Communications Professional Interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Communications Professional Interview - Essay Example of responsibilities include planning, implementation and coordination of communication; (3) to gain knowledge from the executive’s experiences (academic, professional, other relevant facets) and from competencies and qualifications that effectively fit this position; (4) to gain appropriate knowledge on the duties, functions and responsibilities of the chief communication executive of the chosen organization; (5) to discuss the different communication approaches that the executive has tried and found successful or non-successful; and (6) to gain exemplary lessons from the information generated both from the executive and from external sources on the chosen organization with respect to organizational communication and public relations, its scope and importance. To comply with the requirements, the selected organization was identified as the Methodist University Hospital which is located in Memphis, Tennessee. The communications executive who was interviewed in the process was Christopher Jenkins, the Communications Manager. Memphis, Tennessee. The brief historical overview of the organization and pertinent details was sourced from its official website at: http://www.methodisthealth.org/locations/methodist-university-hospital. It was hereby disclosed that the hospital is identified as the â€Å"major academic campus for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center† (Methodist University Hospital: Home, 2011, p. 1). It boasts of a 661-bed capacity and is reportedly considered one of the largest and most comprehensive health institutions within the Methodist Healthcare system (Methodist University Hospital, 2011). The organization reportedly offer services that range from academic instruction in the field of medicine and health care to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; as well as comprehensive medical services offered in its various institutions, such as the Brain and Spine Institute, the Transplant Institute, services in Diagnostics and

Impact of Technology on Our Society Essay Example for Free

Impact of Technology on Our Society Essay When we speak of the impact of technology on society, we always talk about the positive effects of technology and about how technology has made life easy. We talk about the Internet as an information resource and a communication platform and conveniently ignore the fact that an overexposure to it leads to Internet addiction. We often discuss how technology has made life easy but easily forget that it has made us overly dependent on it. Have you thought of the impact of technology from this point of view? I am sure, most of you havent. Let us look at this aspect of technology here. Think of the days when there were no computers and no modern means of transport. Human life was highly restricted due to the unavailability of technological applications. Daily life involved a lot of physical activity. Life of the common man was not as luxurious as that of modern times, but he was more active. Exercise was integrated into routine physical activities. It was contrary to the sedentary lifestyle of today, which leaves no time for exercise and fills days with inactivity and laze. Today we dont want to, and thanks to technology, dont even need to, walk, move around or exert physically to get things done. We have the world is at our fingertips. We think of technology as a boon to society. I am afraid; its not completely a boon. The Internet has bred many unethical practices like hacking, spamming and phishing. Internet crime is on the rise. The Internet, being an open platform lacks regulation. There is no regulation on the content displayed on websites. Internet gambling has become an addiction for many. Overexposure to the Internet has taken its toll. In this virtual world, you can be who you are not, you can be virtually living even after you die. Isnt this weird? Children are spending all their time playing online and less or almost no time playing on the ground. Youngsters are spending most of their time social networking, missing on the joys of real social life. Think of the days when there were no online messengers, no emails and no cell phones. Indeed cellular technology made it possible for us to communicate over wireless media. Web communication facilities have worked wonders in speeding long-distance communication. On the other hand, they have deprived mankind of the warmth of personal contact. Emails replaced handwritten letters and communication lost its personal touch. With the means of communication so easily accessible, that magic in waiting to reach someone and the excitement that followed have vanished. Moreover, we have become excessively dependent on technology. Is so much of dependency good? Is it right to rely on machines to such an extent? Is it right to depend on computers rather than relying on human intellect? Computer technology and robotics are trying to substitute for human intellect. With the fast advancing technology, we have started harnessing artificial intelligence in many fields. Where is the digital divide going to take us? How is our tomorrow going to be? Machines replacing human beings does not portray a rosy picture, does it? It can lead to serious issues like unemployment and crime. An excessive use of machines in every field can result in an under-utilization of human brains. Over time, we may even lose our intellectual abilities. You know of the declining mathematical abilities in children due to use of calculators since school, dont you? The impact of technology on society is deep. It is both positive and negative. Technology has largely influenced every aspect of living. It has made life easy, but so easy that it may lose its charm one day. One can cherish an accomplishment only if it comes after effort. But everything has become so easily available due to technology that it has lost its value. There is a certain kind of enjoyment in achieving things after striving for them. But with everything a few clicks away, there is no striving, theres only striking. With the developments in technology, we may be able to enjoy all the pricey luxuries in life but at the cost of losing its priceless joys.

Fluoxetine Hydrochloride and Unipolar Depression :: Psychology Medicine Medical Papers

Fluoxetine Hydrochloride and Unipolar Depression Unipolar Depression is a historically documented affliction that many people experience in their lifetime. B.E. Leonard describes it as "a heterogeneous disease state characterized by complex alterations in several Central Nervous System neurotransmitter and receptor systems" (1992). Episodes of depression range from severe bouts that last a minimum of 2 weeks, to years (also known as Dysthymia," requiring a 2 year minimum duration for appropriate diagnosis). Depression interferes with a person's functioning and well-being on the general level of daily tasks and experiences that most of us participate in and take for granted: people experience loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, major changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or waking early in the morning), appetite, and feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, irritation and/or listlessness. (Davison, 2004.) Researchers have long struggled to pinpoint the origins of depression in order to improve quality of life for those who experience it. While no one causal relationship can be labeled as the main factor in depression (genetics, biology, and environment always interplay a complex role in all human experiences), specific correlational evidence has been found. The neurotransmitter serotonin (5 hydroxytryptamine) acts on areas of the Central Nervous System that are responsible for maintaining and regulating anxiety, sleep, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior and pain sensation, and has been found to have exceptionally low activity level in depressed people. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (such as fluoxetine, better known as Prozac) limit the reabsorption of serotonin by blocking receptors at neural level, raising serotonin activity levels and proving effective in helping to treat depression. SSRIs are equally effective as tricyclic drugs, with the particular advantages of not being associated with anticholinergic adverse effects, sedation, cardiotoxicity or massive weight gain, while retaining massive life changing effects. (Leonard.) In this paper, we investigate the synthesis of serotonin, the chemistry and route of access of Fluoxetine, and how the two interact to produce their effects. We study this interaction at the neural level, analyzing the behavioral and physiological changes and results as reported by those who have used the drug. Thus, we progress from profiling the micro level of action to a larger-scale, investigating how fluoxetine and serotonin interact with biology and environment to create the resulting positive and negative effects and, hopefully, to ultimately relieve Unipolar Depression. Serotonin and Fluoxetine: A Prelude to SSRI Functions

How the Sun Affects the Weather

ASTR 1020 August 31, 2011 â€Å"How the Sun Affects the Weather† Our sun is a massive nuclear fusion reactor that generates astonishing amounts of energy. The sun is the largest body in our solar system. It has a gravitational pull causing all other objects in the solar system to orbit it. Since the sun is in the neighborhood of the earth this gives the results of a greater gravitational effect on earth. â€Å"Warmth for the planet is provided primarily by the sun’s energy. The rate of energy coming from the sun changes from day to day.At an average distance from the sun 93 million miles† (Ahrens 4). The energy from the sun affects many things here on earth. One of the main things the sun does is warm our planet, including the atmosphere. This energy drives our weather we see daily. Temperature fluctuation the sun generates can be associated to every weather phenomenon on earth and can be traced back to the sun. All planets have an atmosphere, a layer of gases th at surrounds them. The Sun's atmosphere is made up of hydrogen, while Earth's is made up primarily of nitrogen and oxygen.Carbon dioxide, ozone, and other gases are also present. These gases keep our planet warm and protect us from the direct effects of the Sun's radiation. Without this regulation, Earth could not sustain life. To understand the weather you need to understand the layers of the atmosphere. The layers of the atmosphere from the surface rising upward are troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. We live in the troposphere layer, this is where the air temperature normally decreases with height, and contains all of the weather we are familiar with.Most of the clouds you see in the sky are found in the troposphere, and this is the layer of the atmosphere we associate with weather. Extending up to 10 miles above Earth's surface, the troposphere contains a variety of gases: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and others. These gase s help retain heat, a portion of which is then radiated back to warm the surface of Earth. In the stratosphere is where most of the gas ozone is found. The coldest layer in the atmosphere is the mesosphere and the warmest atmospheric layer is the thermosphere.Then we get to the region where atoms and molecules shoot off into space in the exosphere, which signify the upper limits of our atmosphere. A greenhouse gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation withing the thermal infrared range. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Greenhouse gases greatly affect the temperature of the Earth; within them, Earth's surface would be on average of about 33 degrees Celsius or 59 degrees Fahrenheit colder than present temperature.The earth being tilted at 23. 5 degrees on its axis and revolving around the sun makes the earth’s heat unevenly giving us different climate and weather. â€Å"The ti lt causes annual variation in the amount of sunlight that strikes the surface as well as variations in the length of time the sun shines at each latitude† (Ahrens 73). The sun heats up the equatorial regions more than the poles, so the earth has to develop circulations to distribute the heat. This keeps the equator from getting hotter and the poles from getting colder.This is the way the earth balances out its unequal distribution of heat. With the earth’s rotation this causes the wind pattern to form east -to-west. Weather as a whole comes down to the universal circulation of cold and hot air. The sun has the greatest impact on the lower stratosphere with the impact of ultraviolet light from the sun assist in changing temperature. â€Å"Lower to mid stratosphere is heated greatly due to the ozone layer†¦ ozone absorbing large quantities of dangerous solar energy†¦ he absorption causes the warmup from 20km to 50k. The middle and upper troposphere is indeed ve ry important for stability processes. The hotter the surface temps and the colder the mid and upper tropospheric temps†¦ the more instability†¦ and the stronger updrafts and stronger storms† (Haywood). Here are several examples: The sun warms up air, the area encompassing this warm air creating a warm front. Many weather developments will occur when a warm front meets up with a cold front.Ocean’s, lakes, and soil surfaces are warmed by the sun causing warm air to rise in the atmosphere. The warm air meets up with colder air causing it to condense and produce clouds that could create hail, snow, or rain. Sun warm up air over the sea near the equator and this warm air will rise creating a cloud. Cold air will then replace the warm air that has lifted and collides creating spiraling turbulence known as a hurricanes. Sun produces warm air then it abruptly turns cold; this creates pressure and uproar which whips up a tornado.Sun warms up the earth’s surface and this warm air will expand and rise, as it rises the air will then cool and descend. This up and down cycle of rising warm air and descending cool air will generate wind. There are many factors when it comes to weather but the main key to the weather equation is the heating from the sun for weather to occur. The sun plays a vital role in our daily lives and weather. Works Cited Ahrens, C. Donald. Meterology Today. Belmont: Brooks/Cole, 2009. 9th ed. Haywood, Lee. Meterologist with WSAV/Instructor ASSU.

Foundations in English Literary Studies Assignment 1 Essay

Ozymandias was a powerful king, who ruled with an iron fist. Lines 4 and 5, â€Å"Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown†, â€Å"And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command† shows that Ozymandias ruled with contempt, dominance and conceit. He was a very unhappy man, not forthcoming or humble in any way, as a true king should be. He was however, filled with pride and arrogance. Lines 10 and 11, â€Å"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!† depicts his pride and vanity. The manner in which these lines are written, in the first voice, as if Ozymandias himself is telling us of his importance, one last time. In these 2 lines, he is boasting about all his accomplishments, wealth and successes, which accompanied being a king. These lines show that he believed that he was the greatest, and none superior to him. â€Å"Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown† â€Å"And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command† â€Å"Tell that its sculptor well those passions read† â€Å"Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things† The sculptor clearly showed Ozymandias personality and passions on his statue. Even though Ozymandias thought his would rule forever, everything becomes lifeless with time. And the manner in which he ruled was clearly shown on his half decayed and dismantled statue. Human ambition will only take you that far, it’s what you leave behind that truly matters. The words â€Å"passions† and â€Å"lifeless† are placed close together, because your passions and desires are supposed to keep you alive and happy, yet Ozymandias’ passions of despair survived on a lifeless statue. â€Å"The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed†. From what I can tell, the sculptor disapproved of the king’s way of ruling and ridiculed him, but yet he had to create him in stone to be remembered by all. The irony concerning lines 10 and 11 is that Ozymandias will not be remembered as a  great leader and king. What he believed himself to be will not be engraved in his followers, on the contrary, they would probably want him forgotten and his statue left in ruins. A statue is usually a monument erected in honour of a great leader of merit, but Ozymandias was a monument of fear and oppression. The poet is displaying a picture of dry and barren land in the desert. A half sunken body or head decapitated from its legs lying in the sand. There is nothing around these dismantled pieces, nothing for miles. The word â€Å"antique† to me, suggests old, ancient and maybe dilapidated. The poet also uses many words that evidently illustrate brokenness and deterioration like â€Å"trunkless legs†, â€Å"shattered visage†, â€Å"frown†, â€Å"wrinkled lip†, â€Å"cold command†, â€Å"survive†, â€Å"lifeless things†,† despair†, â€Å"nothing beside remains†, â€Å"decay†, â€Å"colossal wreck†, â€Å"boundless and bare† and â€Å"lone†. Lines 12, 13 and 14 portray the degeneration and despair clearly. â€Å"Nothing beside remains, round the decay† â€Å"Of the colossal wreck, boundless and bare† â€Å"The lone and level sands stretch far away† â€Å"boundless and bare†, â€Å"lone and level† and â€Å"sands stretch† Using alliteration in these lines creates and increases the effect of what the poet is saying. It also adds emphasis on the description of the land and on what remains of the mighty Ozymandias. It allows a clear picture and the irony of the end of Ozymandias legacy.

Rhetoric of the Gulf War essays

Rhetoric of the Gulf War essays It was August 2,1990, in an effort to make his country whole again that Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Kuwait is a small country, and within four hours he controlled not only the region, but also 24% of the worlds oil supplies. It seemed as if his next target was Saudi Arabia. This was the exigent that the United States used to get involved in the affair. Under the claim that Saudi Arabia had asked for their assistance, the U.S. set a deadline of January 15, 1991, demanding all Iraq forces out of Kuwait. We were told that Saddam Hussein ignored the warning, which triggered Desert Shield, or the build-up of troops in the region and eventually led to Desert Storm, an all-out attack to free Kuwait. It wasnt just the U.S. who got involved however. According to the Desert Storm web site, the Bush Administration involved the U.N. in an effort to bypass Congress. Constitutionally they are the only ones who can declare war be it foreign or domestic in the United States. Congress w ould eventually be involved, but the result was 28 countries standing against Iraq and its population of 17 million. On the U.S. home front was an economic recession. This according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch was a primary reason for their willingness to free Kuwait. But there where others as well... Those reasons included jobs for Americans, a determination to nip aggression in the bud and not allow it to grow, as Nazism did, through appeasement, and a need to guarantee the flow of oil at reasonable prices from the world's largest known reserves. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch January 2, 1991, Wednesday, Five Star Edition) The issue of declaring war was highly contested by the American people, however, which lead to three days of nationally televised congressional debates on January 10-12. When the votes where in both houses of Congress voted for a military attack on Iraq. At 6:50pm E.S.T., on January...

The Graduate Essay example

The Graduate Essay example The Graduate Essay example Anthony Smith Lit. 231 The Graduate 10/14/14 Water, the world’s best solvent The 1967 film â€Å"The Graduate† undeniably contains many themes throughout its story line. The powerful themes it contains and clever filming style is still being referred to and talked about today, almost fifty years later. Director Mike Nichols displays his creative talent and knowledge of film by making true movie magic that ultimately led to his winning an Academy Award. Nichols clever mind is to thank for making â€Å"The Graduate† the box office smash that it was, launching Dustin Hoffman’s career at the same time. One of the most prominent themes found within this film is the use of water. As Dustin Hoffman’s character Benjamin changes, the way in which water is seen changes as well, becoming a character all its own. The first scene in which water makes a powerful statement is early on in the movie when Ben is finally home from college. He is sitting in his room relaxing and thinking about his unclear future. His controlling and smothering parents have thrown Ben a lavish graduation party he clearly wants nothing to do with. In the room is a large fish tank and at the bottom there is a little man dressed in scuba gear for decoration blowing bubbles. As we see Ben in this shot sitting in front of the tank, it looks as though his head is actually in the tank, alluding to how Ben is feeling. His parents are making him feel trapped and smothering him by inviting all of these people over to their home. One might say Ben can relate to the little man in the tank, by being made to feel the same way. During Bens summer break he spends a lot of time in the backyard making use of the pool. This is one of the more subtle uses of water in the film. It may seem that Ben is enjoying himself and relaxing but after a closer examination one might think differently. Much like his unclear future, Ben is simply going through the motions not knowing what he wants to do or where he might end up. This is repre sented by his floating around aimlessly on a raft. One of the most powerful scenes involving water also takes place at the pool. Once again

Essay on American Dream

Essay on American Dream The American dream is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position The American Dream: Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness What exactly is this â€Å"American Dream† that seems to stand the test of time? It sounds like a myth, a cheap ploy to trick foreigners into flocking to America in search of â€Å"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.† But many today say it still exists, that it’s a real thing as tangible as the $100 bill – because it is. SAMPLE ESSAY ABOUT HAPPINESS Writer James Truslow Adam, in his book The Epic of America, written in 1931, said: The American Dream is one â€Å"of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position†.   Adam’s description of the American Dream provides insights as to why so many foreigners have immigrated to the United States since the beginning of the country’s history, from the time of English, Spanish, and French colonization to the America of today in the 21st century. They came searching for a better life, and many found it – but not without hard work, the execution of good ideas, and luck. Take a look at people like actor-comedian Jim Carrey, a Canadian by birth. He grew up in a poor, struggling family. For a time the family was homeless, forcing Carrey to drop out of high school at a young age to help support the family. Years later when as an adult he began making a name for himself on the comedy circuit, Carrey then moved to the United States where we would go on standup comedy tours, finally becoming a multi-millionaire through starring in blockbuster films like Liar Liar and Bruce Almighty. It is well documented that Carrey – an adamant believer in the Law of Attraction – would ride his car along the Hollywood Hills imagining he lived there, that he was to be among the rich and famous celebrities. At one time he even wrote a check to himself, when he was a young struggling actor, for $10 million. And sure enough, in 1994, at the age of 32, he was paid $10 million for his work on the hit film Dumb Dumber. Does Carrey exemplify the American Dream? Absolutely! He was a foreigner who came from nothing, then sought a better life for himself in America – and he found it, but not without a lot of discipline, talent, diligence, a hope that borders on stupidity, luck, and a positive, focused mentality. He epitomizes the American Dream. The American Dream goes back, way back to the Declaration of Independence that held certain â€Å"truths to be self-evident: that all Men are created equal †¦ endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights such as Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. ESSAY ON YOLO OR CARPE DIEM The mere foundation of this great – though often troubled – country is built upon the quest for a better life. Of course, people can find wealth and happiness in other countries, but many people all around the world associate America with opportunity, freedom, and success. Unfortunately, the American Dream can also be seen as one pursuing material prosperity: big, fancy cars, gigantic mansions, and designer clothes, while others see it as not so much on the financial increase, but a good, healthy fulfilling life. When pursuing the American Dream, whatever that means, people need to first be honest with themselves about what they think the â€Å"American Dream† means to them. That’s the beauty of living in America: people can find a better life in whatever ways they imagine it to be.

Executive Summery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Executive Summery - Essay Example The business plan was developed with the aim of obtaining start-up financing through bank loans. Conservative financial projections indicate that the firm will incur a loss during its first operating year although it will show a tidy profit by the last quarter of the first year. The strategy is to increase the sales by 50% each succeeding year by hiring more employees and establishing two more branches within the neighborhood of the target market segment which are teenagers who ideally attend the same school and live within the same local residential area. This firm has a strong social orientation in the sense it will market these video games to make profits and also a social impact by positively changing the wrong public perceptions about video games as educational as well as entertaining to the video gamers. Towards this objective, it will work cooperatively with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the media, and advocacy groups to promote awareness of environmental issues like the global warming phenomenon and climate change (Pugari & Wright, 1999) by using social media marketing

Should euthanasia be permitted in cases of terminally ill patients Research Paper

Should euthanasia be permitted in cases of terminally ill patients - Research Paper Example This ethical issue comes in view when a patient seeks death for himself/herself if the diseases are incurable, the cost is too high for the family to bear or he/she does not want to endure the pain any longer. This is not an easy decision for himself/herself and for the family as it accounts to a suicide. Euthanasia or the mercy killing therefore leads to opposing views from various sides, leading to controversy. Is mercy killing right legally, morally and ethically? Is it right or wrong? Types of Euthanasia: Euthanasia is derived from Greek term meaning â€Å"good death†. It has not gained acceptance because of legal and ethical issues involved with it. Euthanasia is classified into two types – the Active and the Passive Euthanasia. The term, Active Euthanasia is used when a patient’s life is cut short by the physicians at their own discretion, after the patients express their wish. Passive Euthanasia refers to withholding of treatment that would have helped the patient to survive in this world. Active euthanasia: The supporters of Active Euthanasia believe that the person is â€Å"better off dead† instead of continuing to live a life of â€Å"severely diminished quality† (Paterson, 2008). ... It might be viewed as homicide by skeptics, and is being condemned by the authorities and moralists around the world. Passive Euthanasia: Active Euthanasia might be unacceptable to the people on moral and ethical grounds but on the other hand quite a sizable number accept Passive Euthanasia. No doubt, a person undergoing Passive Euthanasia will experience some pain after the removal of life sustaining aids until he/she dies, but there are various reasons why it is accepted. â€Å"Firstly, treatment might simply be futile and hence incapable of benefiting the patient. Second, the treatment will be highly cost –effective.† (Garrard and Wilkinson, 2005). Thirdly the treatment should be withdrawn as it is excessively harmful. The fourth reason would be the patient may refuse to undergo treatment. Some treatment may have extreme pain or some may have a less probability of success, the failure of the treatment may cause extreme levels of burdens and poor quality of life. So u nder these circumstances the treatment refusal leads to passive euthanasia though the physician is aware of the effects of it. (Garrard and Wilkinson, 2005) Issues on Euthanasia: There is no major moral difference between killing a suffering patient and letting them to die. The Active Euthanasia is more or less killing and Passive Euthanasia is letting the patient die by removing the life sustaining aids. The first doctor, who was charged of Euthanasia, was Harold Blazer in 1935. He killed his daughter who was suffering from cerebral spinal meningitis. He killed her by placing a chloroform handkerchief on her nose till she stopped breathing. She was thirty when he killed her. In the trial he was acquitted on moral grounds. The first doctor to be found guilty was Joseph

Persecution of Women in the Middle East Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Persecution of Women in the Middle East - Essay Example "Many Christian women live in restricted countries where Christianity is not tolerated--over 200 million Christians in 80 countries worldwide are persecuted because of their faith. Women of the Way is "a program of Open Doors mobilizing women to become strategically involved in strengthening persecuted Christians" and works to educate and minister to these women, whose social situations often prohibit them from receiving Christian materials or speaking out freely about their faith." (Persecuted Women) Women are still considered the weaker sex in the Middle East and they are oppressed day in, day out. Women are primarily oppressed because of their faith in Christianity. Many Christian women have had to bear the brunt of this and many continue to face the consequences of their religious beliefs. It is really sad that these women can't be helped; it is high time to put these women out of their misery. They sink into despair when they are ostracized or persecuted. Some of them are even k illed because of their faith in Christianity, this is unacceptable and something has to be done about this sooner rather than later. Islam is misunderstood by the Muslims and they tend to punish the women, they end up banishing these poor women. They inflict pain upon them and they fail to realize the real values of Islam. Religious belief is the most important reason because of which the women in the Middle East are persecuted. ... This has been a very popular practice in the Middle East; women must be protected at all costs and they must be given much better treatment than what they are receiving. "Under the Islamic Republic of Iran, discrimination and segmentation on the basis of religion and gender have been institutionalized in the constitution, government policies, and state ideology. The system explicitly favors men over women, Muslims over non-Muslims, and Shiite Muslims over other Muslim sects.The constitution and the Shari'a-based penal and civil codes, especially those sections pertaining to family and personal status, legalize the subordination of women, treating them as second-class citizens with unequal rights. Women's rights activists have launched widely publicized equal-rights campaigns that have been successful within the parameters established by the theocracy. However, the overall legal framework remains discriminatory, with the state's theocratic underpinnings consistently negating its progr essive and democratic elements." (Access to Justice) Islam restricts women from wearing revealing clothes and any woman found wearing revealing clothes is often persecuted. These draconian laws are only for women, no such laws exist for men in the Middle East. Women are targeted in the name of Islam; Islam never supports persecution of women. Human beings have started deriving satisfaction by inflicting pain upon other human beings. This practice of persecution goes to reflect the pain inflicting tendencies in place; women get exploited in the name of Islam. They can't go out nor can they attend a school. They remain uneducated and weak, this is a method of exploiting them and this is also a

Conclusion for management project Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Conclusion for management project - Term Paper Example The time-bound goal was a specific goal of our team. Our group’s most frequently used style was the collaborative approach style. We had no conflicts except for a minor conflict about matching the schedules we had prepared. However, our frequent communication with the emails enabled us to understand one another’s viewpoints and eliminate the misunderstandings. The email was a powerful tool in our communication as we used it to share ideas and other group related materials with one another. We all got along really well and respected each other. Maintaining the schedule and finishing the project upon time was a big challenge for our group. We mutually decided to split the project up. The thinking of the group members was not affected by the groupthink. Our leader had very good social skills. The leader’s behavior was people-oriented. The leader was friendly and approachable, and treated everybody equally. With mutual effort, we were able to finish the project in

Analysis of Stone Henge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Analysis of Stone Henge - Essay Example The meanings behind the large circles of stone can only be guessed at. As has been noted, earlier grave sites were normally aligned with the winter solstice, allowing a shaft of sunlight to enter the chamber only on that day and that hour. However, once the circle was removed from such a close association with death, it is argued that the larger standing stones became aligned instead with sunrise at the summer solstice. While the stones of Stonehenge are aligned to various astronomical times (Souden, 1997), there are several indications that the circles may have served a deeper purpose than providing a necessary solar calendar for people who survived on cultivating the land. One theory holds that the circles are indeed aligned with the summer solstice as a means of reflecting the joining of the Earth Goddess, symbolized by the womb-like shape of the monument and the supine, glittering surface of the Altar Stone, with the Sky Father, symbolized by the open air structure and the entran ce of light. Others, such as Christopher Chippendale (1994) suggest that the alignment is more closely aligned with the midwinter sunset. About the only thing sure about Stonehenge is that its meaning was complex and immensely important to the generations of Neolithic farmers who lived in the area. With the origins of the structure lost to time, archaeological evidence remains the only means by which today’s culture might discover the people who built the structure.

Conclusion for management project Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Conclusion for management project - Term Paper Example The time-bound goal was a specific goal of our team. Our group’s most frequently used style was the collaborative approach style. We had no conflicts except for a minor conflict about matching the schedules we had prepared. However, our frequent communication with the emails enabled us to understand one another’s viewpoints and eliminate the misunderstandings. The email was a powerful tool in our communication as we used it to share ideas and other group related materials with one another. We all got along really well and respected each other. Maintaining the schedule and finishing the project upon time was a big challenge for our group. We mutually decided to split the project up. The thinking of the group members was not affected by the groupthink. Our leader had very good social skills. The leader’s behavior was people-oriented. The leader was friendly and approachable, and treated everybody equally. With mutual effort, we were able to finish the project in

Islamic contracts and hedge technique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Islamic contracts and hedge technique - Essay Example The different aspects of the Islamic hedging techniques have been researched and analysed in this paper. Contents Contents 3 Introduction 4 Discussion 4 Background of Islamic Finance 4 Types of Contracts 6 Hedging Instruments of Islamic Finance 7 Profit Rate Swap 8 Foreign exchange Risk Hedging 9 Conclusion 10 11 References 12 Introduction Islamic Finance has been based on the principles of the Quran or more categorically on the principles of Sharia. According to the principles of Islamic Finance the acceptance and payment of interest is unfair. Thus Islamic Finance is devoid of any payment or receipt of interest in case of any business transaction. This kind of financing technique is adopted for the achievement of the goals which are specific to the Islamic economy. The sharing of the profit and loss is the main principle of the Islamic Sharia. According to the Sharia this measure would bring equity as well as justice in the economy. Hence the alternative names for the banks running on the principles of Islamic Finance are PLS bank. In the financial system there are various types of risks that persist which may result in a huge amount of loss. The hedging techniques are adopted in a financial market in order to cover a particular position of exposure which is generally in relation to a particular financial activity by taking a position that is opposite of what the risky situation is. Most of the banks take such hedging techniques in order to cover the exposures that arise out of the mismatches in the asset and liability of the books of accounts. These kinds of hedging techniques are also prevalent in the context of Islamic Finance. This essay looks into the various risk management measures that are being undertaken in order to provide a solution for the risk exposures and the types of instruments that are being implemented for the purpose. Discussion Background of Islamic Finance The main objectives of Islamic Finance are to promote the principles of Sharia in the ways in which business activities are being conducted. This is done with the objective of promoting growth and prosperity in the economy in a fair way. These financial services would conform to the principles of Sharia and would ensure that the distribution of income in the economy would be equitable and there would be optimal allocation of the resources in the economy in a justified manner. As opposed to the conventional modes of financing which considers interest as the opportunity cost of money, Islamic finance considers the existence of interest as an unjust practice. According to the principles of Islam, loans are provided by one party to the other to meet any kind of contingent situation that may arise. A lender should thus help the borrower to get the loan rather than taking undue advantage of it. Therefore there should be a relation of cooperation between the lender and the borrower. There is no relation of debtor and creditor as in case of commercial banking that is pr actice according to the general convention. The principles of Sharia state that there is simply no return that the people can actually reap unless they take any kind of risk. The principle in is practice in both the capital markets as well as the labour markets. This means that the labourers would not be eligible for wages unless they take some risks while working or bear a cost. On the other hand the capital

Predictive Validity Results for Assessment Centers and Face to Face Interviews Essay Example for Free

Predictive Validity Results for Assessment Centers and Face to Face Interviews Essay Introduction:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One the greatest challenges for any Human Resources Department in any corporation lie in determining whether or not an interviewee is suitable for the job opening that is available.   A lot of companies invest a large amount of capital to upgrade the selection and hiring procedures to ensure that the proper individuals are hired (Delery and Kacmar 1998). In line with these hiring procedures, many tests have been implemented to improve on the reliability of the HR processes that are involved (Delery and Kacmar 1998).   Traditional methods of testing involved face to face interviews which were considered as reliable in determining whether or not a particular individual was well suited for a certain job or an organization (Arce-Ferrer 2003).   More recently, however, more and more firms are basing their HR practices on more reliable tests and indicators such as the Predictive Validity of Assessment Centers. There has been a lot of controversy regarding the predictive validity results of assessment centers as opposed to face to face interviews.   Much of this has been based around the findings that the Predictive Validity for Assessment Centers is much higher than that of Face to Face Interviews (Moruzi and Norman 2002).   This short discourse will discuss the theory that the Predictive Validity for Assessment Centers is much greater than Face to Face Interviews.   In order to arrive at a better understanding of this issue, it is important to first discuss the meaning of Predictive Validity. Predictive Validity:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Predictive validity, as understood in the field of psychometrics, is defined as the extent that a certain scale is able to predict the scores with regard to criterion measures.   It is essentially a measurement of the degree of agreement among different results that have been collected through the use of direct and non-biased testing procedures (Arce-Ferrer 2003).   This predictive validity is almost always quantified by the correlation coefficients taken between the two (2) sets of measurements that have been collected from a homogenous target population. Important to the understanding of predictive validity is the concept of correlation coefficient which is basically an indication of the level of linear relationship that exists between two (2) variables.   The value of the correlation coefficient always lies between -1 and +1.   A result of -1 means that there exists a perfect negative relationship, while a +1 value indicates the exact opposite, which is that a perfect positive linear relationship exists.   0 means that there is no linear relationship between the variables (Arce-Ferrer 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A perfect example of the use of predictive validity is during job performance tests that are geared toward assessing the competency of a certain individual with respect to predetermined job tasks.   In job recruiting instances such as these, a group of 100 applicants[1] are tested.   After a certain span of time, an assessment comes out.   This assessment is based on a quantitative scale that has been evaluated by their superiors and co-workers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This results in 100 pairs of results – a single pair for every employee.   The first set is the scores that are obtained prior to hiring and the second set is from the assessment of competent experts after a certain period of time.   The reasonable quantitative measure of predictive validity is shown by the value of the correlation coefficient that has been obtained.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It has been said that predictive validity has certain similarities to other validity tests such as concurrent validity.   Both of these tests measure the correlations between test results and a certain criteria measure.   The reason why predictive validity is selected despite its similarities to other validity tests is because it is able to provide more beneficial information and data (Arce-Ferrer 2003).   This is because predictive validity tests have been found to exhibit a greater fidelity in the context of real situations wherein the test is going to be utilized.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Like many other aspects of social sciences, the results obtained from the correlations in a predictive validity test are not exceptionally high.   It has been found that the typical predictive validity data for certain employment tests only yield a correlation of approximately r=0.35 (Arce-Ferrer 2003).   Nevertheless, such a result can still lead to substantial benefits for the companies who utilize such a test. Face to Face Interviews:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The utilization of Face to Face interviews has been cited as controversial in not only employment situations but also in other fields such as college admissions.   It has been said that these interviews derail the selection process because of the lack of validity and for its lack of reliable evidence (Moruzi and Norman 2002).   One of the reasons for this is that Face to Face interviews often yield a lower predictive validity value as compared to other tests such as the Assessment Centers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Face to Face Interviews often involve a careful selection process among many applicants and potential employees.   It usually consists of a very detailed conversation with regard to a set of predetermined issues that serve to identify certain abilities of the individual being interviewed (Delery and Kacmar 1998).   In certain cases, in order to improve the accuracy of such a test, the participants are narrowed down to certain specifics to be able to reach an accurate representative of a certain population (Gehrlein, Dipboye and Shahani 1993).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The diverse amount of information that can be obtained from Face to Face Interviews makes it ideal in certain circumstances.   This method has been found to be particularly useful in gathering information that is not typically ascertainable through other methods (Moruzi and Norman 2002).   As such, the reliability of this type of test is compromised with regard to the predictive validity value because of the lack of objectivity that has been found to occur frequently during Face to Face Interviews. Assessment Centers:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Assessment centers are generally defined as a process by which a certain group of individuals are given a series of work related exercises and tests.   The purpose of these tests is to enable the experts to determine the abilities, skills, traits and other character details of the participants (Delery and Kacmar 1998).   The trained experts employed to conduct these tests are tasked with the evaluation of each individual against certain predetermined criteria.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many different methods of assessment that are currently used in practice today.   These tests include interviews, in-tray exercises, presentations, group activities, work simulation tasks, group dynamics and at times even role-plays (Holling and Reiners 1995).   While not all of the Assessment Centers conduct all of these tests, a great number have resorted to a combination of a majority of the aforementioned assessment practices.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As a method of selection and recruitment in companies, Assessment Centers are regularly utilized for its ability to provide consistent, unbiased and objective results.   Ã‚  The recognized downside to this, however, is the fact that assessment centers are very capital intensive for companies to maintain and therefore means that those who are subjected to assessments must already exhibit a great degree of potential for the company (Holling and Reiners 1995).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The broad range of methods used by Assessment Centers has made it suitable for use in selection, hiring and even promotion of personnel.   A number of studies have consistently maintained that Assessment Centers are regularly able to meet such requirements as reliability, objectivity and predictive validity (Holling and Reiners 1995).   With correlation coefficient values ranging from r=0.30 and r=0.40, the utility of Assessment Centers have allowed companies to come up with a reliable method for personnel management (Holling and Reiners 1995).   This relatively high predictive validity value has been attributed to the fact that most of the indicators of future job performance are not made to depend upon a subjective assessment. Advantages and Disadvantages:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before comparing Face to Face Interviews and Assessment Centers, it is important to first discuss the advantages and disadvantage of each of these methods as HR functions.   This discussion will begin with the advantages and disadvantages of Face to Face Interviews and proceed to a discussion on the same topics with regard to Assessment Centers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Advocates of Face to Face Interviews have often cited that this process has many beneficial applications for HR functions.   One of the reasons given is that Face to Face Interviews often provide information about non-cognitive criteria that are usually regarded as crucial to success. The ability of Face to Face Interviews to provide information that is usually not obtained in other tests gives it a distinct advantage over objective methods design to elicit very specific criteria (Li, Canada and Lim 2000). Another important advantage of Face to Face Interviews comes from the fact that it allows for a systematic review of certain criteria or information that the individual has provided.   The Face to Face Interview process means that there are more opportunities to tackle certain issues that cannot be raised in Assessment Center practices.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand, Face to Face Interviews have been criticized for the subjectivity factor that contributes to errors from multiple sources (Holling and Reiners 1995).   This in turn affects the Predictive Validity of such a method.   It has also been shown in studies that use the Face to Face Interview process in college admission programs that the predictive validity is widely unknown.   Other have also criticized these Face to Face interviews for being less efficient and even more costly as compared to the other alternatives that exists such as standardized objective exams and the like.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Assessment Centers justify their relatively significant Predictive Validity ratings on the objectivity and reliability of the results obtained.   A fairly great number of individual studies that have been conducted on the objectivity of Assessment Centers have shown that the Predictive Validity of Assessment Center Procedures studies lie within the range of r=0.30 to r=0.40 (Holling and Reiners 1995).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In addition to this, the â€Å"social validity† that assessment centers have has met the demand for the other qualities that are essential to the personnel selection process. In most Assessment Center practices, information on certain details with regard to the workplace and the company are made available to participants, while management, on the other hand, participates in the development and use of selection instruments (Holling and Reiners 1995).   This results in the implementation of processes and leads to conclusions that are transparent for both the participant and the management.   The effect of this is that it leads to a relatively easier communication system for the parties involved. These advantages are what make Assessment Centers highly acceptable to both the participants and HR in relation to personnel selection within companies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The greatest disadvantage to Assessment Centers as argued by critics lies in the finding that the objectivity of the methods are compromised due to the involvement of management and employees in the design of the Assessment Center procedures (Holling and Reiners 1995).   As such, there can be no objectivity with regard to the results because the preconceived notions of the desired qualities for the applicants play heavily in the selection of potential employees as assessors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another issue is with regard to the performance criteria that are utilized in Assessment Centers.   The Predictive Validity of the Assessment Center is subjected to influences in relation to the norms, values and preconceptions of management (Holling and Reiners 1995).   This criterion contamination effect often leads to over estimates in Predictive Validity results (Holling and Reiners 1995). Link between Face to Face Interviews and Assessment Centers:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The link that exists between Face to Face Interviews and Assessment Centers revolves around the practicality of such practices in light of Human Resource Procedures for Corporations.   The determination of the selection and hiring of individuals is often an expensive process for most companies (Cherwitz 2004, 2005).   Due to this financial concern, a number of companies are torn between conducting face to face interviews and organizing assessment centers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Clearly, the reliability that Assessment Centers provide makes it an ideal choice over Face to Face Interviews for most companies.   The lack of objectivity of Face to Face Interviews, as shown in the previous section, makes it difficult to ascertain the reliability of such a test (Cherwitz 2004, 2005).   Although it does offer additional information that cannot be obtained through other methods, the usefulness only lends partial viability for the utilization of this model.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Assessment Centers, on the other hand, allow the companies to have a more reliable view of the potential employee.   This allows companies to predict to a more accurate degree whether or not a certain individual would be a perfect fit in the organization.   It also allows companies to estimate to a reasonable degree the success of such person within the organization.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It must be noted, however, that a lot of the research done in this field has led to certain changes in HR functions.   The ever growing reliance by management on verifiable statistics and tests has led to an adaptation of certain measures to improve the validity of such findings (Hough 1998).   As such, while Assessment Centers are clearly shown here as more reliable given the greater Predictive Validity ratings that it consistently obtain, the presence of newer and more reliable techniques could tip the scales in other directions (Hough 1998). Conclusion: While face to face interviews can be incorporated in most Assessment Centers, the issue of reliability and objectivity still comes into play.   As has been shown in the advantages and disadvantages section of this discussion, the benefits that a company can derive from organizing Assessment Centers far outweigh those of Face to Face Interviews.   The only concern, however, is the financial burden that such a program can cause for a company.   Given the benefits that can be acquired from the implementation of this HR function, however, it is clear that Assessment Centers yield more promise than Face to Face Interviews. In the advent of globalization and the presence of an ever competitive global market, the relevance of such a finding is crucial.   Companies can effectively allocate the resources that they have to obtain results that are quantifiable and verifiable.   The investment in sound personnel policies such as an Assessment Center ensures that the companies that employ such HR functions can remain competitive in the global markets of today.          References: Arce-Ferrer, A., Ketherer, J. (2003). The effect of scale tailoring for cross-cultural application on scale reliability and construct validity. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 63(3), 484-501. Cherwitz, R. (2004). Capitalizing on unintended consequences: Lessons on diversity from Texas. Peer Review, 6, 33-35. Cherwitz, R. (2005). Diversifying graduate education: The promise of intellectual entrepreneurship. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, 4, 19-33. Delery, J., Kacmar, K. (1998). The influence of applicant and interviewer characteristics on the use of impression management. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 28, 1649-1669. Gehrlein, T., Dipboye, R., Shahani, C. (1993). Nontraditional validity calculations and differential interviewer experience. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 53(2), 457-469. Hills, J. (1971). Use of measurement in selection and placement. In R. L. Thorndike (Ed.), Educational measurement (2nd ed., pp. 680-732). Washington, DC: American Council of Education. Holling, Heinz and Reiners, Wolfram (1995) Predicting Job Success with the Assessment Center: Validity or Artifact? Westfalische Wilhels-University Munster, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Hough, L. M. (1998). Personality at work: Issues and evidence. In M. Hakel (Ed.), Beyond multiple choice: Evaluating alternatives to traditional testing for selection (pp. 131-166). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Li, C., Canada, R., Lim, M. (2000). A review of admission procedures of counselor education programs. The Alabama Counseling Association Journal, 26(2), 33-40. Moruzi, C., Norman, G. (2002). Validity of admission measures in predicting performance outcomes: The contribution of cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions. Teaching and Learning in Medicine, 14(1), 34-42. [1] For purposes of this discussion the figure 100 will be used.   This does not signify that 100 is always the base number required for conducting predictive validity tests.

Strategic change in organizations Creative and Innovation Strategic hrm

Strategic change in organizations Creative and Innovation Strategic hrm The factor of change is one of the most certain factors in an organisational life. The certainty of change gives birth to the need of its appropriate management. Academics presented various models of the change management like McKinsey 7-S Model, Kotters Eight Step Change Model, etc. In this section of the paper we will evaluate the changing environment of Abbey National in the current economy by employing three models of change i.e. 5 Ps Model of Pryor, McKinsey 7-S Model, and Lewins Change Management Model in detail. 5 Ps Model of Pryor: Introduction The 5P model is a joint presentation of Mildred Golden Pryor, J. Chris White, Leslie A. Toombs and John H. Humphreys. It is a model of strategic management to obtain organisational success through 5 variables: Purpose, Principles, Processes, People, and Performance. Key Points of the Model The points mentioned below explain the model: Purpose is a variable that includes the objectives, goals, mission, strategies, feedback, and vision, and all other factors that show the intensions of the organization. Leaders of the organizations should clearly deliver the strategies and tactics to the staff in order to obtain the organizational goals. The other variables like principle and processes must be aligned with the purpose. Principles are the next P after Purpose. They encompass all organisational attitudes, assumptions and philosophies that indicate how to conduct the business. They also include ethics and other integrity elements to which employees need to make the commitment at the time of hiring. They are extremely important for the successful execution of organisational activities. Principles should be aligned with processes that involve all those infrastructure, systems, procedures and structure which are employed by organisation for the production of goods and for performing services. People are a group of individuals that achieve the organisational purposes by following principles of the organisation. Performance is comprised of all the metrics, results and measurements that are used as a standard for decision making process of the organisation. The establishment of measurement and feedback is an important task of leader for the long run survival and profitability of the organisation. All above stated 5Ps must be aligned with each other if the organisational leaders want to achieve a maximum efficiency and output (Pryor, et al 2007). Relevance of 5 Ps Model to Abbey National in the current economy The 5P model is of relevance to Abbey National in the current economy, especially when it is undergoing a big change of its history. This is so because the 5Ps model is a best suit for strategic, quality, organisational, and change management. As Abbey National is overtaken by Grupo Santander, which is an international banking group so the new leader has to realize the current economic conditions of the UK in order to make this investment worthwhile (Winslow, 2005, p.8). Along with this the new leader should communicate the organisational purpose and principles clearly to the people. The processes should also be made clear from the leaders in order to remove any ambiguity. Lastly, leaders need to set up processes appropriately to reward the success of people. Thus by following the 5P model the occurrence of change in Abbey National can be managed very well by keeping in view the current economy of UK. Lewins Change Management Model Introduction In the 1950s, idea of change management was presented by Kurt Lewin in a form of three steps model. For over 40 years his model ruled in the area of change management. Core points of the Model His model is explained in below stated points: In order to implement a change effort Lewin purposed three step process to managers and that is Unfreeze-Change-Freeze (Burne, 2004). Unfreeze is a stage in which those employees are motivated who either do not accept change or are not accustomed to the change occurred in the processes and duties (Burne, 2004). Lewin is of view that for the successful adoption of new behavior, the old behavior needs to be discarded. Schein (1996, p.27) explains that three factors i.e. status quo disconfirmation regarding its validity, anxiety for survival and creation of psychological safety are essential for the attainment of unfreezing stage. The second stage is the phase in which the change is implemented and adjusted. This stage is a transitional period in which people are unfrozen and started moving towards a new way (Burne, 2004). The last phase is freezing or refreezing in which the organization is strengthened and people or employees are allowed to refreeze (Burne, 2004). Relevance of Lewins Change Management Model to Abbey National in the current economy This model can be relevant to Abbey National in the current economy because it defines ways for change management by keeping in view the psychological behaviour against the element of change. The employees of Abbey National would not accept the change if they are not treated by new leaders according to their mind. As the change has been occurred at Abbey National so by employing unfreezing strategies they will be able to successfully cover the transitional phase in order to refreeze towards the new directions. If new leaders do not reduce the anxiety of people by providing them safety the change cannot be implemented successfully. Lewin rightly acknowledged that change is not merely a step but a journey that needs persistent and strong efforts. McKinsey 7-S Model Introduction The 7S framework was presented by McKinsey and Company in 1980s. It is not a pure strategy model but an approach that focuses on the force of the change employed by the leaders to achieve superior performance by affecting organizational change (PAPERS4YOU, 2010). Core points of the Model The model is based on the points explained underneath: He draws a line of distinction between managers and leaders of the organizations (Watson, 1983). For McKinsey the organizational development depends on seven factors and that are: strategy, skills, structure, systems, staff, shared values, and a style (Watson, 1983). Managers rely on a hard Ss like systems, strategy, and structure whilst leaders work with soft Ss like shared values, staff, style, and skills. The harda variables are more tangible, feasible and easy to identify against softa because they are well documented in the form of corporate plans, organisational charts and strategy statements, etc. (Burtonshaw-Gunn, 2009). McKinsey explains systems as scheduled processes and procedures that organisation follows. Likewise, strategy is a way that is adopted during resource allocation for the attainment of defined organisational goals. The last managerial harda is a structure which means the skeleton of the organisations (Burtonshaw-Gunn, 2009). Shared values are the guiding themes and things of the organisation that everyone knows are essential for the organisations successful functioning. The factor of staff means the description of people needed by the organisation. The pattern of action whether symbolic or actual that are adopted for the organisational communication at large scale is known as style. Lastly, skills are a bunch of the attributes and unique competencies of the organisation (Watson, 1983). The model links planning with the organisational change by stating that all variables i.e. softa or harda are interdependent. Thus, organisational change as a whole is necessary instead of changing one or two variables (Grant, 2008). The softa variables are challenging for all kinds of change management strategies. This is because managing staff resistance against changing organisational structure and values is very hard (Grant, 2008). The change management in case of organisations is also difficult because employees are valued and encouraged for their innovations and thus are an important part of any organisation (Grant, 2008). Relevance of 7S model to Abbey National in the current economy The organisational analysis of Abbey National is very delicate especially by using the 7S model, when it is undergoing a big organisational change. Moreover, the dynamic and complex nature of softa variables is also making the task little challenging. Few points mentioned underneath are important to remember before making analysis of Abbey National with the help of the 7S framework model: Abbey National was a UK based bank that was taken over by Grupo Santander in 2004, that is an international banking group headquartered in Spain. This change in Abbey National is drastic in respect of cultural and demographic differences. Abbey National has rebranded since 2010 which means the change has occurred in its softa variables. This is because the source of leadership has moved from UK to Spain. As softa and harda variables are closely interrelated according to the 7S framework so change in softa will transform the harda factors as well. These days UK economy is going through the last phase of global economic crises of 2008. As the result of which, a stiff resistance is expected from the staff which is one of the constituting softa factors. Managers that are an exact opposite category of leaders have to deal with this situation with great care. They have to manage two kinds of changes; one that has occurred in the organisational staff and the second is the resultant change that comes in the strategy of the organisation as the result of staff resistance. In brief, both changes can be handled appropriately if managers and leaders work in coordination with each other. Section: B Change Management and 5Ps Model of Pryor at Abbey National Although all above stated models are relevant to Abbey Nationals changing condition but 5Ps model is the most appropriate to implement and monitor the change occurred at the local bank of UK. It is suitable because it completely and constantly analyzes change by employing various management techniques and concepts. Plan for the implementation of 5Ps model of change in Abbey National The Plan for the implementation of 5Ps model is illustrated below History Abbey National was the sixth major bank in the United Kingdom and was ranked second in terms of high mortgage lending before the acquisition by Santander Ltd, a well known international banking chain in the Euro zone. At the time of acquisition it was going in a loss of $1.6bn for a year 2002, against a profit of  £1.47bn a year earlier. Later, Santander group took it over in 2004. Upon this change of leadership the goals, objectives, and strategies, etc of the bank has been restated which are mentioned underneath (Pryor et al., 2007). Purpose It includes all strategic theories like mission, vision, goals, objectives, etc. The mission and objectives of Abbey National have changed with its rebranding. Thus managers need to device new strategies and technologies in order to achieve the big goal of Abbey which is to lift the customers trust on the bank along with the introduction of international banking at Abbey. The new mission of the bank needs to be completely delivered to all the stakeholders especially, people. Moreover it should also be aligned with the new principles of the bank. Principles It includes the philosophy and attitude of Santander Ltd which are mentioned below: The philosophy of new leaders is to widen the nature of Abby National from indigenous banking to the international criteria. All employees have to abide by the international banking rules and ethics instead of domestic UK rules during their job tenure. Fraudulent consumers will be treated according to international banking law. Processes It involves the theories pertaining to systems like structure, procedures and communication channels, etc for the production of goods and services. The new leadership of Abbey National will introduce following new services and product mentioned below: It will launch online banking at international level. In this way offshore consumer can also reach their accounts and avail the services of Abbey National from outside the UK. An offshore foreign exchange services will also be introduced at Abbey National. In addition competitive overseas interest rates will be introduced. People This P includes all behavioural theories and aspects like team, individual, different types of customers and suppliers, etc. The new leader will bring following change in this area: Internal consumer will be briefed about international banking whilst external customers will be encouraged at Abbey National. For the availability and provision of new products and services internal and external suppliers will be encouraged to make bids via tender. To understand the local consumer and to contribute in the economy of UK local people will be recruited along with outsiders. Team members and individual workers will be encouraged by offering bonuses and other benefits on the display of good performance. Performance It includes measurement and feedback strategies like benchmarking, etc. The change will be implemented by keeping in view the performance of the people working at Abbey National. In respect of performance of the organisation below mentioned steps will be undertaken: Individual and team work will be awarded with appropriate feedback. Clear measuring scales are defined to note down the performances of workers at Abbey National. These measures will not only keep the leaders up-to-date on recent changes but also provide employees information about the performance of all the activities of Abbey Bank. Measures to monitor the change Progress All above stated Ps will work in perfect alignment with each other. They are well integrated with each other and will not be assessed individually. To monitor the progress of change at Abbey National the above analysis will be employed. Section: C Assessment to use a suitable strategic intervention technique in Abbey National The development of any organisation greatly depends on strategic intervention techniques. An organisation is a workplace where people of different attitudes and calibre have to work with each other by resolving the conflicting issues. A strategic intervention technique is way by which workers get training on how to work with the different types of people in order to achieve the goals of organisation. Abbey National plc is one of the most renowned banks in the UK that offers commercial services. The operation of Abbey has expanded internationally after the takeover by Santander, which is one of the largest financial groups. Currently, Abbeys staff is composed of the diverse workforce due to which emergence of conflicts among workers is very normal aspect. In such circumstances there is a dire need of an appropriate strategic intervention technique. The technique should encompass the followings: It should educate employees on how to work efficiently with the different types of individuals. It should encourage workers to appreciate their co-workers in all organizational spheres. Section: D The need for strategic change in Abbey National The strategic change means the change in organizational mission, goals and objectives. There are many causes of strategic changes and one of the most prominent is the change in the leadership of the organisation. The acquisition of Abbey National by Santander Ltd provides the ground for the strategic change in Abbey National. This is so because the new leaders of Abbey National will restate the goal, and objectives according to their vision (Winslow, 2005). Abbey National was UK based bank while its acquisition by Santander Ltd converts it into international bank. This new status has been given to Abbey National by introducing offshore online and offline banking services. Now managers and workers have to adopt new strategies in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the bank. The factors driving the need for strategic change in Abbey National Some factors that are driving the need for strategic change in Abbey National are assessed below: Change in the vision and mission of the banks leadership. The previous leadership of Abbey National was local so their aims and objectives were national. With the takeover of Santander Ltd the banks objectives and missions were transformed to international, which created the need for strategic change. Change in the category of customers. The majority of customers were local before the acquisition of Santander Ltd. The customers composition changed after the addition of international customers. The composition of suppliers also changed after the acquisition of Santander Ltd. International suppliers started working along with national suppliers. The strategies and tactics to attain new organisational goals also generate the need for strategic change. Section: E Assessment of the resource implications of Abbey National not responding to strategic change Some of the resources that are not responding to the strategic change at Abbey National are assessed underneath: Small investors that were attached to Abbey National before its rebranding are not accepting its recent status. In particular they are opposing the change of banks name and the revamping of its branches. Thus the new leaders and managers need to make proper strategy in order to satisfy their stakeholders (Market Watch: Global Round-up, 2003). The shareholders of banks are also rebelling against pay policy of Abbey including its reward strategy. The business strategies employed by new managers and leaders are also not being appreciated by market partners of Abbey National. As the result of this the bank has to face the fluctuating figures of wholesale business and mortgages. Although the social order of UK is one of the modern societies in the world but Abbey National need some time to revitalize its image of online banking, especially of mobile banking? For this purpose the bank management needs to increase the security measures against its online banking services and products. The employees at Abbey National are also responding very slowly to the strategic change. This is so because old workers need some time to adjust with the new ones. The leaders need to align their people with the processes in order to achieve the purposes of the new leadership of the bank (Cave, 2004). Section: F Systems development to involve stakeholders in the planning of change The major national and international stakeholders of Abbey National are: shareholders, employees, customer, business partners and community. A bank functions with the collaboration of all stakeholders, so to take all of them on board during planning of change is very essential. The system to involve stakeholders in the planning of change is developed by employing 5Ps model of Pryor which is illustrated below The brief description of above illustrated points is stated underneath: The new objectives and goals of the leaders should be well communicated to all stakeholders especially shareholders, employees and business partner. This is so because they are directly influenced by the profit and loss of the bank. If the stakeholders are divided on the implementation of change then leaders should try to convince the opposite side with the help of those who favours the change. The new philosophy of revamping and giving the bank international status should be properly delivered to all stakeholders. This is so because with the mutual cooperation of all stakeholders the changed objectives of Abbey National can be attained. With the rebranding of Abbey International the means of production and services are also changed. All stakeholders must be taken in confidence on this change. The new purposes like the objectives and products and services of Abbey National should be delivered to employees in particular and other stakeholders in general. Lastly all stakeholders like national and international customers, suppliers and shareholders, etc should be well informed with the performance of the bank (Botin, 2004). Development of a change management strategy with stakeholders In order to incorporate stakeholders Abbey is adopting a back to basic strategy of change management. Some of the points for a change management with stakeholders are discussed below: The brand name of Abby National will be revamped by taking all stakeholders, especially domestic customers and investors in confidence (Market Watch: Global Round-up, 2003). The red Santanders interior and marketing communications strategies will be incorporated within Abbey with the mutual understanding of all stakeholders (Market Watch: Global Round-up, 2003). The talks will be made with various media agencies on the activities of Abbey. Section: G Evaluation of the systems used to involve stakeholders in the planning of change incorporating a strategy for managing resistance to change The above stated system that is devised to involve stakeholders in the planning of change also helps in reducing the resistant factors to change. This is so because the confidence of customers, employees and other shareholders will be revived as the result of their involvement in the decision making strategies of Abbey. Those domestic investors, employees who were not accepting the restructuring of bank will be taken in confidence through negotiations and table talks. An evaluation of systems is illustrated below: Conclusion This section is concluded on the statement that the implementation of change in organisational life is not possible without taking all the stakeholders in confidence. Unit: 6 Innovative Management Section: A During the change processes discussed above, evaluate the creative and innovative management processes applied at Abbey National and explain how Santander Ltd could lead Abbey National to positively embrace innovation and change The creative and innovative management processes play a significant role in the change implementation processes of the organisation. This is so because these processes help in bridging up the differences between the new leadership, management and other working staff. Some of the innovative management processes that were employed by Abbey National Ltd are discussed below: Revamping of the Abbeys logo from an umbrella to a rainbow pastiche. It changes its customer approach from national to international. To introduce Abbey as a customer-centric organization. The name of bank has been changed from Abbey National to Abbey. Redecorating and re-colouring the branches of Abbey. To simplify its product range, for instance, the division of saving products into three categories i.e. Freedom, Sure Easy, and Start. More staff will be recruited for customer-facing roles to improve customer services in different branches of Abbey. To increase the number of telephones centres to facilitate customer services. To increase training opportunities for customer-facing staff in order to facilitate customer from all aspects. To make the availability of the product and services simple and transparent. Santander Ltd can only make Abbey National to embrace innovation and change by taking all of its stakeholders on board. For this purpose the new leader of Abbey National has to follow the above stated system that is derived from the 5Ps model of Pryor. Section: B Assess the influence of vision and mission of Santander Ltd on generation of creative and innovative management processes in Abbey National using analytical tools to identify potential creative and innovative management ideas SWOT analysis is one of the most and widely used analytical tool of strategic management that helps in analysing the influence of vision of Santander Ltd on generation of creative and innovative management processes in Abbey National at macro level. SWOT Analysis A framework of SWOT analysis is employed for the identification and assessment of the potential creative and innovative management ideas in Abbey National. SWOT analysis is briefly discussed underneath Strength The new vision and mission of Abbey is to alleviate the status of Abbey from internal bank to the international bank. As the result of which managers have to adopt creative and innovative management strategies in order to compete with the international competition. The new international status of Abbey National will give it more exposure by invigorating the trust of the general public on the bank. To integrate the banking activities of Abbey National with that of the Santander Groups management of Abbey has to make use of creativity (Cave, 2004). Weaknesses The reaction of ex staff members in the form of resignations can threaten the implementation of creative and innovative management processes in Abbey National. Santander group has to bear a loss on the implementation of the creative and innovative management processes in Abbey National until customers trust on the bank is rejuvenated. Opportunities The well developed and well aware society of the UK is the biggest opportunity of Santander group for the implementation of creative and innovative management processes in Abbey National because they do not need to invest in public awareness programs about international online or offline banking. A good international reputation of Santander group is another major strong point. The implementation of creative and innovative management processes in Abbey National is necessary to offer consumers an international banking exposure by providing them bank access even from outside the UK (Botin, 2004). Threats The increasing number of online banking fraudulent and technology is a biggest threat for the implementation of creative and innovative management processes in Abbey National. The stiff reaction from the employees in respect of strategies adopted by the new leaders can also threaten the creative and innovative management processes in Abbey (Cave, 2004). Section: C Assessment of creative and innovative management ideas for Abbey National via 5Ps model Overall the creative and innovative management ideas of Santander group for Abbey National alleviate the growth rate of the bank. A thorough assessment of the innovative management ideas are discussed below with the help of 5Ps model of change. Risks A negative reaction of the stakeholder especially private investors, shareholders and customers is risky for the implementation of the innovative management ideas. Launching of advanced online products and services against big competitors. Benefits The support of some stakeholders is a plus point for the implementation of the innovative management ideas in Abbey. The introduction of new products and services. Barriers An unexpected fall in the banks yearly or monthly margin due to the introduction of the innovative management ideas. Decelerating profits due to the occurrence of change and a poor financial condition of the bank in past. Moreover, costly and unpopular mortgage lock-ins also diminishes profits which can restrict the implementation of the innovative management ideas. The barriers and risks can be transformed into benefits by making strategies according to the 5Ps model of Pryor. For this, managers and leaders have to create alignment between the 5Ps which are Purpose, Principles, Processes, People, and Performance. Conclusion In few words, the management of innovative and creative strategies is a key to attain the new objectives of Abbey successfully. . Unit: 10 Human Resource Management Section: A Understanding the events at Abbey National initiated by Santander Ltd, explain the importance and purposes of strategic human resource management for Abbey National Introduction A skeleton of the organisation is based on three factors: mission, structure and Human resource management. Human resource management is a composition of methods of recruiting, firing, and rewarding. HR mangers deal with the work force of the organisation by employing different managerial strategies. HRM encompasses all sorts of strategies, decisions, principles, functions and operations concerned with management of individuals as employees working in an organization (Kaila, 2005, p.14). Undoubtedly, the role of strategic human resource management is significant at the time when Abbey National is going through the biggest change of its history. Before going in detail it is pertinent to see the meaning of the strategic human resource management. Strategic human resource management is a link that connects strategic goals of an organization with its human resources in order to promote the culture of innovation, and flexibility in the organization. Strategic human resource management recognizes human resource as a strategic partner in the formulation and implementation of the organizational strategies The aim of all strategies is the attainment of organizational goals by making use of available resources. In fact, it would be pertinent to say that the success of organisations is greatly dependant on the human resource management. In this section an attempt is made to explain the importance and purposes of strategic human resource management for Abbey National. This will be done by keeping in view the actions of Santander Ltd (Botin, 2004). The importance and purposes of strategic human resource management for Abbey National Employees are one of the major stakeholders of Abbey National plc (Previously Abbey National). The success of strategies and goals of the new leadership is greatly based on the willingness, talent and diversity of its workforce. The new leaders should device rewarding strategies by keeping in view the opinions of employees. This is necessary not only to develop, encourage and retain existing employees but also to recruit the ones with highest calibre. If the employees are not assigned role according to their abilities and qualification they can quit the job which should be alarming for the new leaders. This is so because if trusted and old workers will start quitting at increasing rate, the reputation of the organization will deteriorate. Another very important and delicate issue arises when human resource management announced the plan of job-cut. This decision creates uncertainty among the workers which can further diminish their performance. In few words, the role of strategic human resource management cannot be ignored especially at a point when Abbey is undergoing a big change. Section: B Assess the impact of strategic human resource management activities

East of Eden Essay: Mans Creation of God Exposed :: East Eden Essays

Man's Creation of God Exposed in East of Eden      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "It would be absurd if we did not understand both angels and devils, since we invented them" (133). What would also be absurd would be if we chose to believe in them. The Bible is written like any modern day novel, it is written as though it is real. Of course, in a novel coming from a shepherding people, the all-powerful God character prefers sheep to fruit of the land. John Steinbeck's East of Eden-a retelling of the Cain and Abel story-helps explain many of the reasons why backwards religious ideas are clung to and the faults behind them. Through his characters, Steinbeck explores human nature to reveal the emotional need for religion and the situations in society that foster it.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In society, people cling to conformity. It's an easy way to avoid trouble or ridicule. Cyrus explains this to Adam when he's describing life in the army: "you'll do things because the others do them. You'll feel the danger in any difference whatever-a danger to the whole crowd of like-thinking, like-acting men." And what happens when someone doesn't conform? "The whole machine devotes itself coldly to the destruction of his difference." (25)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For many people it's much easier for them to not think for themselves. They let the group, society, or their leaders think for them. One example of this is the massive following religious leaders have. People are taught to have faith, that believing is seeing and not the other way around.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When Adam finds out that his father-a character who represents God to Charles and Adam-was a fraud he chooses to not believe it: "I believe in the war he did just what he said he did and was just where he said he was." What about the proof-the papers? "I believe they are wrong. I believe in my father" (70). So Adam chooses to believe in his father, even though there is proof that his father was a fraud, a lie, and refuses to even look at the papers.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But why not look at the papers? What keeps Adam from facing facts? It is because "papers are no match at all for [his] faith in [his] father" (71). He has faith to protect him, closing your eyes to reason and looking with your heart instead. But this is beyond faith; this is blind faith-believing without seeing, trusting without reason.

An Introduction to the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Integrated Transport Plan of Ghana Essay

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) is one of the main components of the Transport Sector Planning and Integration Programme (TSPIP), which is supported by the European Union. The other components of the TSPIP are: ââ€" ª A transport sector integration plan that provides the strategic framework and action plans to support the process of transport integration in Ghana over the short, medium and long-term (provisionally 5, 10 and 20 years); ââ€" ª A set of indicators enabling the sector to monitor its performance; ââ€" ª Technical assistance to improve sector public finance management; ââ€" ª Technical assistance to support policy implementation and planning in the sector; ââ€" ª Capacity Building at the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Roads & Highways. The TSPIP is expected to provide a sound planning framework for the transport sector, informing the sector’s service and investment priorities, meeting the needs stemming from economic development, regional integration and social cohesion, as defined in the national development agenda and at ECOWAS level. On 22nd December 2008, M/s Mott MacDonald Ltd, in association with Municipal Development Collaborative Ltd, was awarded the contract to carry out the SEA of the Integrated Transport Plan. The study is being carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Roads & Highways. Focus of SEA of the ITP The overall objective of the SEA of the ITP is to mainstream environmental considerations into transport sector planning. The term â€Å"environment† in relation to this SEA covers the natural, physical, socio-economic, socio-cultural and institutional environments in which decisions are made (ref. SEA of GPRS, 2004) The specific objective of the SEA is to address the environmental issues associated with the Integrated Transport Plan. The SEA study will deliver the following: ââ€" ª An assessment of the potentially significant environmental issues arising out of the proposed ITP; ââ€" ª An assessment of the opportunities to promote/enhance environmental conditions and risks that lead to unsustainable outcomes; ââ€" ª Recommendations for mitigating or complementary measures. The SEA approach will involve significant stakeholder consultation throughout the process, identifying problems, issues and alternatives, as well as mitigation measures. The added benefit of this approach is that it will provide an element of capacity building among all the stakeholders involved and will contribute to inter-ministerial and inter-departmental cooperation. In the absence of formal regulatory guidance for SEA in Ghana, this SEA is guided by current Ghana EPA practices and procedures, the EU SEA Directive, and the Transport Analysis Guidance Unit 2.11 on Strategic Environmental Assessment for Transport Plans and Programmes (December 2004), as well as OECD SEA Guidelines (2006). Inception Phase The Inception phase was carried out in Feburary and March 2009. The inception phase activities included reviewing data and reports in order to be able to fully understand the current situation with regard to the transport sector and any proposed future plans, and reviewing and describing the institutional, legal and regulatory framework applicable to the transport sector and the strategic environmental assessment. The Inception Report was submitted in early March. The report highlighted changes to the approach and workplan for the SEA necessitated by the status of the progress of the preparation of the Integrated Transport Plan. The report also noted discrepancies and deviations, and proposed a way forward to enable the SEA to deliver recommendations to ensure that the overall sustainability of the TSPIP. The SEA Process The process of the SEA of the ITP will entail the following phases: ââ€" ª Scoping ââ€" ª Analysis ââ€" ª Environmental Strategy and Reporting All the above will involve a series of stakeholder workshops and focus group discussions to promote buy-in and ownership by the stakeholders and provide the needed feedback to the ITP process and outputs.

As a firm grows the lines of communication are often stretched Essay

As a firm grows the lines of communication are often stretched. To overcome this meetings could be set up to keep people informed. The company’s span of control could be re-emphasised so that workers know whom to report to and who to inform of their orders. A clear structure and hierarchical pyramid will reduce arguments in the short term. Team building exercises are a modern way of improving morale, team spirit and efficiency. They are a long-term measure to keep all managers striving for the same aims and goals for the company as a team. I have been assigned by the company Koka Kola to sort out the problem they have where a new base 50 miles outside of there London head quarters has been built. The problem is the communication between the two bases; I need to find the best way to communicate between the two bases. Business Objectives The Business has objectives it must achieve; the businesses main objective is to set up a new communications system between the London Head Office and the newly built Production Site. The problem with this is that it may clash with another objective, Profit. If the company is to spend money on a new communications system it must make sure that the money spent on the system, staff, marketing etc, does not overshadow the money made by sales and other sources of profit. This, although a big problem could have benefits in the long term. If the money spent on setting up the Communications System is more than the profit made that month. In the months after when the System is set up, the benefits in profit as a result of the it being set up could be far greater than that in past months before it was made and so in the future could eventually be bigger than the amount paid on the Communications System and maybe even the Production Site. This concludes that although the short-term objectives maybe conflicted, the long term must be waited upon in order to reap the benefits. Communication: Communication is the process of passing information from one person to another. Once the target receives the information it is acted upon and feedback is sent to the original sender. An example of communication in business might be a company producing cars. The message might be an advertisement on television telling customers about a new car. The target will be the segment of the market interested in buying a car. The feedback will be the level of sales when the magazine first goes on sale. Communications are important in a business because it keeps the company working on the right track. For example if a marketing director who never asked the customers what they wanted in a product made a set up an advertising scheme on television, the advertisement would be based on the directors interests rather than the views of the customers. The customers wouldn’t be interested and would turn a blind eye. The problem with the business I have been appointed to is that the business is splitting into two bases amongst which people will work who would normally communicate with each other. I have organised an interview with a worker from a local business to find out what methods of communication they use: 1) How many methods of communication do you use in your business?