Overview of Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning As a Competitive Factor Strategic planning is a way in which organizations define their strategies and directions in order to make decisions on the allocation of their resources for purposes of pursuing various strategies. The achievement of all these is always preceded by the knowledge of the prevailing position and the gateways through which a particular course of action can be pursued.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Overview of Strategic Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is a critical competitive factor as it provides the organization’s vision and mission statement (Grà ¼nig and Gaggl 80). The vision statement and the mission statement contain the vision, mission, values and the strategy of the organization. Through its vision, an association delineates what it wants to bring about and also tries to influence the environment around which it is carrying out its operations . On the other hand, the mission comprehensively describes the motivations behind the existence of the organization together with the strategies it intends to puts in place to attain its vision. The cultural beliefs that an organization holds and upon which all stakeholders share constitute its values. The decisions that are made within the organization are normally based on these values. Strategy is the way in which an organization makes policies and the methods through which the attainment and implementation of such policies are attained. Changes in the Field of Strategic Planning and Strategic Information Systems Planning Strategic information systems planning have come a long way over the years. During the 1960s, there was the era of data processing (DP) in which stand alone computers that were remote from the users were applied for the cost reduction functions. In the 1970s and 1980s, the management information system (MIS) was discovered. This system was more interconnected an d distributed. It was also regulated by a management service and it supported businesses in a user driven fashion. However, in the 1980s and 90s, there came an era of Strategic Information systems (SIS). When compared to the earlier eras, the SIS planning had more elaborate integrated systems and was extensively networked. It was also available to supportive users. This ensured that it efficiently related to the business’ strategy besides enabling the drive of the organization. The strategic information systems’ planning that is carried out using the strategic information system is complex as it is deeply rooted in business processes. The main objective of the SISP is to enable an organization to plan for its activities, to not only reduce costs of running the business but also to ensure the addition of value to its products.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In formation technology has played an important role in re-engineering and redefining businesses. It has carved multiple virtual corporations offering unprecedented possibilities (Ferrell and Hartline 529). Strategic planning can also refer to as a methodical and officially documented process for selecting the most appropriate decisions that an organization needs to make in order to prosper over a certain period. In this aspect, strategic planning process is very important for the prosperity and survival of a business. Its focus should be the definition and assessment of both internal and external situations. It also implements strategy, makes adjustments and evaluates the progress of a particular business activity or project (May and May 22). The most imperative thing to reflect on when carrying out strategic planning is the nature of the needs an organization has and the direct exterior surroundings it thrives in. Industries that change their products and services regularly need to c arry out a lot of strategic planning processes. On the other hand, the organizations that have stayed on the market for longer periods of time or that have established stable markets need fewer planning processes, which can be implemented once in a year. The most critical time during which an organization should carry out strategic planning is in the course of its commencement. In this regard, the strategic plan is embedded with the business plan, the financial plan and the market plan among others. Another scenario that requires the execution of a strategic plan is during the formation of a new business venture, or the establishment of a new department or the conception of new merchandise. It is also important to note that strategic planning should be carried out at least once in a year. This ensures that an organization is adequately prepared for every fiscal year. During this process, action plans are normally updated. However, during the implementation, the progress of the imple mentation needs to be reviewed even on a quarterly basis (Abraham 189). Issues affecting the Selection and Implementation of the SISP SISP is the method through which portfolio computer-based applications are branded. These applications help in the execution of business plans in order to meet the objectives of the organization. It is very crucial for the running of the business as it helps organizational managers and information technicians in the identification of strategic applications in order to align them with the needs of the business.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Overview of Strategic Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Over the past few decades, business leaders and their organizations have deemed it fit to include the acquisition of technological decisions as a key component tool that impacts on the organizational information system. This is normally founded on what the players in the industry believe in and the influence that they get from vendors and competitors. However, a positive outcome is not always guaranteed. It is against this backdrop that the idea of strategic information systems planning comes in handy. In this regard, the decisions on the information systems of an organization must be made in compliance with it direction and strategy (Grant, Hackney, and Edgar 329). The issues that normally impact on the implementation of the information systems and strategy planning include business strategy, organizational strategy and the information strategy. This strategy constitutes a synchronized set of procedures, which are set to arrive at the intention, objectives and the goals of the organization. It commences with the mission of the association and sets restrictions on the vital undertakings of the institute. On the other hand, the organizational strategy is involved with the human resource, the processes of working, internal and external structures, hiring prac tices and the business plan (Kà ¼pper 7). This is specifically designed to enable a business enterprise accomplish its goals. In order to successfully provide adequate information services, organizations need to adopt effective action plans, such as valuable information systems. The main objective of executing the strategic information systems planning is coming up with an excellent information system strategy. For the setting up of these strategies to be successfully executed, the organisation has to reflect on the key components that include: information strategy, change administration and execution strategy, information management strategy and information technology strategy. In a nutshell, the whole idea of strategic information systems planning is to give the direction a business enterprise wishes to go to while keeping in mind the information about the future prospects of the organization. This helps in decision making in the future. The most important goal of this strategic plan is to put forward the framework for making future decisions. Apparently, planning in itself involves a lot of processes some of which are very complex (King 411). Approaches to Strategic Planning Some of the approaches to strategic planning that are in use include future research, open space, SWOT analysis and the ZOPP/OOPP/LFA. These approaches operate on the belief that the future is not pre-destined and can be changed. They also share a belief that all the significant stakeholders are important ingredients in the participation of decision making for the future actions.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Future Search Approach This is a plan is intended to unravel the circumstances that had proved taxing at the start. It is appropriate for projects or programs that rely heavily on participants’ input. It is also commonly used by the non-profit making entities that do very little business. This approach emphasizes on the need to leap forward in an appropriate time to identify the suitable conditions for the future and work toward attaining them (Simerson 201). Since it is normally manual, it consumes a lot of time and tedious. This is different from the strategic information systems planning, which is computer based. Open Space Approach This is the least structured of all the approaches available. In this approach, there lacks the preset agenda set aside for the topic that had previously been agreed upon and the time allocation for the meeting. It is also characterized by lack of planned discussions and the plenary sessions. It is the duty of the participants to create all the relevant agenda. This they do with the guidance of the facilitator. Issues that are mostly pressing are normally at the top of the agenda. As compared to the strategic information systems planning, this approach is too narrow. SISP apparently uses numerous strategies to arrive at a decision. The SWOT Analysis Approach In this approach, the planners seek to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that surround an organization’s operations. It is mostly common in business environments. The strengths are those qualities that a business organization possesses, which can enable it to accomplish its mission. It is from these strengths that consistent success is made and sustained. Conversely, strengths can either be substantial or indefinable. Some of the most unique strengths that organizations experience include the expertise and the qualities of the employees, products and services, customer goodwill, process capabilities and brand loyalty. These strengths are also regarded as the beneficial aspects of the company (Fine 48). Weaknesses are the traits within an organization that derail the attainment of its objectives. They weaken the organization’s prospects of achieving its full potentiality. Some of the examples of weaknesses include inadequate or poor research, operation of machines under poor working conditions, poor decision making skills and the narrow product range. For the success of any business organization, the frequency of weaknesses must be minimized or eliminated at all cost. Some of the ways of overcoming the weaknesses include hiring competent employees, purchasing new and functioning machinery and engaging in a complex decision making process. On the other hand, opportunities are exhibited by the operating environment of the organization. This is achieved through the actions of the organization to make beneficial choices out of its operating environment. The organization must be ready to put in place measures that ensure it succeeds by initiating strategies that enable it to become profitable. A sure way for an organization to gain a competitive advantage over its competitors is to make wise use of the opportunities that come its way. However, this requires careful identification and recognition of such opportunities because it is not easy to select a target that will serve clients satisfactorily and at the same time give the business the desired results. Some of the things that could help are the availability of a new-fangled and more resourceful technology, encouraging government policies, weak antagonism and an approving market. Currently, there is an increasing demand for telecommunication products; in an industry, which is accompanied by deregulation, companies in the telecom sector can utilize this to their advantage (Bà ¶hm 13). Threats are the external factors whose influence is unfavorable enough to hinder the organization’s progress. In most of the cases, they are uncon trollable and their presence puts the stability of the business at a vulnerable state, especially if they compound with other weaknesses. Some of the most common threats to most business organizations include the frequent and consistent of unreliable technology, civil strikes by the employees, price wars and increased competition within the industry. As a strategic planning tool, SWOT analysis ensures the provision of information for strategic planning besides building on the organization’s strengths and reversing the weaknesses. In addition, SWOT analysis helps to maximize the response of the organization to opportunities so as to tap them. If carefully drafted, this strategy assists in overcoming the threats faced by the organization. By doing this, the key areas of competencies by the firm become easer to identify. The SWOT analysis approach also assists in setting up the objectives that are vital for strategic planning. To crown all these, the SWOT analysis tool puts an o rganization in a better position of knowing the past, current and future plans at a glance (Snelling 8). As a strategy formulation tool, the SWOT analysis approach is very instrumental because of its reliability and profitability. It should provide a platform upon which business organizations gauge their performance. In this case, the success of a business organization is premised upon building its strengths, correcting its weaknesses, and protecting itself against the external weaknesses and threats (Pahl and Richter 61). This approach shares the same contextual framework with the strategic information systems planning, as it is deeply rooted in explorations. ZOPP/OOPP/Logical Framework Approach This approach is also referred to as Objective Oriented Project Planning. It is a structured meeting process. It seeks to identify some of the most pressing prevailing problems by the use of the cause effect analysis. This is then followed by the search for the best strategy for the allevia tion of the identified problems. Conversely, this approach is limited in scope, time consuming and tedious when compared to strategic information systems planning approach. All this planning approaches have their cons and pros. It is upon the business organization managers to identify and come up with the most suitable approach to apply. Conclusion From the above analysis, it is true that all the approaches described above are correct in their own right under the specified circumstances. However, for elaborate business organizations, SWOT analysis could the most efficient. Nonetheless, with the introduction of information systems to run business models, the strategic systems information planning can offer tools that are even more effective and sensitive. Works Cited Abraham, Stanley C. Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide for Competitive Success. Bingley, UK: Emerald Group Publishing, 2012. Print. Bà ¶hm, Anja. The SWOT Analysis. München: GRIN Verlag, 2009. Print. Ferrell, OC, and Michael D. Hartline. Marketing Strategy. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning, 2008. Print. Fine, Lawrence G. The SWOT Analysis: Using Your Strength to Overcome Weaknesses, Using Opportunities to Overcome Threats. New York: CreateSpace, 2009. Print. Grant, Kevin, Ray Hackney, and David Edgar. Strategic Information Systems Management. Andover: Cengage Learning EMEA, 2010. Print. Grà ¼nig, Rudolf and Richard Gaggl. Process-based Strategic Planning. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer, 2011. Print. King, William Richard. Planning for Information Systems. Armonk, N.Y.: M.E. Sharpe, 2009. Print. Kà ¼pper, Alexander. Measures for Successful Strategic Information Systems Planning. München: GRIN Verlag, 2008. Print. May, Gary May, and Gary May. Strategic Planning: Fundamentals for Small Business. New York, NY: Business Expert Press, 2010. Print. Pahl, Nadine, and Anne Richter. Swot Analysis – Idea, Methodology and a Practical Approach. München:GRIN Verlag, 2009. Print. Simerson, Keith B. Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide to Strategy Formulation and Execution. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2011. Print. Snelling, Jennifer. The Influence of the SWOT Analysis in Organizational Development Strategic Planning. München: GRIN Verlag, 2012. Print. This report on Overview of Strategic Planning was written and submitted by user Na0m1 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.

How to Write a Science Sample Essay For Biology

How to Write a Science Sample Essay For BiologyThe first step in the process of writing a science sample essay for biology, is deciding what the subject matter is going to be about. You have to choose whether it will be a description of the living world, or a description of the environment surrounding us.In a certain way, you should begin with a title that would match the topic. It would be wise to choose the type of topic that is more specific, if you want the student to be more focused on the essay. For example, if you are writing an essay on the earth's surface, you could describe what the earth's surface looks like, and how we find it, such as through satellites.On the other hand, if you're writing about animals or plants, you could choose to find samples online. These samples can help you a lot in learning how to write a good science sample essay for biology. But, before you decide to get samples, you have to know that they are available on the internet.When you are choosing sam ples online, make sure you will be able to read them. You must be able to look at these samples, study them and then put them into your own style. The truth is, if you cannot read a sample essay and come up with a good written version, then you're probably not going to learn much.A very important part of this science sample essay for biology, is the content. In this field, you need to emphasize the topic of a subject. To be able to give your students an explanation on the topic, you should focus on the purpose and role of each topic. You should know that biology and chemistry are two different fields, and when it comes to a natural environment, it would be better to have two separate topics.Using a topic in a term can become confusing. You have to choose a topic that will be explained in the term. By using an example in the term, you will be able to create a topic that is easily understood by all.Write down all the points you are going to explain to your students. You have to think of the main idea, as well as the connection between topics. You also have to make sure that there are proper connections among all the topics. This is very important in order to come up with a good science sample essay for biology.You have to go through a simple study materials to help you understand the science content. The written essay will come naturally when you know the content thoroughly. This may seem like an easy task, but it is not, and it can really be tricky when you do not know how to write a good science sample essay for biology.

The Truman Show Essays - Truman, The Truman Show, Harry S. Truman

The Truman Show Essays - Truman, The Truman Show, Harry S. Truman The Truman Show The Truman show: Is life a Truman show? By saying that life is a Truman show, Im saying that life is perfectly planned, with a structure and a fixed destinyit may even be a lie. The Truman show is a movie in which the main character is the protagonist of a show without knowing anything. Truman is being filmed twenty four hours a day, but he doesnt know it. Everyone he knows, are actors and are with him only because they are paid for doing so. This surely seems very different to our lives; its just fiction. But it may be very similar in several aspects if we analyze it little bit. We may seem free to decide, to choose who do we meet, and to do several things, but there is always someone that can prevent us from achieving something that is not convenient for him. Although this may seem to be a truly paranoid ideal, there are several important people which have a lot of power and can control our lives as they want to. By this I am not saying that they are planning every ones life, but they can surely manage to take a population to where ever they want, and they do not care if people suffer, or if people die, as long as they can earn money it is all right. What the producer of the show did to Truman, is in a way the same that the governments and the worlds Oligarchy does to us at every moment, through out our whole lifes. The Studio didnt care of how much could Truman suffer, or how morally bad was what they were broadcasting, as long as people pay, it was all right. In our life the same tings happen, over and over again. No one on a government cared if people died in a war, they may have been their people, but they wouldnt care. They fought a war for a matter of power, but I have never seen any president fighting in a world war. Another way in which life can be compared to the Truman show is that when Truman tried to escape from his life, he was set up with several traps, which made it very hard for him to live, and they even tried to kill him. In Argentina, while the military government was in power, several people tried to change the things, but not one could achieve their goal, and almost all of them disappear. To round up, our life IS in several ways a Truman show, but it only give amusement to a few, and brings pain to several who does not disserve it.

The balance of payments is the main measure of import and exports in Essay

The balance of payments is the main measure of import and exports in the UK. For some years the balance of payment s has been in - Essay Example Additionally, an accurate balance of payment deficit must make provisions for errors and omissions to account for the missed out data. When there is a disequilibria in the balance of payments as a result of certain sections of the balance of payments being in deficit, then we can conclude that an economy’s balance of payments is deficit. This in most cases occurs with respect to deficits in a countries and to a smaller extent trade deficits. This is theoretically explained by the fact that for equilibrium to be reached, there must be a balance between capital/ current accounts values and the financial account. This therefore explains the UK situation is that if there is a deficit in current account then there must be a surplus on the capital/financial account (Nikolas 2010, p. 59). The ever persistent UK current account deficit can be traced to mid-1980s with a review of the current account revealing that the imports of goods and services exceed their exports. A critical revie w of the values of balance of payment account observed from the first quarter of the year 2000 to the last quarter of this year show a deteriorating current account. The study reveals a current deficit of over 12 billion pounds as at the last quarter of 2012 translating to a 3.2% of the GDP. ... This is majorly attributed to the process of de-industrialisation which accelerated in the early 1980s. A growth in consumer spending that UK been experiencing is majorly as a result of rapid increase in the imports leading to the worsening of the current account. Looking at the 1980s boom, it is evident that the fall in the rate of savings and the resulting rise in the consumer spending of the UK citizens led to the record deficit in current accounts. On the other hand, the recession experienced in 1991 which resulted to the consequent improvement in the current account improvement and subsequent falling in the spending on imports (Guillermo 1978). Another important reason that can be attributed to the deficit in balance of payments is the overvalued exchange rates. This, apart from, other countries like Spain, Greece and Portugal can be attributed to the large account deficits in the countries as it makes exports from the countries more expensive in the international markets while the imports becomes cheaper. This is a motivation to the local consumers to purchase of the imports which are relatively cheap while on the other hand making the market tougher for the exporters since it makes them uncompetitive in the market compared to exporters from other countries. With overvalued exchange rate, there are expectations of general competitiveness in amongst various firms. A decline in relative competitiveness coupled with rising costs, poor quality of goods and industrial unrests which results to difficulties in making exportations which causes deterioration of the current account of the UK (Stijn 1988). Various economists have attribute

Mediation Observation Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Mediation Observation Paper - Assignment Example The mediation case in focus involved James Nguyen, a student of Chapman law and who acted as the mediator between Robert and Swoboda who were the plaintiffs and Keith Mullens who was the defendant at the Corona Superior Court. Robert and Swoboda were couples who rented their house to Keith who upon vacation left the couple’s house in damaged state and was therefore sued for failure to pay for repair and rent of the previous month. However the disagreements, it became apparent that the plaintiffs and the defendant had never engaged in any conflict for the past five years that Keith rented the plaintiffs’ structure. All the parties were convinced and accepted to engage mediation process and Keith indicated that he would not be able to pay for the alleged damages and therefore requested that the plaintiffs drop the demands. On the other side, the plaintiffs held strongly that they could not drop the demands and the case was taken back to court where the plaintiffs were den ied their demands after long period of time. Effective mediation requires that the individual mediator follow certain sequential processes and procedures that will enable him/her comfort the parties and achieve utmost transparency of opinions and views. Usually, mediation process begins with introduction between the mediator and the individual parties and any other additional party present in the session(s). The introduction part is usually very critical as it determines the moods and emotions of the individual conflicting parties and allows the mediator an opportunity to employ other strategies to comfort the parties (Douglas and James 4). Introductory part of the mediation process requires the mediator use the most appropriate physical presentation to ensure that no individual party is frightened or threatened by the just intended process. According to Douglas and James, this stage needs to be accomplished with all parties who are located in different structures (6). In the introd uctory stage, the mediator clarifies the roles of each participant in the process and explains the rules that should govern the mediation process and the actual time frame for the process. The mediator will then acknowledge by reaffirming to both parties about the issues under determination or the actual cause for the mediation (Cohen 6). In his mediation practice, James Nguyen involved all necessary aspects introduction to ensure that nothing was left in doubt. In introducing my friend Abdul Sameer and I, James described us as his fellow law students who had come to particularly assess his progress and approach to the mediation process. James reiterated to the individual conflicting parties that we the third party had nothing to do with their discussion and therefore the parties had no reason to fear expressing their vies in transparent manner. It is at this level of mediation that James Nguyen informed the conflicting parti

Fast Food and Obsesity Essay Example for Free

Fast Food and Obsesity Essay Nowadays, fast food has become a way of life. Both children and adults like to eat fast food. However, fast food is unhealthy. It causes many diseases, like obesity. Obesity is increasing among both children and adult. This essay will describe the relation between fast food and obesity. And it will also focus on research that contributes to the understanding of link between obesity and disease risk during childhood and adolescence. This essay will be divided into three parts. Firstly, I will discuss the origin of fast food and the reasons why people like eating fast food. What is more, the essay will look at the definition of obesity and why obesity has taken place. Finally, it is also important to note that there are many solutions from kinds of aspects to preventing obesity. Fast food originated in America and people like fast food due to several reasons. Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, also it can be take-away. The term fast food was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam–Webster in 1951. So fast food has a long history. And there are many types of fast food restaurants. For instance, KFC, McDonald’s and so on. Then, there are many reasons why people enjoy eating fast food. Firstly, with its convenient being a leading factor. Sometimes we just need to take something to eat because of busy schedules. I think this is becoming a main reason why people eat fast food regularly. Secondly, fast food is so cheap compared with other restaurants indeed. It is the best choice for those not looking to spend much money. Furthermore, fast food tastes so delicious because usually packed with fats and sugar. So this is why fast food is unhealthy. In addition to, People can get it easily due to fast food restaurants at everywhere. Finally, many people can’t cook. Actually, fast food has many advantages, but there are many disadvantages for our health. Fast food is widely accepted because it is convenient, inexpensive and easy, but quick and simple do not always worth nutritious and healthy. It is referred to as a junk food for a reason; it offers few of the nutrients needed for healthy. Fast food does not just define take-away food, many kinds of microwave meals and some snacks are a part of fast food. Then all of this can increase the rate of obesity. Obesity has taken place due to several reasons and fast food is a major factor. â€Å"The medical term for obesity is extreme overweight conditions. † (Wikipedia) The condition of obesity is very easy to diagnose as the bulge of fat can be seen clearly on the body. And there are many factors to lead obesity. Causes of obesity are multifactor and oversimplified; reasons for increasing trend in obesity are complex and varied. It divided into three parts. Firstly, â€Å"behavioural causes of obesity are linked to an increased consumption of high calorie foods and a decrease in physical activity. Like fast food, it contains many sweet and fatty; and these are the biggest crime when it comes to dangerous calories. Secondly, they are physiological and genetic factors. â€Å"Physiological controls include appetite, hunger, satiation and satiety, each of which has a different regulatory mechanism. These controls involve highly complex interactions between neural and hormonal regulatory systems, which are often influenced by social and environmental factors. † It leads to obesity as physiological factor. Finally, it is the age changing. Most adults gradually increase their weight from early 20s up to their 50s. † Their ability of food intake is decrease with aging. Then obesity will be taken place. Obesity rates are increasing worldwide, among both children and adults. One important contributor to this epidemic is the increasing worldwide consumption of fast food. In particular, the rate of children is obvious. Over the past 20 years the percentages of overweight children aged 6-11 years increased from 5% to 16% in United States. It is risk for children. The government should pay attention to it. Because obesity has been linked to a myriad of other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, and has become an enormous strain on the health care system. Then, this must be make a sensation and should take action. Face this situation that the rate of obesity has increase. We should make some measures to prevent obesity. There are many solutions to preventing obesity. First of all, we need to eat more healthy organic food, not fast food and â€Å"promote sustainable food and farming practices†. Organic food is good for our health. The second place; we should to provide some education. It includes physical, cooking, nutrition and gardening lessons. Next, we should do exercise every day. For instance, running, swimming and take a walk. It makes us keeping fit. What is more, parents should teach their child not eat too much meat or sugar at childhood instead of some fruit or vegetables. And for adults, they should cook at home as soon as possible. In addition to, the advertisement is a key point. The government should forbid too much advertisement about fast food or junk food on TV, instead of some health advertisements. Overall, the essay has proven that here is some relation between fast food and obesity. Fast food has a long history and it has advantages. But the disadvantages are also evident. What is more, there are all kinds of factors that lead to obesity. However, one of the main factors that contribute to obesity is fast food. Fast food is a killer. Studies suggest that fast food significantly increases the risk of obesity. The fast food is unhealthy for our bodies. Furthermore, we should take some solutions to prevent obesity. If you really want to eat, you should do excise for keeping fit. I strongly believe that we should not eat too much fast food if we want to keep healthy.

The Alice Williamson Diary :: Diaries Journals Literature Civil War Essays

The Alice Williamson Diary To read the Civil War diary of Alice Williamson, a 16 year old girl, is to meander through the personal, cultural and political experience of both the author and one's self. Her writing feels like a bullet ricocheted through war, time, death, literary form, femininity, youth, state, freedom and obligation. This investigation attempts to do the same; to touch on the many issues that arise in the mind of the reader when becoming part of the text through the act of reading. This paper will lay no definitive claims to the absolute meaning of the diary, for it has many possible interpretations, for the journey is the ultimate answer. I seek to acknowledge the fluidity of thought when reading, a fluidity which incorporates personal experience with the content of Williamson's journal. I read the journal personally- as a woman, a peer in age to Alice Williamson, a surrogate experiencialist, a writer, an academic and most of all, a modern reader unaccustomed to the personal experience of war. I read the text within a context- as a researcher versed on the period, genre, aesthetics, and to some degree the writer herself. The molding of the personal and contextual create a rich personalized textual meaning . I keep my journal hidden; the script, the drawings, the color, the weight of the paper, contents I hope never to be experienced by another. My journal is intensely personal, temporal and exposed. When opening the leather bound formality of Alice Williamson's journal a framework of meaning is presupposed by the reader's own feelings concerning the medium. Reading someone else's diary can be, and is for myself, an voyeuristic invasion of space. The act of reading makes the private and personal into public. Yet, for Alice Williamson and many other female journalists of the Civil War period, the journal was creating a public memory of the hardship that would be sustained when read by others. The knowledge of the outside reader reading of your life was as important as the exercise of recording for one's self; creating a sense of sentimentality connecting people through emotions. (Arnold) The activity of understanding Alice Williamson's diary begins prior to reading the first word. The reader begins to identify part of the reading experience based upon their feelings on diaries themselves in the moments of suspension between knowledge of type of text and the reading of the first entry.