tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68057123356391535632024-03-08T15:30:43.251-08:00English language essay writingAn Argumentative Essay Topics On The Yellow Wallpaperrosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-47314324711835785252020-08-27T16:53:00.001-07:002020-08-27T16:53:03.532-07:00Launching Instant Coffee in Indian MarketPresentation Since ages Indians have been more disposed towards tea as opposed to espresso. In that capacity, advertising espresso in India can be an extreme activity. Be that as it may, inferable from the advertising procedures of organizations like Starbucks, a pattern of espresso drinking has fired getting, particularly among the more youthful generation.Advertising We will compose a custom article test on Launching Instant Coffee in Indian Market explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More There are sure nearby organizations likewise that produce espresso. Be that as it may, the nature of such brands isn't sufficient and also, the objective clients of such organizations are the white collar class clients. White collar class individuals incorporate the independent venture individuals, experts. Indeed, even the bottles in schools and colleges serve these brands of espresso. It ought to be comprehended that the market patterns vary from nation to nation. India is a creati ng nation and thusly, the individuals are not acclimated with the conventions of the Western nations. The current administrative writing demonstrates that the promoting procedures accessible for disguise are not fundamentally the equivalent across societies (Cayla Arnould, 2008). In any case, as studies and overviews show that India is quick finding the Western culture, it is normal that the espresso culture will likewise before long be pervasive among the individuals. This report examines and legitimizes a promoting plan for the presentation of moment espresso into the Indian market. The paper likewise plots the potential downsides and the way to beat them. The accompanying stream outline exhibits the graphical portrayal of the showcasing plan. Figure 1: Marketing Plan (McDonald Keegan, 2002) In this report, we will dissect the presentation of espresso in the Indian market utilizing SWOT and PESTEL breaking down methods.Advertising Looking for exposition on business financial matte rs? We should check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Market Analysis/Audit External Audit This sort of review is done on factors that the association can't control. One of the most usually utilized device for breaking down the market of any item is PESTEL. It implies the Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal viewpoints that may influence any business. Figure 1: PESTEL Analysis Economic India is right now the fifth biggest economy in buying power equality, not referencing its developing white collar class and youth with increasingly extra cash (Johnson Tellis, 2008). Since the objective clients are the young, the likelihood of achievement of moment espresso in India is high. Political India is a colossal equitable nation and the administration is occupied with the government assistance of its residents through different monetary approaches. The foundation arrangement of India is turning out to be better step by s tep. These variables can be of favorable position to any new organization that needs to begin its activities in India. Mechanical India is a quick creating nation and thusly, the advanced innovative developments are being embraced in all circles of life. Social-social The new organization may encounter vulnerability evasion from neighborhood buyers because of the dominatingly Indian tea-drinking society. The organization may likewise confront a social separation between its own advertising methodologies and those of its accomplices in joint endeavors (Heerden Barter, 2008). The huge decent variety of India, which is exemplified by conflicting approaches and social-financial imbalances, may likewise fill in as an obstacle (Johnson Tellis, 2008).Advertising We will compose a custom article test on Launching Instant Coffee in Indian Market explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Legal India has severe arrangements in regards to outside possessed organizations. There are sure guidelines to be followed and burdens are forced on outside items. Ecological There are numerous social gatherings in India that are occupied with the protection of nature against contamination. These gatherings stage challenges organizations that are liable for any sort of contamination. On the off chance that the new organization needs to face such fights, it will discolor its picture. It ought to be the prime worry of the organization to hold fast to the non-contamination strategy. Market patterns: ââ¬Å"â⬠¦the showcase for espresso in India has been developing consistently as shoppers are getting increasingly worthy towards universal and premium brandsâ⬠(BusinessWire, 2011). Inward Audit This sort of review is done on factors than can be constrained by the association Current Market Position The current market position of the organization will greatly affect its endeavor in India. It is a human inclination or brain research to pursue the famous ones. Target Marke t Traditional objective market for the new organization incorporates the ââ¬Å"affluent, accomplished, desk customersâ⬠between the ages of 25 and 44. As the organizations extend globally, an emanant target advertise comprises of the ââ¬Å"younger, less knowledgeable clients in a lower pay bracketâ⬠(Moon Quelch, 2003). SWOT Analysis Advertising Searching for article on business financial matters? We should check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More Qualities Analysis Coffee is a propensity in the Western culture. Since India is a creating nation and the individuals are quick tolerating the outside items, the organization can make the most of the great open door for entering the quickly developing moment espresso showcase in India. Shortcomings Analysis The organization is yet to make advances into the Indian tea-drinking society and it is normal that it might address difficulties attempting to build up itself (Johnson Tellis, 2008). The organization may endure incredible monetary misfortunes if the U.S. retail locations fail to meet expectations due to unforgiving financial conditions or exceptional rivalry. Openings Analysis The organization can go into brand-diversifying concurrences with different accomplices in developing markets to help its business, notoriety and intensity (Johnson Tellis, 2008). Dangers Analysis a) Highly serious market The primary contenders of the organization in India are Cafe Coffee Day and Barista. b) Socio-political Groups There are sure social and political gatherings that are against remote items. Despite the fact that the quantity of such gatherings is constrained, they can make pointless aggravation. Suspicions Assumptions are basic in any promoting arrangement as they capacity to normalize the arranging condition (McDonald Keegan, 2002). This arrangement expect that moment espresso will accomplish a market section of 10 percent before December 2012 as the organization connects more accomplices and establishments in the Indian market. Value rivalry for the moment espresso advertise in India will drive value levels somewhere near 15% in all cases. Advertising Objectives Strategies Marketing Objectives The promoting goal of the organization ought to be to make an uncommon espresso experience that will make clients in India to visit set up outlets for the espresso, remain for the striking condition, and return for the association. It ought to be the approach of the organizat ion to fabricate a picture and notoriety separate from contenders planned for making brand dependability. Advertising Strategies Venkatesh takes note of that ââ¬Å"â⬠¦market division is a technique wherein a huge heterogeneous market is separated into little homogenous sections and a different showcasing program is produced for each segmentâ⬠(Venkatesh, 2011). The market section chose for moment espresso is the very good quality buyer portion and the technique utilized will be value segregation. Estimation of Expected Results It is normal that the presentation of moment espresso into the Indian market will help the organization to quickly extend its retail tasks and increment development in its claim to fame deals and different activities. It is likewise expected that clients will accomplish higher fulfillment levels. Distinguishing proof of Alternative Plans and Mixes Alternative Plan Based on introductory deals of moment espresso, the organization may choose to present another moment espresso item to focus on the working class. Sheth sees that ââ¬Å"the new working class, particularly in huge populace markets in China and India, is making enormous scope first-time purchasers of everythingâ⬠(Sheth, 2011). Showcasing Mix for Instant Coffee a) Product The item â⬠moment espresso â⬠falls under the class of comfort items since it tends to be bought from chosen retail outlets and markets. It comes up short on the mark sharpness and darker-broil personality of blended espresso, hence is viewed as a phenomenal decision to contend in customary tea-drinking societies, for example, India (Business Pundit, n.d.). b) Price Instant espresso will be promoted to the better quality customer section, along these lines will be retailed at a top notch cost. The organization wishes to utilize the significant expense tag to show the high estimation of the item and its pledge to satisfactorily fulfill client needs and requests. Chan et al are of the assess ment that a successful value segregation technique imparts the one of a kind estimation of a specific item to the clients (Chan et al, 2010). c) Place where an item originally debuted and the appropriation organizes that exist to guarantee the item is enough restocked are basic achievement factors for any disguise work out (Chandrasekaran Tellis, 2008). Moment espresso is set to chief in the urban areas of Mumbai and New Delhi because of their prosperous privileged and high populace rates. Advancement Promotional exercises are basic in presenting the item to the nearby crowd and in focusing on showcasing correspondences with the view to inspire positive reactions from the focused on crowd (Narayan Manchanda, 2009). The companyââ¬â¢s special exercises will spin around the verbal. Spending Marketing and other related exercises are expensive and, in that capacity, associations expecting to dispatch new items into worldwide markets must get ready enough rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-20830616469191340492020-08-22T12:34:00.001-07:002020-08-22T12:34:10.882-07:00Lewin’s Leadership StylesAnalyst Kurt Lewin built up his initiative styles structure during the 1930s, and it gave the establishment of a considerable lot of the methodologies that followed thereafter. He contended that there are three significant authority styles:Autocratic pioneers settle on choices without talking with their colleagues, regardless of whether their info would be valuable. This can be suitable when you have to settle on choices immediately, when there's no requirement for group input, and when group understanding isn't vital for a fruitful result. Be that as it may, this style can be dampening, and it can prompt significant levels of non-appearance and staff turnover. Majority rule pioneers settle on an official choices, yet they incorporate colleagues in the dynamic procedure. They support innovativeness, and individuals are regularly exceptionally occupied with undertakings and choices. Accordingly, colleagues will in general have high employment fulfillment and high profitability. This i sn't generally a successful style to utilize, however, when you have to settle on a speedy choice. Free enterprise pioneers give their colleagues a great deal of opportunity by they way they accomplish their work, and how they set their deadlines.They offer help with assets and exhortation if necessary, yet else they don't get included. This independence can prompt high employment fulfillment, yet it tends to be harming if colleagues don't deal with their time well, or in the event that they don't have the information, abilities, or self inspiration to accomplish their work viably. (Free enterprise authority can likewise happen when directors don't have command over their work and their kin.) Lewin's system is well known and valuable, since it urges supervisors to be less totalitarian than they may instinctually be.The Blake-Mouton Managerial GridThe Blake-Mouton Managerial Grid was distributed in 1964, and it features the best administration style to utilize, in view of your anxiet y for your kin and your anxiety for creation/tasks.With a people-situated initiative style, you center around sorting out, supporting, and building up your colleagues. This participatory style energizes great cooperation and imaginative collaboration.With task-arranged administration, you center around taking care of business. You characterize the work and the jobs required, set up structures, and plan, arrange, and screen work.According to this model, the best authority style to utilize is one that has both a high worry for individuals and a high worry for the errand â⬠it contends that you should focus on both, instead of attempting to counterbalance one against the other. Unmistakably, this is a significant idea!The Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadershipâ ® TheoryFirst distributed in 1969, the Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership Theory contends that you have to utilize diverse authority styles relying upon the development of your colleagues. The model contends that with generally youthful people, you need an additionally coordinating methodology, while with higher development individuals, you need an increasingly participative or appointing initiative style.You can utilize this model in many business circumstances, whether or not you need to assemble another group or build up a current one.Path-Goal TheoryYou may likewise need to consider what your colleagues need and need. This is the place Path-Goal Theory â⬠distributed in 1971 â⬠is useful.For model, profoundly able individuals, who are doled out to a perplexing undertaking, will require an alternate administration come closer from individuals with low capacity, who are alloted to an uncertain assignment. (The previous will need a participative methodology, while the last should be determined what to do.)With Path-Goal Theory, you can distinguish the best administration way to deal with use, in view of your kin's needs, the undertaking that they're doing, and the condition that they're wo rking in.Six Emotional Leadership StylesDaniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee nitty gritty their Six Emotional Leadership Styles hypothesis in their 2002 book, ââ¬Å"Primal Leadership.â⬠The hypothesis features the qualities and shortcomings of six authority styles that you can utilize â⬠Visionary, Coaching, Affiliative, Democratic, Pacesetting, and Commanding. It likewise shows how each style can influence the feelings of your group members.Flamholtz and Randle's Leadership Style MatrixFirst distributed in 2007, Flamholtz and Randle's Leadership Style Matrix shows you the best administration style to utilize, in view of how competent individuals are of functioning self-sufficiently, and how imaginative or ââ¬Å"programmableâ⬠the errand is.The grid is isolated into four quadrants â⬠every quadrant recognizes two potential authority styles that will be viable for a given circumstance, extending from ââ¬Å"autocratic/kind autocraticâ⬠to ââ¬Å"con sensus/laissez-faire.â⬠Transformational LeadershipThese initiative style systems are largely helpful in various circumstances, in any case, in business, ââ¬Å"transformational authority â⬠is regularly the best initiative style to utilize. (This was first distributed in 1978, and was then additionally created in 1985.)Transformational pioneers have respectability and high enthusiastic insight . They inspire individuals with a common vision of things to come, and they impart well. They're likewise regularly mindful , valid , compassionate , and humble .Transformational pioneers motivate their colleagues since they anticipate the best from everybody, and they consider themselves responsible for their activities. They set clear objectives, and they have great compromise abilities . This prompts high profitability and engagement.However, administration isn't a ââ¬Å"one size fits allâ⬠thing; regularly, you should adjust your way to deal with fit the circumstance. This is the reason it's helpful to build up an intensive comprehension of other initiative systems and styles; after all,â the more methodologies you're comfortable with, the more adaptable you can be.Specific Leadership StylesAs well as understanding the structures that you can use to be an increasingly powerful pioneer, and recognizing the stuff to be a transformational pioneer, it's additionally valuable to find out about progressively broad authority styles, and the focal points and drawbacks of each one.Let's investigate some other administration styles that are fascinating, however don't fit with any of the systems above. rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-62891285074152293462020-08-21T10:16:00.001-07:002020-08-21T10:16:12.097-07:00Good Things to Write a Persuasive Essay AboutGood Things to Write a Persuasive Essay AboutA good way to get your point across in writing a persuasive essay is to come up with a list of good things to talk about in the essay. Make sure you provide enough good things to talk about so that the reader will begin to wonder if you are talking about something else when you write about the good things that are in your life. Let them know how they can benefit from the good things that are in your life. This will ensure that they do not come away thinking that you are only talking about the bad things in your life.Your list of good things to talk about should be short and concise. It should also not be too long because if it is too long it will not have time to grab their attention and make them want to read more.The fact is that you cannot begin your persuasive essay without discussing something that the reader is already curious about and are curious about it should be a good place to start. You can start this way by making reference t o a commonly seen or heard thing in the reader's life. For example, many people who go to parties usually bring some of their favorite t-shirts. Some party guests might want these shirts so that they can take one home with them. When you talk about this particular good thing to write a persuasive essay about, make sure you let the reader know why you think the party shirt would be a good idea for someone to bring home.What you will find is that there is always something good to talk about when it comes to good things to write a persuasive essay about. There is a tendency that people become bored and tired of reading essays that are full of facts that have nothing to do with their lives.Using a 'what' subject is a great way to get people interested in writing a persuasive essay about good things to write a persuasive essay about. You can start this way by beginning the essay with a reference to a particular kind of product or service that people have an interest in. You can use other examples like an art gallery or a new movie on television to get people excited about something that they might be interested in seeing or buying.Using the use of pictures as a way to draw the attention of the reader will also help to get people interested in the subject of good things to write a persuasive essay about. If you want to start the essay off with a picture, make sure that the picture does not focus on the negative aspects of the subject matter but rather highlights the positive sides of the subject.People will be more interested in reading an essay that discusses good things to write a persuasive essay about if the reader is excited about it. Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenge because it takes a lot of hard work and preparation before you can actually get the words out. However, if you have included good things to write a persuasive essay about in your essay, you will find that it has a much higher chance of success.A persuasive essay begins with good things to write a persuasive essay about. Get your reader excited about things that they can use in their own lives that will help them relate better to the positive parts of your life. rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-58448191982762354972020-05-25T23:56:00.001-07:002020-05-25T23:56:03.436-07:00Sugawn Chair Critique - 1606 Words Anthony Geha 10/27/08 Eng-101b-09 Mr. Mitchell My Familyââ¬â¢s Sugawn Chair When I look around at people, and the way they act and respond to situations in life, I canââ¬â¢t help but wonder what it is that makes them act one way or another. Like complete asses in situations that donââ¬â¢t call for it, or other times when I feel like I canââ¬â¢t deal with something, there are those people who seem to have the patience of saints. I wonder if it is really the life they have lead and have been brought up to lead that crates their personalities for today. Does the fact that they have the warmest most loving supporting family make it easier for them to succeed in life? If there dad left when they were young, does it makeâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Along with the rest of the house as well, people would stop on the streets after it was done and just look in. The kitchen can easily be seen through the 6 big windows in the front of the house. My grandmother if you couldnââ¬â¢t already tell, loved to cook she was awes ome at it and it brought her so much joy, that her cooking could bring so many people together. Then again in 2001 more tragedy struck our family. My dadââ¬â¢s brother, my uncle, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and he fought very hard for a long time but unfortunately in 2002 he passed away from it and this was a very hard time for everyone. Not only because of the person he was, but it was my grandmotherââ¬â¢s child, and no parent should have to live to see the day one of their children passes. He also was working to become a reverend at his church and was extremely active with youth groups to help children find more religion in their lives. There was probably no one less deserving of his young death than him. But as time moved on, we coped and continued the dinners and continued to stay positive and loving. Over time we as the grandchildren, there is 5 of us, played baseball in the front yard and backyard, played basketball in the street in front of the house, played video games and so many other games like hide and seek and capture the flag (which was hard to play ins ide the house) we watched numerous world series games and super bowls rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-54871608450254418072020-05-15T06:34:00.001-07:002020-05-15T06:34:04.627-07:00Use Of Neurotrophins On The Function Of The Neuron... Within nerve cells there are proteins called neurotrophins. They play a role in development and in the function of neuron signalling. Nerve Growth Factor (NGf) is a neurotrophin that stimulates division and development of sympathetic and embryonic sensory neurons. Without it functioning effectively neuron signalling is reduced. A 2010 study conducted on the brains of lab rats (Durson et al 2011) indicated that Vitamin D has the potential to upregulate VDR expression and nerve growth factor (NGF), thus reducing cell apoptosis and increasing nerve cell signalling. This mechanism indicates that VD may have cognitive enhancing effects as well as AD preventative effects. Vitamin D and Animal Studies In 2011 researchers, having grown an understanding of the mechanisms of AD development in humans, wanted to see if genetically modified mice with the ABPP gene could develop plaques in the brain similarly to aging human brains. 35% of transgenic mice died before 6 months and high levels of AB were found in the brains of these mice upon dissection. The transgenic mice who remained alive had increased levels of AB in the brain and increased biomarkers of DNA oxidative damage. When compared with wild mice the transgenic mice showed significantly higher memory deficits after behavioural testing (Xiong et al 2011). This indicates that when genetically modified to increase AB plaque formation, transgenic mouse models could be used in preliminary study of VD3 on AB accumulation. AnotherShow MoreRelatedEssay On Fmri1267 Words à |à 6 Pagesbecause of the inability to record from the entire brain. Using a staggered single trial design, where stimuli are presented at different timings across trials (relative to temporal resolution), could achieve sub-temporal resolution as well (14). The use of multiple receiver coils can also decrease scan time in proportion to the number of coils used (10). By using single-shot, gradient-echo acquisition with a phased array coil, the grid space of a single slice can be covered in less time (31). ThisRead MoreAnnotated Bibliography On Human Biology Department3407 Words à |à 14 Pagesthat can be useful in the framework of neurodegeneration. Deleglise et al (2013) fabricated a 3 chamber microfluidic chip. The chambers held one of: coritical neuron soma and dendrites, cortical axons, or striatal neurons. The chip was designed to replicate an oriented neuronal connection from the coritcal to the striatal cells. Through the us e of a chemically induced axotomy, by adding fluid to the central chamber (housing the cortical axon), showed that their chip could be used to simulate a lesion rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-59408813865081212252020-05-06T16:15:00.001-07:002020-05-06T16:15:08.098-07:00Essay on Making Decisions as an Engineer - 1410 Words Have you ever thought about how many precautions engineers have to take when designing new structures? Engineers have to take into account many ââ¬Å"what ifsâ⬠about the new structure that is going to be made. They are in charge of the design, construction, and the maintenance of the physically and naturally built environment. The most important aspect engineers face is the safety for the community. Everything has to be perfect because the margin of error is really small. They also face tough decisions everyday especially when it comes to construction. They are usually present when construction has begun and are there to supervise the operation. If anything goes wrong the engineer is there to decide what is going to occur. These decisions areâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦A responsibility of the engineer of record is to identify without ambiguity the objectives of the project and potential unexpected and surprising outcomes. Before decisions can be made by the engineer of reco rd, an unambiguous understanding of the objectives must be constructed. A case in point was the two barriers proposed by the Corps of Engineers between the east end of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi (Heiberg 2007). These barriers would have closed when a flood surge threatened New Orleans and surroundings. This was an advocacy stance by the Corps. This shows that the right decisions were made in case of emergency. A contrary stance was taken by Save Our Wetlands, Inc. in the role of protecting environmental features that would have been threatened by the use of the barriers. The decision maker has both responsibilities and also an obligation to behave responsibly. Any decision has associated responsibilities and Klein (1995) suggests four: causal responsibility, legal responsibility, moral responsibility and role responsibility. Responsibility is a big factor towards making a decision. Often, many people are involved in a decision, but ultimately there is only one owner resp onsible for that decision. These are some great factors that engineers take account of when making decisions but there are ways of makingShow MoreRelated Engineering Ethics Essay1653 Words à |à 7 Pagesethics consists of. This means that students should be taught that instead of making their own decisions about moral issues, they are to follow the guidelines set out for them by engineering institutions. Many agree with this philosophy, for example Thomas Strubel says, ââ¬Ëwithout the code of ethics as a guide engineers would be ill-suited to take on challenges of the futureââ¬â¢ [1]. His reasoning for his argument is that engineers carry out work that have a great-influence on society and the environmentRead MoreGoing Abroad Essay1091 Words à |à 5 PagesIntroduction Problem solving and decision-making are important skills for business and life. Problem-solving often involves decision-making, and decision-making is especially important for management and leadership. There are processes and techniques to improve decision-making and the quality of decisions. Decision-making is more natural to certain personalities, so these people should focus more on improving the quality of their decisions. People that are less natural decision-makers are often able to makeRead MoreThe Physics Of Mechanical Engineering961 Words à |à 4 Pagesmetal, which is the thermal expansion. Mechanical engineers use combination of material, human and economic resources to develop mechanical solutions that help satisfy the needs and wants of society. They must be confident and accurate when making decisions. Engineers try to look at the problems in the society and come with innovative ideas in order to solve the difficulties. Engineering industry has a wide variety of jobs such as civil engineer where you over-watch bridges, buildings, and the otherRead MoreEngineering Runs The World Is An Essential Part Of Being An Engineer852 Words à |à 4 PagesMechanical engineers use combination of material, human and economic resources to develop mechanical solutions that help satisfy the needs and wants of society. They must be confident and accurate when making decisions. Engineers try to look at the problems in the society and come with innovative ideas in order to solve the difficulties. Work experience as an engineer is very important. Knowing how to react in certain situations under certain circumstances is an essential part of being an engineer. EngineeringRead MoreI Am A Professional Engineer1136 Words à |à 5 PagesIt is not easy to become a successful, professional engineer. A professional engineer requires high responsibility, especially problem-based solving skills to cope with workplace environment and compete with others. Problem-based learning (PBL) is really important to reflect the professional practice of engineers. There have been several definitions of PBL. According to Lizinger, Lattuca, Hadgraft and Newstetter (2011, p.134), PBL is the approach that allows learners to practice finding solutionsRead MoreCode of Ethics Assignment1001 Words à |à 5 PagesASSIGNMENT 1. Understand the role of codes of ethics and discuss its function as a social tool in ensuring ethical behaviors are in place (use the registration of engineers act 1967 as a guide line). To be a professional there are a certain set of rules that you have to comply to this rules. Engineering societies in this case have adopted a set of rules knows as the code of ethics. Basically, a code of ethics provides a framework for ethical judgment for a professional. [1] Framework meaningRead MoreEthics Essay - Stuck in the Middle1206 Words à |à 5 Pagesimportant to understand why ethical decisions are made in business and what, if any, factors can influence the processes/procedures and ultimately the consequences of these decisions (Crane and Matten, 2010). All business activities involve some sort of decision-making but how people integrate ethics in that process varies from person to person. Many employees today are faced with situations that require decisions to be made based on their moral judgment. Our civil engineer was challenged with an ethicalRead MoreWorking As An Engineer For Electrical Engineering1047 Words à |à 5 PagesWorking as an engineer is much different than training to be an engineer, unlike school, there is no typical day. Typically, engineers work in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants, but others work outdoors at construction sites, oil exploration and production sites. In outdoor sites, engineers usually monitor, direct operations, or solve on-site problems. Some engineers travel extensively to plants or work-sites in their area and abroad. Having investigated a career in electricalRead MoreSoftware Engineering992 Words à |à 4 Pagesgoals. I have never actually applied the GIOADA process to my decision making in the past. After reading the document that describes the GIOADA process, I will start applying this process to future decisions I make in life. Also, as I look back at some of the big decisions I made previously, I wish I applied the GIOADA process in making these decisions. That would have allowed me to more strongly analyze all the processes of the decision making. My goal in life right now is a choice between two veryRead MoreThe Ethics Of An Engineer982 Words à |à 4 PagesFor an engineer, safety is a full time job. As engineers, it is not only seen as fulfilling a social responsibility or an ethical obligation, but considered the top most priority in our line of duty. It is partially for this reason that design standards, codes and specifications have been established. These design standards serve as guidelines or insurance so to speak for an engineer to meet his or her legal obligations. However, at the end of the day it is the engineerââ¬â¢s responsibility for bearing rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-85850889117284396072020-05-05T18:56:00.001-07:002020-05-05T18:56:07.435-07:00Research Proposal Impact of Corporate Governance on Organization Question: Discuss about the Research Proposal on Impact of Corporate Governance on Organizational Performance. Answer: Introduction Corporate governance can be defined as the ways in which a corporation or a business is governed i.e. it facilitates in managing and directing the companies. Moreover it can also be referred to as the process of carrying out the business as per the desire of the stakeholders and the corporate governance is mainly carried out by the board of directors and the concerned committees in order to achieve an effective balance between the individual goals and the societal goals together with balancing the social and the economic goals (Hirschey et al., 2007). Thus it can be said that with ineffective corporate governance, the organizations fail in achieving their goals, aims and objectives which ultimately leads to the organizational failure. Thus taking into consideration the above aspects, it has been observed that corporate governance of the companies have gained much importance over the past decades and this can also be related to events of high profile corporate collapses in case of HIH insurance and One.Tel in Australia. So as a result of these incidents, the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) released a document named under Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best practice Recommendations and it emphasizes upon providing strict guidelines in the context of the implementation of the practices related corporate governance for the maximization of the value with the help of innovation, entrepreneurship, exploration and development. So it can be said that corporate governance drives the organizations to be fair and ethical in their practices and approach taking into consideration its involvement with the extensive group of stakeholders that include the suppliers, the government, the shareholders and the customers a nd the employees (Mallin, 2008). Thus it facilitates the business organization to develop an effective structure and adopt efficient processes for facilitating and monitoring effective management that include the mechanisms towards ensuring legal compliance and avoiding improper and unlawful behavior. Thus the researcher in the present study would strive towards gaining an understanding of the concept of corporate governance and analyzing whether corporate governance is related to the organizational performance in the context of Woolworths Ltd which is a major Australian company operating in the retail industry across New Zealand and Australia. Moreover the company is also the largest takeaway liquor retailer in Australia (Woolworths, 2012). The company has its headquarter at Bella Vista in New South Wales in Australia and it is the second largest retailer in Australia and New Zealand in terms of revenue. Research background Corporate governance has been put forward as a relationship that exists between the management of the company, the board of directors, the shareholders and the other stakeholders. Corporate governance in the past few decades has emerged as a major issue in the business organizations and thus taking into consideration these issues, there have been various legislative changes and the provisions that have been implemented on business organizations across the globe so that the governance arrangements can be improved and enhanced (Hill, 2008). This has made it compulsory on the part of the business organizations to abide by these policies and provisions so that the maximization of the value on the part of the shareholders can be ensured by making an effective use of the resources that are available to the business, enhancing the ability to have an easy access to the capital and thus enhancing the confidence of the investors (Farrer and Ramsay, 2008). So it is observed that corporate gover nance not only takes into consideration only the internal organizational conditions, it also emphasizes upon the external organizational conditions and thus providing a way regarding how the business organizations need to be managed in an efficient manner to respond efficiently to the external conditions. So the researcher would emphasize upon how corporate governance leads the organization towards efficiently managing the external as well the internal conditions to lead the organization towards success in the context of Woolworths Ltd. Research Rationale The impact of corporate governance on the maximization of the value on the part of the shareholders has emerged as a topic of interest and from the early researches this has been established. But despite of the acceptance of the role of corporate governance, the studies failed in providing a detailed conclusion in the context of the extent to which the individual monitoring mechanisms strive towards enhancing the value of the shareholders and the performance of the firm. So this motivated the researcher to undertake the study and analyze the ways in which corporate governance facilitates the management and the business to enhance the value of shareholders and the performance on the firm. However, the study would be limited to a particular organization i.e. Woolworths Ltd operating in the retail industry in Australia. Problem Statement With the passage of time, developments in the business environment have taken place and changes on the part of the stakeholders have taken place in the ways in which they tend to look upon the business organization. So at present the stakeholders demands the business organizations to be fair and ethical in their approach in both their and external operations and it has also been proved that it facilitates the business organizations to have a good brand image in the market and enhanced business profitability with customer loyalty (Hirschey et al., 2007). So in order to achieve this, there are certain factors that need to be taken into consideration and among the concerned factors corporate governance is the most essential factors. Thus the problem that has been unidentified by the researcher for the particular study is the role of corporate governance in enhancing the firm performance and maximizing the shareholders value. Research Aim and Objectives The researcher in the present study would emphasize upon analyzing the role of corporate governance and thus the entire study would be observed to be revolving around the following objectives: To analyze the factors associated with corporate governance in the context of Woolworths Ltd. To analyze the impact of corporate governance on organizational performance in the context of Woolworths Ltd. To recommend towards enhancing the corporate governance. Literature Review Introduction As per the studies conducted Newton, (2015), corporate governance can be defined as the ways in which the business organization is managed together with reflecting the corporate and the other structures of the organization, organizational culture and its strategies and policies and the ways in which the stakeholders are managed. Thus from the above it can be identified that corporate governance can be looked upon as a culture of the business that strives to foster economic growth through enhancing the confidence on the part of the stakeholders. Moreover on the other hand, Treichler, (2007) put forward the fact that corporate governance can also be looked upon as a totality of the organizational and the institutional mechanisms that also takes into consideration the intervention, the decision making and the control rights that facilitates the business organizations in efficiently managing the conflicts of interest that tend to exit among the stakeholders. Thus from the above it can be inferred that the management of the organizations are involved in taking various decisions but the quality of decisions that are taken by the directors of the company does not depend only upon the attitude of the directors towards adopting the right course of actions but it also depends upon the extent to which these resolutions are similar or in harmony to the long term goals on the part of the stakeholders. Factors of Corporate Governance Effectiveness of the Board Taking into consideration the board effectiveness in business organizations, it has been observed that it involves various factors like the structure of the board, board composition, board size, independence of directors and the performance. So in this context, studies of (Baxt et al., 2002) have revealed the fact that it is expected that a board with limited size should perform more efficiently in comparison to the board which is bigger in size since small size leads to enhanced communication and thus effective decision making leading to enhanced organizational performance. CEO Duality It has been put forward by the studies conducted by Baysinger Butler, (2008) that independent leadership is more effective in comparison to the organizations that practice CEO duality. Audit Quality Higher quality level of audit tends to for a major part of the governance mechanism and thus the audit committee and the auditors tend to play a major role in looking after the financial management of the company that leads to enhanced performance on the part of the business organization (Baysinger Hoskisson, 2009). However it has also be observed that even though there exist an effective link between the governance, the audit quality and financial performance, audit quality has relationship with dividend yield and not with the operating performance of the organization. Social Responsibility Corporate social responsibility in the present times have emerged as an increasing need for the business organizations since they have to involve in high level interaction with the different stakeholders and also with the society at a large (Hunnicutt, 2009). So if they tend to behave ethically and fairly then it would facilitate the business organization in sending or communicating the right message to the different stakeholders and thus it would facilitate in developing a positive perception of the stakeholders towards the company which would ultimately lead to enhanced organizational performance and brand image. The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Councils Principles The ASX, in the context of the corporate governance of the business organizations operating in Australia tends to play a major role and there have been 10 core principles that have been laid down by ASX for effective corporate governance. These principles tend to act as guidelines for the business organizations and are also not intended to be authoritarian and this is because a business organization in Australia enjoys the flexibility of not adopting the principles if it is felt by the company that the principle is not appropriate in a particular circumstance (Bebchuk et al., 2008). However it is mandatory on the part of the business organizations to disclose in their annual statement the extent to which they have been successful in abiding by the best and the recommendations that have been put forward by ASX Corporate Governance Council and if they have adopted any alternative approaches, then it is mandatory they are justified. Moreover the roles of the management and the board are also stated by the ASX Corporate Governance principles by maintaining an effective balance of the experience, skills and the independence that is appropriate to the extent and the nature of the operations of the business organization (Atmaja, 2009). The 10 core principles can be listed as follows: Recognizing and publishing the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors of the organization. The business organization should be characterized with a board that is effective in terms of size, commitment and ability to discharge their responsibilities and duties. The organizations should emphasize upon promoting ethical decision making. Should be characterized with an organizational structure for efficiently verifying and safeguarding the integrity of the financial reporting of the business organization. The firm should strive towards prompting the balanced disclosures of materials (Svensson and Wood, 2007). The rights of the shareholders should be respected and they should be allowed to practice those rights. The company should have an effective risk management system to identify the potential risks and take necessary measures. The company should be involved in fairly reviewing the activities and strive towards enhancing the management and board effectiveness. Ensuring fair and just remuneration (Shekhar and Stapledon, 2007). Recognizing the legal obligation together with the other obligations towards the stakeholders. Conceptual Framework [Source: Self] Thus in the present study the researcher would analyze the concept of corporate governance in the context of aspects like the size of the board, CEO duality, independence of directors, audit quality and others and how these factors makes a significant impact on the organizational performance . So corporate governance factors would be considered as independent variable and the performance would be considered as a dependent variable.Research MethodologyResearch methodology helps the researcher to evaluate and analyze the collected data and information in most effective manner (Hair and Money, 2011). Thereby his aid in gaining and establishing a standardized procedure in order to evaluate and conduct the research so that every information and data that has been collected by the researcher is focused upon when needed. Research philosophy Research philosophy helps the researcher in order to develop skills and knowledge most effective and successful manner while conducting the research. There are three types of research philosophies are available and these are the realism philosophy, positivism philosophies and interpretivism philosophies. The interpretivism philosophy provides the thoughts that the social world of the management and organization is multifaceted since they are formulated in rules and regulations. The positivism philosophies offer effective opportunities to the researcher to analyze the outcomes with using an effective statistic tools and techniques (VanderStoep and Johnson, 2009). This philosophy also offers the researcher to collect most relevant information and data related with the present research topic that has been accepted for the study. In addition to this realism philosophy is based on the person attitude and values are mutually dependent to each other. Justification The primary purpose of the present research is to evaluate and analyze the role of corporate governance in organizational performance and maximization of value on the part of the shareholders in the context of the Woolworths Ltd. Therefore taking into consideration the facts and observation the researcher would use positivism philosophy since the quantitative data would be involved in the study and the researcher would also adopt the realism philosophy since qualitative data would be involved. Research Approach Research approach gives an explanation to the progress pattern of the research that has been adopted by the researcher. The researcher mainly has two approaches to follow namely the deductive approach and the inductive approach. In the process of deductive approach the researcher formulates and evaluates the data and information on the basis of the available theories (Saunders et al., 2009). On the basis of various data collected by the researcher, the researcher rejects or confirms the data and information and resolves the issue. The deductive approach follows the positivism philosophy assisting the researcher to reach at specific situations. In the deductive approach the researcher make use of observed data and information, here there is no predetermined theory to help the researcher to collect the relevant data or information to test the collected data and information (Morgan, 2007). Here in the deductive approach the researcher make use of real life observation to produce subjective reasoning to make the hypothesis. Justification The researcher would adopt the inductive approach since the study would be based mainly upon the research objectives that have been set and so in this particular study the researcher would emphasize upon moving from the particular experiences to more general form of the propositions so analyze the role of corporate governance. Data Collection Data and information plays an important roles and using an effective data and information researcher gain an accurate outcomes (Cooper and Schindler, 2010). Thus to conduct research most effective and appropriate manner researcher would collect both primary and secondary data. In addition researcher would implement a mix approach that would include both the quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Primary and Secondary data Primary data refers to the fresh data that is collected by the researcher. The primary data are the most relevant and it involves a lot of time to be collected and the procedure is lengthy on the other hand the secondary data are the data that has already been collected for other research and thus guiding the research work. The primary data would be collected directly with help of the survey questionnaire method and face to face interview method and the secondary data would be collected from various online and offline sources, like online journals, websites and from library sources. Qualitative and Quantitative data The data which would be collected for the research are again classified into quantitative and qualitative data. The researcher would analyze the responses of the target audience depending upon the pattern of the collected data. Qualitative data refers to the detail form of response that are narrative whereas Quantitative data refers to the numerical data that are recorded statically by using statistical tools (Crowther and Lancaster, 2012). Example of a Qualitative Data-respondents choice likes and dislikes, etc, Example of Quantitative Data-age, salary, etc. The Qualitative Data in the particular study would be collected by conducting interview method where a particular set of questions would be asked to the managers. The Quantitative would be collected by conducting a survey with help of a questionnaire targeting the employees from the organization. Sampling Choice and Sample Size The researchers would use the probabilistic sampling technique to select the employees for the survey since it would facilitate them with equal chance of participation and the researcher would use the non-probabilistic sampling technique to select the managers since their participation would depend upon their busy schedule (Saunders et al., 2009). The researcher would target 4 managers for interview and 40 employees for the survey. Data Analysis The qualitative data would be analyzed with help of conceptualization method by the researcher which would provide him the opportunity to compare the emerging themes with the previous theories. The quantitative data i.e. the response of the employees would be analyzed with statistical tools and techniques with the help of use of MS excel, bar char and pie chart. Research limitations The researcher would face both the time and financial constraint for the study. This is because the study is cross-sectional in nature, so time would be major constraint and it would involve lot of traveling expenses, expenses to purchase the materials and the other requirements for the study (Saunders et al., 2009). Research Ethics The researcher would share the details of the research among the respondents to maintain the ethics of the research. The details would be shared among the participants and respondents to explain them the purpose of the research. The data collected by the researcher would be mainly used for the academic purpose (Cameron, 2009). Confidentiality of the data collected from managers and employees would be maintained by the researcher. Time table Sep Oct Nov Dec Week 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Activity 1. Final aim and objectives 2. Meeting with supervisor 3. Literature review 4. Designing research methodology 5. Design of research instrument 6. Data collection 7. Data analysis 8. Write up and final submission Possible Outcome It is expected that corporate governance tend to lead the organization towards enhanced performance and there would be positive relationship between the firm performance and corporate governance. References Ali, S. (2006). Corporate Governance and Stock Liquidity in Australia: A Pitch.SSRN Electronic Journal. Atmaja, L. (2009). Governance mechanisms, simultaneity and firm value in Australia.International Journal of Corporate Governance, 1(3), p.241. Baxt, R, Ramsay, I Stapledon, G (2002), Corporate Governance in Australia: The Evolving Legal Framework and Empirical Evidence, in Lc Keong (ed.), Corporate Governance: An Asia-Pacific Critique, Sweet Maxwell Asia, Hongkong, pp. 175- 86. Baysinger, B Butler, H (2008), Corporate Governance and Board of Directors: Performance Effects of Changes in Board Composition, Journal of Law Economics and Orgainization, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 101-24. Baysinger, B Hoskisson, ER (2009), The Composition of Board of Directors and Strategic Control: Effects on Corporate Strategy, Academy of Management Review, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 72-87. Bebchuk, L, Cohen, A Ferrell, A (2008), What Matters in Corporate Governance, Review of Financial Studies, vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 3-11. Cameron, R. (2009). 'A sequential mixed model research design: design, analytical and display issues', International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 3(2), 140-152 Cooper, D. and Schindler, P. S. (2010) Business Research Methods, 11th ed. London: McGra-Hill. Crowther, D. and Lancaster, G. (2012). Research Methods, 2nd ed. London: Routledge. Farrer, J. and Ramsay, I. (2008). Director Share Ownership and Corporate Performance - Evidence from Australia.Corporate Governance, 6(4), pp.233-248. Hair, J. F. and Money, A. H. (2011). Essentials of Business Research Methods, 2nd ed. New York: M. E. Sharpe. Inc. Hill, J. (2008). Corporate Criminal Liability in Australia: An Evolving Corporate Governance Technique?.SSRN Electronic Journal. Hirschey, M., John, K. and Makhija, A. (2007).Corporate governance. Amsterdam: Elsevier JAI. Hunnicutt, S. (2009).Corporate social responsibility. Detroit, MI: Greenhaven Press. Mallin, C. (2008).Corporate governance. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Monks, R. and Minow, N. (2007).Corporate governance. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Pub. Morgan, D. L. (2007). Paradigms lost and pragmatism regained: methodological implications of combining qualitative and quantitative methods, Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(1), pp. 48-76. Newton, A. (2015). Executive compensation, organizational performance, and governance quality in the absence of owners.Journal of Corporate Finance, 30, pp.195-222. Saunders, M. N., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research methods for business students, Page 52, 5th ed. Harlow: Prentice Hall Shekhar, C. and Stapledon, G. (2007). Governance Structures of Initial Public Offerings in Australia.Corporate Governance: An International Review, 15(6), pp.1177-1189. Svensson, G. and Wood, G. (2007). Strategic approaches of corporate codes of ethics in Australia: a framework for classification and empirical illustration.Corporate Governance: The international journal of business in society, 7(1), pp.93-101. Treichler, C. (2007). Diversity of Board Members and Organizational Performance: An integrative perspective.Corporate Governance: An International Review, 3(4), pp.189-200. VanderStoep, S. W. and Johnson, D. D. (2009). Research Methods for Everyday Life: Blending Qualitative and Approaches. 4th ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Woolworths. (2012).Woolworths Supermarket - Buy Groceries Online: Business and Corporate Governance. [online] Available at: https://www.woolworths.com.au [Accessed 26 May 2016]. rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-47438640763559976662020-04-12T16:47:00.001-07:002020-04-12T16:47:02.577-07:0015 Tips for Getting Hired After the College Graduation15 Tips for Getting Hired After the College Graduation Youââ¬â¢re in a brave new world and searching to get a handle on getting hired after the college graduation. Letââ¬â¢s take a look at 15 tips youââ¬â¢ll be incredibly glad you came across. #1 Job Search Begins on Day 1 If you donââ¬â¢t have a job, then getting one is your job. Whatââ¬â¢s college for? Getting a job, which is reality means making money. The vast majority of college students are betting (with some serious leverage) on the idea that their education is going to equal a good job down the road. You should start looking for your ideal career on the first day of your freshmen year. Every move you make should be towards that goal. If you donââ¬â¢t know what the goal is, then you should put college off for a year andâ⬠¦get a job. Start looking right now. Heres the list of the best summer jobs which can be a good start if you need money right away. #2 Create on Online Presence If you do not have an online presence, even a free ultra-amateurish one, then get on it. No, you do not have to invest tons of time. Simply set up a free blog and a Facebook page. Start there. Online youââ¬â¢re connected to everyone and everything. At this point you need to have one, and being able to network online is a valuable asset. #3 Show Off Your Stuff Donââ¬â¢t be coy, but donââ¬â¢t be ridiculous either. Thereââ¬â¢s no time to waste. Itââ¬â¢s like missing the opportunity to meet an amazing person because you were shy. Lifeââ¬â¢s too short. Make your move and let your skills sell themselves. #4 Pursue Internship with Clarity Internships are both incredibly worthwhile and hyper-competitive in most cases. Donââ¬â¢t wallow in misery for a year hoping for that ideal internship. Give it your best efforts, but know when to cash in your chips for more readily available career paths. #5 Apply Selectively Donââ¬â¢t shotgun your approach to job applications. Do your homework and only apply to those positions or companies who you can be of the best service to. #6 Hire a Freelancer to Create Your Resume Donââ¬â¢t even think about winging either your hard or soft copy resume. Itââ¬â¢s almost an absolute waste of time and youââ¬â¢ll be burning bridges as you go. Instead, spend maybe $50-$100 to get help with your resume from a professional writer. Ideally, one who specializes in writing resumes for your specific career goals (nurses, lawyers, acupuncturists etc.). #7 Youââ¬â¢re Always Networking 100% of the time, if youââ¬â¢re awake and breathing youââ¬â¢re networking. Itââ¬â¢s a part of life. The difference is that once youââ¬â¢re aware of that, you can then better position yourself to benefit from it. #8 Fix Your Attitude First If youââ¬â¢re lifeââ¬â¢s not going so well and the job hunt is leaving you empty-handed, the first things you probably need to fix are your attitude and disposition. #9 Come Prepared Donââ¬â¢t show up unprepared if the destination could present potential networking opportunities. Furthermore, if you go to an interview, know everything there is to know so that youââ¬â¢re more likely to impress. #10 Develop a Personal Brand No matter who you are, or what you studied, there are probably lots of people with this knowledge. The ONLY thing that really sets you apart from other candidates is you. #11 Aim for Experience (Wisdom) If youââ¬â¢re alive and above water, then aim for the experience jobs or positions can give you. Not the pay. In todayââ¬â¢s world results and experience are worth 100 x what a diploma or degree is worth on the open job market. #12 Sport an Entrepreneurial Mindset Itââ¬â¢s an era of the entrepreneur. It really is! The #1 rule of the entrepreneurial mindset is that behind every problem or dilemma is an opportunity. The trick is being able to spot opportunity and needs, and then taking action. #13 Compile an Asset List Sit down and figure out everything you have to offer the world. Write it all down, each thing, no matter how simple. Youââ¬â¢ll find that your education and the small amount of things you thought were your only assets, are only a small portion. #14 Optimize Your Efficiency Remember the 80/20 rule. 20% of what you do every day is responsible for 80% of the results you experience. Do you have free time? What else can you be doing? What can you do more of in less time? #15 Throw Conventional Approaches Out the Window Not altogether, just recognize that due to powerful technological and socioeconomic reasons, everything is changing. This includes not only how people look for work, but how they get hired. Use everything at your disposal because in the real world getting ahead is hard. So, how about it, would you alter this list or add to it in anyway? What other tips would you give to the grads that could really use a solid paycheck and a rewarding career? rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-79638500188263925962020-03-10T23:57:00.001-07:002020-03-10T23:57:02.885-07:00Free Essays on Petronius SatyriconThere are many parallels between Rome in the time of Petroniusââ¬â¢ Satyricon and modern day USA, with many of the same contradictions between what is promoted by the existing political and social powers that be (the elites ââ¬â or elitists as the case may be) and what is actually taking place. In the days of the Roman Empire Nero and Caligula set an example somewhat similar to modern day politicians Clinton and Nixon. Romeââ¬â¢s Princep Augustus promoted marriage and children. He warned against promiscuity and adultery. Today we have the Moral Majority and other self-appointed arbiters of morality. The preceding was the official edict of Augustus; the surviving fragments of Petroniusââ¬â¢ Satyricon indicate the push for the end of debauchery was largely ignored. In fact, Augustusââ¬â¢ only daughter Julia flouted his edict (and was widely gossiped about) to the degree that he ended up making an example of her and banishing her to a ââ¬Ëbarren isletââ¬â¢. The tone and language in Satyricon is surprising, but not as intriguing as the numerous social improprieties, love affairs and general debauchery recounted. The first chapters of the text deal with the rivalry between two men (Encolpius, the narrator and Ascyltos, his sometime lover) in a rivalry for the affections of Giton (slave and shrewd attendant of them both). Although the male-male lovemaking might wrinkle the noses of some modern day moralists, ââ¬Ëmanly loveââ¬â¢ was accepted in Roman times. The moral issue seems to be the casual way the two men pass Giton (sixteen years of age) back and forth between them, while finding time to make love to a woman or two during the same general period. Encolpius apparently sees nothing amiss in his bawdy actions, ââ¬Å"â⬠¦having claimed the kisses that were mine good faith, I encircled the boy in the closest of embraces and enjoyed the effect of our happy vows to a point that might be envied.â⬠Shortly thereafter, the three visit a friend Lycu... Free Essays on Petronius' Satyricon Free Essays on Petronius' Satyricon There are many parallels between Rome in the time of Petroniusââ¬â¢ Satyricon and modern day USA, with many of the same contradictions between what is promoted by the existing political and social powers that be (the elites ââ¬â or elitists as the case may be) and what is actually taking place. In the days of the Roman Empire Nero and Caligula set an example somewhat similar to modern day politicians Clinton and Nixon. Romeââ¬â¢s Princep Augustus promoted marriage and children. He warned against promiscuity and adultery. Today we have the Moral Majority and other self-appointed arbiters of morality. The preceding was the official edict of Augustus; the surviving fragments of Petroniusââ¬â¢ Satyricon indicate the push for the end of debauchery was largely ignored. In fact, Augustusââ¬â¢ only daughter Julia flouted his edict (and was widely gossiped about) to the degree that he ended up making an example of her and banishing her to a ââ¬Ëbarren isletââ¬â¢. The tone and language in Satyricon is surprising, but not as intriguing as the numerous social improprieties, love affairs and general debauchery recounted. The first chapters of the text deal with the rivalry between two men (Encolpius, the narrator and Ascyltos, his sometime lover) in a rivalry for the affections of Giton (slave and shrewd attendant of them both). Although the male-male lovemaking might wrinkle the noses of some modern day moralists, ââ¬Ëmanly loveââ¬â¢ was accepted in Roman times. The moral issue seems to be the casual way the two men pass Giton (sixteen years of age) back and forth between them, while finding time to make love to a woman or two during the same general period. Encolpius apparently sees nothing amiss in his bawdy actions, ââ¬Å"â⬠¦having claimed the kisses that were mine good faith, I encircled the boy in the closest of embraces and enjoyed the effect of our happy vows to a point that might be envied.â⬠Shortly thereafter, the three visit a friend Lycu... rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-30160607563081991912020-02-23T14:24:00.001-08:002020-02-23T14:24:03.103-08:00Influence of Hindu and Arabs in Mathematics EssayInfluence of Hindu and Arabs in Mathematics - Essay Example A well-developed numerical system and algebra in India allowed complicated astronomical calculations. The translations of classical works of ancient India into Chinese language include Mathematics Brahman. This allowed the share of mathematical though with other regions. "But the glory of having invented generalmethods in this most subtle branch of mathematics belongs to the Indians. The Hindu indeterminate analysis differs from the Greek not only in method, but also in aim" (Cajori 95). Another historical example can be the sharing of knowledge from India to Arab world (and to the West through ad with the help of Arabs who traded with India and the West and thus served as middlemen to spread ancient mathematical thought. Arabs themselves adopted a lot of mathematical knowledge. Arab philosopher, al-Uqlidisi introduced decimal fractions developed in the positional number system (Cajori 104). Also, Arabs developed the new science, "algebra" first described by Al'Karaji. Arabs knew suc h concepts as induction, integral cubes, binormal theorem, function, etc. Such exchange happened in the ancient times, and still it seems to continue happening nowadays - due to globalization and share of any discovery in scientific world. rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-22693475903064577322020-02-07T07:12:00.001-08:002020-02-07T07:12:02.855-08:00Women in Culture in the 1930's-1940's VS Women in Culture Today Research PaperWomen in Culture in the 1930's-1940's VS Women in Culture Today - Research Paper Example The debates have hit the floor for some time regarding women in the past and women today. Moreover, social roles of women and girls are quite different from that of men. Workforce in early times was highly gender based which is somewhat contrary to todayââ¬â¢s women. Today, women have much freedom and almost acquiring equal rights as men unlike in the early 1930ââ¬â¢s. Women artist has been one of the outstanding and distinguishing activities between 1930ââ¬â¢s ââ¬â 1940ââ¬â¢s and today. Female artists play central part in art industry, for instance textile arts and craft. In 1930ââ¬â¢s, women artists encountered numerous challenges related to their success in art industry and these were gender based biases in the mainstream of fine art (Rosaldo, Lamphere & Bamberger, 1974). They faced challenges in training, travelling and trading of their work as well as recognition of their status in art industry. However late in 1940ââ¬â¢s, feminist arts fought for their rig hts for them to be guaranteed the right to education and training in fine art. This impacted positively on women as they were allowed to train and acquire skills in fine industry. In the days of Great Depression (1930ââ¬â¢s), a number of women made their own clothing. The time was so terrible that unemployment rate was very high. It was then that the fashion design made a step toward simpler lines reflecting the simpler lives of the people. Magazines displayed different kinds of clothing which customary middle women applauded (Loy, (2001). The fashions in the 1930ââ¬â¢s were so appealing, attractive, feminine and absolutely gorgeous unlike today. The fashion took a stunning turn reflecting the austerity of the appalling economy. In the 1940ââ¬â¢s, limited color highly characterized pictures and magazines unlike today as ink was expensive then (Rosaldo, Lamphere & Bamberger, 1974). Fashions illustrated in magazines revealed the clothing in sketch form instead of photographs. The gray outfit was a typical fashion design of 1932. Women empowerment and role assignment has taken a new picture today. This is mainly noted in factories and industries. For instance, Rosie the Riveter from the USA is highly recognized as a cultural icon. She represents the American women who worked in industries during the Second World War (Rosaldo, Lamphere & Bamberger, 1974). They took new jobs of men who were in the field of military. Rosie worked tirelessly to help the Americans who were taking part in war. During this time, women took over the male dominated trades though at the same they were required to return to their daily housework as soon as men in war came back home. Women were chiefly given the roles of housewives. They were asked to perform hard tasks which for them were hard to do. They opted to return to their traditional work basically to avoid such jobs and low payments (Loy, 2001). Rosie the Riveter finally died when her kidney failed to work after a plane ac cident. She had influenced American women to work in industries. It was evident that women proved it right that they could do and manage well the work that was mainly done by men. In 1942, the proportion of jobs acceptable to women increased tremendously. However, the payment terms of women were not favorable. Rosie had encouraged women to enter into workforce in large numbers, though women were discharged after the war to return to servicemen (Rosaldo, Lamphere & Bamberger, 1974). During the Second World War, women worked hard to take their positions. However after the wartime, they resumed domestic vocations and service work. Between 1930ââ¬â¢ rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-79670692527977173552020-01-29T05:56:00.001-08:002020-01-29T05:56:04.036-08:00Distracted driving Essay Example for Free Distracted driving Essay Introduction ââ¬â Distracted driving is a growing and dangerous problem in todayââ¬â¢s society that can lead to accidents causing injury and even death. Risk factors with distracted driving: Talking on a cell phone while driving Younger, inexperienced drivers under the age of 20 may be at increased risk; they have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. There are three main types of distraction: à ·Visual: taking your eyes off the road; à ·Manual: taking your hands off the wheel; and à ·Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving. Statistics on distracted driving: 69% of drivers in the United States ages 18-64 reported that they had talked on their cell phone while driving within the 30 days before they were surveyed. In Europe, this percentage ranged from 21% in the United Kingdom to 59% in Portugal. Conclusion Mobile phones have immense public utility, improving communication in social and commercial interactions. Nonetheless, their role in driver distraction and consequently in road traffic crashes means that some measure of ââ¬Å"reining inâ⬠their use while driving is required. References National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Facts and Statistics. Available from http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html. Accessed October 9, 2014 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, April 2013. Publication no. DOT HS 811 737. Available from http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811737.pdf. Accessed October 9, 2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mobile Device Use While Driving ââ¬â United States and Seven European Countries, 2011. MMWR 2013 / 62(10);177-182. Olsen EO, Shults RA, Eaton DK. Texting while driving and other risky motor vehicle behaviors among US high school students. Pediatrics. 2013;131(6):e1708-e1715. Federal Railroad Administration. Restrictions on Railroad Operating Employeesââ¬â¢ Use of Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices. Washington, DC. US Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, 2011. rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-43012681158339627222020-01-21T02:20:00.001-08:002020-01-21T02:20:03.044-08:00Gallium :: essays research papers Gallium 1871 Dmitrii Ivanovich Mendelev predicts the existance and properties of the element after zinc in the periodic table. He Gives it the name "eka aluminium". 1875 Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran discovers gallium. Its properties closely match those predicted by Mendelev. Gallium, atomic number 31, is very similar to aluminum in its chemical properties. It does not dissolve in nitric acid because of the protective film of gallium oxide that is formed over the surface by the action of the acid. Gallium does however dissolve in other acids, and alkalies. Gallium was discovered (1875) by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran, who observed its principal spectral lines while examining material seperated from zinc blende. Soon after he isolated the metal studied its properties, which coincided those that Dmitrii Ivanovich Mendelev had predicted a few years earlier for eka-aluminium, the then undiscovered element lying between aluminum and indium in his periodic table. Though widely distributed at the Earth's surface, gallium does not occor free or concentrated in independant minerals, except for gallite. It is extracted as a by-product from zinc blende, iron pyrites, bauxite, and germanite. Silvery white and soft enough to be cut with a knife, gallium takes on a bluish tinge because of superficial oxidation. Unusual for its low melting point ( about 30 degrees C, 86 degrees F ), gallium also expands upon solidification and supercools readily, remaining a liquid at temperatures as low as 0 degrees C ( 32 degrees F ). Gallium has the longest usefull liquid range of any element. The liquid metal clings to glass and similar surfaces. The crystal structure of gallium is orthorhombic. Natural gallium consists of a mixture of two stable isotopes: gallium-69 ( 60.4 percent ) and gallium-71 (39.6 percent ). Somewhat similar to aluminum chemically, gallium slowly oxidizes in moist air until a protective film forms, and it becomes passive in cold nitric acid. Gallium has been considered as a possible heat-exchange medium in nuclear reactors, although it has a high neutron cross section. Radioactive gallium-72 shows some promise in the study of bone cancer; a compound of this isotope is absorbed by the cancerous portion of the bone. The most common use of gallium is in a gallium scan. Gallium scans are often used to diagnose and follow the progression of tumors or infections. Gallium scans can also be used to evaluate the heart, lungs, or any other organ that may be involved with inflammatory disease. rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-5541030744285707462020-01-12T22:42:00.001-08:002020-01-12T22:42:02.648-08:00Ethical Leadership – AnalysisReader also used the ââ¬Å"waiter ruleâ⬠to explain that a lot can be said about a person's character by the way they treat the waiter, which is much like the golden rule, treat others as you wish to be treated. This piece of advice relates to the business world, because professionals should respect one another, tell the truth, and conduct themselves in an ethical manner. Furthermore, Reader discussed the leadership and ethical leadership. He described leadership as someone who inspires people to achieve a goal.He elaborated on this concept by stating that ethical leadership is when a person leads y Influencing their followers and use Input from the followers to shape goals and purposes. Moreover, an ethical leader should be consistent In both words and actions, lead by example, and can be referred to as a role model. These ethical leaders are extremely Important to employees. Reader shared some astounding statistics as to why employees need role models: 56% of employees person ally observed misconduct and out of those who observed it, 42% did not report it.This shows that the tone at the top is extremely important in firms. If the management is more likely to behave unethically, then this attitude trickles down and negatively effects the ethical values of everyone in the company. In addition, he discussed how peer commitment is important. For example, most times, an employee will look to see what colleagues are doing in order to make a decision. This information relates to me professionally because I will be starting my career as an auditor soon and the attitudes and ethical culture of the company and my colleagues will definitely affect how I perform my Job.Reader also discussed how a leader can promote and ethical culture. These ten pieces of advice would definitely help me in a professional setting because at one mint I will be leading a group of people on an audit engagement. The first piece of advice is to walk the walk, which means that the leader n eeds to lead by example. Next, he states that the leader should keep people in the loop. This means that the leader needs to involve the employees and inform them on various changes and adjustments happening in the organization.Reader suggests that the leader should also encourage thoughtful dissent and show the employees that he/she truly cares. Furthermore, Reader states that in order to promote and ethical culture, the leader would not sweep problems under the rug, but should deal with each problem In an ethical manner. In Dalton, the leader should celebrate the successes In the organization and be fair to all employees. Also, the leader should make ethics a priority.Often times In the professional world, leaders behave ethically but do not truly make ethics a priority. Although sometimes difficult, leaders need to make tough the leader should ââ¬Å"get the right people eon the bus and keep them,â⬠which means that the leader should find employees that share the same ethica l values and do whatever is possible to keep them on board. Overall, I think Reader provided some great examples and advice on ethics and ethical leadership.All of the examples and advice he discussed relate to a professional environment and especially auditing. Auditors do not have the best reputation because of unethical behaviors by professionals, like Arthur Andersen, in the past. Often times the auditing profession can really challenge and test an individual's ethical and moral compass. However, Reader's speech reminded me what I need do to make sure I maintain ethical relationships and become an ethical leader in my audit career. rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-58707918970708789932020-01-04T19:05:00.001-08:002020-01-04T19:05:03.923-08:00Moral Correctness And Its Effects On Society Essay Societies have traditionally set up a system of laws that a culture learns to accept as the moral and just norm. Cultures and societies then learn right and wrong from this system of laws and rules and soon accept them as the moral truth. However, some individuals choose to side with innate morals of emotions and of nature, rather than the learned system of moral ââ¬Ëtruthsââ¬â¢. These people would believe that there is no such thing as inherent good and evil in the world, as defined by law, that those labels are simply artificial constructs of their society. Right and wrong are so often determined by the people who hold positions of authority: that is the way it has always been so how then can anyone know the ââ¬Ëtruthââ¬â¢ of right and wrong or the ââ¬Ëtruthââ¬â¢ or morality? The world is, in fact, one big moral ââ¬Ëgrey areaââ¬â¢; it cannot be carefully categorized into good and bad or good and evil as people would like it to be. Moral correctness cannot be as simple a matter of obeying the laws and rules set up by authority while ignoring oneââ¬â¢s emotional and natural code of ethics. This idea of good and evil and of moral correctness is explored within Herman Melvilleââ¬â¢s novella, Billy Budd, Sailor. Captain Vere, who serves as the authority aboard the ship, Bellipotent, although believing he was upholding the proper morals of the situation at hand, from the view of the laws upon his ship and under the king and country he serves, made the morally wrong decision in sentencing Billy Budd, an ethicallyShow MoreRelated Is Charles Perraultââ¬â¢s Little Red Riding Hood Relevant to the Modern World?1470 Words à |à 6 Pagesgroups, recognizing that they would also like a seat on their starship to salvation, have fought for their civil rights and equality through various social reform movements. A side effect, political correctness, is the attempt to rid the English language of any terms, phrases, or expressions that would en courage our society to remain rooted in its biased theories of the past. Thus, we are now at an age where a maxim is placed upon the empowerment of the individual, no matter who you are or what formerlyRead More Political Correctness or Freedom of Speech Essay1475 Words à |à 6 Pagespolitical correctness (PC) has infringed on our freedom of speech by assuming that the populace is too ignorant to realize what appropriate speech is. This term is now as common in our society as the term, ââ¬Ëfreedom of speechââ¬â¢. It is incomprehensible how these two words have had such an effect on the manner in which our society communicates. The trend casts a negative view on our society by letting political views determine what is appropriate in our social sector. Political correctness, as appliedRead MoreCultural Marxism : Old New Ideas Essay770 Words à |à 4 Pagesthe Frankfurt school. If the workers wouldnââ¬â¢t rise up and destroy the existing order, then they must be dumbed dow n and the order which they favoured destroyed to enable that uprising. 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He focuses on the importance of the equal balance to avoid internalRead More South Park as Parody of Society Essay1399 Words à |à 6 PagesSouth Park as Parody of Society South Park began airing in 1997. The commercials that preceded it gave the impression of it being another stupid cartoon; however, when I began watching, I realized important issues were being covered through the repeated behaviors and actions of its characters, through the influences these actions could have on the viewers, through the reinforcement and rejections of certain stereotypes, through the long-term effects that could result from watching the programRead MoreThe Construct Of Empathy, By Great Thinkers From Various Disciplines1669 Words à |à 7 Pages The construct of empathy attracts the interest of academics from various fields of study, particularly in subfields of psychology. Its function and associated processes in moral development have been discussed for centuries by great thinkers from various disciplines. Hoffman (1982) defines empathy as ââ¬Å"an affective response more appropriate to anotherââ¬â¢s situation than oneââ¬â¢s ownâ⬠. Nonetheless, the notion of empathy has always been a complex concept, and the lack of uniformity in the usage and understandingRead MoreCultural Relativism And The Nature Of Truth Essay1338 Words à |à 6 PagesCultural relativism enables moral differences between cultures to be all acceptable and right depending on context. This means that moral concepts can come across as morally wrong for a group in one context and pass as morally right for another in other contexts. Though I recognize the relevance of cultural relativism in establishing that it is possible to have some variati ons in the frameworks of truth, I will ultimately argue for moral universalism, also known as moral objectivism. 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In recent years, it has been found, that the death penalty exhibits cruel and unusual punishment, as well as being racially biased. Additionally, there is an ever-growing vote that the death penalty should no longer beRead MoreThe Effects of Proper and Improper Business Ethics1351 Words à |à 6 Pagesturmoil, ethical business practices have been thrown into the spotlight as a vital area with which c ompanies need to improve on. Proper business ethics are vital for economic growth and progress as well as facilitating a productive and morally correct society. The United States has recently suffered large economic declines, the most significant of which occurred in 2001 and 2008. As the questions are asked and some answers given, the picture of big business not caring about the middle class individual rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-88435343419670139442019-12-27T15:31:00.001-08:002019-12-27T15:31:05.206-08:00Attaining alignment between it and business - Free Essay Example Sample details Pages: 20 Words: 6103 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? 1 Introduction 4.1 BACKGROUND TO THE RESEARCH PROBLEM For almost three decades practitioners, academics, consultants, and research organizations have identified attaining alignment between IT and business as a pervasive problem, Luftman and Kempaiah (2007). Gutierrez,Nawazish,Orozco,Serrano and Yazdouni (2007) add that despite the wide acceptance of strategic alignment (the strategic use of Information Technology), there is no consensus on how to achieve alignment and with few references that detail the process, there is no common agreement on the term alignment. Terminology such as linkage Henderson and Venkatraman (1993) harmony, integrated, linked, and synchronocity Luftman and Kempaiah (2007) have been suggested and used.. Donââ¬â¢t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Attaining alignment between it and business" essay for you Create order Steiner (1979b) points out that there no consensus as to the meaning of strategy in the business world. An example of the definitions which he uses include the following Steiner (1979a): 1. Strategy is that what executives do they that empower the organization. 2. Strategy is the direction the organization takes which is aligned with its purposes and missions. 3. Strategy consists of the important activities necessary to realize these directions. 4. Strategy answers the question: What should the organization be doing to achieve success? 5. Strategy answers the question: What are the means to end? Mintzberg (1994), says that people use strategy in several different ways, the most common being: * Strategy is a plan, a how, a means of getting from here to there. * Strategy is a pattern in actions over time; for example, a company that regularly markets very expensive products is using a high end strategy. * Strategy is perspective, that is, vision and direction. * Strategy is position; that is, it reflects decisions to offer particular products or services in particular markets. Porter (1998) states that strategy positioning attempts to achieve sustainable competitive advantage by preserving what is distinctive about a company and that strategy, is the creation of a unique and valuable position, involving a different set of activities, requires that trade-offs be made in competing, to chose what not to do and involves creating fit among a companys activities. Fit has to do with the ways a companys activities interact and reinforce one another. To improve the strategic management of information technology, Henderson and Venkatraman (1993), developed a framework which they called the Strategic Alignment Model (SAM). This model was defined in terms of four fundamental domains of strategic choice namely business strategy, information technology strategy, organizational infrastructure and processes and information technology infrastructure and processes. The model is defined in terms of two fundamental characteristics of strategic management namely the strategic fit (the interrelationship between external and internal components) and functional integration (integration between business and functional domains). Luftman (2001) improved on the Henderson and Venkatraman (1993) SAM model by developing the Strategic Alignment Maturity Model (SAMM). The model measures ITbusiness alignment maturity. Six interrelated components for assessing alignment maturity are identified. These are communications, value, governance, partnership, scope and architecture and skills. The scores an organization achieves for these six components of maturity are then compared to a five-level maturity model to denote the organization IT-business alignment maturity Luftman (2001).The levels range from level one to level five where level five is the highest level of maturity. A higher alignment maturity correlates with higher firm performance measures Luftman (2001). Tying performance measures to strategic goals is a critical step Fonvielle and Carr (2001). A tool to measure performance and to align strategic goals within organisations is the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). The BSC was developed by Kaplan and Norton (1992) to overcome the businesss reliance on financial measures. They contend that reliance on only financial measures does not give a complete overview of the organisations measures. The BSC provided a framework to look at strategy, used for value creation from four different perspectives these being financial, customer, internal business process and innovation and learning Kaplan and Norton (1992).One of the principles recommended by the authors, is that for an organization to be focused on strategy, there needs to be alignment among departments to the strategy of the organisation. The alignment sequence recommended by Kaplan and Norton (2006) starts when the corporate headquarters articulates enterprise value proposition that will create synergies among operating units, support units and external partners. This sequence includes aligning IT strategy with the business strategy. Model Alignment Problems SAM Inability to realize value from IT investments is, in part due to the lack of alignment between business and IT strategies SAMM Alignment is frequently focused only on how IT is aligned with the business and not vice versa, the organisation only sought one method to improve alignment and that there is no effective tool to gauge maturity of IT-business alignment Balanced Scorecard Surveys reveals that the greatest gap occurs in organisation alignment when compared to other strategic management problems 4.1 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM Business and IT strategies at PRASA need to be better aligned. 4.1 What is passenger rail agency of south africa (PRASA)? Appendix A, gives a comprehensive overview of the historical context and the introduction of PRASA taken from the companies business plan. Following is a summary of the key issues PRASA was created by Government to advance its agenda for the transformation of the public transport system into a vibrant, efficient one, As part of its strategy, PRASA (2009), to secure the future of its business, PRASA will focus its resources and energies during the current medium term expenditure framework (METF) on the following three Strategic Priorities: * Service Excellence within Metrorail, Shosholoza Meyl and Autopax * Property and Asset Development, and * Technology Upgrade or Modernization of its key transport systems The key objectives identified by Government in addressing the challenges of passenger rail transport moving forward PRASA (2009) are as follows: * Sustainable passenger rail service delivery; * Improved performance of passenger rail services in terms of the quality and levels of services to passengers; * Improved efficiency in the delivery of services; * Improved effectiveness of asset management; * Effective targeting of subsidies to achieve desired socio-economic transport objectives; * Improved oversight by Government; and * Improved accountability to the users. 4.1 Why prasa? PASSENGER TRANSPORT CHANGE IMPERATIVES 1..1 The Public Transport Challenge After many years of neglect, the existing commuter transport system, inherited from the apartheid past, has reached saturation levels and is unable to satisfy passenger demands while its infrastructure is not able to meet the requirements of a rapidly changing and modern society. The dysfunctional institutional arrangements have meant poor accountability in the provision of public transport services, which were found to be largely disempowering. Governments socio-economic and transport policies could not be supported adequately by such institutional arrangements. The country is seeking to move away from the current commuter-based transport provision into a more integrated public transport system that meets growing and changing passenger demands in an efficient, effective and sustainable manner. The twin challenges for public transport is to simultaneously transform through meaningful integration whilst at the same time enhancing capacity through upgrading and modernization to meet lo ng-term need PRASA (2009). 1..2 Inadequate Passenger Service Provision Passenger rail in South Africa faces many challenges as a result of a long history of inadequate investment in rail rolling stock, infrastructure and operations as well as the loss of appropriate managerial and technical (engineering) skills within the industry. The shortage of such critical skills has a direct negative impact on the delivery of services. In the urbanising metropolitan areas the provision of new rail corridors has not kept pace with the rapidly changing urban landscape resulting in limited coverage in key areas of urban expansion with the consequential loss of significant market share. Over time, commuter rail services have continued to fail to respond adequately to changing passenger demands PRASA (2009). 1..3 Customer-Centric Delivery A dynamic and customer-centric public transport system is required where passengers contribute to and shape the service delivery agenda. The need for a Passenger or Quality Charter and the emergence of strong, vibrant structures championing both the interests of passengers and public transport transformation are vital to the development of a public transport system that will effectively respond to the travelling needs of passengers. The past few years has seen the emergence of vibrant, community-based structures championing public transport transformation and demanding quality services from Government and transport service providers. This movement seems to be growing and shows the determination of South Africans to participate in the construction of a transport system that will effectively respond to their demands PRASA (2009). 4.1 PRASA Vision, Mission Values Vision A provider of integrated public transport solutions for improved mobility Two fundamental principles underpin the vision:- Integration PRASA should facilitate integrating individuals and communities, enabling a better quality of life through access to socioeconomic opportunities Mobility Solutions PRASA should connect individuals and communities through the provision of public transport solutions that are founded on an integrated network of mobility routes PRASA (2009) Mission Sustainable Public Transport Solutions through Service Excellence, Innovation and Modal Integration PRASA (n.d.) The mission reflects four key intentions:- Service excellence superior performance that is safe, reliable and affordable, that makes a lasting impression, and builds brand loyalty both internally (employees) and externally (customers) that adds benefit to the passenger. Sustainability a focus on sustainable development in business that considers not just the financial bottom line of prosperity and profit, but also the other bottom lines of environmental quality and social equity. Mobility solutions reframing the basis of business delivery, favouring innovation, integration and partnerships Integration safe, seamless dignified travel experiences across all modes of public transport, PRASA (n.d.) Values The values that will guide PRASA, which will underpin the performance ethos of the organization derived from and are guided by the fundamental and progressive human values of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa:- Service Excellence, Participation, Integrity, Fairness and Innovation, PRASA (2009) 4.1 OPPORTUNITY FOR Passenger Services 1..1 Commuter Rail Services The provision of efficient and affordable public passenger transport services is integral to Governments drive to create employment opportunities, stimulate economic development and reduce levels of poverty. Enhanced mobility will facilitate greater access to socio-economic opportunities for the urban and rural poor whilst contributing to an efficient transport system to the benefit of all South Africans highlighting the need for a vibrant public passenger transport network to support sustainable growth and development PRASA (2009). Commuter rail has the potential to be the most efficient, affordable and safe mode of travel. It plays a significant role in key Metropolitan areas such as Cape Town and has the potential to become an important public transport player in all metropolitan areas, significantly contributing to an efficient and reliable public transport system in these areas. Despite the acknowledged increase in the growth of car-ownership and usage, public transport and walking continue to dominate the mobility needs of the majority of South Africans and this is likely to continue for the next decade. Metropolitan areas in South Africa are experiencing rapid urbanization. Rail is in a unique position to facilitate greater integration between land use planning and transport infrastructure provision, and providing security, to private and public sector investment, of stable long-term public transport provision. This is vital to creating sustainable communities where peoples access to economic and social o pportunities is improved. In this context, railway lines need to be positioned, located, aligned with evolving spatial developments and formalised within the statutory planning processes undertaken primarily by local government. The creation of PRASA and the integration of rail and road-based transport services will, over time, provide the user with public transport choices moving away from a market of captive users to one where dignified travel choice is a real option PRASA (2009). 1..2 Inter-City / Regional Passenger Services Historically, long distance rail and road based services have not received the attention required to make them demand responsive in key market areas including migrant workers, students, tourists and occasional travellers. The Department of Transports Public Transport Strategy Action Plan notes that: There is a significant potential for the growth in migrant worker long distance public transport provision. The dominant generators of migrant movement are Gauteng and KZN The increase in tourism provides opportunities for segmenting the market that build upon the strengths of both long distance rail and coach operations. Rural areas in South Africa are undergoing a process of economic and social restructuring with a shift in emphasis towards rural trade and agro-processing. These factors reinforce the need for a public transport service sector that responds to the emerging needs of these rural / regional development nodes since transport links between the rural trade areas and the rural regions (hinterlands) remains unreliable, rendering access to services and emerging economic opportunities extremely difficult. This lack of access will continue to trap many in the poverty cycle. Governments decision to consolidate passenger rail entities and road-based long distance bus services into a single entity, PRASA, reporting to the Department of Transport are underpinned by a number of key drivers. The recognition by Government that rail consolidation was required to deal with the under-performance of rail passenger services as well as the historical under-investment in the passenger rail business. Institutional arrangements did not promote efficiency and accountability and significant change was required to overcome the inherent institutional dysfunctions that had been created. Confusion existed between the contractor and regulatory functions implicitly embodied in the SARCC/Transnet relationship PRASA (2009). The critical need for sustainable funding to reverse the decline in commuter rail levels of service being experienced by commuters has been identified. This funding profile was captured in the National Rail Plan, which was accepted by Cabinet in December 2006, where the funding and investment requirements were identified for passenger rail over the following ten years PRASA (2009). 4.1 PRASA Objective PRASA (n.d.) primary objective is: To ensure that at the request of the Department of Transport, rail commuter services are provided within, to and from the Republic in the public interest; and To provide, in consultation with the Department of Transport, for long haul passenger rail and bus services within, to and from the Republic in terms of the principles set out in section 4 of the National Land Transport Transition Act, 2000 (Act No.22 of 2000).. 4.1 Strategy of prasa PRASA (2009) objectives are supportive of the Board of Controls (BOC) key performance areas as seen in figure 2 below Figure 2 Key Performance Area and Strategic Objectives BOC Key Performance Area PRASA Strategic Objective Contribute to Governments objective of safe, affordable, accessible and reliable public transport provision Service Excellence in the provision of integrated best practice public transport solutions that are affordable, reliable, predictable and operationally safe Investment in infrastructure to contribute to growth and development Asset Utilisation ensuring the productive investment in, and use of, assets and the property portfolio through the application of total life-cycle management practices, processes and procedures to all assets Provision of sustainable quality services Service Quality Passenger Growth sustaining dependable and superior customer service benefit that achieves a high customer satisfaction Financial effectiveness to maximize operational efficiencies Financial Effectiveness ensuring efficient and effective deployment of available resources to achieve the required results and outcomes through the productive use of all resources Corporate Governance Legislative compliance Governance and Compliance ensuring controlled compliance to statutory requirements by entrenching a culture of corporate governance practices and accountability as well as Fraud Prevention within PRASA Contribution to the achievement of Governments socio-economic goals Strategic Sourcing through an effective and efficient supply chain management process and promotion of broad-based economic empowerment and industrial policy objectives Human Capital Resources Development Learning and Growth ensuring that the appropriate knowledge and skills are acquired and maintained to sustain change and improvement for the betterment of the organization through developing human capital development processes to build human capital capabilities 4.1 CHALLENGES FACING PRASA 1..1 Consolidation / Turnaround / Restructuring The sequential amalgamation, in quick succession, of the SARCC, Metrorail, Shosholoza Meyl and Autopax bring with it the normal challenges that are posed when merging disparate organizations in related but different operational arenas. A key driver in Governments decision to consolidate these entities into a single delivery arm of the DOT was to effect operational and asset turnaround of what were acknowledged to be declining businesses, albeit, some with the potential for growth. Linked with both these processes is the need to internally restructure the various businesses to align them with the new mandate given to PRASA through the amendment to the Legal Succession Act that was promulgated on 23 December 2008 PRASA (2009). 1..2 Sustainable Funding The ability to provide the requisite level of funding (substantial) to address both the investment capital and rapidly expanding operational requirements to affect the mandate is fundamental to the successful performance of PRASA. The integrated passenger transport plan requirements will need to be developed. Fully motivated funding requirements, covering both operations and investment capital, in line with the 5-year financial plan requirements of the various Integrated Transport Plans (ITPs), will be developed to begin to align the funding requirements with statutory plan requirements. The approved funding base makes no provision for two key activities that need to be accommodated: The incorporation of Autopax, an operating company that is currently materially dependent upon Transnet Limited for funding to re-capitalize and sustain the business going forward. The acquisition of new rolling stock. Analysis has indicated that the rolling stock refurbishment and upgrading programs are not maintaining pace with the requirements to buy time before the inevitable purchasing of new fleet becomes unavoidable. While the profile reflects a rising trend in investment funding support, the allocation of these funds to the different asset classes (Rolling Stock Infrastructure) will need to be reviewed. A careful balance needs to be struck to ensure that the sustainability of the asset base is not compromised PRASA (2009). 1..3 Ageing Rolling Stock and Infrastructure PRASA (2009) reports that the prolonged under-investment in passenger rail of almost thirty years is manifestly experienced in the deterioration of the general rail asset i.e. Rolling Stock and Infrastructure (Signalling and telecommunications, electrical systems, perway). This has resulted in a situation where services are experiencing continued decline, primarily due to poor availability and reliability of rolling stock and ageing infrastructure. The lack of investment in the asset base has also had a negative impact in the skills base of the passenger rail industry over a period of time. For example, the average age profile of commuter coaches is 40 years and has been left behind by international advancements in rail technology over the past few decades. The life expectancy of railway rolling stock is of the order of 54 years. The railway industry norms are that the coaches will be upgraded at half life (27 years) and overhauled every 9 years, so as to ensure the structural and su b-systems integrity is not compromised by metal fatigue, age, wear and tear or environmental condition. Thirty-three percent (33%) of the commuter rail fleet is already above 36 years and therefore would be uneconomical to upgrade. 1..4 Human Capital Development Human capital development is generally understated and under-rated in supporting the development of an organization. It is a multi-faceted process that requires clear understanding to enable human capabilities to be built that will support the key performance drivers of the business and ultimately the business results that can be expected from that performance. The key challenge for PRASA is to formulate human capital development processes that facilitate and fast-track the appropriate human capital capabilities at all levels within the organization that will enable delivery on the key drivers of which, in the case of PRASA are : * increased productivity (operational efficiencies), * improved service quality (service excellence), * customer focus and * innovation in the provision of integrated public transport solutions The nature of the various operational divisions, while related and providing synergistic opportunities for service co-operation and delivery, are by their very nature, different business environments, each requiring a specific set of human capabilities to perform optimally. PRASA needs to provide guidance in the process framework that delivers this requirement PRASA (2009). 1..5 Change Management The finalisation of the PRASA consolidation process, the turnaround and restructuring necessitate that a number of parallel change management processes are undertaken. Numerous change management processes will be identified that are needed to combine the five organizations into a consolidated organization. The very ability of PRASA to ensure effective implementation of such processes becomes critical as is the capacity of the organization (including divisions and subsidiaries) to manage them successfully PRASA (2009). 1..6 Leadership Skills Development There is currently an acknowledged shortage of key skills as well as a lack of depth of skills in critical areas within the organization. For PRASA to meet the expanded mandate of supporting governments socio-economic and transport objectives in both urban and rural contexts, the organization will need a focused approach to human capital development, on leadership development, talent management and the progressive training of a strong base of key skills that will lay the foundation for sustaining rail passenger transport sector PRASA (2009). 1..7 Rail Technology Development PRASA, of necessity, will need to become a technology based organization that blends best practice policies with intelligent asset management philosophies to leverage organisational productivity and efficiency gains to provide shareholder value. PRASA recognises that technology upgrade is critical to the modernisation of South Africas railways and is well aware that the capacity for technology upgrade may not be immediately available in South Africa or the African Continent as a whole. Technological obsolescence is a major factor that will inhibit PRASA from delivering on its mandate. A rail technical strategy that guides technological renewal, upgrading, replacement and development over the next 30 years is a critical requirement. The average age of the metropolitan rail commuter networks/system in South Africa ranges between 60 80 years and still supports 1940/50s technology. The system in SA is showing serious age related condition decline with increasing systemic risks and techn ological obsolescence. Railway systems are designed for an extended economic life, but it is acknowledged that the current ad hoc investment flows into the ageing system in South Africa are not productive in terms of future demand, operational performance requirements and escalating maintenance costs. Global technology advancement in rail has moved beyond the limited application of heavy rail, regional and long distance passenger rail. Various new rail based technologies of alternative applications have evolved globally to ensure the competitiveness and attractiveness of rail solutions. If South Africa is serious about ensuring environmentally friendly and energy efficient transportation for its cities to counter growth in private vehicle travel, congestion and spiralling cost of fossil fuels, a selective conversion of appropriate new and improved rail based and mass transit technologies needs to be evaluated, introduced, and established in South Africa ensuring that these take thei r place in the hierarchy of public transport service provision. The technological needs of PRASA over the next 30 years need to be clearly articulated and incorporated into PRASAs long-term planning if passenger rail is to be sustained over the longer-term. The development of a rail technology strategy, together with the appropriate migration requirements over this period will assist in guiding decision-making in much critical technology upgrade or replacement areas within the organisation. The phased implementation of the strategy will be captured in each of the Business Plans roll-outs over time PRASA (2009). 4.1 RESEARCH AIM, QUESTION, SUB-QUESTIONS AND OBJECTIVES Research Aim The aim of this research is to understand to what extent alignment between Business and IT strategies exists, at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Research Questions The research question derived from the problem statement is What can PRASA do to improve business and IT strategies, alignment? The sub questions to answer the main question are: 1. What are business and IT strategies? 2. What is alignment between business and IT strategies? 3. What factors contribute to an alignment gap between business and IT strategies? 4. What factors contributes to an improved alignment between business and IT strategies? Objectives of the research Based on the sub questions the objectives of the research are to 1. Analyse the Businesss and IT strategy 2. Carry out a literature review on the alignment between Business and IT strategies. 3. Analyse the factors that contribute towards Alignment Gap 4. a. Establish strategic alignment best practice. b. Formulate a methodology for aligning Business and IT strategies. c. Propose recommendations to improve PRASAs Business and IT strategies alignment. 4.1 CURRENT STATUS OF THE RESEARCH AREA The literature review will be based on the research into alignment of business and IT strategies. There is a plethora of research available on the alignment of business and IT strategies. Chan and Reich (2007) have carried out comprehensive research on this topic. 4.1 Business and IT strategies 1..1 Business Strategies Croteau and Bergeron (2001) define business strategy as the outcomes of decisions made to guide an organisation with respect to the environment, structure and processes that influence its organisational performance. Hambrick (1980) states that business strategies may be textual, multivariate or typological. Henderson and Venkatraman (1993) architects of the SAM model, view strategy as involving both strategy formulation (decisions pertaining to competitive, product market choices) and strategy implementation (choices that pertain to the structure and capabilities of the firm to execute its product market choices).The SAM model presents two business strategy perspectives where business strategy is the driver namely strategic execution, and technology transformation. figure 3 presents the key attributes of these perspectives. Figure 3 Attributes of Business Strategy perspectives (Henderson Venkatraman 1993) Perspective Driver Role of top management Role of IS management Performance criteria Strategy execution Business Strategy Strategy Formulator Strategic Implementer Cost/Service centre Technology transformation Business Strategy Technology visionary Technology Architect Technology leadership One of the six components of the SAMM Luftman and Kempaiah (2007), is partnership which includes ITs role in defining the businesss strategies. Both of these models (SAM and SAMM) are about aligning business and IT strategies and can be criticised because it does not define what business strategy is. Kay (1996) says that there is much debate on the substance but that most commentators agree that business strategy is concerned with the match between a companies internal capabilities and its external environment. According to Kaplan and Norton (2001) strategy implies the movement of an organisation from its present position to a desirable but uncertain future position. Because the organisation has never been to this future position its intended pathway involves a series of linked hypotheses. It enables the strategic hypotheses to be described as a set of cause and effect relationships that are explicit and testable Kaplan and Norton (2006) The effectiveness of the approach is derived from its ability to clearly describe strategy (using Strategy Maps) and the ability to link strategy to the management system using the BSC. For the purpose of this research business strategy will be described in terms of corporate strategy meaning it will be concerned with the overall purpose and scope of the organization Johnson and Scholes (1997). A definition of corporate strategy presented by Andrews (1980) is : Corporate strategy is the pattern of decisions in a company that determines and reveals its objectives, purposes, or goals, produces the principal policies and plans for achieving those goals, and defines the range of business the company is to pursue, the kind of economic and human organization it is or intends to be, and the nature of the economic and non-economic contribution it intends to make to its shareholders, employees, customers, and communities. Strategic management which is similar to corporate strategy is defined as the set of decisions and actions that result in the formulation and implementation of plans designed to achieve a companys objectives Pearce and Robinson (1988). These tie in with the strategy view of the SAM and Balanced scorecard which both discuss strategy in terms of formulation and execution. Kaplan and Norton (2006) state that the IT strategy gets aligned to business strategy through a portfolio of strategic IT services, which is derived from the business strategy and negotiated with the business units and is measured by the value adding contribution of IT. This is done by providing access to timely and accurate information, creating and supporting business unit partnerships and strategic support to the business for competitive advantage. 1..2 IT Strategic Management Gartner (2007), define IT strategy as a discipline that defines the business value the IT organization will deliver to the enterprise, and the direction it will take to deliver. To do this they recommend that IT build a complete, business-success-focused IT strategy consisting of demand, control and supply. Well-crafted IT strategies demonstrate how IT will contribute to the success of the enterprise relative to its key business goals. The strategies also link major business missions and goals to IT initiatives. The SAM Henderson and Venkatraman (1993) model presents two I/T Strategy perspectives where I/T strategy is the driver namely competitive potential and service level. Figure 4 presents the key attributes of these perspectives Figure 4 Attributes of IT Strategy perspectives (Henderson Venkatraman 1993) Perspective Driver Role of top management Role of IS management Performance criteria Competitive potential I/T Strategy Business visionary Catalyst Business leadership Service level I/T Strategy Prioritizer Executive leadership Customer Satisfaction The latter two models will be used to better understand the alignment between Business and IT at PRASA. 4.1 What is an alignment gap? Business and IT strategies may from time be out of synchronisation or may be misaligned. This misalignment is referred to as an alignment gap. No clear accepted definition of an alignment gap between Business and IT strategy is found in the literature. Luftman and Brier (1999) mention inhibitors which hinder alignment. These inhibitors include: IT/ business lack close relationships, IT does not prioritize well, IT fails to meet its commitments, IT does not understand business, senior executives do not support IT, and IT management lacks leadership Luftman and Brier (1999). They also talk of companies striving to link business and technology and what the impact of misalignment might be if there is no harmony between business and IT. Reich and Benbasat (1996) define linkage as the degree to which the IT mission, objectives, and plans support and are supported by the business mission, objectives, and plans. According to Norton (2002) the reasons why a business strategy and IT strategy gap exist are poor strategy development, management, communication, lack of strategic focus within organizations, and no strategic management process. Rathnam,Johnsen and Wen (2004), used a case study to research why alignment gaps exist, the reasons for alignment gap and the strategy for minimizing the alignment gaps between business and IT. Although the authors talk extensively of alignment gaps in their research, they do not define the term. Their results suggest that improving business strategy vision and communication has the greatest potential for aligning business and IT strategies. Beer and Eisenstat (2000) state that companies have long known that, to be competitive they must develop a good strategy and then appropriately realign structure, systems, leadership behaviour, human resources policies, culture values and management processes. They have identified what they call the the silent killers of strategy implementation and learning. Some of them are, a top down but laissez-faire senior management style, an unclear strategy and conflicting priorities, an ineffective senior management team, also and importantly a poor vertical communication channel, poor coordination across functions and businesses and inadequate down-the-line leadership. Further factors contributing towards the misalignment can take several forms according to Fonvielle and Carr (2001). This can be where individuals believe its members are aligned but in fact, the individuals have different sets of goals or could have the same goals but unstated disagreements on how the goals should be reached. It may also well be that warring camps exist within the organization, ensuring that overall commitment to any chosen strategy is weak. A more relevant case is where an active opposition does not exist, but many group members are unconvinced of the need for, or the likely efficacy of, the proposed action. In other situations and cases people dont know what the goals of the organization are. Gartner (2008), state that aligning IT with the business is often one of the more frustrating and time-consuming experiences. Alignment is often seen as the business and IT operating in parallel worlds, maintaining a common direction, but separated by distance. 4.1 What factors contributes to an improved alignment between business and IT strategies? Luftman (1999) and (Rathman et al., 2004) suggest the following to improve alignment between Business and IT strategies . This is shown in figure 5 Figure 5 Business and IT strategies are improved by alignment between the two Luftman Rathman et al Senior executive support for IT IT involved in strategy development IT understands the business Business partnership Well-prioritized IT projects IT demonstrates leadership Improve business strategy development process More collaborative strategy development between IT and Business departments Define when and how new technology is introduced into strategy development discussions Restructure the organization to ensure focus on enterprise needs (e.g. structure the organization around business processes) Build a business architecture Use a centralized IT organization Include a CIO at the executive council level The Balanced Scorecard will be used to measure the performance of the organisation to ensure alignment between Business and IT strategies Users of the Balanced Scorecard started using the scorecard as a management system, used to manage strategy, Kaplan and Norton (1996). From this they introduced five principles of Strategy-Focused Organisations to assist with aligning and focusing resources on strategy, namely 1. Translate the strategy to Operational Terms 2. Align the organisation to the Strategy 3. Make Strategy everyones everyday Job 4. Make Strategy a Continual process 5. Mobilise Change through Executive leadership This conceptual model will be used to better understand the alignment of Business and IT strategy at PRASA and is depicted in Figure 5. Figure 6 Achieving alignment between Business and IT strategy at PRASA 4.1 RESEARCH DESIGN The research design will use the interpretive case study approach. The interpretive approach involves the researcher adopting an empirical approaches which focus on human interpretations and meanings Walsham (1995). Interpretive research involves non or anti positivism in which facts and values are intertwined and hard to disentangle, and both are involved in scientific knowledge and nomatism which takes the view that scientific knowledge is ideological and inevitably conducive to particular sets of social ends. Either of the latter two positions is open for the interpretive researcher to adopt A case study which is defined by Robson (2002) as a strategy for doing research which involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within real life context using multiple sources of evidence. .Case Study is also known as a triangulated research strategy Tellis (1997). The need for triangulation arises from the ethical need to confirm the validity of the processes Tellis (1997). In case studies, this could be done by using multiple sources of data Yin (2003).The rationale for using multiple sources of data is the triangulation of evidence Tellis (1997). Triangulation increases the reliability of the data and the process of gathering it. In the context of data collection, triangulation serves to corroborate the data gathered from other sources. Yin (2003) identified six primary sources of evidence for corroborating case study research. These are documentation, archival records, interviews, direct observation, participant observation and physical artefacts Yin (2003). The research will use the following sources of data: documentation, archival records and interviews. 4.1 DELINEATION OF THE RESEARCH The study will explore to what extent (if any) an alignment gap between Business and IT strategies exists, at PRASA. The population would include IT managers and business managers from other departments within the PRASA group. 4.1 CONTRIBUTION OF THE RESEARCH Alignment between Business and IT strategies has been problematic (Luftman, 2007). This study will provide a better understanding of the alignment issue in order to do further research into possible frameworks. Studies have shown that better performance can be attained if organisations are tightly aligned. The research will start with identifying the strategic choice of the organisation, based on the work of (Henderson Venkatraman, 1993). This will be followed by a strategic alignment maturity assessment developed by Luftman (2001). Finally performance measures described by the BSC will be used to monitor progress in aligning Business and IT strategies. The contribution of this research would be to better understand the alignment between Business and IT at PRASA. 4.1 Structure of the research Chapter one is an introduction to the research. Chapter two is an in depth literature research on the subject. Chapter three provides comprehensive background on the three theoretical models used, SAM,SAMM and BSC. Chapter four introduces the research design and research methodology followed. Chapter provides the results of the unstructured interviews and Chapter six is the conclusion and recommendations the organisation could use rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-8385435990197906512019-12-19T11:20:00.001-08:002019-12-19T11:20:03.819-08:00Abstract. Through Research We Can See The Causes,... Abstract Through research we can see the causes, misdiagnosis, treatment, types and symptoms of eating disorders. Pressures from society and dislike towards oneself seem to be the largest factor in the development of eating disorders. They can often mask other serious symptoms. Treatment can vary but can interplay with the treatments of mood disorders. The symptoms range between the different types of eating disorders. Diagnosing eating disorders can be difficult because most patients perform tell-tell signs when they are alone. There is also no well-defined meaning of binge. The importance of regular evaluation of patients about eating disorders is key in preventing and treating. Research is plentiful and wide ranging. Studies areâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Eating disorders are very complex and can be life threatening (Costa, et. al, 2016). Due to eating disorders being so complex, it makes them hard to accurately diagnose. Sometimes eating disorders can be misdiagnosed. One specific case of eating disorders being misdiagnosed is in the instance of gastrointestinal issues. In some cases, eating disorders can mask the underlying gastrointestinal problem (Chelvanayagam Newell, 2015). Eating disorders can affect every body system due to purging, starvation, and binge eating (Chelvanayagam Newell, 2015). Thus making it difficult to accurately diagnose eating disorders. Another issue with diagnosing eating disorders is the criticism of the word binge and what is truly means in terms of eating disorders. This is due to the fact that there is no guide of how much food is too much (Eichen Wilfley, 2016). The argument is whether the amount of food eaten is necessary to the personââ¬â¢s diet, or if the amount of food eaten was due to loss of self-control (Eichen Wilfley, 2016). Symptoms of eating disorders vary between the types of eating disorders. Most who suffer with an eating disorder do so privately. Therefore, it is important to regularly ask the patient about their eating habits (Eichen Wilfley, 2016). Also, this is why being able to assess the symptoms of eating disorders is very important. Correct diagnosis is crucial. The following are types of eating disorders and the symptomsShow MoreRelatedWriting Is The Most Important Form Of Communication We Humans Have953 Words à |à 4 PagesWriting is the most important form of communication we humans have. Writing has conveyed our ways of life, our stories, and our discoveries. For someone to say that writing is not important is extremely foolish. If people donââ¬â¢t learn to properly write what they are trying to say, it will be lost to the person trying to read. My father thinks that it isnââ¬â¢t important to improve my writing skills, says that thereââ¬â¢s no need to if people can get the gist of what Iââ¬â¢m trying to say. He is dead wrong;Read MoreThe Youth Through Prevention And Detection, Rehabilitation, And Establishing A Future For Juvenile Justice System Essay1428 Words à |à 6 PagesAbstract Juveniles navigate through a corrections system that is constantly changing. This research paper is dedicated to those that work with the youth through prevention and detection, rehabilitation, and establishing a future for juvenile justice. 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Clark, Auroop Ganguly Abstractââ¬â The Mission of the U.S. Department of Transportation is to ensure all Americans are served by a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets the nationââ¬â¢s vital national interest and enhances the quality of life today and in the future. The airport and National Airspace System (NAS) play a key role in achieving this mission rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-62508553355991189622019-12-11T08:02:00.001-08:002019-12-11T08:02:04.378-08:00Comparing Theories of Mathematical Development free essay sample Sensorimotor (0-2 years of age) children begin to use imitation, memory and thought. They begin to recognize that objects do not cease to exist when they are hidden from view. They move from reflex actions to goal-directed activity. 2. Preoperational (2-7 years) Children gradually develop language and the ability to think in symbolic form. They are able to think operations through logically in one direction and they have difficulty seeing another personââ¬â¢s point of view. 3. Concrete operational (7-11 years) Children are able to solve concrete (hands-on) problems in logical fashion. They understand the laws of conservation and are able to classify. They also understand reversibility. 4. Formal operational (11-15 years of age) Children are able to solve abstract problems in logical fashion. Their thinking becomes more scientific, they develop concerns about social issues and about identity. â⬠He also developed the idea of schemas as ideas or concepts that children need to master in order to learn about relationships. We will write a custom essay sample on Comparing Theories of Mathematical Development or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Chris Athey is a constructivist. She has applied the theory of ââ¬Ëschemaââ¬â¢ to the practical observation and analysis of childrenââ¬â¢s learning. Athey built on Piagets early work, and she sees schemas as a means to arrive at categories and classifications. For example, a baby will try out a wide range of schema on one object for example, sucking, shaking and throwing. This demonstrates the need and importance of a wide and varied range of experiences. Schemas can be put together over a period of time to create powerful and higher level schemas. According to Atheyââ¬â¢s theory, schemas evolve from early actions and perceptions; they are part of the way in which young children make sense of relationships and of the environment around them. Athey identified four stages that children go through in exploring and using schema: 1. a period of physical action where the movement does not carry any real significance. 2. using schema to symbolise something. 3. beginning to see the functional relationship between two things. 4. using schema to support thought. For example, a child interested in rotation (which is linked to mathematics): Stage 1 The child twirls around and around. Stage 2 The twirling is used to symbolise a carousel. Stage 3 The child becomes interested in a yo-yo in that it can be shortened or lengthened when the string is wound around the yo-yo. Stage 4 The child puts all of these ideas into words and expresses their own thoughts about rotation. Athey identified a number of schemas which are all linked to maths including: * vertical * back and forth and side to side * circular or rotational * going over, under and on top of * going around a boundary * containing and enveloping * going through a boundary. Schemas are happening in practice all of the time. Childrenââ¬â¢s dominant interests of the moment will provide ways for them to represent their ideas in which they will include their preferred schema. Schema-spotting has become an analytical tool in many early yearsââ¬â¢ settings. Practitioners often think that very young children are acting in a random manner but once they scrutinise what is happening, a schema pattern may begin to emerge. (http://juliangrenier. blogspot. co. uk/2009/11/schema-theory-in-early-years-edu cation. html) In comparison these two theories both use the thought of schemas in their theories. But whereas Athey believed that schemas dominate childrenââ¬â¢s play as they explore, experiment and the way they learn, Piaget believed that children progress through three stages of learning when they are absorbing events into existing schemas they already have. Athey developed Piagetââ¬â¢ theory and showed how children forms of thought develop through experiences and developed a framework for teaching which extends schema through curriculum experiences. In my placement the teacher planned a group activity that all the children could take part in to learn about a certain subject which was a write up on the counting cars activity that they did the week before. Children and their partners created their own piece of work that was added to a class group display on a wall. The work included drawing of the cars, tables and charts recording the results, diagrams and short sentences on the activity. The wall represented the group as a classroom project. The nature of this kind of activity demonstrates the sharing of information, which can be a key component of learning and links well with Piagetââ¬â¢s theory as it shows that children think in symbolic form as the diagrams were written up as a symbolic form of a tally chart and every tally mark represented a vehicle. According to Squire G ââ¬Å"children become totally absorbed and will spend a great deal of time carrying out related activities as they develop a particular schema. â⬠For example in placement children love to spend a lot of time building towers independently or along with other children, which develops a vertical schema. Bibliography Squire G (2007) BTEC National Childrenââ¬â¢s Care Learning and Development, Heinemann, Oxford http://ponce. inter. edu/cai/tesis/lmrivera/cap2. htm 29/05/2013 http://juliangrenier. blogspot. co. uk/2009/11/schema-theory-in-early-years-education. html 29/05/2013 rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-68731520149437860612019-12-03T19:44:00.001-08:002019-12-03T19:44:03.607-08:00Lesson rationale for micro teach free essay sample The importance of hand hygiene in a Veterinary Practice Introduction The lesson aim is to introduce the complex subject of microbial transference and the role that hand hygiene plays. Within the fifteen minutes allocated to this lesson, learners will be involved in a couple of exerciseââ¬â¢s that directly relate to hand hygiene and will assist the learner to build on knowledge throughout the session. The subject has been chosen in part because it is within the tutors subject knowledge and specialism, the subject is also relevant to current media interest due to the increase in hospital acquired infection and the resistance of pathogens to antibiotics, therefore although this presentation is pertaining to Veterinary Surgery protocol, it is very relevant to all medical type establishment and will also be of current interest to many learners including those with no prior medical training. Delivery This lesson has been devised to achieve learning that caters for a range of learning styles, the lesson should achieve as equal learning for all learners involved as is possible, the lesson is predominantly student led with some short tutor led areas. We will write a custom essay sample on Lesson rationale for micro teach or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page To ensure that the objectives can be achieved in the limited time constraints of the sessions, the session must be actively managed by the tutor and learners will need to be kept on track throughout. Visual aspects ââ¬â Power point, pictures, glow bright solution Auditory aspectsââ¬â Tutor led discussion, peer review of practical areas Reading/writing aspectsââ¬â Learners may take notes throughout the session, handouts given for later recap Kinaesthetic aspectââ¬â Practical elements such as carrying out the hand wash The lesson structure Tutor to introduce objectives of the session to learners Objectives ?Identify 2 ways infection transmission can occur ? Identify the importance of hand hygiene in infection control ? Integrate five evidence based hand hygiene methods into clinical practice Objectives will allow learners to understand what they will achieve by the end of the session; this will in turn motivate learners to actively engage in the session, to fulfil the expected learning outcomes. A very brief over view of what pathogens are and how they can be transferred directly and indirectly. Due to the groups of learners involved potentially having minimal prior learning/knowledge in this area an introduction to pathogens and how they may be transferred is required to underpin the importance of hand hygiene. Integration of hand hygiene into the flow of clinical work ââ¬â 5 moments of hand hygiene (Adapted from the WHO 5 moments of hand hygiene) Illustrate to learners the need for hand hygiene to be a ââ¬Ëcultureââ¬â¢ within the clinical setting to ensure essential hand hygiene ââ¬Ëmomentsââ¬â¢ are not missed. Practical element ââ¬â learners to rub glow bright over their own hands to identify how effective their own hand hygiene is currently Learners will be informed of what glow bright will identify i. e areas of the hands that have not been effectively cleaned, or have had pathogen transfer since the last hand wash. Tutor will inform learners that anyone feeling uncomfortable may participate in peer review but not use the glow-bright on themselves. This part of the lesson will highlight to the learners the need for a standardised hand wash protocol without such protocol the standards of hand hygiene vary dramatically from individual to individual. Tutor will demonstrate the standardised WHO hand hygiene alcohol hand gel method, learners will demonstrate this method back to the tutor, and tutor will ensure that all learners are able to carry out this method competently. Learners need to understand what this standardised method achieves, that all areas of the hand are effectively cleaned, reducing the transient population of pathogens on the hand surface, therefore reducing the ability for these transient pathogens to be passed on to objects and patients. The lesson will end with re-scanning of the hand with a UV lamp to see if areas of glow bright have reduced on learnerââ¬â¢s hands. This will allow students to assess themselves on how effectively they feel they carried out the hand clean. Assessment for learning will occur through the three main practical sessions within the lesson structure. Initial assessment will involve the tutor asking students to state a number between 1-5 as to level of current knowledge of subject, one be low and five being high. Formative assessment will be carried out during the three practicalââ¬â¢s this will be peer assessed and tutor assessed. Summative assessment will not be achieved within this session due to time constraints Resources required Laminated pictures â⬠¢Sticky spots (two colours) â⬠¢Handout of the WHO hand gel rub method â⬠¢Alcohol hand rub â⬠¢Glow bright solution â⬠¢UV light â⬠¢Paper towel Conclusion This session is designed to educate learners about the importance of hand hygiene, how hand hygiene is integrated into clinical work and how effective hand hygiene methods can be employed. This is achieved through tutor and student led activities that culminate in students assessing their own hand hygiene effectiveness. rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-45765043519484656232019-11-27T18:32:00.001-08:002019-11-27T18:32:04.941-08:00Overtime Analysis Abstract The main aim of this study was to determine the most cost-effective method that the Immigration Branch of Commercial Bank of Dubai would use to minimize their annual expenses. The choice to be made was between overtime and hiring of new employees.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Overtime Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From studies that have been conducted on the topic, it has been concluded that the difference between these two options is insignificant. However, overtime has always been the ultimate option since it is relatively cheaper as compared to hiring of new employees. From the results of the study, it was identified that the bank was understaffed especially on peak hours. It was also found out that the cost incurred while hiring new employees is higher than the cost incurred on overtime. Due to this fact, it was concluded that the bank should maintain its overtime policy. Howe ver, there are some regulations that have to be put in place to improve on operations and reduce overtime costs. Introduction The United Arabs Emirates (UAE) is one of the fasted growing regions of the world. From humble beginnings, the region has grown over the last several decades to be one of the strongest financial hubs of the world (Madar Research Group, 2008). The region supports a vast diversity of commercial activities. These include the oil and gas industry, tourism, infrastructural development, manufacturing industries, IT industries and many other commercial services. It is due to these factors that the GDP of the region has been growing at a tremendous rate especially for the last fifteen years. To support all these activities, the region has developed a strong banking industry. The financial sector of the UAE is undergoing a massive overhaul. This has come about as a result of the changes in the structure and composition of the population. Initially, the UAE population comprised mainly of old individuals who had a static ideology, illiterate and embraced their traditional morals and values. At the present moment, the population of the region has evolved. The region is now dominated by young enthusiastic individuals who are highly educated and more demanding. Their requirements, tastes and preferences have made the banking industry of the region to grow by increasing the diversity of its services and products (Hadjimonolis, 2009).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More With the help of the government, the banks and other financial institutions of the UAE have developed regulatory mechanisms that have enabled a better monitoring of funds and generally improved the banking service. These are perhaps some of the reasons that have led to the success that these banks are currently enjoying. Due to the availability of favourably conditions, the se banks have invested greatly to in order to meet the standards of their international counterparts. At the present moment, UAE has a mixture of local and foreign banks. All these institutions strive to serve the clientele of this region. Due to the commercial nature of the region and the high competition that is present in the banking industry, it has been important for these banks to maintain high standards and offer quality services in order to maintain their customers and attract new ones (Quayle, 2010). At the same time, it is essential for these banks to ensure that their operating expenses are at the minimum in order to enjoy profitability. This will guarantee their sustainability in the short run and in the long run (Berry, 2009). Commercial Bank of Dubai is one of the leading banks in the UAE. Founded in 1969 by the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the bank has grown in its operations and services. The late Sheikh Al Maktoum is accredited for founding the modern Du bai. During its early days, Commercial Banks of Dubai was in partnership with Commerzbank, Chase Manhattan and the Commercial Bank of Kuwait. Only a small proportion of the UAE citizens were the shareholders of the bank. Majority of the bank owners were foreign investors. Approximately ten years after its incorporation, Commercial Banks of Dubai became a National Shareholding Company. Its operations were further boosted when the government of Dubai became the major shareholder of the company in 1982 (CBD, 2012). This not only increased the available funds but also increased the popularity of the company among the locals. With massive transformations, the institution gradually grew to be one of the leading commercial banks in Dubai and the UAE at large. At the present moment, Commercial Bank of Dubai offers a wide range of retail and commercial services to its customers. The bank has a network of branches spread all over the UAE. Given the growth and expansion that the bank is curren tly experiencing coupled with the advancement in technology, Commercial Bank of Dubai aspires to offer the best banking services in the UAE and the world at larger.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Overtime Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Bankââ¬â¢s Mission Statement is to be recognized as a quality focused, customer driven, financially sound and socially responsible bank. Its vision is to be the bank that leads the way to greater financial and social prosperity (CBD, 2012). The following are the mission statements of the bank: Clients ââ¬â To be recognized as the preferred banking partner in our target client segments Employees ââ¬â To be recognized as an employer of choice through the fostering of a motivational environment which rewards superior performance Society ââ¬â To be recognized for our ethical banking practices and for our contribution to the social well-being of the communities in which we are present. Shareholders ââ¬â To be one of the most profitable banks in the UAE. The values of CBD create its own culture that supports growing of the company for a decade: Client First Consistent High Quality Cooperation and Teamwork Despite the success that the bank is experiencing, there are a number of problems within its management. All of the branches of the institutions have always been reporting problems that derail them from meeting their short-term and long-term goals and objectives. This is a normal scenario in the normal operations of any institution. The Immigration Branch of Commercial Bank of Dubai has over the last few years been experiencing high operation costs due to a number of factors. Overtime pay has been one of the main reasons why this branch has been experiencing high operating costs. It is essential for an employer to follow the labour laws and pay his staff accordingly. With regards to this issue, Commercial Bank of Du bai is not against paying its employees their normal salaries and overtime for the effort that they have put beyond their stipulated hours of employment. The bank conforms to the Labour Law Article No. 67 and 68 that clearly stipulates the payment rates with regards to normal work and overtime. However, the management of the bank has realised that there is a problem somewhere since it is paying exorbitant amount of money for overtime. In 2011, the bank paid approximately AED 60,000 worth of overtime per month. This figure is lower than that of 2010 but it is still a huge amount. The rise in overtime has increased the budget of the bank for the last several years. In the year 2010, the bank paid approximately AED 1.2 million in overtime pay (CBD, 2012). In the Immigration Branch, approximately the salaries that were paid in the same year had increased by 10% as compared to those paid in the previous years (CBD, 2012).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The main aim this research study therefore is to determine critically analyze the problem that has been brought about by the overtime issue, the impacts it has on the operation of the branch and the bank in general. After all these issues have been identified and understood, proper recommendations shall be formulated to curb the issues that result to employees working overtime hence reducing the overall budget. Problem Statement A section of the management believes that paying overtime is still a better option of solving the employee crisis that the bank is currently experiencing. This is because, these employees understand the system and operation of the bank thus it will be easier for them to meet their targets and achieve the set objectives. On the other hand, there are those individuals within the management who believe that hiring of new employees will be a better option to the current crisis that the bank is facing. They argue that it is cheaper for the institution to hire new employees to meet the current back load in the branch rather than paying the current employees overtime. This study shall therefore focus on these two options and identify the most efficient option among them. Objectives and Research Questions The main objective of this research study is to identify the factors that lead to an increase in the overtime cost of the branch. Once this is achieved, corrective measures will be formulated to reduce the amount of overtime pay in the branch and still maintain the same level and intensity of operations. To achieve all these, the following research questions shall be used: Are there enough employees for each shift? How are employees allocated within the branch? Is it cost effective to pay overtime the current employees or to hire more employees in the branch? Is there any unethical use of overtime? Literature Review The world that we are living in is based on a monetary system. Therefore, for individuals, partnerships, corporations and stat es to be successful in the short run and in the long run, it is essential for them to maximize their earnings (Boone and Kurtz, 2011). According to Al-Hammad (2010), the best may that an organization can maximize its returns is through minimizing its costs and maximizing its benefits (Nelson, 2006). Once a huge margin has been established between income and expenses, the chances for a firm to maximize its profitability and be sustainable are also increased. It is with regards to this issue that managers have always strived to cut their costs to ensure that their organizations not only operate within their current budget limits but also maximize on their returns (Al-Hammad, 2010). It is due to this fact that many managers always eliminate unnecessary costs from their operations in a bid to reduce their operating expenses. Over the years, managers have minimized or cut the funds that were directed on a number of projects. Some of the funds that most organizations are fond of reducing or eliminating include entertainment and recreation allowance, transport allowance, passages, health benefits and funds directed to projects that are deemed as unproductive to an organization. These decisions have been successful in enabling these organizations meet their financial obligations while at the same time they have made others incur even more expenses. Careful consideration therefore has to be taken into account while cutting down funds and seeking alternatives for an organization. While undertaking such measures, the management has to ensure that the option that they take not only reduces the operating expenses of the firm but also maintains or increases the level and efficiency of operations within an organization (Al-Hammad, 2010). The banking industry is experiencing radical changes in the manner in which it is operating and the services that it is offering (Al-Hammad, 2010). In order to meet the ever-increasing demands of consumer and achieve consumer satisfaction, m anagers of banks have to consider the most efficient but cost effective option that will enable them to stand at a competitive edge over their rivals. Managers therefore have to analyze the existing and new staffing methods that will in order to formulate the most efficient method to meet their restrictive budgets (Nelson, 2006). There is a lot of controversy with regards to the staffing levels of different departments and the minimum amount of employees that a specific branch can have in the banking industry (Nelson, 2006). From the studies that have been conducted, it has emerged that the most expensive segment of a banking institution`s budget is the payment of salaries of professional staff Nelson, 2006 (). It has been approximated that almost 70% of the budget of all institutions, banking or non-banking, goes to the payment of salaries of professional staff. Most individuals who have conducted similar studies have arrived to the same conclusion. This is because it is the workfo rce that acts as a vessel of an organization to achieve its vision and missions. Due to this fact, many managers have come up with solutions of trying to reduce this unavoidable cost. One of the options that many organizations have adopted is via maintaining a minimum number of all the employees. To ensure that all the workload it attended to with this minimum number of employees and to eliminate employment vacancies, managers have opted for the overtime option to cover this gap. Indeed, overtime results to additional costs to an organization but most managers are willing to experience this costs rather than the cost of recruiting new employees (Nelson, 2006). Many organizations have accepted the fact that overtime spending is part and parcel of their operating costs. They view overtime as a means of maintaining a minimal staff level and at the same time ensure that the operations of their organization are conducted in an effective an efficient manner. While conducting her study, Le lja (2008) interviewed a number of branch managers of banks in downtown Georgia Atlanta. From her results, 68% of the managers accepted the fact that overtime is one of the best staffing methods that maintains the staff levels of their branches at a minimum while they still exhibit high performance. Of the 24 managers who were interviewed, 18 were using overtime as a means of achieving their targets while maintaining a low sized staff in their branches (Lelja, 2008). It has always been argued that overtime pay is a means of guaranteeing revenue increment in organization that wishes to minimize its operating costs (Lelja, 2008). The rate at which employees are paid for duties they perform in overtime is always higher than the pay they get while working on normal hours. Overtime rate is normally calculated using a number of methods. Despite the method that is used, employees are guaranteed to get more from their overtime efforts. The same concept applies in the banking industry. Out o f overtime, employees of a financial institution tend to make much more than they usually do. A study that was conducted by Nelson (2006) revealed that most of the employees who worked overtime made much more in overtime than their salaries. This study focused on all industries and professions. It emerged that fire fighters and bankers ended up accumulating much more than other individuals in the society as a result of their overtime pay (Nelson, 2006). In some cases, these individuals ended up earning two times or even three times much more that they earn on normal pay. This fact thus made them to feel respected in the society. This in turn motivated them to even work harder and meet the goals and targets that have been set by their employers. Nelson (2006) concluded that overtime not only reduces the overall expenses of an organization but it also motivates employees to work harder and meet their short-term and long-term targets. The exorbitant amounts of money that employees make out of overtime normally have a heavy blow on the budget of organization. Firms tend to allocate most of their funds to carter for the pay of their employees. However, much more money is even spent as a result of overtime. The managers of many banking institutions have always complained that the amount of money their branches are spending with regards to overtime is so high (Boone and Kurtz, 2011). Commercial Bank of Dubai is one of the banks that have been experiencing high costs for the last few years. In the year 2010, the bank spent approximately AED1.2 million on its Immigration Branch alone on overtime (CBD, 2012). In 2011, the branch required an average of AED 60,000 per month to meet its overtime costs. Most managers in the banking industry believe that the high costs they are experiencing with regards to overtime pay is as a result of the operating shifts that are being used in their respective branches. In her study Quayle (2010) asserted that there is a correlation betwe en overtime pay and the implementation of shifts that last for more than 12 hours. Quayle (2010) believes that the 8-10 hour shift in the banking industry is more effective and efficient than the 10-14 hour shift. However, other researchers argue that the 10-14 hour shift is more effective since it is beneficial to both the banking institution since it reduces the overall expenses and to the employee since such employees are motivated by the high overtime pay that they get. Quayle (2010) suggested that the 8-10 hour shift is more efficient since it requires minimal utilization of sick days and leave days, it requires minimal overtime pay and employees perform to the best of their ability due to the absence of fatigue that arises from long hours of work. The 8-10 hour shift is thus viewed as an efficient and cost effective option as compared to the 10-14 hour shift where more sick days and leave days are used, high overtime costs are experienced and employees are fond of making error s and other mistakes due to fatigue and stress that results from long hours of work. In the 10-14 hour shift, the performance of employees is in most cases not as per the expected standards as employees rarely meet their set goals and objectives as per the requirements of the management. According to Quayle (2010), such shifts have always been associated with decrease in production and quality of goods and services from the employee end point. Therefore, by adopting the 8-12 hour shift, financial institutions shall increase on their effectiveness and efficiency as the employees will be at their best while working (Quayle, 2010). This will ensure that they carter to the needs of their customers as per their expectations. This is an essential factor in achieving consumer satisfaction. On the other hand, the 8-10 hour shift also reduces the operating costs as fewer sick days are used and overtime is minimized. The issue of employing additional staff to meet the staff demand of an organ ization and avoid overtime has always been discussed in a number of studies. Sandberg (2009) conducted a study where he tried to determine whether paying employees at an overtime rate of 1.5 times more than their salary cost-effective as compared to hiring new employees. From the study, it was identified that it was 13.1% cheaper to pay employees overtime than to hire new individuals (Sandberg, 2009). This index was calculated by considering the employees current salary, their overtime rates and benefits versus the cost of recruiting and hiring new individuals. Hiring new employees in itself also has associated costs. These include posting the vacancy advertisement on various forms of media, screening the documents of the applicants, contacting successful applicants to come for an interview and conducting the actual interview. Other costs include hiring trainers to train the recruits, purchasing materials that will be used in the process of training, paying the recruits allowances i n the process of training and other miscellaneous costs that may arise (Sandberg, 2009). In the process, the level of production of these employees is not as per the expected standards of an organization. In addition, there are always high trainee turnover rates as only a small proportion of the employees who commence the training actually go through the entire process and become productive members of staff at the end of the process (Sandberg, 2009). There are also additional costs that are involved with maintaining permanent staff. These include insurance compensation, payment to pension schemes, retirement benefits, holiday pay, leave pay, payment of special tools, equipments and clothing that may be requires for specific works. It is thus essential for the management of an organization to consider all the associated costs while determining the best option to adopt. From his study, Sandberg (2009) concluded that it was cheaper for financially institutions to pay for overtime rathe r than experiencing the costs of hiring new employees. It is due to this fact that many organizations opt to maintain their employees even after their retirement ages. These institutions feel that it is financially feasible to pay such employees their benefits, salaries at a higher rate rather than hiring new employees. Such employees are normally maintained due their expertise that is difficult to get from fresh recruits. It has always been argued that the college live-in programme to be one of the best alternatives to meet the staffing requirements of an organization without straining its financial limits. With this program, organizations are able to meet their obligations without the hiring of permanent staff. The work overload that an organization may be experiencing is normally shifted to these students who work as part and parcel of the team. The main aim of these students is to gain experience and not to be paid. Such programs normally give students the change to put their th eoretical knowledge and skills into practice and gain experience and exposure in the process. Salary is not their main issue. This gives organizations the best chance of reducing their financial burden by administering chores to these students. The college live-in program is thus a better alternative than hiring new employees. In the course of giving these students exposure, there are possibilities that industrious students may be identified that will ultimately join the working team as permanent staff. This is a relatively cheaper means of organizations obtaining employees rather than recruiting from scratch. However, such programs are not expected to fill in the employment vacancies that may be available in an organization or reduce the overtime burden (Sandberg, 2009). Berry (2009) suggested that once overtime has been used for some period of time, it will reach a point that an organization will start o experience the diminishing marginal returns. In his study, Berry (2009) concl uded that it is cheaper to utilize the option of overtime pay for a couple of years than to employ new staff to meet the workload at an organization. This can be achieved by putting in place proper measures, careful planning and wise utilization of financial resources. Once these considerations have been put in place, an organization stands a higher chance of benefiting more from overtime rather than hiring new employees (Berry, 2009). It is thus advisable for financial institutions such as micro finances and banks to adopt and implement the option of overtime while adhering to strict rules and regulations to ensure that this option becomes part and parcel of their operating system. Once this is achieved, such an organization shall benefit a lot from in terms of cost reduction from overtime rather than recruiting new employees. Financial institutions advocate for overtime as a means of maintaining their employee level to a minimum (Al-Hammad, 2010). The minimum number of employees w ho can work in a specific department is normally determined by the volume of work that is expected to be encountered. However, there are always uncertainties that tend to disrupt the number of available employees in meeting their obligations. Holidays offs, leaves, sick leaves, injuries, workshops and training, major incidents and lateness are some of the factors that facilitate the need of overtime (Al-Hammad, 2010). These factors normally result in a decline in the number of available employees to meet the daily obligations of a branch. Due to this fact, Al-Hammad (2010) stated that it was essential for managers to put into consideration all factors that may lead to the occurrence of overtime. However, some of these factors are unpredictable thus difficult to quantify. Due to this fact, Al-Hammad (2010) in his study used historical data to determine the trends and occurrences of factors that led to the development understaffing in various bank branches. From the results that he fo und, he developed a breakeven point of hiring additional employees and advocating for overtime. In his study, he concluded that it was advisable for a branch or an organization to employ more individuals up to the breakeven point. Once this point has been exceeded, it was advisable for a firm to utilize the overtime option as it will yield more benefits and result to lower costs that hiring of new employees (Al-Hammad, 2010). With his results, he was able to develop a profitability formula that would calculate the optimal number of employees who are able to meet the daily staffing obligations of a specific organization. There are however a number of drawbacks that are associated with overtime. It has been argued that the process may be insidious (Berry, 2009). Once the act has been introduced in an institution, it will be virtually impossible for the management to cut on the resultant costs, leave alone eliminating it from the organization. In such circumstances, overtime becomes pa rt of the operating activity of an organization. All the employees of an organization accept it as a norm and it becomes part of their organization culture. Overtime, in some instances, is not successful in meeting the goals and objectives that it has been advocated to meet in the first place. This is because overtime requires employees to work for long hours. This normally leads to brain drain, fatigue and loss of concentration. As a result, employees tend to become less productive. This in some circumstances may lead to a decline in productivity of the entire organization since the employees are incapable of meeting the needs of their clients. From the literature that has been covered in this paper, it is evident that managers are always striving to come up with the best means of reducing their operating costs. One of their main methods has been to maintain the number of the staff at a minimal level. However, this has normally resulted in back loading. Due to this, most managers h ave advocated for overtime as the most cost effective method rather than hiring new employees. This study shall therefore go further on this area of study and determine whether indeed overtime is a cost effective option as compared to hiring of new employees. Methods Literature Review Literature review was a source of secondary information for the exercise. This data was obtained from books, magazines, peer reviewed journals, online articles and other relevant sources that had discussed the issue of overtime and related labour laws. Through literature review, some of the methods that had been used in the previous studies were borrowed and applied to the current study. Also the recommendations of the previous studies were considered in the current work and further research and analysis were conducted on the same. Information from literature review was therefore used as a guiding tool in conducting this study. Administering of Questionnaires To gain quantitative data, questionnaires w ere administered to the target groups using the following procedure: There were two sessions of interviews on each day. The interviews were conducted in the morning hours and in the afternoon. In each session, only one individual was interviewed. This was done to ensure that employees still meet their employment obligations while giving time for the study. Members of different ranks and departments were interviewed to ensure that the attitudes of different employees are tested. Each session lasted for around 60-90 minutes. Techniques: Construction (visual) I conducted all the interviews with the help of a moderator. This ensured that all requirements of the study have been precisely covered. To ensure this, a pre-determined agenda was used. Analysis of qualitative data and questionnaire designing To construct a questionnaire that was precise and straight to the point, qualitative data had to be analyzed and interpreted first. This information helped in the making the questionnaire . It ensured that the questionnaire that was used for the study became a powerful tool for the collection of quantitative data. The resulting questionnaire therefore was precise, flexible and be able to collect only the relevant data that was needed for the research study. Method: Qualitative data coding and survey conducting preparation The data that was obtained from the interviews that were conducted on the target groups was coded statistically to reveal the trends and sequences. Finally, the data that was obtained was used in the preparation of the final report. The inferences that were arrived at from the analysis of qualitative data together with the information from the literature review were used to structure the questionnaire to reflect only the relevant information for the study. Primary Research (quantitative) Primary data is used to refer to data that has been collected directly from the area of study (Hadjimonolis, 2009). For this study, questionnaires were used to coll ect this vital information. This was a critical procedure to obtain first hand information that helped to explore the research objectives and gain statistical data that is necessary for data analysis. The questionnaires were structured in such a way to minimize the occurrence of errors that would have otherwise made the data collected from the field to become unreliable. Careful measures were taken to avoid this. Prior to the conduction of the interviews, the validity of the questionnaires was tested and approved for use. Method: Survey Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the target group. These questionnaires comprised of a total of 15 questions that were structured in such a way that one question led to the other. 20 individuals were interviewed face to face for five straight days excluding weekends. The interviews were only conducted on the Immigration Branch of the Commercial Bank of Dubai. The managers, heads of different departments and employees from all the departments formed the target group of the study. The target group was composed of individuals who held different ranks within the branch. This was essential as it assisted in the determination of the attitudes and perceptions of all branch employees with regards to overtime and hiring of new employees. Random sampling technique was used to get the individuals to be interviewed in the study to avoid biasness. Data Analysis Raw data from the field is of no use since it does not make any sense at all. It is mainly composed of numbers and codes that need to be analyzed to make sense. Analysis of data involves three major steps: Data preparation that involves the organization of the data that has been collected for easy analysis. Descriptive statistics that entails the description and interpretation of the data that has been collected. This can be done using charts and bar graphs to explain the trends that have been observed. Inferential statistics that is done to test whether the data that has been collected is consistent with the objectives and hypothesis of the study. This is where either the null hypothesis or alternative hypothesis is proved to be true. Method: SPSS 16.0 For accurate analysis of the statistical data, a computer programme called SPSS 16.0 was used for descriptive data analysis. The data was explored using descriptive statistics and histogram plots to determine the shape of the distribution for each sample variable. The name given to each variable for the data analysis was given in a table. Data analysis was carried out using parametric tests where the data followed a normal distribution and where the sample number was equal to or greater statistical power. Where the data did not follow a normal distribution or where the data was split into groups of less than the sample size (n), non-parametric test was used. For example, a Pearson correlation test was carried out on the data to explore any linear relationships between the variables. Eth ical Considerations For the data to represent a true and fair view, the study had a few considerations on ethics. The data collection exercise was conducted in only one branch but employees from all the departments and ranks were involved in the study. In addition, the issue of gender was also put into consideration as the members of all the sexes were equally represented in the study. This consideration was done to gather information on the immigration department and the data that was collected could be generalised to reflect all the the branches of Commercial Bank of Dubai and all the banks in general that have been experiencing the same problem. The questionnaire was structured in a manner that it avoided any conflicts with regards to ethical considerations such as traditions, religion, age, rank and gender. It mainly focused on collecting the data that was required for the study. Prior to the commencement of the research, the management, departmental heads, employee representati ves and all the employees of the Immigration Branch were notified. Results The results that were found from the study were very interesting. The data that was acquired from the questionnaires were interpreted using the Likert scale. These results clearly showed the attitudes and perceptions of the employees who were interviewed during the study. Each question in the questionnaire was used to measure a unique variable that was being tested in the study. Additionally, literature review acted as the main source of information for this study. Financial data from the branch revealed the data and statistics of hiring new employees and paying overtime. This data was essential as it guided the course of the research, its analysis and the results that were used to answer the research questions. Due to the ever-rising number of clients, Commercial Bank of Dubai has been employing approximately 80 individuals annually who were distrusted in all their branches. The Immigration Branch for instan ce receives at least 8 -15 new employees annually. In the process of hiring new employees, the branch experiences direct and indirect costs. Indirect costs include those costs that are charged directly to the human resource department of the headquarters while direct costs are those costs that are charged directly to the Immigration Branch. Table 1 below summarised the costs required to hire new employees. Table 1 Cost Amount per Employee (AED) Application of a Position 2500 Application Review 3500 Application Data Entry 2500 Application Status Notification 1300 Written Exam Administration 5500 Written Exam Notification 5500 Other Expenses (Facing the Panel etc) 18,500 Total Costs 39,300 Table 2 below shows other associated costs incurred in the process of employment. Table 2 Cost Amount per Employee (AED) Background Reference Check 5500 Background Educational Check 5500 Background Credit Check 5500 Medical Check 5500 Review of Background Informati on 18500 Fingerprinting 7200 Provision of Accessories 98,000 Total 145700 The total overall cost that is thus required to hire a new employee was approximated to be AED 185,000. This cost does not include the additional salaries and benefits that employees are entitled to. From the analysis of the employment records of the immigration branch between 2008 and 2010, it was evident that vacancies were available in all the departments and ranks. From this analysis, it was concluded that the backlog in work that the Immigration branch is experiencing is as a result of understaffing. This has prompted the manager to advocate for overtime as a solution to their current problems. It is due to this shortage that the management implemented the 10-14 hour shift instead of the 8-10 hour shift. The branch manager`s rank ranged to the no manager on duty to a full time manager. The same trend applied to other managers and departmental heads. For the tellers, their shifts ranged from a low of three 3 on duty to a maximum of 11. Accountants ranged from a low of 4 to a maximum of 12. The customer care department ranged from a low of 2 to a maximum of 6. The number of employees present in a single shift was determined by the peak hours of the day. The peak hours were experienced between 9 am to 10.30 am and from 2.30 pm to 4 pm. The bank also experienced an influx of customers during the period of end month and the beginning of a new month. Due to the seasonal nature of the consumer peaks, the management felt that during off peaks, the branch would be overstaffed hence incur unnecessary expenses. To determine whether overtime was cost-effective than hiring new employees, a thorough examination of the employees annual salary and the hourly rate determined. The hourly rate was determined by dividing the total compensation with the 2256 (the total numbers of hours an employee is expected to work in a year). The overtime rate was then calculated by multiplying the hourly ra te by 1.5. Table 3 below shows the summary of hourly rate pay for employees of different ranks. Table 3 Position Annual Income (AED) Hourly Rate (AED) Overtime Rate (AED) Managers 360,000 159.57 239.36 Accountants 144,000 63.83 103.25 Tellers 120,000 53.19 79.79 Customer Care Reps 96,000 42.55 63.83 To determine the impacts of hiring a new employee, the cost of training can be added to the annual salary that each employee is entitled to. This information can be analysed in the Table 4 below. Position Annual Cost Hourly rate Managers 545,000 241.57 Accountants 329,000 145.83 Tellers 305,000 135.2 Customer Care 281,000 124.56 From the above table, it is evident that paying overtime is cheaper than employing new individuals. The cost of employing new individuals becomes higher as one moves down the ranks and this are the positions that have the ultimate need of effort from employees. To determine the financial impact of overtime versus hiring new employees o n the branch, a Pearson Correlation was conducted. Its results are represented in the Table 5 below. Correlations Overtime Costs Recruitment Costs Overtime Costs Pearson Correlation 1 0.618 Sig. (2-tailed) 0.626 N 30 30 Recruitment Costs Pearson Correlation 0.618 1 Sig.(2-tailed) 0.626 N 30 30 A Pearson correlation of 0.618 implies a strong positive relationship with insignificance at 5% therefore suggesting that it is more expensive for the organization to employ new individuals rather than paying overtime. Discussion The main aim of conducting this research study was to determine whether is overtime was a cost-effective option for Commercial Bank of Dubai to employ on its Immigration Branch over the option of hiring new employs. Studies that have been conducted by Berry (2009), Quayle (2010) and Sandberg (2009) concluded that there is no significant difference between paying overtime and hiring new employees. However, from the results of this study, it i s evident that there is a significant difference between hiring new employees and paying overtime. The significance in difference increases as the ranks of employees in the branch reduces with employees on the customer care department exhibiting huge differences between overtime pay and the cost of hiring new employees. This was evidenced by the AED 60.73 difference in the hourly rate. However, it should be noted that this additional cost is only incurred during the base year of employment. Once the employee has been assimilated into the system, the overall costs are expected to reduce. However, it is due to this reason that Berry (2009) asserted that employers opt to maintain their staff rather than employing new ones every year due to the high costs that are incurred in the process of recruiting these individuals. It is due to this fact that the management of Commercial Bank of Dubai have advocated for overtime over hiring of new employees. Consequently, from the analysis of the e mployment records and performance, it can be concluded that the bank is slightly understaffed. It is due to this reason that the banks always have a backlog of work hence the need for overtime. However, the bank managers argued that this overload of work is only seasonal and is experienced only during peak hours. Once the operations of the bank return to normal, the number of staff that is present is capable of meeting the operational demand. However, if the bank had opted to hire new employees, its operations would only be efficient during peak hours. However, during off peak hours, the branch will be overstaffed hence it will incur unnecessary costs. It is due to this fact that the management prefers overtime over hiring new staff. Finally, there are some drawbacks that are associated with overtime. In her study Lelja (2008) proved that there is a direct relationship between decrease in employee performance and an increase in the amount of work and hours of work. The Immigration B ranch has also experienced the same effect since employees complain of fatigue as a result of working for long hours. In addition, there have been cases of errors and mistakes in the branch. Although these events did not greatly affect the performance of the branch, it is essential for the management to check these issues. However, at the current moment, the bank stands a better chance of meeting its short-term and long-term goals and objectives through cost cutting by embracing overtime over hiring new employees. From the results that have been presented in this study, it is evident that overtime is the most cost-efficient option as compared to hiring of new staff. Conclusion and Recommendation Management is an essential aspect in the determination of the long-term sustainability of an organization. In the process of running an organization, it is the role of a manager to minimize his costs and maximize his benefits in order to ensure that his/her organization is profitable in the short-run and in the long-run. The immigration Branch of Commercial Bank of Dubai has been experiencing high operating costs as a result of overtime. To cut costs, the branch had the option of hiring new staff or implementing overtime. From the results that were arrived at in this study, overtime was the most cost efficient option that the bank had. However, there are some shortcomings that are related to this option. The main shortcoming is the decline in efficiency and productivity of the branch. To avoid this, I would recommend that the bank develops a breakeven point that would determine the best the best staffing alternative with regards to the two options given the prevailing situation. This will ensure that the bank enjoys the benefits of overtime and hiring new staff at the same time. References Al-Hammad, I. (2010). The Obstacles of Instructional Supervision in Arabian Banks.à Unpublished Master Thesis. King Saud University: Riyadh. CBD. (2012). About Us. Commercial Bank of Dubai. Web. Berry, L. (2009). Relationship Marketing of Services, Growing Interest and Emerging Perspectives. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 23, 236ââ¬â245. Boone, L. and Kurtz, D. (2011). Contemporary Management. New York: Cengage Learning. Hadjimonolis, A. (2009). Staffing and Ethics: A Case Study of Developing Nations.à Technovation, 19 (9), 561-570. Lelja, V. (2008). The Role of Gender in the Perception of Barriers to E-commerce Adoption in SMEs: A Case Study of the United Arab Emirates. IBIMA, 4, 121-147. Madar Research Group (2008). Dubai E-Commerce Special Feature. Madar Research Group. Retrieved from https://www.lowtax.net/information/dubai/dubai-internet-city.html Nelson, C. (2006). UAE National Women at Work in the Private Sector: Conditions and Constraints. Dubai: Trident Communications. Quayle, M. (2010). Management: The Challenge of Financial Institutions in the 21stà Century. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 22(10) , 1148-1161. Sandberg, K. (2009). An Exploratory Study of SME`s Management. Journal of Smallà Business and Enterprise Development, 10 (4), 408-417. This research paper on Overtime Analysis was written and submitted by user Mariyah Page to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-75912989450171111822019-11-24T02:07:00.001-08:002019-11-24T02:07:03.782-08:00Free Essays on Olivier And Branaugh Productions Of Henry VThe portrayals of the King of England in Henry V differ greatly between the Branagh and Olivier film versions of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s play. The choice of script in each took the two films in different directions; while Olivier heralded in the heroic and patriotic displays of war, Branagh instead chose to elaborate upon the harshness and realities of the battle. As the enemy was likened to those in Nazi Germany in the Olivier version, Branagh brought out the toils and pains of war following Americaââ¬â¢s excursion into Vietnam. In contrasting the film productions of Olivier and Branagh, I will focus primarily upon Henryââ¬â¢s portrayals throughout each and how each director shaped the audienceââ¬â¢s attitudes toward King Henry. One of the first aspects of the film that Branagh has chosen for focus is the Prologue. The film opens with a man introducing us to the film as he walks through the backstage area (portraying a movie camera and various set pieces). In closing the prologue, the man opens a door into the reality of the film and invites us to walk into the scene. This man shows us periodically throughout the film, reciting lines of the chorus as he takes part somehow in the scene he is discussing. In one scene, the man is lying on the ground, bloody in the face, and as he recites his lines to us, havoc and chaos rule the battle scene of which he has become a part. Branagh has the six chorus fragments broken down into nine appearances by this man, so as not give away the plot too early. The appearance of the Prologue man in dark clothing, lit by dim light above, prepares us for the mood of Branaghââ¬â¢s very serious, tragic film. The tone of Branaghââ¬â¢s Henry V is one of somberness and bittersweet victory. Branagh plays the role of the King as though he has been propelled into this noble position without assenting to it (alluding to Henry IV). As one critic contrasts the Olivier and Branagh versions of the play, he summarizes the ca... Free Essays on Olivier And Branaugh Productions Of Henry V Free Essays on Olivier And Branaugh Productions Of Henry V The portrayals of the King of England in Henry V differ greatly between the Branagh and Olivier film versions of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s play. The choice of script in each took the two films in different directions; while Olivier heralded in the heroic and patriotic displays of war, Branagh instead chose to elaborate upon the harshness and realities of the battle. As the enemy was likened to those in Nazi Germany in the Olivier version, Branagh brought out the toils and pains of war following Americaââ¬â¢s excursion into Vietnam. In contrasting the film productions of Olivier and Branagh, I will focus primarily upon Henryââ¬â¢s portrayals throughout each and how each director shaped the audienceââ¬â¢s attitudes toward King Henry. One of the first aspects of the film that Branagh has chosen for focus is the Prologue. The film opens with a man introducing us to the film as he walks through the backstage area (portraying a movie camera and various set pieces). In closing the prologue, the man opens a door into the reality of the film and invites us to walk into the scene. This man shows us periodically throughout the film, reciting lines of the chorus as he takes part somehow in the scene he is discussing. In one scene, the man is lying on the ground, bloody in the face, and as he recites his lines to us, havoc and chaos rule the battle scene of which he has become a part. Branagh has the six chorus fragments broken down into nine appearances by this man, so as not give away the plot too early. The appearance of the Prologue man in dark clothing, lit by dim light above, prepares us for the mood of Branaghââ¬â¢s very serious, tragic film. The tone of Branaghââ¬â¢s Henry V is one of somberness and bittersweet victory. Branagh plays the role of the King as though he has been propelled into this noble position without assenting to it (alluding to Henry IV). As one critic contrasts the Olivier and Branagh versions of the play, he summarizes the ca... rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805712335639153563.post-64445178392045460462019-11-21T06:21:00.001-08:002019-11-21T06:21:04.538-08:00JetBlue Airline S.W.O.T analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 wordsJetBlue Airline S.W.O.T analysis - Essay Example Other airline companies that JetBlue has formed alliances with include Lufthansa, OpenSkies, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Jet Airways and South African Airways among others. In its effort to maintain strong positive relationship with its clients, JetBlue emulates strong advertising strategies by use of local newspapers, televisions and social media including YouTube and Hulu.com. The company has adopted advertising phrases for example we like you too and unbelievable. As the result of extensive marketing strategies, the company has benefited from strong customer awareness and distinctive positioning aspects that have made it to attain a competitive edge in the market. One of the notable core values that make JetBlue Airline to be the option of US travelers is its strong binding with Customer Bill of Rights. According to the company management, if customerââ¬â¢s flights are cancelled or delayed, they are refunded their funds (Laurence, 2008). JetBlue has been involve d in two major incidents that did not result to any casualty. The first one is the 2005 emergency landing of Flight 292 at Los Angeles Airport. The second one happened on Flight 191 when the captain was subdued by the travelers and locked out of the cockpit after a panic attack. One of the major weaknesses of JetBlue Airline is that it does not have large number of hubs as compared to other airlines in the US. As a result, the company is not in a position to effectively compete with its rivals that includes Southwest, Pan AM, Northwest, American and Delta among others. Another weakness is that it does not have many destinations as compared to other firms in the US airline industry. This implies that the sales that the company makes are not maximum and if the company invests in more destinations across the US and abroad, it could make higher sales and sustainable rosewatson1983http://www.blogger.com/profile/01356733441228882684noreply@blogger.com0