The Ford Motor Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Ford Motor Company - Essay Example According to the essay findings  the employees are considered the organization’s assets. They are provided with suitable job designations as per their expertise. The proper job specification helps the employees to perform well in their respective domains. There is an exhaustive training program being conducted for the employees in their respective designations with proper learning outcomes. The employees are provided with short-term objectives in their jobs and these are aligned with the long-term objective of the organization. The strengths of the employees are being focused with more emphasis on developing the area of expertise. The employees are even encouraged to track their weaknesses and convert one of their weaknesses to leverage necessary strength. The organization encourages the employees in particular domain to become the best in their domain.  As the paper highlights  the flat structure in the organization helps in developing a more efficient communication pro cess in the business and there is a transparent mode of communication process across the different functional areas of the organization. The successful operation of the Ford motors is explained by the fact that the integration of ideas from different domains and different areas and the smooth flow of ideas across domains has led the Ford Motors to implement its strategies developed by the top management successfully which explains the successful operation of the organization.... tion of ideas from different domains and different areas and the smooth flow of ideas across domains has led the Ford Motors to implement its strategies developed by the top management successfully which explains the successful operation of the organization. Besides, the organization has different incentive schemes available for the employees, which boost them to perform better in their work. The incentive scheme available to the employees is very lucrative and it promotes a healthy competition for them to perform better. Besides, the organization provides enough recreation facilities for the employees and the organization monitors the process that the employees are not getting stressed. The teamwork culture is given enough attention in the Ford Motors where the team leader promotes healthy work culture in the team and boosts every team member to perform to the best of his ability in the project at hand as per the objective of the organization. There is also a huge flexibility where the employees can communicate with the senior managers at any point of time regarding any job issues and the managers provide effective solutions to the employees and also provide them with feedback such that the employees can learn from the past mistakes and there is a huge room for improvement of their work. This guides the employees to perform better day by day and slowly they become efficient in their respective domain, which ultimately drives the organization to success. The work culture and the work environment boost up the work motivation for the employees. All these together promote the successful operation of the Ford Motors and helped them to become one of the leaders in the automotive industry across the globe. (Koontz & Weihrich, 2006, pp.287-289) Group Level: Leadership: The

Marketing is more of an art than a science Essay

Marketing is more of an art than a science - Essay Example is author highlights that most individuals in a group will conform to group norms and principles, thus making it easier to make â€Å"valid and reliable predictions† about human behaviour and consumption decision-making (Bartels 1951, p.320). When attempting to gauge or predict human behaviour based on mathematical models, human behaviour in this case is no longer considered an inconsistency in a scientific equation since social conformity is predictable and known to occur on the back of many empirical studies. This phenomenon then validates such scientific approaches to marketing such as the Product Life Cycle model in certain markets as social compliance provides consistency that allows for quantitative research methodology when behaviour is no longer a variable. The socially-driven trends inherent to human behaviour make it possible to create an effective mathematical equation to predict demand both short- and long-term that will lead, ultimately, to operational efficiencie s and future time-to-market demands for new innovations. There are, however, many marketing practitioners that would strongly disagree with the validity of a scientific approach to marketing. Egan (2009, p.32) believes that science â€Å"has damaged marketing’s relevancy† as data and research methodology are often superimposed over practical judgment and analyses of market conditions. Peter and Olson (1983) actually state that empirical analysts in marketing are deluded, negating the necessity for subjective inference to understand consumer attitudes and market-perceived belief in product or service quality. How, however, can this be justified? Consumers often maintain egotistical relationships with a brand, that is, until the consumer has found a psychologically-based connection to a brand. When...Peter and Olson (1983) actually state that empirical analysts in marketing are deluded, negating the necessity for subjective inference to understand consumer attitudes and market-perceived belief in product or service quality. How, however, can this be justified? Consumers often maintain egotistical relationships with a brand, that is, until the consumer has found a psychologically-based connection to a brand. When brand attachments occur, consumers are more willing to discard egocentric brand relationships and develop supporting brand connections that fuel positive word-of-mouth advertising (Muniz and O’Guinn 2001; Aron, Aron and Smollan 1992). These relationships are founded on psychographic brand positioning that takes into consideration attitude, lifestyle and psycho-social characteristics of consumers. Unpredictable and non-universal human behavioural components conflict the relevancy of using scientific approaches and, instead, marketers transcend the tangibles of product and service by utilising integrated communications that involve language emphasising sophistication, sincerity, excitement, and competence. According to Aaker (1996) the aforementioned communications conceptions are necessary to create positive psychological attachments to a brand. Science simply cannot effectively represent the complexity of human attitude that is highly relevant to whether brand loyalty is achieved.

Life in Plymouth Colony Essay Example for Free

Life in Plymouth Colony Essay The book of John Demos on â€Å"A Little Commonwealth: Family Life in Plymouth Colony† explores on the concept of the family life in the context of the Plymouth Colony. In particular, it tends to describe the ways of life of the people in the Plymouth Colony specifically the aspect of family, which is the smallest unit of the society. Through this book review, one will be able to determine the true accounts of the social life and customs of the people in the Plymouth Colony. Basically, the book is dedicated into furthering the importance of the smallest and most intimates of all group environments- the family. This concept has been usually left out by experts and historians alike wherein their interest is focused on the larger units of social actions. This includes the region, the class, the party, the ethnic as well as the religious group. Most of the time, the unit of family is left with the behavioral science which includes the anthropology, sociology and psychology. In order to examine the behavior of the Plymouth Colony in a family setting, the author has to descend on the local level which is considered as almost personal history. As such, one has to know average people in the everyday routine of their lives, in order to begin to understand their behavior in a family setting. In this way, the author was able to successfully present a picture of the family in the Plymouth Colony rather than any single instance thereof. Different aspects of the family setting of the Plymouth Colony have been discussed in the book. The author started with providing a historical survey on the Plymouth Colony. Among the various aspects of family setting mentioned in the book are physical setting, the structure of the household and the themes of individual development. More specifically, the physically setting deals with the elements of housing, furnishing and clothing. On the structure of household, it consists of the husbands and wives, membership, parents and children and, masters and servants. Lastly, the themes of individual development involve the infancy and childhood, coming of age as well as late years. With the examination on the different aspects of the Plymouth Colony’s family setting, the author has come to realized that the family life in Plymouth was not at all unique. This is because of the evident similarities of the colony with other American colonies. More specifically, the similarity between the Plymouth Colony and other American colonies reside in the embrace of the term â€Å"Puritanism†. As such, it can be claimed that the family is, after all, an extremely fundamental and durable institution: it often provides a kind of common denominator, or baseline, for a whole culture whose various parts may differ substantially in other respects. Plymouth Colony has been known as the Old Colony and sometimes, the New Colony. It has been said that this colony is founded by the â€Å"Pilgrims† in 1620. In particular, the â€Å"Pligrims† are defined as the group of religious people which consists of adults as well as family groupings. They were English separatists from New England. They were famous on their sailing away from Europe to New America during the early 17th century in order to search for a home where they could freely practice their Puritan style of religion and live according to their own laws. Orginally, the â€Å"Pilgrims’ are English Puritans who broke away from the Church of England because they felt that it had not completed the work of the Reformation. Because of this, they committed themselves to a life based on the Bible. Most of the members of the â€Å"Pilgrims† are the poorly educated people, farmers and people without political and social standing. (â€Å"Chapter 2: The English Transplantations – People/Term†, 2007) Consequently, the arrival of the â€Å"Pilgrims† in the New World is illustrated by the following lines below: â€Å"Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven, who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element. † (Demos, 1971) During their stay in North America, the â€Å"Pilgrims† manifested their views on Puritanism, especially on the way they deal with one another. Through these dealings, it is found out that the repression on the Puritans was not as strongly directed against sexuality as against the expression of hostile and aggressive impulses. Moreover, this evident on the prevalent modes of family life as well as child-rearing. More specifically, the book shows that even from the very start, the family of the Plymouth Colony was nuclear. This family characteristic has been unchanged even from the beginning of their settlement. Specifically, the family consists of one couple and their own children formed the core of each household with the addition in some cases of an aged grandparent or â€Å"servant†. And during these times, the life in the households was much less segmented. However, despite this physical arrangement, the roles and responsibilities of the members of the family are almost the same as today. In this colony, there is a much tighter line of authority between the parent and the child. And the range of functions performed by the family includes material, psychological, social, and otherwise. Above all, the system of family life revolves around the fulfillment of certain basic needs as well as universal needs. These need comprise of the food, shelter and sexual release. Furthermore, the family in the Plymouth Colony setting is likened to different things and institutions. Particularly, the family is described as a â€Å"business†, â€Å"school†, â€Å"vocational institute†, the â€Å"church†, â€Å"house of correction† and as a â€Å"welfare institution†. As a business, the family is the central agency of economic production and exchange. As a school, the parents and the masters are obliged to attend to the educational needs of the children. As a vocational institute, there is a need to apply the knowledge and skills on the larger economic system. As a church, there is an obligation for â€Å"family worship†. Lastly, on the welfare institution, the family usually provides welfare services such as the presence of the hospital or even orphanage. Indeed, the findings on the book of John Demos create awareness on the true nature of the people from the Plymouth Colony. Moreover, it contributes to the strengthening on the American culture and history. In fact, it serves as one of the foundations of the family life of the American people. Undoubtedly, there is only little difference between the family of the Plymouth Colony and the modern-day American family. As such, the study of the ways and customs of the family on the Plymouth Colony proves the resemblance of families between the ancient colonies and the modern societies. Works Cited Demos, John. A Little Commonwealth: Family Life in Plymouth Colony. New York: Oxford University Press, 1971. Chapter 2: The English Transplantations – People/Term. 2 July 2007. http://www. cvhs. com/CVHS%20Inet/academics/history/apus/ch2. html.

Analysis of the Spectrum of Depression Essays -- Biology Essays Resear

Analysis of the Spectrum of Depression Depression has many degrees of severity from a passing feeling to a serious illness, which destroys lives and relationships. Major depressive disorder is the most severe form of depression. It is extreme and persistent, rendering the patient inconsolable and helpless (1). Depressed patients often cannot continue working and have difficulty dealing with family and friends. Other symptoms of major depression are deep despair, misery, irritability, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, change in eating and sleeping habits, fatigue and inability to concentrate. Other mental illnesses, such as anxiety and alcoholism are also associated with major depression (2). While serious depressive episodes are important to our understanding of mental health, chronic depression is terribly widespread and often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Dysthymia is a disorder which has similar, but milder and much longer lasting, symptoms to depression (3). By understanding the characteristics of dysthymia, health p rofessionals can identify a chronic mental illness before it manifests into more serious psychological problems, such as severe depression. Dysthymia is also an interesting disorder from the neurobiological perspective because it is often difficult to discern from other personality disorders, such as a depressed or gloomy personality. This paper explores depression and dysthymia, their symptoms and therapies. In addition, personalities which are depressed will be analyzed and compared to depression and dysthymia. Do all three afflictions stem from the same genetic or environmental causes, and mechanistic origins? Are they all responsive to the same treatment? This comparison will address the difficulty in dis... ...l and emotional signals can be influenced at several different levels in the brain, by a myriad of chemicals. The sole cause of depression seems to be the simultaneous breakdown of neurochemical pathways across the nervous systems. It is true that treating depression in all of its forms is much easier today with the advent of new antidepressants, but these drugs are correcting a neurochemical imbalance which is not specific to depression. There may exist and someday be discovered a particular mood regulation flaw which is responsible for depression, but given the research presented today, I would say there is not. Sources Cited: 1) Elliott, Laura. "Help for Your Head, " Washingtonian, April 1998, p.76 2) http://www.mentalhealth.com/p20-grp.html 3) http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis1/p21-md04.html 4) http://www.epub.org.br/cm/n03/noticias/freios_i.htm Analysis of the Spectrum of Depression Essays -- Biology Essays Resear Analysis of the Spectrum of Depression Depression has many degrees of severity from a passing feeling to a serious illness, which destroys lives and relationships. Major depressive disorder is the most severe form of depression. It is extreme and persistent, rendering the patient inconsolable and helpless (1). Depressed patients often cannot continue working and have difficulty dealing with family and friends. Other symptoms of major depression are deep despair, misery, irritability, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, change in eating and sleeping habits, fatigue and inability to concentrate. Other mental illnesses, such as anxiety and alcoholism are also associated with major depression (2). While serious depressive episodes are important to our understanding of mental health, chronic depression is terribly widespread and often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Dysthymia is a disorder which has similar, but milder and much longer lasting, symptoms to depression (3). By understanding the characteristics of dysthymia, health p rofessionals can identify a chronic mental illness before it manifests into more serious psychological problems, such as severe depression. Dysthymia is also an interesting disorder from the neurobiological perspective because it is often difficult to discern from other personality disorders, such as a depressed or gloomy personality. This paper explores depression and dysthymia, their symptoms and therapies. In addition, personalities which are depressed will be analyzed and compared to depression and dysthymia. Do all three afflictions stem from the same genetic or environmental causes, and mechanistic origins? Are they all responsive to the same treatment? This comparison will address the difficulty in dis... ...l and emotional signals can be influenced at several different levels in the brain, by a myriad of chemicals. The sole cause of depression seems to be the simultaneous breakdown of neurochemical pathways across the nervous systems. It is true that treating depression in all of its forms is much easier today with the advent of new antidepressants, but these drugs are correcting a neurochemical imbalance which is not specific to depression. There may exist and someday be discovered a particular mood regulation flaw which is responsible for depression, but given the research presented today, I would say there is not. Sources Cited: 1) Elliott, Laura. "Help for Your Head, " Washingtonian, April 1998, p.76 2) http://www.mentalhealth.com/p20-grp.html 3) http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis1/p21-md04.html 4) http://www.epub.org.br/cm/n03/noticias/freios_i.htm

Cheating in High School

Cheating in School Cheating is an issue nowadays that has affected many students at one time or another throughout their education. It’s a serious issue that can be dealt with in a lot of different ways. Some examples of cheating are copying homework, looking at someone else’s test, plagiarizing, and a new way to cheat based on recent technology, which allows another student to now buy or steal papers from the Internet, and passing them off as their own. Being lazy and freaking out if you’re not passing is not a good reason to cheat.Nothing good will ever come from cheating, no matter how good you are at it. In high school, there are serious consequences for cheating. Students who get caught cheating by a teacher will have their paper taken up and get an automatic zero, or they will rip up the paper, and the teacher will contact the student’s parents and tell them what happened. If the student perhaps was taking their final, and was caught cheating, he or she basically will fail the class and will have to take the class all over again.Another cause of students cheating is that some people out there are just lazy and want a quick A in the class and to make sure they pass. If students actually cared about their education, they wouldn’t be cheating, and they would want to do their own work on their own. Most students who cheat in high school just want to graduate, and finish up with their high school years. The last reason why students cheat is that people are freaking out if they are failing a class. Failing a class and doing bad in the class makes students cheat.If students are failing, they will end up cheating on the upcoming test by using someone who is smart in the class, so they can boost their grade up, so they will be able to pass the class. If students are failing the class, they should be going in after school, before school, or during their lunch time on getting help from the teacher to understand the subject more in order to pass the class. The effect of getting caught cheating is there’s a lot of consequences that will happen to you, and having to take the class all over again, and the ffect of how people are lazy and just want a quick A is that students are going to become less responsible for their work, and if students are getting these good grades by cheating, and end up graduating high school, but they don’t know what they want to do with their future, or they do we just let them come in, and do the job they want, but at the same time they could of learned how to do that subject in high school, and if they would of done their own work they would know how to do it.Freaking out if the student isn’t passing the class they should be going in for tutorials, and studying hard instead of thinking to themselves that they don’t need to study, or anything while they need to. Over all, the consequences of cheating will hurt you in your life, and no one should be proud of cheating. Nothing good will ever come from cheating. While some people say cheating isn’t wrong unless they get caught they are wrong and that cheating is stealing, and stealing is wrong no matter.

Effective Communication in Health and Social Care Essay

In health and social care effective communication a key skill all professionals should have when working with families, carers, children and young people. Having this skill helps to build trust it can also encourage the individual to use the services. Effective communication is essential when trying to establish and maintain relationships and it is a process that involves listening, questioning, responding and understanding. However there are many barriers that can effect how effective the communication is a few examples of these barriers could be: language, personality, visual or auditory impairment or a disability. In order to over come these barriers there have been many advances in the strategies that can help in situations where the†¦show more content†¦The hearing aid can be programmed to deal with background noise, however the hearing aid can also be cases differently, as there are a variety of shells the aid can go in the hearing aid can be cased in a; full, low prof ile, half, soft or hard shell. Hearing aids are often prescribed to service users after they have had a hearing test, after t his test it will also be clear what type of hearing aid is needed. After further research I discovered that hearing aids are not as good as some people make them out to be, as the article why things suck: Hearing aids (2008), explains, that the problems are with the microphone, the processor and the battery of the hearing aids. The microphone, this article suggests that it picks up all sound coming from all directions, to a service user this could be come irritating, and confusing, if this is the case it will be hard for the user to focus in on the sounds they need to hear. In a health and social care setting this could become difficult if a hearing impaired person is in a hospital, they may find the professionals voice hard to hear while background noise is happening. If this was to happen the communication would not be effective, as the service user will not be able to hear all the information and therefore wouldn’t understand what was going on. This relates to argyle’s communication cycle, the cycle is made up of six stages: idea oc curring, messageShow MoreRelatedDeveloping Effective Communication in Health and Social Care1395 Words   |  6 PagesUnit 1: Developing Effective Communication in Health and Social Care P3 There are a number of barriers to effective communication in health and social care. One of these is environment. If the environment gets in the way of effective communication, then the receiver may not understand the message that is being given to them. An example of environmental factors in a health and social setting would be a busy hospital being uncomfortably busy or loud. If a patient is in a busy ward and cannotRead MoreEffective Communication Skills For Health And Social Care1518 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction: Effective communication skills help a person in a vulnerable situation to feel secure, safe and also respected. It allows the individuals to express their needs and concerns. Health and social care workers have the tools to provide understanding and support in their workplace. Communication in a care setting allows the staff, service users and visitors to help build a relationship and bond between them. As a way of promoting diversity, different relationships can be established withRead MoreEffective Communication At The Health And Social Care Sector1564 Words   |  7 PagesAn effective communication takes an important part in the health and social care settings. Communication is the way how we express our own feelings and thoughts, giving and receiving with each other and what make us become independent through making choice and the ways we learn. Between analysing Alan’s case, this essay will demonstrate the importance of effective communication when working with diverse communities in health and social care sector. According to Brown (2015), an effective communicationRead MoreEffective Communication And Health And Social Care Settings2156 Words   |  9 Pageswill explain the different roles of effective communication in health and social care settings. The communication between colleagues service users and also why multi agency working is important in effective communication. It will include all the communication forms which are interpersonal interactions, communication and language needs and preferences. Effective communication when having conversation with the service users even work colleagues when having an effective conversation. No one will get confusedRead MoreEffective Communication Within A Health And Social Care Setting1946 Words   |  8 PagesEffective communication in practice In this essay I will be analysing effective communication and reflecting on a personal situation that demonstrates this within a health and social care setting. There are many different types of communication, verbal, non-verbal, formal, informal, written and it can be shown through your tone of voice, thorough your facial expression, as well as the through your body language. The official definition of communication according to Oxford Learning Dictionary isRead MoreUnit 1 ; Effective Communication in Health and Social Care Essays2972 Words   |  12 PagesUnit 1: Developing Effective Communication in Health amp; Social Care Task 1 Communication is a term used by professionals in the Health and Social Care system, but is also used on a daily basis by everyone all around the world in many different ways. In this written report I will discuss the role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in Health and Social Care settings. Communication can be explained and put forward in different types of ways, depending on the person whom youRead More- the Role of Effective Communication and Interpersonal Interaction in a Health and Social Care Setting.3197 Words   |  13 PagesUnit 2: Communication and values | | Yvette Moyo | Centre Number : 20669 | | | | | Contents Page * The role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in a health and social care setting. * Theories of communication Keywords: Communication Interpersonal skills Verbal language and examples Non verbal language examples Service user Care provider This report will cover the role and importance of effectiveRead MoreThe Role Of Effective Communication And Interpersonal Interaction On A Health And Social Care Context1952 Words   |  8 PagesExplain the role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in a health and social care context. Communication is the way of exchanging information, receiving and giving a message to someone or more than one person, this is also known as passing information on by visuals, speech,writing,behaviour and signals. In a health and social care setting, Communication is incredibly important because service users needs need to have been met and the messages need to be clear for a person toRead MoreThe Role Of Effective Communication And Interpersonal Interaction Within A Health And Social Care Context?1702 Words   |  7 PagesP1) Explain the role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in a health and social care context? Communication is the process of exchanging information, thoughts and feelings between people, through speaking, writing or body language. Effective communication is about more than just exchanging information. This concept makes sure that the transmitted message is received and understood by the other person in the exact way it was intended. However the other person has to demonstrateRead MoreThe role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in a health and social care context. (P1)1723 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿The role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in a health and social care context. (P1) This booklet aims to explain the role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in a health and social care context. Effective communication in a health and social care context is important because things need to be heard and said clearly. An example of when effective communication is important is if a nurse is having a conversation with a doctor and discussing a patients

Biography of Zhu Di, Chinas Yongle Emperor

Zhu Di (May 2, 1360–August 12, 1424), also known as the Yongle Emperor, was the third ruler of Chinas Ming Dynasty. He embarked on a series of ambitious projects, including the lengthening and widening of the Grand Canal, which carried grain and other goods from southern China to Beijing. Zhu Di also built the Forbidden City and led a number of attacks against the Mongols, who threatened the Mings northwestern flank. Fast Facts: Zhu Di Known For: Zhu Di was the third emperor of Chinas Ming dynasty.Also Known As: Yongle EmperorBorn: May 2, 1360 in Nanjing, ChinaParents: Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress MaDied: August 12, 1424 in Yumuchuan, ChinaSpouse: Empress XuChildren: Nine Early Life Zhu Di was born on May 2, 1360, to the future founder of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, and an unknown mother. Although official records claim the boys mother was the future Empress Ma, rumors persist that his true biological mother was a Korean or Mongolian consort of Zhu Yuanzhang. From an early age, according to Ming sources, Zhu Di proved more capable and courageous than his older brother Zhu Biao. However, according to Confucian principles, the eldest son was expected to succeed to the throne. Any deviation from this rule could spark a civil war. As a teenager, Zhu Di became Prince of Yan, with his capital at Beijing. With his military prowess and aggressive nature, Zhu Di was well-suited to holding northern China against raids by the Mongols. At 16, he married the 14-year-old daughter of General Xu Da, who commanded the northern defense forces. In 1392, Crown Prince Zhu Biao died suddenly of an illness. His father had to choose a new successor: either the Crown Princes teenaged son, Zhu Yunwen, or the 32-year-old Zhu Di. Keeping with tradition, the dying Zhu Biao chose Zhu Yunwen, who was next in line for succession. Path to the Throne The first Ming emperor died in 1398. His grandson, Crown Prince Zhu Yunwen, became the Jianwen Emperor. The new emperor carried out his grandfathers orders that none of the other princes should bring their legions to observe his burial, for fear of civil war. Bit by bit, the Jianwen Emperor stripped his uncles of their lands, power, and armies. Zhu Bo, the prince of Xiang, was forced to commit suicide. Zhu Di, however, feigned mental illness as he plotted a revolt against his nephew. In July 1399, he killed two of the Jianwen Emperors officers, the first blow in his uprising. That fall, the Jianwen Emperor sent a force of 500,000 against Beijing armies. Zhu Di and his army were out on patrol elsewhere, so the women of the city fended off the imperial army by throwing crockery at them until their soldiers returned and routed Jianwens forces. By 1402, Zhu Di had made his way south to Nanjing, defeating the emperors army at every turn. On July 13, 1402, as he entered the city, the imperial palace went up in flames. Three bodies—identified as those of the Jianwen Emperor, the empress, and their oldest son—were found among the charred wreckage. Nonetheless, rumors persisted that Zhu Yunwen had survived. At the age of 42, Zhu Di took the throne under the name Yongle, meaning perpetual happiness. He immediately set about executing anyone who opposed him, along with their friends, neighbors, and relatives—a tactic invented by Qin Shi Huangdi. He also ordered the construction of a large ocean-going fleet. Some believe that the ships were intended to search for Zhu Yunwen, whom some believed had escaped to Annam, northern Vietnam, or some other foreign land. Treasure Fleet Between 1403 and 1407, the Yongle Emperors workmen built well over 1,600 oceangoing junks of various sizes. The largest were called treasure ships, and the Armada was known as the Treasure Fleet. In 1405, the first of seven voyages of the Treasure Fleet left for Calicut, India, under the direction of the Yongle Emperors old friend, the eunuch Admiral Zheng He. The Yongle Emperor would oversee six voyages through 1422, and his grandson would launch a seventh in 1433. The Treasure Fleet sailed as far as the east coast of Africa, projecting Chinese power throughout the Indian Ocean and gathering tribute from far and wide. The Yongle Emperor hoped these exploits would rehabilitate his reputation after the bloody and anti-Confucian chaos by which he gained the throne. Foreign and Domestic Policies Even as Zheng He set out on his first voyage in 1405, Ming China dodged a huge bullet from the west. The great conqueror Timur had been detaining or executing Ming envoys for years and decided it was time to conquer China in the winter of 1404-1405. Fortunately for the Yongle Emperor and the Chinese, Timur became ill and died in what is now Kazakhstan. The Chinese seem to have been oblivious to the threat. In 1406, the northern Vietnamese killed a Chinese ambassador and a visiting Vietnamese prince. The Yongle Emperor sent an army half a million strong to avenge the insult, conquering the country in 1407. However, Vietnam revolted in 1418 under the leadership of Le Loi, who founded the Le Dynasty, and by 1424 China had lost control of nearly all Vietnamese territory. The Yongle Emperor considered it a priority to erase all traces of Mongolian cultural influence from China, following his fathers defeat of the ethnically-Mongol Yuan Dynasty. He did reach out to the Buddhists of Tibet, however, offering them titles and riches. Transport was a perpetual issue early on in the Yongle era. Grain and other goods from southern China had to be shipped along the coast or else portaged from boat to boat up the narrow Grand Canal. The Yongle Emperor had the Grand Canal deepened, widened, and extended up to Beijing—a massive financial undertaking. After the controversial palace fire in Nanjing that killed the Jianwen Emperor, and a later assassination attempt there against the Yongle Emperor, the third Ming ruler decided to permanently move his capital north to Beijing. He built a massive palace compound there, called the Forbidden City, which was completed in 1420. Decline In 1421, the Yongle Emporers favorite senior wife died in the spring. Two concubines and a eunuch were caught having sex, setting off a horrific purge of palace staff that ended with the Yongle Emperor executing hundreds or even thousands of his eunuchs, concubines, and other servants. Days later, a horse that had once belonged to Timur threw the emperor, whose hand was crushed in the accident. Worst of all, on May 9, 1421, three bolts of lightning struck the main buildings of the palace, setting the newly completed Forbidden City on fire. Contritely, the Yongle Emperor remitted grain taxes for the year and promised to halt all expensive foreign adventures, including the Treasure Fleet voyages. His experiment with moderation did not last long, however. In late 1421, after the Tatar ruler Arughtai declined to pay tribute to China, the Yongle Emperor flew into a rage, requisitioning over a million bushels of grain, 340,000 pack animals, and 235,000 porters from three southern provinces to supply his army during its attack on Arughtai. The emperors ministers opposed this rash attack and six of them ended up imprisoned or dead by their own hands as a result. Over the next three summers, the Yongle Emperor launched annual attacks against Arughtai and his allies, but never managed to find the Tatar forces. Death On August 12, 1424, the 64-year-old Yongle Emperor died on the march back to Beijing after another fruitless search for the Tatars. His followers fashioned a coffin and carried him to the capital in secret. The Yongle Emperor was buried in a mounded tomb in the Tianshou Mountains, about 20 miles from Beijing. Legacy Despite his own experience and misgivings, the Yongle Emperor appointed his quiet, bookish eldest son Zhu Gaozhi as his successor. As the Hongxi Emperor, Zhu Gaozhi would lift tax burdens on peasants, outlaw foreign adventures, and promote Confucian scholars to positions of power. The Hongxi Emperor survived his father for less than a year; his own eldest son, who became the Xuande Emperor in 1425, would combine his fathers love of learning with his grandfathers martial spirit. Sources Mote, Frederick W.  Imperial China 900-1800. Harvard University Press, 2003.Roberts, J. A. G.  The Complete History of China. Sutton, 2003.