competition is a threat against the Amazon.com. Its major competitors; like Wal-Mart, Target, Flipkart, eBay etc. are making efforts to improve their online presence in the retail industry. Fluctuation in the foreign exchange is also a threat for this company because it generates a considerable amount of its revenues from international processes (Agarwal, Grassl Pahl 2012). If there is high exposure in the foreign currency, then the company will be hi ghly penetrating to the fluctuations in the foreign exchange. Thus, this analysis shows that it needs to fortify its competitiveness and marketing and promotional efforts. Recommendations The above discussion shows that Amzaon.com has the required strengths to operate its online business effectively. However, the company is facing some issues and concerns. So, it is recommended that Amazon must increase its presence in the developing countries like; India. It must expand its business in the Indian Consumer market. It will provide major opportunities for growth on the basis of economic development in the country. It must expand the variety of product in the country to fight against the issue of intense competition. The company must introduce a new service for retaining and creating a huge customer base from India. Target Market For the Amazon.com, the target market must be the internet users, who rely on the online shopping and other transactions from the upper and middle class of population. This service of Amazon.com is suitable for the people, who are very choosy and want to buy any product at any cost. New Product Description Although Amazon.com is already a well-established organization in Indian online retail industry, but company wants to expand its business with new product development in India. Looking at competitive environment, the company must come up with an attractive product, which can increase its customer base (Abraham 2012). Amazon.com is launching an online auction hosting software in India. Online auction is the auction over the internet. It can be in different formats. There are some existing competitors, like; Alibaba.com and eBay, who are providing this service. The concept of online auction will increase the range of goods and services, which can be purchased and sold using different auction techniques. This will be a beneficial service for the company in the current web-environment. This product will offer new advantages to the customers, like; utilization of computerized bids through electronic forms and it will provide a search engine to find the products and items and users can sea rch the items by categories. Marketing Mix Amazon.com uses marketing mix as a powerful tool to appeal the customers to its services. For the development of new product, the company will reach to the target customers. As it is an online business organization, so it will use official e-commerce websites for reaching the customers. The websites are like; Audible.com, Amazon.com and various other subsidiaries of Amazon (Ferguson 2017). It should target to encourage its customers to visit its websites and to purchase the products under online auctions. The company is using the value based pricing strategy in India. This includes the prices on the basis of product value. It also considers the perception of Indian consumers. Thus, the company will create the marketing mix, which is updated in relation to current trends in market (Mishra 2015). Consumer Value Proposition The customer value proposition of the company must be that this is the trusted and reliable brand, which provides the opportunities of online shopping and e-commerce. The companys value proposition is that through online auction hosting software, the organization will provide a variety of products with assured quality at bargained prices (Kipley Jewe, 2014). For example, companys bid $1 policy allows the lucky customer the capacity to purchase any item, which is being auctioned for only $1. It can offer more value to the customer. Irrespective of the closing price of auction, once the bid is closed without the reserve price, then the final bidder will get that product. This new product of Amazon.com will offer the customers pleasure of winning the item, which may not be there in the future. The company will offer some short-term live auctions also. The new product of the company fits with its SWOT analysis (Bauer 2012). The company has a major opportunity to expand its business with new product line. This will assist the organization in increase its profitability. The company is developing a strategy profile by considering its SWOT. It is implementing SO strategic profile, in which it will use its strengths to increase opportunities. A good brand image will help the organization in expand its business India and other countries. Maintaining good business relationships can assist it in opening physical stores and expanding in other product categories. It will be fit to the new product of the organization. Conclusion Thus, the study includes the various aspects of SWOT analysis of Amazon.com. The company is launching a new product in India, i.e. Online Auction Software. This is new concept for Indian customers, so Amazon can attract them. It is implementing some effective strategies to attract more and more customers towards its product. The company must focus on the profitability more than volumes. It is implementing SO profile for using its strengths to maximize its opportunities. The marketing report indicates that Amazon.com is doing well globally. Launching new product in India will assist it in generating more revenues in Indian online retail industry market. References Abraham, S.C, 2012, Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide for Competitive Success, Emerald Group Publishing. Agarwal, R., Grassl, W. Pahl, J, 2012, SWOT: introducing a new strategic planning tool. Journal of Business Strategy, 33 (2), pp. 12. Bauer, C, 2012, An integrated decision model for strategic evaluation of the viability of new technologies. GRIN Verlag. Das, K.K, 2015, Growth of E-commerce in India. International Journal of Core Engineering Management, Vol. 2, Iss. 4, pp. 25-33. Freeman, R.E. 2010, Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach, Cambridge University Press. Ferguson, E, 2017, Amazon.com Inc.s Marketing Mix (4Ps) Analysis, Viewed on 20 February 2017, from https://panmore.com/amazon-com-inc-marketing-mix-4ps-analysis Greenspan, R, 2017, Amazon.com Inc. SWOT Analysis Recommendations, Viewed on 20, February 2017, https://panmore.com/amazon-com-inc-swot-analysis-recommendations Helms, M.M., Nixon, J, 2010, Exploring SWOT analysis where are we now? A review of Academic Research from the last decade. Journal of Strategy and Management. 3 (3), pp. 215-251. Jones, P, Hill, C, Comfort, D Hillier, D. 2008, Marketing and Sustainability, Marketing Intelligence and Planning, Vol.26, No.2, pp.123-130. Joshi, P.A, 2015, Indian Electronics Industry -A Persuasive Growth Engine Behind The Soaring Economy Of India, InternationalJournalof Electrical, Electronics and Data Communication, Issue 1, pp. 1-5. Kipley, D. Jewe, R, 2014, Effective Strategic Management: From Analysis to Implementation. Cognnella. Mishra, S.V. Kotkar, S.N, 2015, A Study on Current Status of E-Commerce in India: A Comparative Analysis of Flipkart and Amazon, Journal of Advance Research, Vol. 3, Iss. 2, pp. 133-137. Mishra, A, 2015, Understanding the 4Ps of Marketing: A case study of Amazon India, International Research Journal of Marketing and Economics, Vol. 2, Issue 4, 48-65. Mitra, S, 2015, Consumer electronics industry to hit $20.6 bn by 2020: EY, Viewed on 25 July, 2015, https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/lZanz69Lu3mxh36H7bcDCL/Indian-consumer-electronics-industry-to-touch-206-bn-by-20.html Mordor Intelligence, 2016, Consumer Electronics Industry in India- Analysis of Growth, Trends and Forecast (2015-2020). Retrieved from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/analysis-of-consumer-electronics-industry-in-india. Out-Nyarko, D. Sarbah, A, 2014, An Overview of the Design School of Strategic Management (Strategy Formulation as a Process of Conception), Open Journal of Business and Management, 2, 231-249. Parante, Diane H, 2007, Best Practices for Online Procurement Auctions. IGI Global Publishers. Pinkerton, M, 2013, International analysis: Amazon marketplace makes debut in India, Viewed on 14 June, 2013, https://www.retail-week.com/topics/international/international-analysis-amazon-marketplace-makes-debut-in-india/5049895.article Vakhariya, S, 2012, Grey Marketing in Indian Electronic Goods Industry: Counter Strategy. ELK Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Retail Management, vol. 3, Iss.1. Vijaylaxmi, S. Srinivasa Rao, T, 2015, Consumer Buying Behaviour for Electronic Products A Study of select items, International Journal of Research and Computational Technology, Vol.7 Issue.2. Warner, A.G., 2010, Strategic Analysis and Choice: A Structural Approach, Business Express Book.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

The U.S. Capitol Building

The U.S. Capitol Building is located in Washington, D.C., at the opposite end of the National Mall. To its west are the Capitol Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. The building covers a ground area of 4 acres and its length of roughly 750 feet. The Capitol is a majestic building with a height of 87.8 meters (288 ft), catering to its five floors and approximately 540 rooms.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on The U.S. Capitol Building specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It also has a dome with a diameter of 75 feet that has a 15 feet tall statue called the Statue of Freedom. Situated under the dome is a vast circular room, referred to as the Rotunda, which serves as a gallery for works of art of Americas’ important people and events in the country’s history. Construction of the Capitol begun in 1793 after the United States Congress passed the Residence Act which paved way for Washington D.C. t o be the permanent capital. In 1792, US Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and President George Washington had commissioned a design competition that would award $500 and a lot in the city to anyone who would produce the most approved plan for the building. A Scottish trained physician won the competition although he had submitted a late entry. The word capitol has its roots in Latin, which means city on a hill. Throughout its 200 year history, the Capitol has housed the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress. The Senate and the House wings were completed in the years 1800 and 1811 respectively. While still in construction, the building was partially burned by British troops in 1814 during a war that lasted till 1815. Repairs and reconstruction of the building begun in the following year and were completed four years later, under Benjamin Henry Latrobe, a British-born American architect. The building was finished in 1826 under Charles Bu lfinch, a Bostonian architect. (Reed, 45) The architecture of the building portrays Greco-Roman influence as the Capitol was meant to symbolize the idea of democracy, which is connected with Greece, and the idea of power, which is associated with the Roman Empire. The front of the Capitol is supported by six Corinthian columns, a major component of Roman architecture. Columns were originally used by the Greek but Romans adopted and modified them to commemorate their civilization and military success. A typical Roman Corinthian column is tall, straight and slim, topped with acanthus leaves and several scrolls. The scrolls were symbolic of civilization, and together with the acanthus leaves, were features cherished by Greco-Roman artists.Advertising Looking for assessment on architecture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The other entrances also used the Greek Parthenon and the Roman Pantheon for inspiration for its design. The f acades are made of marble and features figures of prominent people in the ancient world and the writings on both the eastern and western facade. Writings and sculptures were dominant features in Roman Pantheons. The dome of the Capitol also resembles the Pantheon dome. The architects of the dome, paid close attention to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Pantheon in Paris and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The interior of the dome, the Rotunda, features murals (artwork painted directly on walls and ceilings) done by Constantino Brumidi, a Greek/Italian American artist. The artwork illustrates historical events and people in the United States. The most outstanding artwork is The Apotheosis of Washington, which depicts Washington surrounded by 13 maidens and many Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. The relief sculptures in the Rotunda as well as the art in the Brumidi Corridors bear similarities with paintings and sculptures found in most European churches built during t he reign of the Roman Empire. The Capital also features a crypt beneath the Rotunda. The crypt was originally meant to be the final resting place of the first American President, George Washington. Unlike the exterior of the building, the columns in the crypt are Doric, the original Greek design. Crypts were dominant in ancient Greece and later adopted by Romans to be used as a chapel or burial vault. The purpose of building the US Capitol crypt clearly illustrates that the architects relied a lot on Greek-Roman architecture. Furthermore, the statue on the dome (Statue of Freedom) is a female figure wearing robes holding a wreath of victory on one hand and resting her hand on a sheathed sword with her right hand. The Statue of Freedom thus bears similarity with the Justitia, the Roman goddess of justice who symbolized the fair and equal administration of law. (Silate 56) The Capitol continues to serve its purpose as the symbol of freedom and democracy whereby every four years, a pre sident is inaugurated at the grounds of the Capitol. It also hosts other major events such as the National Memorial Day concert and Independence Day celebrations. It still serves as the meeting point of the Senate, in the north wing, and the House of Representatives, in the south wing. The Capitol no longer serves the Supreme Court and the chamber, referred to as the Old Supreme Court, is currently used as a meeting room, law library and storage room. The Capitol receives an estimated 4-5 million visitors from around the world per year. A Visitor Center has been set up in the underground of the east side of the complex to serve as a gathering point for tourists. The Capitol strives to preserve American history while at the same time aiming to meet modern standards. It truly is the home of American democracy.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on The U.S. Capitol Building specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Works Cit ed Reed, Henry H. The United States Capitol: its architecture and decoration. New York, NY: Norton, 2005. Print Silate, Jennifer. The United States Capitol. New York, NY: PowerKids Press, 2006. Print This assessment on The U.S. Capitol Building was written and submitted by user Omari Tucker to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.