Case Study on Teamwork Problem

Case Study Summary Mike Garcia and Jill Hendrickson have been butting heads for months at work. Mike is a manufacturing manager at Auto Safety Products, which is a firm in the Midwest that designs and produces automobile seat belts and infant and child safety seats. Jill is a design engineer for the same firm. Top management at their work instituted concurrent engineering, a team-based system that integrates manufacturing and design processes. Concurrent engineering is intended to eliminate the problems that often occur in industry when designers are unaware of the needs of manufacturing.Through concurrent engineering, management hoped to improve attention to all elements of the product life cycle and manufacture a quality, low-cost product that will meet user needs. The company was also hoping to decrease the amount of time it takes to move from initial conceptual design to actual production. Both Mike and Jill are on the team working on toddler booster seats. This is an important p roduct for Auto Safety Products, as research has indicated that parents do not use safety seats once children reach toddler age. The reason for this is because they are difficult to use in cars and uncomfortable for the children.Thus the team at Auto Safety Products worked to make the seats easier for parents to use by making them more comfortable, more portable, and more compatible with a range of automobiles from small sports cars to sedans to minivans to SUVs. Mike is 55-years-old and has worked in manufacturing for most of his life. He has spent the past 22 years working at Auto Safety Products. Mike has always felt some animosity toward the design side of the firm. He found the engineers unwilling to listen to the problems faced in manufacturing.He often complained that the design department generates projects that run into all sorts of problems once they hit manufacturing. He approached the new concurrent engineering program at his work. Jill is 25-years-old and is a mechanica l engineer who has been with Auto Safety Products since her college graduation. Jill is assertive and strong-minded; she believes she has to be effective in the male-dominated world of engineering. She learned about the concurrent engineering concept when she was in school and she believes it can greatly improve the effectiveness of design and manufacturing.Unfortunately, it has not worked at Auto Safety Products. The manufacturing side has not really bought into the process, and management did not take the time to introduce the team management system properly and train people to work together. Jill has a hard time with Mike Garcia, who is the lead manufacturing representative on her team. Jill and Mike had to work together frequently on a booster seat design in a variety of vans. Their inability to work together has gotten so bad that their supervisor had to set up a meeting to help them deal with the problem.Adam Shapiro is the project supervisor at Auto Safety Products. He oversa w the booster seat project team that Mike and Jill worked on. Adam knows the two of them have not hit it off on the concurrent engineering team and had decided that the conflict had gotten to the point where he must step in and help them settle it. He brought them in individually and asked them about the problem and what the problem was. Jill was the first person Adam talked to. According to Jill the problem is that Mike would not listen to her ideas and downplays the contributions that design can make to concurrent engineering.On the other hand she sees design as the most important part of the concurrent engineering process. Jill suspects that Mike has problems with her because she is young and a woman, and this has made her push even harder for her point of view on project disagreements. After Jill discussed the problem with Adam, Mike was the next person to discuss the problem with Adam. Mike thinks the concurrent engineering system and the booster seat team in particular is a jo ke. He says that the design engineers are still trying to push their ideas down the manufacturing’s throat and he’s tired of it.Also Mike would like to go back to doing things the old way. However, if he is forced to continue with the concurrent engineering system, he refuses to give in to every one of Jill’s ideas. Case Analysis Questions 1a. What kind of predispositions are Mike and Jill taking into this conflict situation? Mike believes that engineers are â€Å"uppity† and unwilling to listen to the problems dealing with manufacturing. As a female engineer Jill feels as though she needs to be effective in the male-dominated world of engineering 1b.How might these predispositions influence the way the frame the conflict and the way they approach each other? These predispositions are definitely negatively influencing the way Mike and Jill approach each other. Obviously they are going to automatically approach each other negatively because of their opinio ns. 2a. If Mike and Jill were to attempt to deal with this conflict on their own, what conflict style would you recommend? If Mike and Jill were to attempt to deal with this conflict on their own I would recommend that they use the compromising conflict style.Compromising will allow you to achieve both of your goals, resulting in a â€Å"win-win† situation instead of a â€Å"win-lose† situation. 2b. Given what you know about Jill and Mike, do you think they would use an effective conflict resolution style? No, because when the problem first arose they had a hard time coming to a common ground resolution. I believe if it wasn’t for Adam they would have never resolved the problem. 3a. If you were Adam, how would you approach this conflict? If I was Adam, I would sit them both down together and have them write down the benefits that each of them bring to the company. b. What strategies should you use to help Mike and Jill deal with their ongoing problems? A strateg y that I l would use is integrative bargaining. In integrative bargaining, the conflicting parties are trying to maximize gains for both parties (Miller, 2012). The bargainers discuss issues that could lead to a more creative solution to the problem at hand. Outcomes of integrative bargaining are often solution that allow both parties to benefit, and communication tends to be marked by open disclosure, careful listening and multiple communication channels.I believe this is the perfect strategy to use because with both Mike and Jill having problems with each other and the way they do things, if Adam uses this strategy I think you would solve problems for both people. 3c. Would you consider bringing in a mediator to help them work through their issues? I think there should be a mediator in the meeting as well, just in case things would get intense and they could not come up with a fair compromise. 4a. How would a feminist approach to conflict see this situation? They would see this si tuation that Mike is wrong and Jill is right.They would see it this way because a feminist approach would say that men don’t listen to women and they don’t take them as serious as other men especially in the workforce. 4b. Is it possible to use an alternative model that would recast this situation in a more productive frame? No because I think Adam handled this situation the right way by bringing Mike and Jill in and have them discuss the problem. This way is more productive because they can express themselves without knowing what the other person said. You can cover more ground by one-on-one problem solving.Effective Student Teams: A Faux Hiring and Peer Evaluation Process Student team projects provide benefits to the education process and provide experience that is valued by some employers. But team projects can be a source of conflict. Due to free-riding, scheduling problems and differing goals, there are fertile grounds for team conflicts. Therefore, there needs to be a better method of forming teams and a process to assure shared goals by team members (Lane 2011). The author Michelle Lane discussed the Faux Hiring Team Selection Process. In this process there are six steps to form and select a team.Step one is the selection of interviewers. Step two is posting interviewee’s applications for review by classmates and interviewers. The third step is to hold a â€Å"Job Fair† where a faux interview process occurs. The fourth step is the selection of personal top choices by both interviewers and interviewees. The next step is the instructor team assignment. Finally the forming and the signing of the team contract is the last step. Results In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the faux hiring process, two classes of 40 students each were studied in the fall semester 2009.Independent T-Tests showed no statistical difference between the two classes in terms of age and GPA. In the first class the teams were assigned randomly by the instructor and in the second class the job fair approach was used. The teams were used for two projects that took place over the semester. One project involved the use of the CAPSIM simulation. The second project was a business study requiring research, an interview and a class presentation of their findings. Each project was worth 20% of their course grade. (Lane 2011) The effectiveness of the faux hiring team assignment was assessed in two ways.The first way was the total team points earned from the simulation and the business projects were compared using a t-test of mean group differences. The results were significant with the faux hiring teams scoring higher than the randomly assigned teams. The second assessment was at the end of the semester, students were asked to fill out an anonymous online survey about their team experience. There were 43 respondents to this survey. 19 were from the instructor assigned teams and the remaining 24 were from the faux hiring teams. The results show that the faux hiring teams had stronger scores on shared goals, and had fewer conflicts.This article relates to our case study because it is an example of a way to prevent teamwork problems. This article basically says to go through an interview process to find a good team that has common goals and would get along to avoid conflicts. Whereas the case study does not use a process like this and Mike and Jill have a problem and are unable to resolve it. What is Expected from Supervisors This article was about how the past 10 years that team members enter the workforce as well as management or leadership emphasis influences different images of supervisors.There were certain features of management discussion during the past decades that are used as instruments in addressing the contributing research question: What is still expected from management and leadership? Liisa Huusko found that team member who are not the same age have different images of supervisors. Thus they wait partly for different actions within team organization. Human Resource Management issues seem to be included in supervisors’ duties in every decade. For example, encouraging and career-development matters do not appear until the 1980s.Furthermore, different kinds of computer-aided control systems are not able to respond to quick changes and uncommon situations relating to everyday duties. The image of supervisors that workers take for granted must be taken into consideration during the changes and shifts between responsible actors. This article relates to our case study because it shows that age does have an effect on teamwork. Age makes a difference because the older people want to do it the way they have been used to all their life and not want to change with younger generation as well as the technology that is changing.Some older generation refuse to update their technology and it is having an effect with teamwork. Finally, this goes with the case study because this article prese nts a male-female problem, where the male refuses to listen to the female’s idea. NBA Lockout: Can Both Sides Agree on Basketball-Related Income? I obtained this article from the Los Angeles Times Newspaper. The article was written and published on October 28, 2011. It talks about the National Basketball Association (NBA) lockout and how the players union and the owners are struggling to agree on terms for salary cap and other issues.This is an example of teamwork and the problems with teamwork. For example, the NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver and Spurs owner Peter Hold said the players union offered a decrease from 53% to 52. 5% but wouldn’t discuss anything further if owners wouldn’t offer more than 50% (Medina, 2011). With the two sides going back and forth and unable to come up with a number they could agree they have brought in a mediator to help with negotiations. But even with the mediator the two sides still have not agree on terms. Thus, the NBA sea son is in jeopardy. NBA Commissioner David Stern has already cancelled all games through November.

Mitochondrial Myopathy Disorder Health And Social Care Essay

A â€Å" vitamin D † bottle of O is now in the house for good due to the frequence of the chest & A ; back musculus cramp. triggers can be â€Å" obvious † eg allergic reaction ( pollens, grasses, cats and Canis familiariss ) ; weather ; dramatic alterations in temperature ( eg: can non travel shopping in the country that some shops maintain at â€Å" icebox temperatures † . Occasionally I can acquire off with it if I merely need milk – I can keep my breath long plenty to acquire that, but I have to travel every bit rapidly as I can or the musculuss can spasm. However, the latter is still far better to â€Å" run the gantlet † for than what I have to â€Å" travel through † if I inhale the cold air ) . If I do hold to travel out into the cold during the winter months ( normally merely to travel to Doctors ) I must guarantee that I am adequately clothed, do certain that I am have oning my ski-goggles ( to maintain the cold air off from the ocu lus country, so that the oculus musculuss do n't spasm ) , and that I can take a breath â€Å" through † something ( like a warm scarf – I have a manner that where I can put the scarf merely a small higher at the forepart, and no-one realises what is truly â€Å" taking topographic point † ) ; A SUDDEN MOVEMENT OF ANY NATURE â€Å" AT THE WRONG MOMENT † , OR SIMPLY BEING UNABLE TO MOVE, BE IT EVER SO SLIGHTLY AT LEAST EVERY 15 MINUTES, REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF DAY. The conditions or the trouble in being able to â€Å" writhe † or â€Å" shuffle † or travel the weaponries and custodies are the major factors doing the really painful â€Å" bad cramp † .BOTH VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY MUSCLES ARE AFFECTED BY THE MITOCHONDRIAL DISORDERTHE VOCAL CHORD MUSCLES HAVE DEGENERATED TO THE POINT WHERE THEY NO LONGER Work ALL THE TIME. ANY ATTEMPT AT SPEACH IMMEDIATELY BRINGS ON ACUTE PAIN AND CHRONIC SPASMS IN THE THROAT AND NECK WHEN THE VOCAL C HORDS BECOME PAINFUL AND THROBBING WHEN STRAINING TO SPEAK.Changeless INFLAMATION IS IN THE VOCAL CHORD / THROAT AREA.I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY DR. WOOD NOT TO SPEAK BECAUSE OF THE NOW CONSTANT Menace OF MAJOR INFECTION, BUT THIS HAS PROVEN TO BE IMPRACTICAL, AND I HAVE LEARNED TO MANAGE THIS TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME.WHEN NECESSARY, I USE A LAPTOP FOR ALL SPEECH/VOCAL COMMUNICATION NOW. I ALSO MAKE WHAT NOISE I CAN BY CLAPPING MY HANDS OR THIGHS [ I try non to stomp my pess as that gives the incorrect feeling ] , DEPENDING ON CIRCUMSTANCES AND SITUATION TO GAIN THE ATTENTION OF THE 2ND/3RD PARTY REQUIRED IF THE MATTER IS IMPORTANT.I AM NOT STUPID OR DEAF, AND MY â€Å" MENTAL FACULTIES † ARE FULLY COMPREHENSIVE. PLEASE SPEAK NORMALLY.Muscle â€Å" Problem † – Diagnosis by Dr Katekar:There are at least ( 2 ) neurological upsets, 2 muscular upsets and mitochondrial upset [ non genetic/hereditary ] . The Mitochondrial Disorder has caused Muscle Atrophy and Weakness resulted in an instability in the musculus fluids ( but NOT Dystrophin, although non good this fluid is produced sufficiently to Govern OUT Muscular Dystrophy ) , with Acute/Chronic Pain. There are 3 types of hurting, necessitating 3 types of medicines for â€Å" alleviation of kinds † ; and Chronic Muscle Spasm in BOTH the Voluntary and Involuntary Muscular Systems eg: Voluntary Muscles: legs, weaponries, bole of organic structure, stop and upper trunk [ this can do major jobs take a breathing and there is oxygen kept in the place for this intent, guaranting O impregnation is at an acceptable degree despite dramatic deceleration of heart/pulse. Requests for the Blood Trials to Confirm this for entry to DVA have been refused on the evidences that my life would be at great hazard, as my heart/pulse beads to around 50bpm and blood force per unit area drops at best, to approx 60 over 70 [ mean [ normal ] blood forc e per unit area for me is 70 over 90 ; eyes ( doing blurred and/or dual vision to impermanent sightlessness of unpredictable clip frame. If unable to talk at these times, I use deaf/blind sign language ) . It is non unusual for an oculus musculus to spasm, doing said oculus to be â€Å" immobilised † for the continuance of the cramp, and the other to travel usually. It has been known for both eyes to spasm at the same clip. This is farther complicated at present by fast turning Cataracts, which are scheduled for remotion whilst I am â€Å" In Remission † ; pharynx ( trouble swallowing, and â€Å" little stairss † often halt medicine go throughing into the tummy, particularly if merely 1 tablet is being taken ) . The pharynx is besides â€Å" unfastened † from vocal preparation in my teens and early 20s and it is non uncommon for the vocal chords to acquire inflamed or infected. This is minimised by regular â€Å" intervention † of a one-fourth a le mon followed by sipped Dry Ginger Ale ; vocal chords have degenerated doing them to be strained, annoyed and inflamed. I sip Dry Ginger Ale to ease this, but the menace of major infection is now a invariable, and I have been advised by Dr Wood non to talk or whisper at all. I use a laptop computing machine for all speech/vocal communicating now ; jaw musculuss cramps make eating hard, although non impossible, and I tend to maintain to soups, soft nutrients and fluids at these times. Involuntary Muscles: tummy, vesica merely. The vesica is now dystrophic and I â€Å" maintain a mental oculus on my unstable consumption and what is â€Å" passed † . If I feel that there is an instability, and fluid is being retained, I so use catheters to guarantee that the vesica is being wholly emptied to cut down infection and take the Lasix until it is one time once more â€Å" under control † ( if infection is indicated so I start a class of anti-biotics instantly – this has proven to be greatly good, maintaining the infection mild and minimal ) . Another Fluid Chart has been kept from Mid January, 2009 to supervise that all is one time once more as it should be, and whether catheters are being used. Please make non waver to bespeak a transcript of the Chart if required ; diaphragm merely ; big intestine ( when the musculuss spasm, it is hard to make more than a â€Å" little † gesture. As there has been an escalated frequence in this, and it takes an norm of 7 yearss before the intestine starts to empty anything like â€Å" to the full † , suppositories are traveling to be trialled to see if they can give equal alleviation and cut down the hazard of any â€Å" nasties † developing ; little intestine ; pes musculuss ; facial musculuss ; neck musculuss ( jobs can be caused in the cervical spinal column as a consequence of this, every bit good as terrible concerns. Migraines are non uncommon and hurting or blaze related ) ; etc. The lone â€Å" musculus † that appears to be working at its best, without â€Å" bugs † is the bosom, despite all the musculuss around it traveling into chronic cramps, although this happening does decelerate it down. To day of the month, all trials are clear despite the low blood force per unit area ( and I am making my best to guarantee that it stays that manner ) . MY PHARMACY IS TORONTO AMCAL PHARMACY For any questions the REFERRING PHARMACIST is SAM ZOGHBI FOR RELIEF and / or aid DURING PERIODS OF MUSCLE SPASMS ( these can be of short ( if treated rapidly ) or prolonged continuance. There is no â€Å" put † clip frame here – it can travel on for hebdomads, necessitating the pickings of medicines for an drawn-out period of clip, including the IM Injections, although these are merely used when perfectly necessary. Oral medicine merely is preferred ) : TRAMAL 50mg ARE GEL CAPSULES and are SLOWER TO RELEASE into the system. This medicine is the lone analgesic able to be used because of my Opiate Allergy, and so merely for every bit short a period of clip as possible. If the stop muscles spasm, unwritten medicine takes excessively long – I am unable to inhale, as the musculuss maintain fastening around the lungs/diaphragm. For the cramp ‘ it ‘s unwritten BUSCOPAN and VALIUM ( 10 to 40 milligram ) . I self inject into the thigh musculuss DIAZAPAM ( 2mls to 12mls ie 1- 4 phials ) when it â€Å" hurts large clip † . Quick Relief. The 6 phials are merely used if bulk of all musculuss are in cramp, and particularly the stop to throat musculuss and similar up the back. This â€Å" event † is Rare. It feels like I ‘ve got a large broad set of steel around my organic structure and that it is being continually tightened. The hurting does n't assist. Oxygen is besides indispensable when the musculuss are at this pont.FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES [ USUALLY IN THEATRE ] and MRIs REQUIRING MUSCLE SPASM FREE IMMOBILITY FOR MORE THAN 10 MINUTES:No â€Å" pre-medication † prior any GENERAL OR LOCAL ANAESTHETICWITH THE EXCEP TION OF:30mls MEDAZOLAN to be injected IV prior.MRIs require a General Anaesthetic.CT Scans, ULTRASOUNDS and NUCLEAR SCANS require VALIUM [ DIAZAPAM ] IM Injections [ ego administered ] and Buscopan, the latter depending on the process and clip frame required 30 proceedingss prior Scans so to guarantee musculuss are spasm free and to help by leting me to put level for a minimum clip. 30mls IV Valiumor Medazolan is required for drawn-out processs and this needs to be â€Å" topped up † with 10mls every 30 proceedingss [ please refer to Medical Records at John Hunter Hospital when I had to hold a Nuclear Scan ] . POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER ( PTSD ) – Primary and secondary, has been diagnosed. This is being treated by Dr Kim John Street, Swansea. Allergies: ALL OPIATES, including: Morphine ; CODEINE ; PETHADINE ; and ALL RELATED MEDICATIONS AND INJECTIONS ; ALL PLASTERS except HYPAFIX by BSN medical As it is non often used or stocked, I guarantee that I carry some all the clip – you will happen I ever have some with me, and kept in a bluish vinyl, 2 zippered â€Å" billfold † with my medicines and injection rubs. Any lesion will necessitate some kind of dressing before the aerated plaster is put on ( for obvious grounds ) I do do up some into â€Å" set AIDSs † , used chiefly when I need any injections or blood trials. DO NOT USE MICROPORE OR ANY OTHER PLASTER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. GAUZE BANDAGES ARE OK IF THE HYPAFIX IS UNSUITABLE. Plastic SKIN, OR OTHER SIMILAR PRODUCTS, INCLUDING â€Å" LIQUID BANDAIDS † MAXILON, TOTAL INTOLERANCE = must be given STEMETIL BARIUM, INFLAMATION OF ALL â€Å" DIGESTIVE TRACT †WHEAT ; RYE ; KIBBLE & A ; OTHER â€Å" DRY † GRASSES/GRAINS AND GLUTEN including family â€Å" Lawn Grass † ;DUST & A ; MOULDSCATS, DOGS HORSES & A ; COWS ;WATTLE & A ; POLLENSKNOWN REACTIONS TO ALLERGIES:â€Å" MEDICATIONS † & amp ; â€Å" WATTLE † & amp ; â€Å" POLLENS † = ACUTE SWELLING INTERNALLY, WITH ITCHING ; POSSIBLE FULL MUSCLE COLLAPSE, INCLUDING = CHRONIC NAUSEA ; VOMITING ; DIFFICULTY BREATHING ; THROAT CONGENSTION â€Å" Plasters † = RED RASH DEVELOPING INTO A FORM OF WELT, EXTREMELY ITCHY and OFTEN LOOKING LIKE A BAD SCALD, WHICH EVENTUALLY BLISTERS – Time FRAME CAN VARY DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES. Grasss, Cats, Dogs, Horses and Cows: â€Å" Swelling AND EXCESSIVE WATERING OF EYES † â€Å" WELTS † and â€Å" CHRONIC Itch † , AT ALL PHYSICAL CONTACT POINTS List of Previous Operationss and Anaesthetics & A ; /or Hospitalisation, including twelvemonth and Hospital Year Operation & A ; /or Hospitalisation and Details 2009 Cataract Right Eye Removed by Dr David Manning at Hunter Valley Private Hospita cubic decimeter 2009 Larynx Infection – Kurri Kurri District Hospital 2009 Larynx Infection – Maitland District Hospital 2009 Lumbar Spine Traction and Larynx Infection – Lingard Private Hospital 2009 Larynx Infection – Belmont Hospital 2009 Larynx Infection – Belmont Hospital 2009 Cataract Left Eye Removed by Dr R Griffits at Toronto Private Hospital Chronic Chest Pain, Muscle Pain and referral to and monitoring by Pain Clinic [ John Hunter Hospital so transferred to Rehab at Toronto Private Hospital ] Possible Spinal Fracture – Lumbar ( subsequently diagnosed Lumbar Spine status aggravated and T8 wedged and stress break by T7 and T9 ) [ Lingard Private Hospital ] Multiple Cyst Removals ( assorted topographic points on Scalp ) [ Newcastle Mater Hospital medazolan used ] Multiple Cyst Removals ( both Breasts ) and Nipple Reconstruction ( RightBreast ) [ Belmont Hospital medazolan used ]Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff Surgery for break [ Hunter Valley Private Hospital ] 1991/1992 Probes of Muscle Disorder and admittance for possible spinal harm as a consequence of backwards autumn in the wheelchair [ Prince Henry Hospital – Records should now be held at Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick ] 26 Cysts removed from Head and Full Body [ Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick ] Multiple Haemorrhoids removed [ Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick ]Muscle Biopsy – Deltoid Muscle Left Arm [ Orange Private Hospital ]Colonoscopy – non completed due to Chronic Muscle Spasm of the Bowel [ Dubbo Clinic ] Spinal Manipulation [ Dubbo Base Hospital ] Hysterectomy – Womb Merely [ Crown Street Womens Hospital – Records are now at Royal Womens Hospital, Sydney ] 1981 – 1973 D & A ; C ‘s every 3 – 5 months ( about 11 surgeries that are remembered ) [ Gosford District Hospital and Crown Street Womens Hospital ] 1977 Reconstruction of Bridge of Nose due to poisoning of Sinuses [ Royal North Shore Hospital ] Very Large Tumour Removal from cervix ( approx 18cm x 9cm ) [ Royal North Shore Hospital ] Appendectomy [ Gosford District Hospital ] Removal 4 Molars [ Wyong Hospital ] Hernia in Groin – fix to exceed of leg by Plastic Surgeon [ Brisbane Hospital ]Full Reversal Blood Transfusion – â€Å" Rhesus Baby † [ Unscreened Blood had Hepatitus B Strain, but Liver Functions [ closely monitored ] show no indicants, and are normal ] . Please bespeak a transcript of the Last Blood Test for Your Records & A ; General Information [ Crown Street Womens Hospital – Records now at RoyalWomens Hospital, Sydney ]Pregnancies: 4 ten Miscarriages so Daughter Born 09/01/1952 [ Crown Street Womens Hospital – Records now held at Royal Womens Hospital, Sydney ] ; 1 ten Miscarriage so Son Born 03/02/77 ; [ Crown Street Womens Hospital – Records now held at Royal Womens Hospital, Sydney ]GENERAL INFORMATIONI usually have really low blood force per unit area: it is non unusual for it to be 60/70, and after general anesthetics, it has been known to be in the high 40s-low 50s over 60-70. My pulsation is besides â€Å" slow † : seldom greater than 60 per minute, and it is non unusual for it to be in the low 50s. It has been known to be in the high 40s for considerable periods of clip.The above rates are non a consequence of musculus cramps, although they can lend to said degrees.Both my low blood force per unit area and decelerate pulsation have been apparent for every bit long as I can remember [ my female parent besides has changeless low blood force per unit area ] . If I feel that there is an at hand job with blood O soaking up, I have some O and albuterol instantly, and remain on it until my coloring material has returned â€Å" to normal † and my pulsation has increased to above 60. Although non a frequent happening, it has occurred frequently plenty for me to hold this â€Å" a criterion operating process † when I feel that my pulsation has dropped a small excessively low and my skin coloring material changed – albeit merely little. There has been considerable concern during the last 12 months about these degrees and I have learned a manner of intensifying them, but it is a difficult subject to keep, and when stressed or dying, I merely ca n't look to pull off to â€Å" draw it up † I DO Not hold asthma and a bosom status has non been diagnosed, although regular ECGs are ever done anterior any â€Å" medical processs † , and when it is felt to be necessary to guarantee that the musculuss have caused no harm or other â€Å" bugs † , particularly as chest musculus cramp is â€Å" common † . I ‘ve had several ECGs of late – all indicate a really slow bosom rate, but no-one has expressed concern at this [ pulsation is averaging 54 at present ]I am besides intolerant of onion and Allium sativum as a consequence of the degenerated sphincter musculuss at the tummy [ this does non include â€Å" spring onions † or â€Å" peppers † – there has been no reaction to them to day of the month.Dry Ginger Ale sooths and helps the vocal chords, although it is accepted that the â€Å" harm † [ devolution ] will non be able to be â€Å" improved † .Thank you for your clip and apprehension of these recent alterati ons, and your forbearance. Update: 5th July, 2010 I am Dr Mannings patient for my eyes. Both have had cataract surgery and the 3.8mm+ ocular nervousnesss are damaged from the mitochondrial upset over 10 old ages ago. The Guide Dog Association has come back on board with retraining and reassurance with some Cane Work, which has helped my morale vastly. For low vision and blind periods. Professor Ghabrial had me in grip for two hebdomads in Lingard Hospital which was successful. It eased the hurting well from all the shrinkage and wedged vertebra that took topographic point while being out of remittal for some 10 uneven old ages. I had a autumn that once more made the spinal column Mobile and I have had a physical therapist gently rub my dorsum for some hebdomads, and this seems to hold helped. I have been advised to acquire an elastic surgical girdle when present chest â€Å" issues † have been resolved. I am now, gratefully, in full remittal, so hold legs do travel once more i?S – good carefully planned travels er walks. I am really careful non to exaggerate it and do them â€Å" want to give up and set down me on my proverbial butt † ! I was thrilled to happen that I was able to March in Sydney on Anzac Day in 2009 [ my late hubby, Bear, was one of the last smattering of Combat Field Engineers/Tunnel Rats to go forth Vietnam ] and so walked from Hyde Park to the â€Å" bottom terminal † of Wentworth Street without any jobs, and after holding â€Å" a drink † [ dry ginger ale ] with some of â€Å" the Mates † and a friend, went on to walk the short distance to Central ] . I had no jobs with my legs making any of this and neither were there jobs the undermentioned twenty-four hours, bespeaking the strengthening of the Remission â€Å" Stage † . It has got even better since so. I have no jobs walking to and from my place [ three blocks up the ridge above Toronto High School ] to Toronto shopping Centre, although I do non transport my purchases, but use a â€Å" shopping streetcar † General wellness is first-class. The Voluntary musculuss appear to hold stabilised peculiarly good [ the best since the late 1980s ] , the involuntary are prolonging and changeless in their present status = non great, but could be worse. The sphincter muscles work the least, the saddle sore vesica has shrivelled to virtually nil, the liver map is great as at the last blood trial, The vesica can non do up its head so I keep the catheters handy, and the intestine does its ain thing although it has been decided that if I am non happy with â€Å" my motions † for three yearss and there is no alteration on the 4th, I have been advised by Dr Sharon to utilize clyster to guarantee â€Å" the build-up † from the musculuss non desiring to let go of and remain spasmed, does non do jobs further down the path. No processs can be done internally, as, for illustration, with the small cameras attached to whatever, as the musculuss will spasm around them, and any tools being used every bit good, and has been deemed unsafe and perchance life threatening, depending on where. The Blood Gases blood trial still has to be done for DVA to pay for the O that I need and use and have been paying for for old ages, but non been done to day of the month because my blood force per unit area and bosom rate are excessively low and at least 14 physicians to day of the month hold denied me the pickings of the blood for the trial because they deem it to be life endangering. Without it – I continue to pay for all that is required to hold the O in the place and the â€Å" gas bottle in usage † . No worries the monthly $ 110 has become a portion of my general budget now – one gets used to holding to pay for these things. Dr Katekar has wanted me on specific minerals and vitamins to feed the musculuss and maintain the fluid degrees every bit high as possible – prescribed medicine – those originally put frontward are now covered by DVA and â€Å" the needed DVA test period of 3 months † will get down early January. They can so be appr oved for lasting prescription and with the status now being accepted, farther addendums can now be put frontward. I have found the Blackmores Magnesium to be an â€Å" indispensable † [ although I have found that the Thompsons Organic is better, it is besides harder to acquire ] . I am prone to fluid keeping as a consequence of the medicines that I am on, but this is now virtually under control and I am able to maintain such keeping to a minimal thanks to the Lasix fluid tablets as required. I merely take them when I feel the demand Internet Explorer I bloat with the fluid or experience the fluid is non being passed as it should and observe whether or non the vesica â€Å" issues † require the usage of catheters.I am unable to put level – period! My spinal and musculus conditions combined [ including wedged vertebrae ] , have made this impossible [ and yes, now being in remittal, I do seek, but to day of the month, pay a immense monetary value for it within a twosome proceedingss = chronic hurting and musculus cramps, worsening the already â€Å" shrunk spinal column † symptoms ] . To put level I need to be good medicated with anti-spasmodics including IM Injections, which I ever carry with me should the musculuss go into an unexpected cra mp. I have an electric bed at place with allows me to kip in a â€Å" zigzag † manner, taking every bit much emphasis off the back musculuss as possible. Yes, it is a important consideration with respects the grip, although non unsurmountable. With my voluntary musculuss bit by bit beef uping, it is a great feeling for me and has decidedly given me greater quality of life, being able to travel around independent of Jade – my wheelchair. The lone cloud on my skyline, as such, is my ability to talk and recent ache, uncomfortableness and rubing 24/7 and intermittent crisp hurting [ day-to-day ] in both my chests – really different from that which is caused by any of my musculuss in the yesteryear. The â€Å" little musculuss that create a span † between the vocal chords and the pharynx have atrophied and broken, making trouble to talk, although frustrating, does non trouble oneself me, being the 2nd clip unit of ammunition that I have â€Å" been here † and I have Sheeba [ my laptop ] to help me now, where in the past, I had My Bear [ late hubby ] who came with me to construe the sign language that I had to make, or guarantee that he was at that place to compose for me should my manus musculuss â€Å" give out † . Dr Sharon has advised me non to talk at all because of the chronic hurting induced by the annoyance, exasperation and redness that is created in the pharynx in that part, so that the infections are kept minimum. I need the same antibiotics if the vesica gets infected, and can non, because of my medicine allergic reactions, â€Å" have my organic structure acquire excessively used to taking them † in instance of â€Å" unsusceptibility â⠂¬  . That said, I have managed the hurting and uncomfortableness to be able to talk most of the clip, and there are distinguishable indexs when I need to halt and fall back to the laptop, and it now happens merely on occasion. WHEN THE LARYNX IS SWOLLEN, AS IT IS AT PRESENT I CAN SPEAK. IT ‘S A BIT ROUGH FIRST Thing IN THE MORNING BUT EXERCISES GET IT â€Å" UP AND RUNNING † Oklahoma AND I HAVE LEARNED TO LIVE WITH THE PAIN.IF THE SWELLING BECOMES TOO GREAT, THE LARYNX BLOCKS THE THROAT, CHOKING ME AND REQUIRING HOT DRINKS AND OXYGEN. THE BLOOD GASES DROP DURING THE BLOCKAGE – Acerate leaf SENSATIONS DOWN TO THE BREASTS AND AT THE SAME LEVEL IN THE ARMS.The custodies and pess are still a changeless job with spasms/cramps, hurting, pins and acerate leafs and all activities tire them, including keyboards, although I can work on them the longest. Thank goodness I have been an Executive Secretary in the yesteryear and that has stood beside me now. When the hands/fi ngers get weary, I have to take a interruption, although these are now going less frequent. I can non utilize my present brailler – the keys are excessively difficult for my fingers to press, but Vision Australia are traveling to interchange it for me for one with an easier keyboard, which will be great. Yes, I am larning Braille. My status includes periods of entire sightlessness and I have no purpose of halting my life because of it in the yesteryear, nowadays or hereafter. A TTY phone has besides been set up in the sofa room for me to do my phone calls. I call a Relay Officer to whom I type who I want to name, they dial the figure and on the â€Å" travel in front † I start typing what I want to state and they relay it to the individual I am naming. When she has finished what I have typed, she says â€Å" travel in front † and the individual I have called speaks straight to me, on their â€Å" travel in front † I so respond and so the conversation axial rotations on. It is non linking every bit easy as it should at nowadays, so it ‘s usage is minimum at present. Electronic mails have come to my deliverance until we can acquire the TTY â€Å" sorted out † . At this point in clip, I have put it awayaˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦Nice!Having a high hurting tolerance does non do the appraisal of my conditions an easy thing for me.

Human Resource Management Project Essay

Introduction Human Resource Management is defined as the policies, practices and systems that influence an employee’s behaviour, attitude, and performance in the attainment of organizational goals, and it is also a way of management that links people-related activities to the strategy of a business or organization. Now days, the human resource has an important function in the companies or organizations. The human resource provides significant support and advice to line management because many companies consider their human capital as their most important asset. The purpose of this report is to compare and contrast the human resource management between India and Canada. This report will describe the human rights, recruitment, selection, training and development, and health and safety of Indian companies, and research the role of human resource in the recruitment and selection processes of Indian companies, and finally compare and contrast them to Canadian human resources practices. Moreover, this report will also analyze the cultural differences between Canada and India. The report aims to find difference human resource management between Canada and India, and improve the human resource management system of Canada. Role of Human Resources in the Recruiting and Selection Human resource plays an instrumental role in helping their organization achieve its goals of becoming a socially and environmentally responsible firm. In India, there is large-scale unemployment with shortage of skilled labour, hence, the role of HR in recruiting will provide the necessary tools to maintain a positive competitive labour market. Clearly defined role of Human Resources in Recruitment process is very important for measuring the success of the whole Recruitment Process. The overall setting of the HR Role in Recruitment is directly linked to Recruitment Strategy and HR Strategy. [1] Human resource and hiring managers play a highly significant role for setting the correct measures and defining the potential gaps in the whole recruitment process. The role of Human Resources in India is increasing, from making the process working to the real management of HR Processes and the Recruitment Process was the first to manage. The Recruitment Strategy changed – the efficiency and costs to the company were more important.[2] The role of HR in recruiting and selection process in India has following factors: 1) Decides about the design of the recruitment processes and to decide about the split of roles and responsibilities between Human Resources and Hiring Manager 2) Decides about the right profile of the candidate 3) Decides about the sources of candidates 4) Decides about the measures to be monitored to measure the success of the process The role of HR in Recruitment is very important to work on the development of the recruitment and selection process and to make the process very competitive on the market. Good recruitment and selection can make sure the organization has enough advantaged and appropriate employee and managers; in addition to that, it can lead to company work more efficiency. * Recruiting process has following steps: 1. Identify vacancy 2. Prepare job description and person specification 3. Advertising the vacancy 4. Managing the response 5. Short-listing 6. Arrange interviews 7. Conducting interview and decision making * Selection involves the following components: Reception, screening interview, application blank, selection test, selection interview, medical test, reference checks, and hiring decision. Chap: 3 Human Resource practice in India India is being widely recognised as one of the most exciting emerging economics in the world. Besides becoming a global hub of outsourcing, Indian firms are spreading their wings globally through mergers and acquisitions. During the first four months of 1997, Indian companies have bought 34 foreign companies for about U.S. $11 billion dollars. This impressive development has been due to a growth in inputs (capital and labour) as well as factor productivity. By the year 2020, India is expected to add about 250 million to its labour pool at the rate of about 18 million a year, which is more than the entire labour force of Germany. This so called ‘demographic dividend’ has drawn a new interest in the Human Resource concepts and practices in India.[6] In a general, if we look at the history of Human resource practice in recent years, we can see effect on the managerial history of India was to be provided by the British system of corporate organisation for 200 years. Clearly, the socio cultural roots of Indian heritage are diverse and have been drawn from multiple sources including ideas brought from other parts of the old world. In India, the Human resource management practice is in transition face it is learning new ideas from other parts of the world and also with growing population and growing multinational companies coming to India the work culture is continuously improving. One of the noteworthy features of the Indian workplace is demographic uniqueness. It is estimated that both China and India will have a population of 1.45 billion people by 2030; however, India will have a larger workforce than China. Indeed, it is likely India will have 986 million people of working age in 2030, which will probably be about 300 million more than in 2007. And by 2050, it is expected India will have 230 million more workers than China and about 500 million more than the United States of America (U.S.). It may be noted that half of India’s current population of 1.1 billion people are under of 25 years of age.[7] While this fact is a demographic dividend for the economy, it is also a danger sign for the country’s ability to create new jobs at an unprecedented rate. As he has been pointed out by Meredith. [8] Here are some key factors responsible for shift in HRM practice in India [9] Above figure presents the key drivers for contemporary Indian HRM trends. In Figure, there are four external spheres of intervention for HRM professionals and these spheres are integrated in a complex array within organisational settings. The intellectual sphere, which emphasises the mindset transaction in work organisations, has been significantly impacted by the forces of globalisation. The other three spheres, of figure, namely the emotional, the socio cultural and the managerial domains are undergoing, similar profound changes. Key HRM Practices in Indian Organisations: The above figure describes the general HRM practise in Public sector Organization. In private sector the HRM sector is not organized. In Private sector THE HRM practice depends on individual company basis. Company Profile: Infosys technology is a leading software company based in India which was established in 1981 and is listed in NASDAQ as a global consulting and IT services company with more than 122,000 employees. From a capital of US$ 250 they have grown to become a US$ 5.38 billion company with a market capitalization of approximately US$ 38 billion. In their journey of over 29 years they have catalyzed some of the major changes that have led to India’s emergence as the global destination for software services talent. [10] Recruitment Process: The Company uses different sources like Campus Interviews, advertisements in newspapers and applications received through the company website. Firstly, they do not have any distinction between any branch of Engineering, applicant from any branch can apply for the selection process but the only criteria is to meet the requirement of grades, the applicant should be very well qualified and should have high grades and the time gap which means if any of the applicant was rejected in the selection process then they can only apply after 9 months. The qualified candidates are shortlisted and are called for a written test. [11] Selection Process of choosing individuals with qualifications needed to fill jobs in an organization. The duration of the selection process in Infosys is 2.5 hours which includes filling in an application form, an Aptitude Test ( Analytical Thinking and Arithmetic Reasoning) and a test of Communicative English Language. The duration of the tests is 90 minutes and the Aptitude Test consists of puzzles type and the number of questions varies between 9 to 15. [12] Training and Development Infosys training, continuing education and career development programs are designed to ensure that the technology professional enhances their skill-sets in alignment to their respective goals. The following are the types of training provided by Infosys to their new recruits and employees. Technical Training by Education and Research Department Most of the new candidates that are hired complete 14 weeks of integrated on-the-job-training prior to being assigned to their business units. All these training are done in a total area of 1.44 million square feet in The Infosys Global Education Center in Mysore- India, which can train approximately 14,000 employees at a time. As of March 31, 2010 they employed 610 full-time employees as faculty which included 208 employees with doctorate or masters degrees. The faculty also conducts integrated training for the new employees. They also make employees to undergo certification programs each year to develop the skills relevant that are for their roles. [13] Personal Effectiveness and Managerial Programs The above program is to enhance the managerial capabilities and leadership abilities in order to have better customer satisfaction, achieve their organizational vision and to create high performing multicultural teams. [14] Performance Management Creating an equitable and inclusive work environment In 2008-09 Infosys were recognized for their efforts to promote a more inclusive work environment. They won the Corporate Award for Excellence in Gender Inclusivity instituted by the National Association for Software Companies (NASSCOM), India, for the second consecutive year. They also received the Helen Keller award which was instituted by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, for the third consecutive year and they also won the ASTD Excellence in Practice Award for diversity training. [15] The Head -HRD, is the custodian of equal employment opportunity. The Diversity Office and the HR department are responsible for coordinating efforts in implementing and disseminating information regarding the company’s diversity agenda. Being an IT services company they do not have any business identified as having risk for incidents of forced or compulsory or child labour, therefore they foresee risk of child labour in their supply chain in India, and therefore controls it through the vendor selection process. Compensation and Benefits Infosys compensates its human assets in three ways by adding learning value through training and development and appraisal practices. Infosys also adds emotional value through initiatives directed towards supporting employees with their work and personal needs and they also adds financial value through monetary compensation which is neither above nor below the market level. Infosys was one of the first Indian companies to offer stock option plans to their employees. Benefits Infosys work-life policies reflect local requirements and regulations. The employees in India are eligible for paid maternity leave and paternity leave under the law which is referred as the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 under which pregnant women can take paid leave up to 14 weeks, first seven weeks before delivery and other seven weeks after delivery and the maximum payment is $441.6 per week before tax. They also have satellite offices for new mothers, telecommuting for employees on need basis, adoption leave, flexible work hours, part-time work policy, one-year childcare sabbatical policy and near-site day care facilities. Employees can apply for scholarships for their children who have excelled in academics, arts and culture. Infoscions can also apply for extended family healthcare coverage. [16] In addition to that they are also provide benefits such as statutory benefits as pension, medical insurance under Employee State Insurance Scheme which is an integrated measure of Social Insurance embodied in the Employees’ State Insurance Act and is designed to accomplish the task of protecting ‘employees’ against the hazards of sickness, maternity, disablement and death due to employment injury and to provide medical care to insured persons and their families. An employee covered under the scheme has to contribute 1.75% of the wages whereas, an employer contributes 4.75% of the wages payable to an employee. The total contribution in respect of an employee comes out to 6.50% of the wages payable. They are also offered loan program which was found attractive to the employees. Loans were taken for pursuing a degree program such as MBA, or to meet personal needs such as purchasing a car or a house. [17] Health and Safety The Health Assessment and Lifestyle Enrichment (HALE) program supports their healthcare policies at a global level. In Australia they have a unique practice of having a specialist available on call for ergonomics assessment in the work area. They also provide annual health checkups for all employees at their India-based locations. [18] Chap-4 Comparison and Contrast between HR practice of India and china In comparison between India and Canada India’s ranks higher in Uncertainty Avoidance Index than Canada which means Indian wants clear cut responsibilities and job description. India’s Power Distance rank is also higher than Canada which means that in India there is unequal distribution of wealth and power in the society. India and Canada are at the opposite ends in terms of Individualism, with Canada displaying much greater Individualism than the collectivist society of India. Canadians are more autonomous and self-control in the ability to make decisions and wants to work without direct supervisions, than Indian employees. Indian employees like to work more in tandem with their managers when setting personal goals than did Canadian employees. Indians are more forward thinking when planning actions and goals which found significant correlations between these differences in perceptions and differences in cultural characteristics which include power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and paternalism. Canadians scored lower on these traits than Indians. [19] Chap – 5 About Cultural differences and Implications to Professional Practice India is a country in conversion. History, society, economic and cultural factors strongly influence Indian Human Resource Management (HRM) and mindset. The dynamic changes taking place in India, and their consequent influence and reflection in Indian HRM, the following factors provide essential background and context about key aspects of the Indian: language, geography and generational differences. Following the strong influence of the society cultural context in India does not always allow the applicability of Western management and organization theories. [3] Pawan S. Budhawar, the Indian management scholar, he emphasizes that â€Å"to a great extent, this is a core issue for Western firms operating in the Indian context and sends a clear message to researchers in the field. The intention of both HR practitioners and researchers should be to continuously develop, test and re-test constructs suitable for conducting research and develop relevant practice in the Indian context.† [4] With the challenge of mixing Western management practices with Eastern management traditions, we have to understand the Indian HRM context and its related influence on mindset is a necessity for both Indian and Western organizations. In a typical leadership development project, here is an assumption about: First, there are more qualified candidates than available leadership positions (could be internally or externally. Second, turnover of employees identified as ‘key talent† will not increase. Third, employees who are not identified as â€Å"k ey talent† will accept that the assessment process is fair. Indian human resource management will continue to evolve, and it will continue to be important characteristic of growth and sustainability. Chap – 6 Other relevant topics Generally speaking, In the process of recruiting, training management, the performance of India and Canada is similar. They use similar strategies for select right employees, like internal and external recruitment. Using skills tests and talent questions helping employers find a best person for the job. On the other hand, there are some obvious differences. Firstly, in Canada, there are a lots of policies (Provincial and territorial human rights legislation, Canada Human Rights Act) implemented by federal or national governments to protect the rights of employees, like policies about minimum wage employer must pay to workers, sexual orientation, marital status, and maximum work time. Besides that, when the rights of employees was ruined, employees can complain with some constitution including The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Citizenship Commission. On the other hand, the policies protecting employees are scary. Employees look for job by individual, and the salary and benefits paid to employees is determined by employers. Because India in a labour intensive country. The price is cheaper than Canada obviously. In addition, India do not have policies about minimum wage. The codes protecting the rights of women and young are in little quantities. Which is more, compared with Canada. It is harder for employees in India sue the company which exploits them. For instance Even though India is a labour intensive country, because of high growth of developing, it is not a big problem to find a job in their own country. A lot of jobs are created because of the increasing of market demands. Since Canada is multicultural country. You can find people from Australia, Asia and Europe. They are seeking jobs in Canada. Apart from this Canada is a secular Country. So Canada has a lot of policies about avoiding discrimination like religion, race and color. Conclusion: By analyzing and studying various reports and research paper we can say that there is vast difference between the HR practice between India and Canada. The rules and regulation regarding Human resource management are quite similar in both countries. The government of both Countries has made clear rules and regulations, but in India there is lack of implementation of the rules. Various research paper also indicates that the HRM is in transition phase, due to globalization the global practice becoming more and more familiar to Indian corporate groups. The study also suggests that there is socio-cultural influence on HRM practice in India. India has to go far to reach global HRM practice, but it is also showing good positive changes in terms of positive HRM policy guideline and support from government. Bibliography: 1. http://hrguide.applezoom.com/2007/09/hr-role-in-recruitment 2. (http://hrguide.applezoom.com/2007/09/hr-role-in-recruitment 3. http://www.shrm.org/Research/Articles/Articles/Documents/ 4. Budhwar, P. S. (2009). Challenges Facing Indian HRM And the Way Forward. In P. S. Budhwar & J. Bhatnagar (Eds.), the Changing Faces of People Management in India (pp. 289-300). New York: Routledge. 5. Adapted from Towers Perrin. (2008). 2007-2008 Towers Perrin global workforce study. Retrieved August 26, 2009, www.towersperrin.com 6. http://rphrm.curtin.edu.au/2007/issue2/india.html 7. Chatterjee, S.R. (2006). Human resource management in India. In A. Nankervis, Chatterjee, S.R. & J. Coffey (Eds.), Perspectives of human resource management in the Asia Pacific (41-62). Pearson Prentice Hall: Malaysia. 8. Meredith, R. (2007). The elephant and the dragon: The rise of India and China and what it means for all of us. New York: W.W.Norton & Co. 9. http://rphrm.curtin.edu.au/2007/issue2/india.html 10. http://www.infosys.com/about/who-we-are/Pages/history.aspx 11. http://www.ittestpapers.com/articles/-infosys-selection-procedure.html 12. http://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/annual-report/annual/Documents/Infosys-AR-08.pdf 13.

Images of Aphrodite and female nudity in Greek art Essay - 1

Images of Aphrodite and female nudity in Greek art - Essay Example The Greeks established artistic standards with the aim of expressing true ideals. They used balance, harmony, and symmetry to achieve perfection in their art. The amazing Greek works of art also reflected issues and changes in society. Examining legendary works of Greek art tells a history of how their ideals changed as centuries came and passed. With high respect for their excellence in this field, the artists of the Western World have been strongly influenced by the Greeks. The Greeks have an undeniably world- renowned reputation in art. They started by making beautiful pottery. They established influence in the field of architecture because of their impeccable and unmatched buildings. The temple, for example, had walled rooms in the center, made architectural- heaven by the sculptures of gods, goddesses and gifts to these deities. These sculptures provide evidence for why they were also significantly admired in the field of sculpting. The different outlook of Greek sculptors made them exceptional in this field. Instead of creating realistic works, they preferred making statues which were reflections of what they considered ideal beauty. As mentioned, the common subjects for Greek sculptures were their deities. The Ancient Greek religion was anthropomorphic; where they perceive Gods as having human- like features and characteristics. There were twelve principal deities, both male and female and all with distinct personalities and special domains of reign. Their origins, natures, and relationship to humankind were interesting. They were believed to live on Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in mainland Greece. There was Zeus, the sky god and father of the gods, his two brothers, Hades and Poseidon who ruled over the Underworld and the sea, Hera, Zeus’ sister and wife who was also the queen of the gods, Athena,

Catholic Church and the Death Penalty Term Paper

Catholic Church and the Death Penalty - Term Paper Example he issue of death penalty or the so-called â€Å"capital punishment† (from the Latin word ‘capitalis’ to describe â€Å"that which related to life, by which life is endangered†) [1] and how it has changed over time. Capital punishment has already been practiced since the ancient times. In Genesis 9.5-6, we find: â€Å"If anyone takes human life, he will be punished. Human beings were made like God, so whoever murders one of them will be killed by someone else.† [2] This was the very first formal declaration of the penalty of death ever recorded in the Judeo-Christian history. When the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Sinaitic Peninsula, the Lord gave them a code of legislation (mostly found in Exodus 21) (Ibid.) which prescribed death as the penalty for some acts: murder (Ex. 21.12); willful assault upon the parents of an offender (Ex. 21.15); kidnapping (Ex. 21.16); cursing someone’s parents (Ex. 21.17), etc. The Bible has mentioned several accounts where death has been a crucial part of legislation in the ancient times. But it has some exceptions in as much as it is strictly imposed: â€Å"But if it was an accident and he did not mean to kill him, he can escape to a place which I will choose for you and there he will be safe.† (Ex. 21.13) Thinking that death penalty is intrinsically evil, most people probably do not realize that it is legal and therefore say that it is â€Å"not approved† by the Church. On the contrary, the Church has a long history of approving it. In his City of God (Book 1, Ch. 21), St. Augustine of Hippo deems the imposition of death penalty as â€Å"not contrary† to the commandment â€Å"Thou shall not kill† and signifies approval of death penalty based on certain exceptions [3]. By this statement, St. Augustine mentions about God’s â€Å"explicit commission to an individual for a limited time,† (Ibid.) thereby exempting the individual from the killing â€Å"since the agent of authority is but a sword in the hand and is not

Forgiveness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Forgiveness - Essay Example The research being accessible to everyone on internet has changed the general perspective to a realistic one also introducing the benefits of improving intrapersonal health and thoughts. When it comes to utilizing the benefits of forgiveness, it can be seen in two different ways, religious and psychological; even though both overlap. Forgiveness ensures that intrapersonal and interpersonal troubles of a person are resolved, which is the reason forgiveness cannot be taken as a responsibility or duty. Forgiving by force might shortly suppress the issues but does not resolve them, as per Baker (2012). To truly forgive, one needs to let go from the heart and release the resentment; religiously explained by McMinn et. al (1999), it might be an altruistic gift to the receiving individual; while from a psychological point of view it is seen as means of regaining personal health. This contrast of approaches of forgiveness shows two different perceptions of forgiveness with respect to intrape rsonal characteristics and interpersonal relations. Where religion finds forgiveness to be a trait of God and a way to thank God for His forgiveness, psychologists find it as a therapeutic tool that helps an individual get relieved of his anguish. Reconciliation after forgiveness involves parties to re-establish the relationship but is unlikely to be always synonymous to forgiveness. As alluded by Baker (2012), forgiveness and reconciliation together might be a good combination in case of loved ones but they don’t always go together. This can be due to a number of reasons. For example, the forgiving individual might want to forgive the perpetrator but not have anything to do with them anymore, on the other hand the perpetrator might not even have any remorse in the first place or even being repeatedly injurious making reconciliation impossible whereas the victim might still want to forgive the person. Such situations define the differences between forgiveness and reconciliati on. It might also be a point to note that acknowledgement of offense is also not equal to remorse while on the other hand, forgiveness being a choice still enables the victim to want to forgive an unrepenting perpetrator. The Gale Encyclopedia (2009) article on reconciliation also refers to forgiveness being both a psychological and a religious approach to emotional healing; both being in contrast, still aim the same thing - improvement of interpersonal relations and intrapersonal health. From another point of view, forgiveness might be seen as a unilateral act while reconciliation takes both (or all) parties involved. Forgiveness might also involve foregoing indebtedness so that the victim does not have to go through the ordeal of reconciling with the perpetrator. The senior citizens are also alluded to have found forgiveness and reconciliation an important part in the last phase of their life. The Gale Encyclopedia (2009) terms it as an ‘end of life concern’ for those in the last phase of their life. It is also sometimes the case that tolerance is confused with reconciliation. Tolerance and forgiveness might both be helpful in reconciliation but are not equal to it. Reconciliation involves people on two sides of a divide to uncover the ordeal they’ve been put through and sacrifice in order to re-establish a relationship. Tolerance also does not require the same level of honesty as for forgiveness while reconciliation requires both. This differentiates forgiveness to be unique in the way that it is not

Week 2 Assignment 1.2 Submission Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week 2 1.2 Submission - Assignment Example Our security team suggested that there might be a direct link between the two events. So it behooves us to remind our employees of their responsibilities pertaining to the secure use of the company email and messaging systems. Any employees of this company can have NO expectation of privacy concerning email, phone, IM, Text messaging, web browsing or data   when using company resources. These resources include but are not limited to: The company provides internet and email access solely for business purposes. We encourage the use of email and instant messaging in order to help facilitate the speedy communication between departments and branches. The company provides these technological services in an effort to represent our company in the most productive manner possible to our clients. However, we discourage the use of email and instant messaging for personal reasons using company equipment. Such types of use exposes our company servers and clients to electronic problems such as identity theft and hacking. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every employee to ensure our server security by responsibly using the email and messaging system of the company. Any improper use of the Internet or e-mail is not acceptable and will not be permitted. Harassment of any kind is prohibited. No messages with derogatory or inflammatory remarks about an individuals race, age, disability, religion, national origin, physical attributes or sexual preference shall be transmitted. Any deviation by an employee from the aforementioned guidelines for the proper use of company email and instant messaging shall result in the immediate termination of employment and the possible cancellation of his separation and/or retirement

Security Administration and Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Security Administration and Management - Essay Example From our analysis, by focusing on differentiation strategies in the security industry, Securitas AB success can be attributed to its vast experience in the market, product differentiation, and assorted brands. Securitas AB by using its trademark experience and know how both product differentiation and cost leadership strategy means the company has a focus strategy, focusing on cash on transit and other security system. It business concept of ", packaging, counting and storage of physical values such as cash and precious metals". This has become part of the company's culture. According to Johnson & Scholes (2007), organisational culture is a tool in management strategic armory which appears to be invisible yet it influences "why" "how" "what" and "when" things are done in an organisation or "it is the way things are being done here" (Johnson & Scholes 2007:66 Today's business environment is increasingly becoming more turbulent, chaotic and challenging than ever before and to survive, it is vital that a firm can do something better than its competitors ( Wonglimpiyarat 2004:1). ... 1.0 Introduction Today's business environment is increasingly becoming more turbulent, chaotic and challenging than ever before and to survive, it is vital that a firm can do something better than its competitors ( Wonglimpiyarat 2004:1). Globalisation has not only altered the nature and the intensity of competition but has had to dictate and shape organisations in terms of what consumers wants, how and when they want it and what they are prepared to pay for it (Hagan 1996:1). Kanter (1995:71) on his work of "Mastering Change" argues that success in the present day business is not for those companies that re-engineer the way they do things, or for those fixing the past. According to Kanter (1995) such an action will not constitute an adequate response. This is so because success is based on an organization's ability to create, rather than predict the future by developing those products that will literally transform the way the world thinks and view it self and the needs (Kanter 1995:71). Within the context of today's global competition, businesses and firms no-longer compete as individual companies but try to corporate with other businesses in their activities (Wu & Chien 2007:2). These researchers went further to argue that, this strategy has become quite common in many businesses including the retail clothing chain stores. The conventional vertical integrated company based business model is gradually being replaced by collaborative relationship between many fragmented, but complementary and specialized value stars and constellation (Wu & Chien:1). This paper aim at examining the external environment of the United Kingdom Mobile phone industry, this

The Main Stages of PLC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Main Stages of PLC - Essay Example The question of which to use, or where on this continuum to operate, must be made at the introductory stage of the PLC. PLC distinguishes five market-opportunity phases: entry, establishment, expansion, maturity, and decline; and indicates the kind of opportunity analysis that should go into developing the marketing mix (see Appendix 1). This chart shows that markets increase slowly at first, and then increase at an increasing rate, reach maturity, and finally decline (Drejer 62). The time period for this cycle varies by products. Consider the difference in cycle among the dress industry, the lumber industry, and the computer industry. Also, different companies choose to enter markets during different developmental phases. Even so, management must be aware that marketing tasks of a phase 1 situation are different from those relevant to phase 4 (Crawford and Benedetto 44). In the initial phase (market entry), there is no direct competition. Computer games manufacturing should take into account the fact that the tasks of marketing programs and strategies are those of gaining initial market acceptance and changing habits. They are concerned with creating primary demands for the product, providing customer and consumer information, identifying market segments, gaining market knowledge, soliciting channel support, and promoting to gain a foothold in the marketplace. A common market price emerges in this stage, with the range of acceptable prices narrowing (Crawford and Benedetto 44). The marketer is encountering downward pressure on prices, although this depends on the extent of product differentiation among competitors and the rate at which technological improvements are being made to the product. At this stage, a computer games manufacturer should find the most effective channel strategies and promotions activities in order to plan and develop the furth er campaign. For a computer game, traditional marketing channels (through specialized stores) and direct selling methods will be the most effective channels of distribution. It will be appropriate to use a skimming price in order to attract more users, and popularize the new product. The main promotion techniques are advertising and press conferences aimed to inform community about benefits and uniqueness of the new computer game (Drejer 63). Establishment The second phase is characterized by endeavors to establish markets. In this phase, limited direct competition exists, and potential competitors begin to notice the situation. The functions of marketing programs and strategies are to solidify and extend market footholds and to establish differential advantage. Marketing activities center around gaining brand acceptance and developing customer loyalty. The attempt is to establish a market niche. Also, in the growth stage individual need or benefit segments may surface (Grieves 98). A benefit segment is a sizable group of buyers that places heavy emphasis on a specific product attribute or particular mix of attributes. These segments will often differ in their willingness to pay for specific attributes (e.g., faster delivery, smaller inventories, better service, a special feature). There may, at this stage, still be a substantial amount of

Individual Behavior in Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Individual Behavior in Organizations - Essay Example It explains why a person likes or dislikes a given entity from his/her perspective. Behavioral component explains the way a person would act or is expected to act in the case he/she comes across a certain situation or object. (Kreitner and Kinicki, 2012; Hogg and Vaughan, 2005) Attitudes give rise to an evaluative tendency on the individual’s part to like, ignore, or dislike the different entities he/she might come across in his/her lifetime. Hence, one’s attitudes often become crucial in deciding his/her propensity to execute his/her job role or the responsibilities delegated to him/her. In this way, employees’ attitudes significantly influence the workplace productivity. If the overall alignment of all the attitude components of an employee are oriented positively with respect to his/her job and/or responsibilities, he/she would understand his objectives more clearly and would further caste sincere focus toward achieving them with much ease and liking. (Kreitner and Kinicki, 2012; Eagly and Chaiken, 1993) First, need fulfillment, which entails the satisfaction of an employee’s spiritual, material, and intellectual needs, can be a prime causal in creating job satisfaction. Second, discrepancies are the cause that describes the extent of the employee’s satisfaction levels with his/her need fulfillments. Discrepancies are likely to vary person to person. Third, value attainment is intricately related to the corporate, social and family responsibilities of the employee as an individual who seeks to fulfill the requirements and expectations of others beyond his/her personal or professional pursuits. Fourth, the employee is most likely to be satisfied with is job if he/she is paid or benefited in other ways fairly enough in exchange of his/her labor. Fifth, a person’s personal traits determines how much he/she is suited for the job

Green Acres Seed Company Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Green Acres Seed Company - Assignment Example Being advanced in technology, Green Acres Seed Company has to provide awareness to the farmers so that their seeds can be known by many. Through marketing of Green Acres seed using the modern technology of marketing, the company retargets those who visit the website thus keeping the products top of their mind. The company uses test messaging to convince the farmers about the seed company explaining the different varieties of seeds available with their prices. Green Acres Company like other companies has market segmentation for instance the company adopted performance segment which shows the characteristics of the farmers who are concerned with how corn seeds yields in the farm. Potential performance segment consist of farmers who have favorable attitudes towards the company and they do rely on the information given by the company. Dual purpose segment are those farmers who grow both grain and silage and they use both varieties and the last segment is price segment which consists of t hose farmers who purchase low priced varieties for silage and grain corn. Green Acres do target the four segments in the market so that competition can be reduced. Green Acres Seed Company has different prices. For example, seed corn price ranges at $90 per unit from $75 per unit to $125 per unit. The prices keeps on changing from better performing varieties to poorer performing or discounted varieties.            One of the recommendations that I would like the company to take into considerations is to make sure that advertising of the company is done appropriately due to competition. For example the Pioneer company which made a sales of $80 million per year (Thomas, 1997). Other competitive companies are Novartis and Dekahlb which had more than 13 percent compared with Green Acres which had 11 percent. Due to the sales of Green Acres Company being low year after year, I recommended that the company spends more on adverting to make sure that the company expands its share of the market for silage corn seed. If Green Acres will advertise corn seed, then it will benefit from market share that will be high. Another recommendation that I would like to be considered is to make sure that more outlets are available in different regions especially in the developing countries.

Report on Industrail Training Essay Example for Free

Report on Industrail Training Essay

United Kingdom and the Eurozone

United Kingdom and the Eurozone DEFINITION OF CURRENCY UNION In the world today, systems in which countries come together in agreement of sharing single money. The system is called currency or monetary union, its importance and number of participants is growing. In May 2005, 52 out of 184 IMF members participated in currency unions (Rose, 2006). A currency union can be defined as a system where two or more groups usually countries share a common or single currency in order to keep the value of their currency at a certain level (Investopedia, 2015). It can also be defined as an agreement among member’s countries or other jurisdictions to share a common currency, and a single foreign and monetary exchange policy (Rosa, 2004). Currency unions occur when a poor country unilaterally adopts the money of a larger â€Å"anchor† country. For Example, a number of countries currently use the American dollar such as Panama, Ecuador, and a number of smaller countries and dependencies in the Caribbean and Pacific (Rose, 2006). In Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia all use the South African Rand thereby forming a currency union (Multilateral monetary area). In these cases, the exchange and interest rates of dependent countries are influenced and determined by the anchor country, generally in the interest of the anchor. There are a number of multilateral currency unions between countries of similar size and wealth such as the East Caribbean dollar: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Lucia. The Central Bank of the West African of the CFA franc: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo and also the Bank of the Central African States. Other currency unions in the world are the monetary authority Singapore, eastern Caribbean currency union, multilateral monetary area etc. The largest currency union is the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union which began on the 1st January 1999, although the euro was only physically introduced three years later. Twelve countries instituted the euro as a legal tender, delegating and determining monetary policy for EMU to through the international European central bank. One of the reasons of forming a currency union is mainly to synchronize and manage each member countrys monetary policy which could be done through lowering of transaction costs of cross-border trade (Silva and Tenreyro, 2010) The union is expected to grow more with Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia recently joining the area and other states such as Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City unilaterally adopting the euro as their sole currency however, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark and the United Kingdom have rejected membership but maintained debates on the advisability of adopting the euro particularly after the onset of the global financial crisis (Carney, 2014). Currency unions have no definite size therefore there is no appropriate domain for a currency. The use of a single or common currency is advantageous to regions as well as can also cause problems in the dual presence of asymmetric shocks and nominal rigidities (in prices and wages) (Mundell, 1961). The effect of the size on currency union tend to create more open and fewer nominal rigidities for smaller countries making them better candidates for currency unions (Mckinnon, 1963). The effects of the economys degree of diversification could result in fewer asymmetric shocks and accordingly fewer benefits from national monetary policy. The insights of the theory of optimum currency areas provided by Mundell (1961) concluded that common currency areas are defined by internal mobility and external immobility of factors of production. According to this theory, the optimum size of currency area depends on the tradeoff between the macroeconomic efficiency gains and micro-economic costs. The forming currency unions have its costs as well as benefits. THE COSTS Generally, the main cost of joining a currency union is the loss of an independent monetary policy with the inability to react to shocks through exchange rate adjustments. Monetary independence can be beneficial when shocks are regionally specific, alternative mechanisms are weak and when exchange rate changes function as means of lightening idiosyncratic shocks Countries that could potentially let their exchange rates adjust to justify the impact of shocks often display fear of floating and thus do not exploit the automatic stabilization properties of exchange rates (Calvo and Reinhart, 2002). Countries reluctance to implement monetary policy to tackle shocks could be linked to its actual effectiveness; less effectiveness of monetary policies to facilitate the adjustment or possibly wider consideration such as fear that it may trigger beggar thy-neighbor responses by trading partners inducing structural volatility in the financial markets. Besides the absence of price adjustment mechanisms, output stabilization and currency revaluation in the currency union faces another challenge. A system of income transfers is necessary for softening negative asymmetric shocks in countries that have joined a currency union however; the prospect of income transfers between countries generates the type of moral hazard commonly seen in insurance models (Grabner, 2003). Another cost of currency unions relate to overcoming structural differences among the countries. The transition towards a monetary union is likely to expose structural weaknesses (Jacquet 1998 and Grabner 2003). By entering a monetary union, countries lose the ability to correct their monetary troubles in short term. The necessary structural reform preceding the acceptances of a single currency focus on issues like taxation, supervision of capital markets and also mutual recognition and harmonization of labor markets (Jacquet 1998). There is also an issue of fiscal financing. Public budget can be financed from government bonds and tax revenues. A country in a currency union is likely to face constraints on financing options resulting in a suboptimal situation. At the same time, government bonds are linked to inflation and a currency union implicitly assumes convergent optimal inflation rates (Grabner 2003). In reality the optimal levels of inflation may differ among the countries in the currency union. Furthermore, the cost or problem of currency union inability of participant countries to independently choose an inflation rate. It seems relatively less important now than in the past as improvements in available technology to central banks enable sustainable inflation that result in low actual inflation rates in most countries however if a country plagued by low productivity enters a currency union of higher productive countries, it could experience higher inflationary rates (Coleman 1999). THE BENEFITS One of the main benefits of currency unions envisaged by Mundell (1961) is the elimination of currency conversion costs and greater predictability of prices which would increase trade. The savings are more significant for small, open and less developed countries whose currencies are not used for international payments (Grabner 2003). Coleman (1999) mentions the savings from the reduction of transaction costs and reduction of price uncertainty together account for 0.4 percent of GDP in the Eurozone. Increased price transparency and reduced price uncertainty are often quoted as interrelated benefits of currency unions. The reduction of price uncertainty is linked to the use of unit of account which is simultaneouslu used by broader economic area (Zika, 2006). The even disappearance of exchange rates removes a vital barrier to trade integration; this furthermore leads to better information, increased competition and price transparency (Jacquet 1998 and Grabner, 2003). Further benefit of monetary union is the removal of competitive devaluations by member countries which also known as â€Å"beggar-thy-neighbor† policy (Kronberger, 2004). Within currency unions, both importers and exporters have a strong interest in avoiding disproportionate swings in exchange rates. The transfer of resources between regions by the centralized monetary authority through its money issuing function. These transfers can be used to diversify the risk of expected economic shocks however; public finance plays a significant role (Voss, 1998). Currency union has the potential to reduce the number of investment failures. Price uncertainty negatively impacts the welfare or risk adverse individuals in standard economic theory. The greater exchange rate volatility tends to impair the quality of decisions about investment projects abroad; therefore greater exchange rate volatility implies more frequent investment failures and larger costs (Grabner, 2003). Higher risk caused by the increase in price and exchange rate uncertainty increases the real interest rate. Higher real interest rates then highlight the problems of moral hazard and adverse selection. This therefore helps lower systematic risk (Grabner, 2003). Finally, the vast economic area of currency unions increases the effect of networking. The adoption of a single currency in a bigger economic area creates greater benefits for all users. Looking at the economic structure of the United Kingdom and Eurozone, both have projects which are suitable to the individual development and growth of both economies. The United Kingdom becoming a member of the eurozone will be more of disadvantage than benefit to the United Kingdom due to several reasons. The core argument for entering the EMU is the elimination of exchange risk against the euro which would promote much more trade with and within Europe by merging the rather risky and limited sterling capital market into a bigger and less risky euro capital market. The joining of the Eurozone is not to world currency but a regional one. Outside of Europe, most of the world either uses the dollar or is tied to it in some way therefore trade and investment would be half with the euro area and half with the dollar area. But over the years, euro/dollar exchange rate has been highly variable which when compared to British pound/dollar exchange rate it doesn’t seem convincing. If the UK remains outside, the pound can go between the two currencies as the euro swings occur against dollar thereby sitting on the middle of a seesaw. Looking at this, there is no necessary gain in the exchange risk reduction in UK joining the Eurozone and that it is even possible that the overall risk would rise. The benefit of price transparency and comparison between UK and Eurozone is also of little importance in the sense that United Kingdom has no land borders with the Eurozone unlike Belgium and Netherlands. Given this fact, the comparing of prices between both zones is irrelevant. In terms of bailout and the emerging state pension crisis, growth and development is slower than expected while unemployment is turning out to be higher. The politics of pension cut benefits is speculative given that the aging population will increasingly be dominated by older voters. The effect of raising taxes further would lower growth and increase unemployment. It is a matter of concern to the UK that cost of meeting explosive financial liabilities might somehow impact British taxpayers. In conclusion, the reduction of transactions cost of currency exchange would be roughly offset by the one-off cost of currency conversion. There would be some gain from eliminating exchange risk against euro but this would be offset largely by the volatility against the dollar with around half our trade broadly defined with countries either on or closely linked to the dollar. Generally, the exchange risk does not appear to have an important effect on trade or foreign investment, and in the UK case, on the cos of capital. Honestly, I would like to advice that the UK waits and properly assess and plan out different projects. Due to the structure of the Eurozone, I am strongly against the UK joining the Eurozone which is the best interest of British citizens REFERENCES A Coleman. (1999).Economic integration and monetary union.Available: http://www.treasury.govt.nz/workingpapers/1999/twp99-6.pdf . Last accessed 04-01-2015. Andrew K. Rose. (2006).Currency Unions.Available: http://faculty.haas.berkeley.edu/arose/Palgrave.pdf. Last accessed 05-01-2015. Available: http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/serials/files/cato-journal/2004/5/cj24n1-2-10.pdf. Last accessed 04-01-2015. G.M.Voss. (1998). Monetary integration, uncertainty and the role of money finance.Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. 65 (2), 231-245. G Fink And D Salvatore. (1999).Benefits and Costs of European Economic and Monetary Union.Available: file:///C:/Users/G1308037/Downloads/6.2_Fink.pdf. Last accessed 05-01-2015. G Thompson and D Harari. (2013).The economic impact of EU membership on the UK.Available: https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=trct=jq=esrc=ssource=webcd=10cad=rjauact=8ved=0CGEQFjAJurl=http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/sn06730.pdfei=iBCsVJ_QAefe7AbMvYDgDgusg=AFQjCNG. Last accessed 05-01-2015. Guillermo A. Calvo And Carmen M. Reinhart. (2002).Fear Of Floating. Available: http://web.cenet.org.cn/upfile/87741.pdf. Last accessed 02-01-2015. Investopedia. (2015).Currency Union.Available: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/currency-union.asp. Last accessed 05-01-2015. Jan Zika. (2006).Cost and Benefits Of A Monetary Union.Available: http://janzika.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/Monetary_union.pdf. Last accessed 02-01-2015. Jacquet P. (1998).A worthwhile gamble. International Affairs.Available: No. 1, January, Vol. 74, pp.55–71.. Last accessed 04-01-2015. Mark Carney. (2014).The Economics Of Currency Unions.Available: http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/Documents/speeches/2014/speech706.pdf. Last accessed 06-01-2015. Patrick Minford. (2002).Should Britain Join The Euro?.Available: http://www.iea.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/files/upldbook147pdf.pdf. Last accessed 07-01-2015. Patrick Minford. (2004).Britain, The Euro, And The Five Tests. R. Kronberger. (2004).A cost-benefit analysis of a monetary union for MERCOSUR with particular emphasis on the optimum currency area theory.Available: http://econwpa.wustl.edu:80/eps/mac/papers/0407/0407010.pdf . Last accessed 04-01-2015. R Layard, W Buiter, C Huhne, W Hutton, P Kenen and ATurner. (2002).Why Britain Should Join The Euro.Available: http://willembuiter.com/RL334D.pdf. Last accessed 05-01-2015. Robert A Mundell. (1961).A Theory of Optimum Currency Areas. Available: http://digamo.free.fr/mundell61.pdf. Last accessed 05-01-2015. Ronald I. Mckinnon. (1963).Optimum Currency Areas.Available: http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1811021?sid=21105014573601uid=4uid=3738032uid=2. Last accessed 02-01-2015. S Rosa. (2004).Definition Of Currency Union.Available: https://www.imf.org/external/np/sta/bop/pdf/cuteg1.pdf. Last accessed 04-01-2015. S.Silva and S. Tenreyro. (2010).Currency Unions in Prospect and Retrospect.Available: http://personal.lse.ac.uk/tenreyro/cupaper.pdf. Last accessed 01-01-2015. S.Tenreyro. (2001).On The Causes and Consequences of Currency Un.Available: http://faculty.haas.berkeley.edu/arose/tenreyro.pdf. Last accessed 05-01-2015. Willem H. Buiter. (2008).Why the United Kingdom Should Join the Eurozone.Available: http://willembuiter.com/ifeuro.pdf. Last accessed 05-01-2015.

Strategic Planning Methodology

Strategic Planning Methodology Strategic analysis is a process which is based on three stages: analysis, planning and management. We can divide it into two types: function sense, and tool sense. In case of the function sense strategic analysis is a set of actions which diagnose both. the organisation and its environment, and thus enable build strategic plan and its development. When it comes to the tool sense, strategic analysis is a set of analysis methods which help examine, assess, and predict the future states of selected companys elements and its environments in order to make it survive and develop on the market. Every manager in the corporation must think strategically. The idea of strategic thinking is to create a long-term plan and vision of the company, by understanding the situation, analyzing the chances, setting the goals and rules to use resources. Whats more, it requires the use of different techniques and analysis and synthesis methods which will help realise these goals and gain all the needed info rmation. Strategic thinking is characterised by the constant need of changing areas and forms of the companys actions in accordance with its vision and its environments condition.   There are different types of analysis in the company, however, what differs strategic analysis from the others are two characteristics: Two ways of perceiving management and information resources: researching the environment and company at the same time, and then confronting all results. This way has its roots in the art of war, and is opposite to traditional companys analysis Use of the qualitative and quantitative methods, from the different fields: economy, finance, sociology, psychology, statistics, and marketing Strategic management development had a strong influence on the strategic analysis. Since 50s and 60s there has been a rising instability and complexity of the world that surrounds the company, and thus caused scientists to create methods which could help it adapt to all changes by rational and planned manners. Long-term planning was the first issue that came into existence, but it was changed into the strategic planning term. Since 80s we can talk about the strategic management development. New concepts were made when the old ones did not work, and therefore helped companies be effective on the market. While developing the strategic management idea, there was a big pressure put on the rules and techniques of formulating the strategy. After that scientists were focusing the empirical researches, and basing on them they were classifying. In the last stage, the final characteristics of the researches and analysis are as follows: organisation strategy multi-dimensional treatment, strategic thinking focus, and trying to create strategic management concept. Strategic management development helps understand the evolution of methods and strategic analysis techniques, changes in the way of its use in the companys management, and treating the moment of the strategic analysis creation as a separate analysis category. There is a big increase in demand for these types of practices, which help assess the current and future situation of the company and then predict the future conditions of its functioning. Its connected with the increase of the environmental complexity, and then putting into practice long-term, and then strategic planning. Strategic planning, mainly in the global corporation, required more effort and thus analysis of the competitive environment, macro-environment, and measurement of the companys strategic position. The main factors that forced people get deeply into the strategic analysis and strategic planning were tough times of the sudden changes in the global economy, technology development, and worse economic factors. Companies improve their strategic analysis, because they face repeating organisation crises, worse internal development, lower market shares, or change of the target market. Whats interesting, these changes are very often influenced by the management board changes, or new strategy development and its implementation. According to Richard Koch (1998) there are two consulting companies, which implemented the strategy analysis into their businesses and thus became successful in the early 50s: Boston Consulting Group and McKinsey. Until the end of 70s, there were created seven school of the strategic thinking, which were connected with the two important management paradigms: strategic rationality ( Harvard School, Strategic Planning School, Matrix Positioning School, and Quantitative school ) and strategic behaviours ( Behavioural school, System School, Incrementalists school ) . First paradigm describes strategys technical-economical dimension, normative approach, which create rational patterns of behaviours, assessments and way of acting ( Gierszewska et al, 2007). The first group of schools is described below: Harvard school is characterised as a will to analyse the company and its competitive position against the environment, and to search for both positive and negative factors connected with functioning of the company in the different markets and its strengths and weaknesses. There are three best known strategic analysis models created by this school: LCAG model ( developed by E.P. Learned, H.K. Christensen, K.R. Andrews, W.D. Guth ). The idea of this model is to describe the search and research of the influence on the strategic choices of the companys strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities and threats that are connected with the environment. It has been used by the specialists in the field of management, until there were developed a better methods of the strategic analysis Contingency model ( A.D. Chandler, P.R. Lawrence, J.W. Lorsch ) This model permits to implement different solutions to the strategic problems. These solutions differ according to the situation of the company Industry analysis model ( M. Porter ) Michael Porter suggests to assess the companys situation that concentrates on the competitive environment. Additionally, it leads to the assessment of the sector attractiveness extent, in which company would like to operate Strategic Planning School as a term says, it is about the strategic planning, however it doesnt bring any models nor strategic analysis methods which help in the strategic management. It proves, that the rationality of the actions is a good plan. Matrix positioning school used qualitative and quantitative analysis tools, and helps gain precise techniques of the companys competitive position measurement. Presents the companys product portfolio and compares the dynamics of change between past and the future Quantitative School methods and techniques that are strongly connected with the multi-criteria and statistics analysis. It is based on the econometric modelling. Second paradigm is defined as exposing of the socio-political strategy dimensions and strategic analysis ( Gierszewska et al, 2007 ). Basing on this paradigm, there were created three schools of the strategic thinking. They are as follows: Behavioural. It has four fathers: H.A. Simon, J.G. March, R.M. Cyert, and H. Mintzberg. The idea of this school are the real processes of formulating and implementing the companys strategy, without any information background, how to make strategic decisions System D. Katz, R.L Kahn and M. Crozier are the founders of this school. This case describes the role of the person in the formulating strategy process, relations between participants, and highlights the social background of the organisation Incrementalists school C.E. Lindblom, T.J. Peters, and R.H. Waterman This school represents the pragmatic management approach. The only way to improve the quality of management is to follow already proved patterns implemented in the business by the successful companies. Whats more, motivation of the participants in the management process and example of the other successful corporations plays here a very important role. It is the basis of the further future success ( Giermaszewska, 2007 ). As we can observe, these schools provide us with the different approaches to the analysis methods improvement and strategic management. According to Giermaszewska ( 2007 ), and., schools based on the paradigm of the strategic rationality are more valuable than schools based on paradigm of the strategic behaviours. Harvard and positioning matrix schools bring more concretes and details, and thus bring and require more practical approach. The other schools focus the theoretical analysis methods and strategy creating. French scientists divided the strategic analysis models and put them on the continuum. They begin from the sociological models ( which are general and synthetic ) to the microeconomic models ( more complex, and bring more concrete analysis tools and techniques ). Sociologic models  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macro-economic models LCAG-ANSOFF-PORTER-McKINSEY-ADL-BCG These classifications, schools evaluation, and strategic analysis models indicate the direction of the analysis evolution. New classifications ignore the latest schools and methodology propositions. M.F. Gouillart has chronologically ordered best known strategic analysis schools, and thus presented nine of them. He began from the early 60s, and ended on the 90s. Strategic analysis development, according to M.F. Gouillart: SWOT Analysis 1965 Portfolio analysis 1970 Japanese influence the role of quality, production and technology 1975 Shareholders benefits analysis 1980 Porters Model ( Porters 5 forces ) 1985 Price of perfection 1990 TIme-based competition Goal and strategic skills Strategic change Stage one presents LCAG analysis from the harvard school, portfolio analysis corresponds to the matrix positioning school, Porter model stands for the industry analysis model, and price of perfection stage represents the incrementalists school. However, M.F. Gouillart has enriched this group with two models more. They are as follows: analysis of the shareholders benefits, and Japanese influence. He adds also three issues that occurred in the early 90s: time-based competition, goal, strategic skills, and strategic changes. Analysis of the shareholders benefits type of the companys position assessment. It comes together with the financial analysis signification increase, and capital market forecasts. Moreover, it focuses shares value increase as a main goal of the company, and implementation of the financial analysis into the strategy formulation and its development Japanese influence this term was created in the 70s, when Japanese economy became very successful and was admired by the western companies. Just-in-time inventory strategy describes well the idea of this school, which puts pressure on the precision and punctuality, one of the main key success factors. Time-based competition time advanced companies have a serious advantage over the competition. Main tools used in this stage are techniques which help elaborate the dynamics of the given phenomenon, processes, and organisation ( Gierszewska, 2007 ).Time is one of the main factors which influence the result of the rivalry between companies. Goal and strategic skills the main role of the organisation is to define the mission and most important goals of the company. Basis of the success lays in the ability to use the companys strategic skills. Strategic change it describes the problem of the companys and executives adaptation to the changes in the environment and in the organisation. If there is too much attention put on the changes, the goal of the strategic management is lost from the horizon. This means, that elaboration and implementation of the strategy development are not taken into consideration   ( Gierszewska, 2007 ) All these methods do not go out, while the more attractive ones are being implemented. Useless methods are rejected, useful just improved and adjusted to the needs of the company, and technical and information capabilities ( Gierszewska, 2007 ). Whats more, the older methods from 50s and 60s are still being used in the consulting companies and business schools. LCAG method, product life-cycle, and BCG matrix are invaluable help for the beginning analysts. There is one more classification of the strategic management schools that has to be mentioned. One of the best known polish economists, Krzysztof Oblà ³j, has named and described them as follows: Traditional ( planning ) first thing to be considered is a detailed environment, and second creation of the formalized strategy Evolutionary more behavioural and politics-focused. Strategy is an evolutionary seeking for the common pattern. It is in the middle of the case and many organisational processes: tender for power, customer needs fulfilment, fixation of the activities routine Positional idea of this school is achieving the competitive advantage. It assumes that the strategies are characterised by the product-market concept, and put the pressure on the situation of the company in the environmental sector Resources and capabilities companys key capabilities and resources are the basis for its development strategies Modern   strategic analysis is partially based on the methodology of science, such as sociology, psychology, economy, and management. This connection helps in listing the following characteristics of the strategy analysis approach: Use of the financial analysis Technology development has simplified complex methods of the financial analysis, and therefore it is more understandable for the specialists and the managers. Strategic financial analysis is used both, in the assessment of the companys financial condition and the structure of the capital, and in the assessment of the competitive position of the organisation. Additionally, it helps estimate sector entry and exit barriers, and became a basis for the production portfolio estimation. Whats more, strategic costs, price strategy, and strategic alliances planning are also very important issues to consider. Quality factors The idea of quality factors is to make company be aware of its soft elements, such as culture, qualifications, and peoples motivations, strategic mission, ecological management aspect, and ethical side of the strategic analyses ( Gierszewska, 2007 ). These elements relate especially to the information about the competition, which is used in making decision process. Situational approach Company focuses the correct approaching procedure, and capability to interpret the analysis results without already selected tools and imposing assessments. Analysis is a tool, used by the managers in their everyday job. Thus, strategic planning departments are liquidated, information is being decentralized, and moreover company creates special group which takes over this task. Ø Complex character Company takes into account both internal and external factors from all of it subsystems and environment. In this case it explores relationship between these two factors ( Gierszewska, 2007 ). 1.7.1 Strategic Planning Methodology The purpose of this factor is to set information needs and methods of carrying on the strategic analysis   in the company. First issue that must be considered is the analysis of the environment, in which company operates, and its internal background, such as strengths and weaknesses, staff development, and its potential to develop the process of the new strategy. Knowledge about the past, presence, and capability to predict the companys future and its environment, helps in building the strategy that will adapt to the reality. A good strategic plan helps the company use its potential and strengths to fight the threat and not to loose any opportunity offered by the market. Managers can just set the strategic goal and during implementing the chosen scenario change the ideas into the concrete plans ( Gierszewska, 2007 ), but they may face some problems in the meantime, for example lack of precision in formulating the goals of the actions. Strategic planning is based on determining the sequence of decisions that have been made earlier, but have to be put into practice. Strategic management means, that the strategic decisions have to be put in the right order, findings in the different areas must be coordinated, and on the different levels of the management ( Gierszewska, 2007 ). The following methods, presented by Grazyna Gierszewska and Maria Romanowska ( Gierszewska et al, 2007 ), are very helpful in putting the companys strategy on the right track, plan different types of operations, and management functions. Levels of the strategic management   ( Maria Romanowska, 2007 ) ( STR 32, Gierszewska ) Levels of the management  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Types of the strategy Management Board  Ã‚  Company development strategy Section management The most important decisions for the company come from the management board. Portfolio operations depend on the number and type of sectors of the future activity, type of technology, and geographical scope of sales ( Gierszewska et al, 2007 ). So, according to what is said the corporate strategy should be considered as a first step to the further internal solutions. Strategy of the company is also responsible for the number of the different sectors, technologies, and markets, and investment priorities as well ( Gierszewska, 2007 ). Sector strategy is divided into two sub-groups: suppliers strategy, and competition strategy. Strategy making process in all these cases is limited by the goals and hierarchy that was implemented in the company development process. If corporations that operate only in one sector, there are no two strategic planning levels. They are just treated by the management board as a one strategic plan. However, they appear only when company wants to enter a brand new sector Last type of the strategy are the functional strategies. Their object is to evaluate the goals and ways of achieving them in the area of the financial management, marketing, personal policy, structure shaping, focusing the management procedures, and technology development ( Gierszewska, 2007). To conclude, the aim of the functional strategies is to oversee all strategic plans in the whole organisation.   1.7.2 Scope of the strategic analysis Strategic management requires capability to differentiate internal and external events/phenomenons. Managers are able mainly to research internal problems of the company rather than external ( Gierszewska, 2007 ). External problems estimation needs help of the consultants, and thus managers fail to analyse the environment. Corporation which constantly observes the environment is prepared for the threat that may occur. Situation on the market helps the company prepare the good strategy and plan the future. tells what steps should be taken in order to therefore