Friday, December 27, 2019

Managing People Performance - Case Study - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 7 Words: 2170 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Management Essay Type Narrative essay Level High school Did you like this example? Contents JOB DESCSRITION AND ITS BENEFITS POSITION AND JOB DESCRITION Duties and responsibilities: Qualifications: Recruitment and selection process DIFFERENT RECRUITMENT APPROACHES DIFFERENT TYPES OF SELECTION AND INTERVIEW Conclusion References . Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Managing People Performance Case Study" essay for you Create order JOB DESCSRITION AND ITS BENEFITS Job description is a document which outlines the duty or work description of the employee, what actually company want from his/her employee in the term of effort. Job description consist different types of terms and conditions of the company that helps in the process of recruitment and selection, those aspects are: Description of position: job description provides the general information about the role that helps in the process of recruitment selection. This general information helps in attracting the right person for this job and employer can easily find the right person from those applicants (The Importance of Job Descriptions, n.d.). Function of the position: job description provides the duties of the position that helps the applicants to clear the view about that particular post, what company exactly looking for. In selection, that helps in filter the applicants through screening according to the position duties (The Importance of Job Descriptions, n.d.) Rather than those aspects job description can also be useful for the company in different ways like: Internal promotion: job description helps in internal recruitment, the person who is working in the company and exactly matches the job description and suits for that position, company can promote that person and this things also give motivation among the existing staff members. Analyzing performance: job description helps in analyzing the performance of the staff through analyzing their work according to the duties and KPIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. Advertisement; job description helps in advertising the job vacancy in newspaper, company website and social media. Advertisement also helps in promoting the name of the company through various channels of promotion. POSITION AND JOB DESCRITION Every organization craft the job description according to the job title. Job description shows the duty, responsibility and other things which is designed for the particular post. Under this section organization is going to design a job description for the checkout supervisor. Checkout supervisor is a person who works for the aim to provide best customer service through their skills and knowledge. This person directly deals with customer, handle the queries of the customer and responsible to manages the customer flow through the checkout. Basic purpose: for this position the basic purpose is manage all the things at checkout point by helping the checkout clerks to provide best customer service for the organization, handle customer queries and ensures the customer satisfaction. Duties and responsibilities: Managing checkout clerks: supervisor have to manage the team of checkout staff, by helping them at checkout point and providing them a training of all about the checkout operations (Scott, n.d.). Maintain checkout points: supervisor duty is to maintain the checkout points by checking all the things is stocked over there or not. Those things are shopping bags, register tapping, billing roles etc (Scott, n.d.). Monitor customer flow: supervisor is responsible for monitoring the customer flow at checkout points because at this stage customer do not want to wait long because they already finishes their shopping and they are ready to pay for their purchased goods, at this point supervisor have provide the same level of satisfaction through their services and manages the customer flow (Scott, n.d.). Control transaction issue: supervisor is responsible to control the transaction issue where the checkout clerk got stuck, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the duty of supervisor to help him in solving that error and handle that transaction (Scott, n.d.). Reporting: supervisor have report the status of checkout points to the store manager and all the checkout clerks report to the supervisor. Qualifications: Diploma in business management level 7 or equivalent experience Minimum 1 year of management experience Knowledge of computerized till system. Recruitment and selection process RECRUITMENT Recruitment is all about attracting the right person for the right job. Big organization like food stuff always have a well-crafted infrastructure or plan to go through from their recruitment process. Food stuff always looks to use most cost effective way to attract the right person for the right job for example they advertise job vacancy on their company website and through board in stores, and applicants who are interested in store based job can directly apply through their store. But sometimes they have to use different channels of advertisement for their most specialist job such as baker. They advertise these vacancies on T.V, radio, company website, Google leaflets and in magazines. Foodstuff always follow the infrastructure of their recruitment process first they always try to fill up the available position internally through internal talent plan, if they are not able to find the right person. They took second step that is advertisement on intranet for two w eeks. SELECTION Selection process refers to choosing the right person from those applicants who applied for job. To choose a right person, they use screening. In the first stage of screening, selectors looks through the curriculum vitae (CV) of the applicants keenly. CV contains the information of job and education history of the applicant. A CV is the use as the main basic thing because CV reflects the image of that applicant. The company also have the software of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"job type matchà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ on its career webpage , in which applicant can find the best job for them and also helps the selecting staff in selection process. In screening process they filter applicants stage by stage, first CV screening, second successful candidates called for an interview, third applicants who successfully clear the interview called up from screening attend assessment center and rest of them who are not able to clear receive a letter. Applicants who clear the screening atten d assessment center invited for the second interview. After the second interview who successfully completed it receive an offer letter and contract. DIFFERENT RECRUITMENT APPROACHES There are two types of recruitment process that a company always uses to fill up that vacancy. Those approaches are: Internal process External process Internal process Internal process is refers to the process where organization try to fill up that vacant position through their existing working members or staff. Food stuff use its internal talent plan because they always prefer first to fill up that position within the organization. Under this plan foodstuff always looks to fill up the vacancy internally. If they find the suitable employee for that vacancy they promote that employee or move the position of that employee at the same level. Foodstuff also uses the intranet. It refers to the computer networking that uses internet protocol to share information through computer within the organization. Through intranet they do advertising internally for two weeks. Advantages of internal process: Cheaper à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" It is a cheaper process because in this company did not advertise that post on a big level. Saves time recruitment- it is a snappy process by doing internal recruitment company can easily save the time. Dis-advantages of internal process Limited choice à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" organization have to select from a limited number of staff. A vacant vacancy- it still leaves a vacancy at that level when organization promote someone for the new role. External process External process refers to the process where organization try to fill up the vacancy from outside the organization. Foodstuff advertise the vacancy on its company website and board in stores. For some specialist vacancy they also different channels of advertisement. They advertise on TV, radio, magazines etc. Advantages of external process Wider choice- Organization got a wider people choice for selection. New skills- through external recruitment organization introduce a new thinking and new ideas in it. Dis-advantages of external process Expensive- it is an expensive process because organization have to use their funds for advertisement. Time consuming- it is a time consuming because in this process organization have to follow the infrastructure of recruitment and process. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SELECTION AND INTERVIEW Selection is a process that helps in selecting the right person for the job. There are different types of selection test that is made for the applicants to test their skills those are: Practical test Psychological test Cognitive test Practical test à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" these test are very common for test the skills. This test actually helps to check the skills and work ability of the person in the working condition. These test are necessary for some positions for example working in barista, chef position etc. Advantages Makes the work easy for selector to select the right applicant by analyzing their performance through this test. Selectors can easily mark the score of the applicants objectively. Dis-advantages The person who actually works nicely cannot able to show their performance while selectors is watching his/her work sharply. Difficult to receive the results at timely manner. Psychological test- These test are help in determining the candidateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s personality, attitude and motivation. These test are specially designed by psychologist to measure those things. For example personality test (Chand, n.d.). Advantages This kind of test are less time consuming Selector can easily measure the personality type of the person and helps in selecting position whether this personality is suitable for the organization or not (Chand, n.d.). Dis-advantages These test are costly as compared to other test because these test are designed by psychologist that may charges organizations higher (Chand, n.d.). These test donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have a proper scale of marking so sometimes selectors face difficulty to choose the right person (Chand, n.d.). Cognitive test- Those test are very useful to measure the skills like mathematical, memory and reasoning power of the applicant. These test is necessary for admin roles for example banking position. Advantages Easily measure the skills of the applicant through this test This test have a proper scale of marking so there is no scope for making wrong choice. Dis-advantages The result of these test are more time consuming. These kind of test are repeatable so these test can easily cleared by cheating and other source. Interviews Interviews are basically a kind of test to check the oral skills of the applicant. These kind of test are necessary for some jobs like any position for customer service, vacancy of telecommunicate etc. there are three types of interview, these are: Panel interview One to one interview Group interview Panel interview: In this interview more than two interviewer are involved. A team of interviewer take the interview of a single applicant. Each interviewer have its own question of different level to measure the skills of candidate. Advantages Makes work easy for organization to select the best candidate. More than one interviewer is involved in it so can help in making right choice. Dis-advantages It creates a nervous or negative environment for the candidate. Candidate can become confuse because of rapid rate of questions. One to one interview- this interview is interviewed by one interviewer, who is manager or HR personnel. These type of interview are mainly based on questions. Advantages Candidate feel more comfortable in this interview as compared to panel. Interviewer can make their decision fast about the applicant. Dis-advantage Can only ask limited question of the particular field Require a person who have knowledge in every field of business. Group interview: in this interview a group of candidate is interviewed at the same time. A couple of topics are given to that group for discussion. Interviewer can easily measure the skills and knowledge of applicant. Advantages Easily save time by interviewing a group of candidate at the same time. In this interview candidates can freely share their ideas and knowledge. Dis-advantages Some candidates did not feel confident to share their idea in front of group. Clashes of personality of candidates. Conclusion Organization like foodstuff use and follow a particular pattern of selection procedure. This pattern helps the organization to interview the candidate at different level and test their skills and knowledge at different level. When they follow hierarchy of selection process they filters candidate and able to find the best candidate for that post. In this structure they test the candidate two times through interview. First time by screening of assessment center and finally by HR personal or manager. By doing this they do a kind of double check with their candidates. Food stuff did not use any other selection and interview type because they already have a nice structure in selection process where they got assessment center and interview for their candidates to measuring their strength. If they will put some more types of interview in their hierarchy of selection process, it create complexity in it and more time consuming so there is no need to add some different types of interview. References Chand, S. (n.d.). Psychological Tests of an Employee: Advantages, Limitations and Use. Retrieved 05 16, 2015, from https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/employee-management/psychological-tests-of-an-employee-advantages-limitations-and-use/27916/ Scott, G. (n.d.). Qualities Responsibilities of a Checkout Supervisor. Retrieved 05 15, 2015, from https://work.chron.com/qualities-responsibilities-checkout-supervisor-23818.html The Importance of Job Descriptions. (n.d.). Retrieved 05 15, 2015, from https://www.financialwisdom.com/pflsresourcecenter/HowardUniversity/SmallBusiness/JobDescriptions.shtml

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Corporate Social Responsibility Csr - 986 Words

In the recent years, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gained lots of attentions among public, and plenty of companies invest more efforts on the CSR activities (Hur, Kim and Woo, 2013). At the same time, companies can undertake their social responsibility in different ways, namely, CSR has some classifications, and most of scholars accept that there are three main classifications of CSR, which are related to social, economic and environmental issues. The reason why companies do CSR activities is that the pressure of the economy, society and environment enforce the company to take economic, social and environmental consequences of their business into account (Alsmadi Alnawas, 2012). What’s more, companies are able to gain benefits by undertaking social responsibility from the CSR activities. Positive brand image is the most vital benefit of CSR since it provides competitive advantage by having consumer commitment, which will give consumers’ high purchase intent ion and willingness to pay higher price for product or service (Mohr and Webb, 2005; S.M.M. et al, 2013). Ghosh and Das (2013) find out that companies are trying continuously to maintain and improve their brand image, because the positive brand image contributes to the competitive advantages and superior market share. And the positive brand image can influence customers’ purchasing behaviors since consumers prefer to choose the companies that have the good brand image (Maignan and Ferrell 2001). For instance,Show MoreRelatedCorporate Social Responsibility And Csr1566 Words   |  7 PagesSocial responsibility or also called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)- is the firm’s engagement (voluntarily initiated) in and its compliance (legally mandated) to environmental, social, and governance issues (The Foundation, 2014). Also, is based on stakeholder’s needs being financially sustainable, and CSR can come from both corporate or not-to-profit organizations. CSR has seven categories; Leadership, vision and values; Marketplace activities; Workforce activities; Supply chain activities;Read MoreCorporate Social Responsibility ( Csr )1167 Words   |  5 PagesCorporate Social Responsibility Introduction Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept which is also known as corporate citizenship, corporate conscience or in a simple way a responsible business. It is an integrated concept of self-regulatory business model for any organisation. Corporate Social Responsibility has been in practice for more than fifty years now, which has been adopted not only by domestic companies but also by transnational company with voluntary CSR initiativesRead MoreCorporate Social Responsibility : Csr1232 Words   |  5 PagesCorporate social responsibility has become a buzzword within the industry in the last few years. Following the financial market crash investors and stakeholders began looking at corporations to act more socially responsible. The meaning of social responsibility differs across regions. Western countries are the ones who are pushing for corporate social responsibility -thesis-- A broad overview at corporate social responsibility (CSR) looks to corporations to make a change in the society or the environmentRead MoreCsr : Corporate Social Responsibility1598 Words   |  7 Pages CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is defined by many groups like, Tata steel, Coca Cola, Reliance, Videocon etc. Although they all stand for similar meanings connecting to taking responsibilities of the society as a business individual, its definition has been getting broader from a established point of view, corporate social responsibility is a type of business instruction included in a business demonstration. CSR policy functions as a self-regulatoryRead MoreCsr : Corporate Social Responsibility Essay1285 Words   |  6 PagesCSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility and it is a concept with many definitions and practices and also a buzzword in the media. In general, corporate social responsibility is the policies and progra ms of business corporations which tend to benefit society while improving a corporation’s public image and profitability at the same time. The meaning of it is implemented in different countries and companies differently. Warren Buffet said that it takes 20 years to build a reputation and onlyRead MoreCorporate Social Responsibility ( Csr )863 Words   |  4 Pagestechnology in the last century. The term of Corporate Social Responsibility appears more often into public’s concerned and it has become a hot issue in recent years. This essay is going to discuss and provide an overview of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by debate some key issue in this area. 1.2 What is Corporate Social Responsibility? In 1953, Bowen’s Social Responsibility of the Businessman firstly discusses the idea of corporate social responsibility. He states the relationship between societyRead MoreCorporate Social Responsibility ( Csr )1314 Words   |  6 PagesSocial responsibility has become a primal interest to the humankind for the past two decades. In the earlier days, the firms and organizations concentrated only on the financial part of the business and ignored the ethical, social and moral sectors. But in the recent times, the businesses are getting a grip of the significance of the social, ecological and environmental effects on their success. This has resulted in the emerging interactions between organizations and social segments thus giving riseRead MoreCorporate Social Responsibility ( Csr )1173 Words   |  5 Pages Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is highly important to Millennials. If a company is lacking a CSR plan, now it a good time to start one. Millennials are looking for ways in making a positive impact on the world and are expecting the same from companies. They are looking for companies that contribute to the betterment of communities and the environment. Millennials put great value in supporting such brands, companies and organizations that share these values. Companies without a CSR in placeRead MoreCorporate Social Responsibility : Csr979 Words   |  4 PagesThe notion of Corporate Social Responsibility is a phenomenon globally known for many years. In spite of the fact that CSR has been neglected for quite a long time, nowadays several authors deal with this issue, as revealed by the development of theories in recent years concerning the topic. In spite of the fact that there has been a huge growth of literature it is still impossible to simply define CSR. Many definitions trying to capture the concept of CSR exist, but their content varies (MattenRead MoreCorporate Social Responsibility ( Csr )1370 Words   |  6 Pagesmore attention on the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The core issue is the appropriate responsibility of business. In as much as firms ought to obey the law, but beyond complete compliance with environmental laws, the question is whether firms have extra social responsibilities to commit part of their resources to environmental preservation voluntarily. This memo provides an exploratory investigation of the link between corporate social responsibility and the benefits accruing to a

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Book Summary Essay Research Paper Man Against free essay sample

Book Summary Essay, Research Paper Man Against Darkness W.T. Stace Man Against Darkness is an essay written by W.T. Stace. He presents the philosophical background for the experiential stance of the modern universe. He tries to explicate why faith no longer plays an of import portion in the modern universe and what causes people to lose religion in faith. He begins his essay by explicating the point of view of the Catholic bishops of America and compared it to the thought of Jean-Paul Sarte, the Gallic existential philosopher philosopher. The bishops believe that the helter-skelter province of the modern universe is due to adult male s loss of religion, and the forsaking of God and faith. W.T. Stace does non believe in faith at all, yet he wholly agrees with the bishop s statement. Jean-Paul Sarte is an atheist and his position besides supports the statement of the bishops. We will write a custom essay sample on Book Summary Essay Research Paper Man Against or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Jean-Paul Sarte explains that, in the early yearss work forces depended on God as the beginning of moral ideals. Now, work forces understand that the universe is non ruled by religious forces, but instead by unseeable forces. Therefore ; our ethical motives must come from our head, and we are the 1 who decides what is right and what is incorrect. Stace, so subsequently goes on to explicate Mr. Betrand Russel s thought, which was different from both the bishops and Jean-Paul Sarte. Mr. Russel believes the faith has done more injuries than good and the disappearing of faith will be a approval to human being. Mr. Russel s thought is the same as that of M. Sarte. He stresses that adult male is entirely and friendless in the universe. Mr. Russel besides notes that scientific discipline produced such state of affairs. It is scientific discipline that made people lose religion in faith. Stace explains that scientists do non interested in inquiries such as is there god? Or what s the significance of life? They merely interested in understanding the procedures instead than the intents. They merely ask inquiries that begin with how but non why. Along with the ruin of the spiritual vision there went the ruin of moral rules and values. Ethical motives are human innovations. It is us who decide what s right and incorrect. It s a affair of sentiment. Morality is unsafe and it leads to chaos in society. Philosophers who see the danger attempt to give ethical motives a new foundation that does non affect spiritual thought. Stace references that philosophers may be able to make up ones mind what are good and bad, but the great multitudes of people may non be able to make so and the consequence will be catastrophe. Some people suggested replacing old faith with a new one, but Stace predicts that it will neglect. Why? Because work forces have lost the belief hence ; it can non be revived. Some proposed that we should turn to science itself, or the scientific spirit, for our redemption. Another inquiry that came up in the essay is can the whole civilisation live without faith? W.T. Stace explains that it is possible for educated work forces, philosophers, scientists, intellectuals, to populate their moral lives without faith, but he does non believe that the whole civilisation including the uneducated can make so. W.T. Stace sums up his chief thought in the decision of the essay. He states that work forces in the early clip are violent and as clip passed by the development of human civilisation made morality connect with faith. If modern adult male live without faith, they will drop back into the early stage, when work forces were violent and barbarous. After reading this essay, I have gain an apprehension of how of import faith is. I believe that faith have shaped up my ethical motives. I agree with Stace on many parts in the essay. I agree that we can non replace old faith with a new one, because one time work forces lose religion about something, they will non be able to travel back and believe in it once more. I do non hold that work forces lose religion in faith because of the scientific revolution. I believe that work forces are smart plenty to be able to understand nature without affecting the inquiry with God. When I was immature, I asked my female parent why does it rain and she answered that it is because God is shouting. I knew that it wasn t true. I didn t know what is rain, but I do cognize that it is non because God is shouting. I think that people are losing religion in faith because faith is non pure any longer. For illustration, many monastics are ravishing misss and got off with it because they have money to pay th e constabulary. The money came from us who devoted ourselves to religion because we genuinely think that faith is pure. I stopped believing in faith long clip ago and it s non because of scientific revolution. I lose my religion in faith because I think that I make my ain fate and there s no 1 in the sky to assist me populate my life. I choose what I want to be and where I want to travel and everything is based on my determinations. Whenever I fell, I couldn t see any manus making down from the sky to assist me. I solve my ain jobs and I can merely depend on me. That s why I do non believe in faith.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

IKEA study case Essay Example

IKEA study case Essay What do you think of the company’s product strategy and product range? Do you agree with the matrix approach described in Figure B of the case? 5 3Despite the success there are many downsides to shopping at IKEA. What are some of these downsides? IKEA’s vision statement (in Figure C of the case) describes how the company seeks to build a â€Å"partnership† with its customers. What do you think of this vision statement? 4The fact that IKEA plans to have fifty stores in operation in the USA by 2013 is an indication of how optimistic the company is about the viability of its value proposition in this country. Do you think IKEA is being overly optimistic in its growth plans? How would you improve IKEA’s value proposition to make it even more attractive to American consumers? 7 5To achieve the kind of growth IKEA is hoping for, should the company change its product strategy? If so, in what way(s)? What about its product range — are there limitations to t he matrix approach? Should the company expand its product lineup to include a greater number of styles and price points? In what other ways should the company consider changing its product lineup? 8 6If you had to predict, what do you think IKEA’s value proposition and product lineup will look like in ten years? 9 7Industry observers have suggested that IKEA should open up smaller, satellite stores across the United States ( e. g. in shopping malls, strip malls, etc. ) By offering a limited range of IKEA products, these â€Å"IKEA Lite† shops would presumably give consumers who do not otherwise have access to a full size IKEA the opportunity to experience the brand. We will write a custom essay sample on IKEA study case specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on IKEA study case specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on IKEA study case specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In addition, consumers who do live near a full size IKEA would be able to use these mini outlets to make minor purchases (e. g. purchase a set of mugs as opposed to an entire living room set). Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not? 9 What factors account for the success of IKEA? There are several factors for the success of IKEA. Firstly, IKEA is known for its product differentiation and cost leadership. Although they have high sales revenues they do not become less sensible for cost-cutting which means that they try to save costs in as many areas as possible. Costs are kept under control starting at the design level of the value-added chain, by packing items compactly in flat standardized emblazes and stacking as much as possible to reduce storage space during and after distribution in the logistics process. Besides, employees are constantly reminded to save energy by turning of the light or computers if they are not being used. Additionally, since the furniture comes unassembled, people have to build up their furniture on their own at home but therefore pay way less money than at other retailers. Therefore they especially reach price-conscious customers. This actually means that they are operating in a niche market because normally Scandinavian furniture stands for high quality and therefore high prices, but they achieved to combine simplicity, design and space – and of course low prices. Secondly, IKEA’s store concept distinguishes itself from other furniture retailers. Its stores are self-service and feature special amenities such as a childcare center, Swedish cafes and often also stores where you can buy typical Swedish food. Therefore the shopping experience itself is very appealing to customers. Besides, although the IKEA stores are huge, the store layouts are carefully designed. There is always a light and bright atmosphere and the model bathrooms, living rooms, etc. are decorated in a cheerful and tasteful way. Moreover, it seems that the working atmosphere for employees is very personal and close since they all call each other by their first name, no matter which hierarchic position the person holds. What do you think of the company’s product strategy and product range? Do you agree with the matrix approach described in Figure B of the case? For us the product strategy including the matrix approach sounds very simple but convincing. By analyzing consumer’s trends first, they focus on their customer’s needs and wishes which always should be top priority. Then, by setting a price with the help of â€Å"the matrix†, which consists of three price ranges and four different styles, products developer cannot only compare their product easily to their competitor’s but also seek new opportunities. Due to the fact that every product category has its own matrix those can be used to identify gaps in the product line-up and therefore product managers can become aware of new market opportunities. Also, by always setting the price 30 or 50% lower than the competitors they are very attractive for people who do not have a lot of money or who are not willing to spend huge amounts on furniture and home decoration. Since IKEA has over 1,800 suppliers to choose from, they are able to balance cost-efficient labor with the company’s product quality standards. Sometimes different product components are also produced in different countries and the customer can decide at the end which one he wants (e. g. different colors of cushions, etc. ). In addition, it is very smart to use high-quality material for the more visible furniture surfaces and lower quality material for less visible and stressed parts. Besides, it is a smart idea to force its designers to pitch their ideas against each other: By doing this they have a higher variety to choose from and might end up with something more fashionable and special than if the design department had only presented one idea. We believe that the product strategy and range works very cost-efficiently and also allows achieving a higher penetration in the market. Since IKEA offers a huge variety, the probability is higher that everyone finds something he or she likes. Also it distinguishes them from other retailers who are not able to offer such a big product range because they have higher costs producing and providing them. Despite the success there are many downsides to shopping at IKEA. What are some of these downsides? IKEA’s vision statement (in Figure C of the case) describes how the company seeks to build a â€Å"partnership† with its customers. What do you think of this vision statement? There are two main downsides to shopping at IKEA: quality, service and missing customization. Since IKEA uses also low-quality material in order to set a low price, it often happens that the furniture only lasts for a few years and that especially while moving flats products can easily break. Secondly, the lack of service when it comes to home delivery or construction f the furniture purchased, is a downside as well. Customer need a big car, be able to understand the construction manual as well as having all the tools at home. Also, IKEA stores are often a little further outside the city so customer need to be willing to drive maybe one hour to get to the store. Although customers know that this is the concept of IKEA they might nevertheless feel overstrained to build up the furniture or do not po ssess cars big enough to bring their purchased items home. Last but not least, the product range nearly allows no personalization or customization. IKEA products are for the mass market and therefore are not able to fulfill everybody’s wished especially not for richer people who look for luxury or more unique goods. In IKEA’s mission statement they explain how they want to be partners with their customers. IKEA’s mission is to create a better everyday life by offering beautiful and durable furniture at low prices so that also people with smaller wallets are able to improve their homes. IKEA’s part in this partnership is to finding simple solutions, scrimping and saving in every direction – except when it comes to ideas. Also, their designers work with manufacturers to find smart ways to make furniture using existing production processes. Then their buyers look all over the world to find the best suppliers with the most suitable raw materials. After that, they buy in a bulk so that they get the best deals and the customers the best prices. The customer’s part now is to go to the store, pick out the furniture and then pick it up at the self-service warehouse. After that they have to get them home themselves and assemble them on their own. Since this service is not done by IKEA, they do not charge for it and the logical consequence is that IKEA and customer save money together. We think that the mission statement fits perfectly to IKEA’s core concept and core competency. If customers want to pay a low price for more or less quality and fashionable furniture they must be willing to do something for this in exchange. In this case they have to bring their products home and assemble them themselves. The success of IKEA shows that many people are willing to do that in order to pay less than at other furniture retailers. The fact that IKEA plans to have fifty stores in operation in the USA by 2013 is an indication of how optimistic the company is about the viability of its value proposition in this country. Do you think IKEA is being overly optimistic in its growth plans? How would you improve IKEA’s value proposition to make it even more attractive to American consumers? In our opinion this was not an overly optimistic goal. The past growing trend indicated that there was a high potential in the US furniture market. Since IKEA does not only have monster stores and great prices, it also created a niche. Furthermore, they analyzed two core problems in the US market and made adjustments: Firstly, they realized that Americans are very likely to stick with their furniture and home decoration for many years and more seeking for a lifetime product instead of something cheap that might only last for a few years. In order to convince Americans to change this habit and be more open for changing furniture more often, they started publishing commercials that were making fun of the American’s unwillingness to part with their furniture. These commercials were quite successful and maybe also lead to the increasing number of customers. Secondly, they saw that Scandinavian design was something for a small niche market and furthermore that only offering the same products that they had in Europe would not be successful. Consequently they made adjustments to the product range (e. g. bigger glasses) in order to meet the American’s expectations. These changes are important for creating a value proposition and can always be continued. By asking customers for feedback and also what changes they would like to see that are made they can extend their value preposition and reach more customers. These analyses and preparation were needed to set food in the US market. Since nowadays IKEA has 49 stores in the US (source: IKEA, â€Å"Welcome Inside†, 2011) they are very close to reaching their goal and also the USA is the second top selling country after Germany (11%). When it comes to improvements, IKEA could consider to offer furniture delivery and assembly service (the customer would have to pay for that service) to satisfy busy consumers or people that are unable to do the construction themselves. Furthermore, they could extend their product range with products that have a higher quality and therefore longer durability to satisfy quality-conscious consumer segments. To achieve the kind of growth IKEA is hoping for, should the company change its product strategy? If so, in what way(s)? What about its product range — are there limitations to the matrix approach? Should the company expand its product lineup to include a greater number of styles and price points? In what other ways should the company consider changing its product lineup? They should only change their product range when it comes to making adjustments in order to accommodate to American habits and standards. For example, to offer products that are bigger in size to fit in the American Homes. So far there are of course limitations to the matrix approach because it only offers three kinds of prices and four different styles and no â€Å"in-between-products† are possible. Nevertheless, in our opinion they should not change that because if they offer a greater number of prices and styles they will compete stronger with the high-end and low-end competitors. Although IKEA has reasonable prices they cannot and should not compete with low-end retailers such as Walmart, etc. because the margins would become lower. Also they do not have the service in order to compete with high-end stores. Therefore they should also stick with their four styles and not overwhelm the customers with all kinds of sub-styles etc. like those companies do. They state themselves that it is part of their philosophy not to have everything nor extreme or over-decorated items, but they have what helps to build a good home for a nice living. Nevertheless they offer many home products next to furniture, such as dinnerware, lamps, decoration, etc. Consequently shoppers can find everything they need in order to prepare a cozy home. All in all, we think IKEA should stick to their mission but obviously it makes sense to adjust a few features and details in order to appeal to American customers. The numbers these days show that IKEA was right to stick to their concept and therefore they achieved the growth they wanted. If you had to predict, what do you think IKEA’s value proposition and product lineup will look like in ten years? We believe that the value preposition and product line up will not undergo extreme changes. Since IKEA has a successful product strategy they do not need to change their core competency or create other competitive advantages. Obviously, in the upcoming years there will be new trends that IKEA has to implement in their product range and they also have to face the growing e-commerce market. This is why IKEA should start thinking about also selling their products online. This would also make it easier for customers since the delivery would be done by IKEA. Since this Harvard Case is from 2004 there have been some changes in the last years. In 2012 IKEA launched their first e-commerce site for the Russian market which experience high approval due to its combination of emotion, information and interaction. In this context interaction would mean for example that people can decorate and design their rooms online with a simulator that shows how each IKEA product would fit to different styles or living conditions. Industry observers have suggested that IKEA should open up smaller, satellite stores across the United States ( e. g. in shopping malls, strip malls, etc. By offering a limited range of IKEA products, these â€Å"IKEA Lite† shops would presumably give consumers who do not otherwise have access to a full size IKEA the opportunity to experience the brand. In addition, consumers who do live near a full size IKEA would be able to use these mini outlets to make minor purchases (e. g. purchase a set of mugs as opposed to an entire living room set). Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not? One the one hand it would be a good idea to start up satellite stores in location where access to nearest IKEA Superstore is more than an hour’s driving. A research into the areas demographics and spending habits could serve as an indicator whether a satellite store would be successful in the long term or not. Opening new IKEA satellite stores in smaller towns would also lead to higher brand awareness. This could serve as a way to advertize their global presence. Furthermore, an IKEA satellite store could carry smaller items which do not require much of the floor/ storage space but should include the virtual display and its detailed information so as to promote the IKEA brand. The smaller products could be displayed in a showcasing fashion to appeal the buyers. In addition they could show in smaller stores how the items there could be combined with bigger products (such as furniture) in order to inspire people and make them drive to the bigger stores to purchase the products. On the other hand, the unique shopping experience that usually is created in the big stores due to the carefully designed store-layouts, the Swedish’ restaurants and child care center would get lost. Customers who went for the first time to IKEA into a satellite store would get a complete different brand image than someone who goes to the flagship stores. Therefore IKEA’s unique points-of-difference would be lost. Furthermore, there is the threat that people would no longer connect IKEA with furniture but only with small home decoration products. This could lead to a decrease of sale in the bigger stores. Summarizing, we would therefore say that in order to install satellite stores there must be detailed analyses how big the demand would be and which customers would be likely to visit these stores – if they are familiar with the IKEA concept or if they are â€Å"newbies†. [ 1 ]. Cf. : http://www. e-commercefacts. com/news/2012/06/ikea-e-commerce-video/index. xml, seen on the 25. 11. 2012

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Definition and Examples of the Middle Style in Rhetoric

Definition and Examples of the Middle Style in Rhetoric In classical rhetoric, the middle style is reflected in speech or writing that (in terms of word choice, sentence structures, and delivery) falls between the extremes of the plain style and the grand style. Roman rhetoricians generally advocated the use of the plain style for teaching, the middle style for pleasing, and the grand style for moving an audience. See Examples and Observations below. Also see: DecorumLevels of UsageOn Familiar Style, by William HazlittStyle Examples and Observations An Example of the Middle Style: Steinbeck on the Urge to TravelWhen I was very young and the urge to be someplace was on me, I was assured by mature people that maturity would cure this itch. When years described me as mature, the remedy prescribed was middle age. In middle age I was assured that greater age would calm my fever and now that I am fifty-eight perhaps senility will do the job. Nothing has worked. Four hoarse blasts of a ships whistle still raise the hair on my neck and set my feet to tapping. The sound of a jet, an engine warming up, even the clopping of shod hooves on pavement brings on the ancient shudder, the dry mouth and vacant eye, the hot palms and the churn of stomach high up under the rib cage. In other words, I don’t improve; in further words, once a bum always a bum. I fear the disease is incurable. I set this matter down not to instruct others but to inform myself.(John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America. Viking, 1962)Three Kinds of StyleThe classical rhetoricians delineated three kinds of stylethe grand style, the middle style, and the plain style. Aristotle told his students that every kind of rhetorical style is capable of being used in season or out of season. They warned against the too grand style calling it swollen, or the too plain style which when misused they called meagre, and dry and bloodless. The middle style used inappropriately they called slack, without sinews and joints . . . drifting.(Winifred Bryan Horner, Rhetoric in the Classical Tradition. St. Martins, 1988) The Middle Style in Roman RhetoricThe speaker who sought to entertain his listeners would choose a middle style. Vigor was sacrificed for charm. Any and every form of ornamentation was appropriate, including the use of wit and humor. Such a speaker possessed the skill to develop arguments with breadth and erudition; he was master at amplification. His words were chosen for the effect they would produce on others. Euphony and imagery were cultivated. The overall effect was one of moderation and temperance, of polish and urbanity. This style of discourse, more than any other, typified Cicero himself and would later influence us in English through the marvelous prose style of Edmund Burke.(James L. Golden, The Rhetoric of Western Thought, 8th ed. Kendall/Hunt, 2004)The Tradition of the Middle Style- The Middle Style . . . resembles the simple in striving to communicate truth to the understanding with clearness, and resembles the grand in aiming to influence the feelings and passions. It is bolder and more profuse in the employment of figures and the various emphatic verbal forms, than the simple style; but does not use those appropriate to intense feeling, which are found in the grand.This style is employed in all compositions intended not only to inform and convince, but at the same time to move the feelings and passions. Its character varies with the predominance of one or other of these ends. When instruction and conviction are predominant, it approaches the lower style; when influencing the feelings is the main object, it partakes more of the character of the higher.(Andrew D. Hepburn, Manual of English Rhetoric, 1875)- The middle style is the style you dont notice, the style that does not show, ideal transparency. . . .To define a style in this way, of course, means that we cannot talk about the style itselfthe actual configuration of words on the pageat all. We must talk about the social substance surrounding it, the historical pattern of expectations which renders it transparent.(Richard Lanham, Analyzing Prose, 2nd ed. Continuum, 2003)- Ciceros idea of the middle style . . . lies between the ornateness and perorations of the grand or vigorous style (used for persuasion) and the simple words and conversational manner of the plain or low style (used for proof and instruction). Cicero designated the middle style as a vehicle for pleasure and defined it by what it is notnot showy, not highly figurative, not stiff, not excessively simple or terse. . . . The twentieth-century reformers, up to and beyond Strunk and White, were and are advocating their version of the middle style. . . .An accepted middle style exists for any form of writing you can think of: news stories in The New York Times, scholarly articles in the sciences or humanities, historical narratives, Web logs, legal decisions, romance or suspense novels, CD reviews in Rolling Stone, medical case studies.(Ben Yagoda, The Sound on the Page. Harper, 2004)

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Special Interest Tourism in Barbados Case Study

Special Interest Tourism in Barbados - Case Study Example At that time, cruise passenger arrivals were about 510,000 with 528 cruise ship calls in 2006. Part of the motivation for this strategy related to the clear indications that Caribbean nations were competing aggressively for cruise ship calls and that the traditionally strong position of Barbados (with its port facilities and long history of tourism activity) would lose market share. As its statistics indicate, there has been an almost 15% decline since 2006. Part of this is the increased competition Barbados expected. In addition, repositioning of cruise ship routes and itineraries has also contributed to the decline. The industry is always looking for new destinations to appeal to its markets (particularly repeat cruisers) and Barbados has the added disadvantage of being one of the oldest cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Of particular interest is the approach Barbados took in developing its cruise strategy. While cruise passenger arrivals declined in 2006, some believe that the partnership approach Barbados took in developing the cruise strategy helped to avoid an even greater decline. The key theme in the Barbados cruise strategy approach was a consultative and partnership oriented relationship with the cruise industry. ... Barbados went into the strategy with a conviction that the cruise industry was good for the country and that management and shaping of its benefits to complement Barbados' expectations for tourism sector benefits was the objective. With the cooperation of the cruise industry, Barbados undertook the following consultations as part of its cruise strategy development: - Interviews with cruise line executives, those responsible for itinerary development, cruise ship directors and tourism industry representatives in Barbados; - Surveys of cruise ship passengers and crew. Some of the key findings shaping the resulting cruise tourism strategy are described below. The following are excerpts from the 2006 Cruise Tourism Report prepared by ARA Consulting Group for the Barbados Tourism Development Programme and report on surveys conducted in 2006. From the point of view of cruise line executives, Barbados gets generally high markets. It enjoys very good market recognition, is well known, gets good reviews from passengers, provides good ground tours, and is above average in terms of safety. It has a good image, a high profile, and is considered a good traditional destination. It has potential for attracting up-market cruise passengers for high quality shore excursions like nature tourism, heritage tourism, golf, and similar activities. The cruise lines believed that services provided by the Barbados Port Authority are more than adequate and that the current cost structure is acceptable, although there is concern about cost increases. In general, they have little concern with congestion problems except for the typical mid-week situation when more than one or two large ships arrive. They were

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Should the United States Return to a Gold Standard Essay

Should the United States Return to a Gold Standard - Essay Example A gold standard system would make it more difficult for the government and Federal Reserve to implement monetary policies. A gold standard system prevents the government firm minting currency notes and coins that can it can endorse. This means that when there is increased demand for cash, the government cannot supply. As a result, the economy goes through reduced growth and more inflation as the value of paper money skyrockets.A gold standard system means the United States is neglecting its ongoing soaring currency rates and distribution problems instead of offering a solution. In a period of economic turmoil, the government and its people should not focus on future likelihoods of forex and currency techniques. Instead, Americans ought to use every tool in the economic and academic arsenal to solve high jobless rates, the piling national debt, nonrenewable sources of energy, and corresponding environmental crises.A gold standard means the government lacks influence over the economy. The government currently prints paper money and mints coins, which is good for an era of intermittent economic crises. This role shows the government can make an effort towards restoring an economy and actually stimulate it. These efforts are reactionary activities that can reinstate the value of the dollar during an economic depression. In a gold standard, the government cannot restore the economy. This means that when a gold standard economy is in a meltdown, the government cannot make any decisions towards improving this economy.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Comparative Analysis Essay Example for Free

Comparative Analysis Essay Abstract We are in what is known at the Information Era. The Information Era is the ability to exchange information in a manner that is effective and efficient. Information is important to the way we do things. It gives instructions on what to do and how to do it. There are many different genres of communications. They all provide different information in different situations In today’s society, there are a number of different communication genres. Each communication genre is meant to provide certain information to a certain group of people. In this paper, I will discuss five different communications genres. I compare rules and regulations, policy handbook, policy manual, policy guide and policy memorandum. I will discuss the similarities and difference in each genre, discourse conventions used. Genre is the means by which communications are sent out. â€Å"Genres are categories or forms into which documents and websites are grouped together based on written and visual characteristics they have in common, and which readers associate with them. Genres are valuable because their predictable forms and consistency aid in reading comprehension and efficiency. Genres help readers grasp information quickly and effectively. † (Allison and Williams 2008). Each of the genres that I will discuss relates to rules, policies and procedures specific to different events. The first is rules and regulations. Rules and regulations is a principle that regulates or controls conduct. Rules and regulations are most often used for sports or contests. Rules and regulations are used by referees (in sporting events), players, as well as fans. Next, there is the policy handbook. A policy handbook is usually a set of rules and regulations provided to an employee of company or to students enrolled in school. The policy handbook provides information on things such as an attendance policy, compensation and pay, drug and alcohol policy, leaves of absence, etc. Next there is the policy manual is more detailed than a policy handbook. The policy manual includes procedures and instructions on completing particular tasks. For instance, a policy manual would give an employee the instructions on providing technical support for a computer malfunction. Other forms of communications genres are policy guide and policy memorandum. A policy guide is a document that contains the current policies and guidelines of an organization. This document is also used for the internal employees of an organization or company. Finally there is a policy memorandum. A policy memorandum informs employees or even customers of an organization of changes to current policies. The policy memorandum will let you know what the policy is, the changes that were made to the policy and when the change will take effect. Each of these genres is similar in that they all provide direction, rules and regulations to certain events or jobs. The discourse conventions used in each of these documents are very similar. Each genre can be used in any one field or even multiples fields. Most of the genres that have been discussed are intended for internal use. Rules and regulations, policy handbook, policy manual, and policy guide are generally used by employees or a company or organization. They detail internal regulations and policies. The information contained in these documents will be more technical and important to how the company is run. This information in most cases will not affect external users. Policy memorandum is a document that may be important to both internal and external users. References Allison, Libby. , Williams, F. Miriam (2008). Writing for the Government http://www. jpkf. org/JPKF-Policy-Guide/index. htm http://wilcoxen. maxwell. insightworks. com/pages/275. html

Friday, November 15, 2019

Perceptions of Reproductive Health in Muslim Undergrads

Perceptions of Reproductive Health in Muslim Undergrads A MULTIDIMENSIONAL CONSTRUCT OF PERCEPTIONS ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG MUSLIM UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS Abstract This study examines factors influencing undergraduate students who are all Muslims from one of the public universities in Malaysia. Data were obtained from a survey conducted among the undergraduate students (n=255). Principle Components Analysis (PCA) revealed four latent factors: the electronic and printed media, knowledge of circumcision, the Islamic values on sexuality and their prior knowledge of sexual act. Based on the views of the respondents on the roles played by curriculum, religion and media in disseminating knowledge on sex-related matters, recommendations are drawn to assist the relevant parties in coming up with comprehensive sexuality education for Muslim adolescents. Key words: sex/sexuality education, reproductive health, undergraduate student, Muslim, perceptions, Principle Component Analysis (PCA) Introduction Studies which have been carried out in Muslim societies on sexual and reproductive health are limited. Many young Muslims are emitted from the learning process to cater the cultural and religious restrictions (Cok, 2000; DeJong et al., 2007; Halstead, 1997; Nurazzura, 2007; Underwood, 2000). Very little is, therefore, known about the factors that influence the Muslim youths on sexual and reproductive health. Several studies in some Muslim countries reported that Muslim youth are not well prepared and educated in sexual and reproductive health due to some contributing factors. (Burazeri et al., 2003; GÃâ€"kengin et al., 2003; Mohammad Reza et al.,2006; Nik Suryani et al., 2007; Paruk et al., 2006). Cok (2000) described sex education in Turkey, as similar as many other Muslim countries in the world, as â€Å"there are no sexuality classes, no mention of sexuality in health courses or no sexuality textbook material in Turkish school. Other issues take priority and sexuality education is pushed aside as unimportant and irrelevant† (p.5). Moreover, he stated that Turkish Muslim adolescents are highly influenced by media especially form Europe and North America. In addition, the study on 2,227 first-and fourth -years students at Ege Univesity, GÃâ€"kengin et al. (2003) revealed that knowledge about sexual health and sexuality transmitted diseases is insufficient among their samples. In Albania, Burazeri et al. (2003) reported the mean age at first sexual intercourse 720 undergraduate students in Tirana was 17.9 for men and 18.8 years for woman. They also found positive associations of parental education and income level with sexual activity and consistent use of condoms among Albanian undergraduate students. Mohammad Reza et al. (2006) described the sex education in Iran that cultural sensitivities which may be a factor in young peoples poor knowledge about reproductive health. Furthermore, few programs provide sexuality education to adolescents or enable youth to ask questions and correct misconceptions about reproductive health. Indeed, large numbers of young Iranians lack information about safe sex and about the skills necessary to negotiate and adopt safe sex practices. In their study of 1,385 males aged 15-18 in Tehran about their beliefs and knowledge regarding reproductive health and their engaging in sexual activity, they found that there was a relatively high prevalence of sexual activity and the lack of knowledge regarding STIs and contraceptives pose a significant threat to the sexual and reproductive health of Iranian adolescent males. Hence, they requested programs to provide adolescents with the accurate information and skills to make safe sexual decisions. A study conducted by Nik Suryani et al. (2007) with undergraduate students (n=300) in Malaysia , discovered that, in general, students held a positive view toward sex and sex-related matters; however, their knowledge on sexuality education, sexual and reproductive health matters calls for attention from the relevant authorities. Findings on their sources of information on sexuality education also revealed that more could be done to help them obtain an accurate picture of sex-related matters particularly with the roles played by parents, school, religion and media in disseminating knowledge on sex-related matters. Paruk et al. (2006) presented finding on the influence of religiosity on attitude toward people with HIV/AIDS using 90 South African Muslim university students. They found that higher religiosity was significantly correlated with a more positive attitude to people with HIV. Ojo Bidemi (2008) conducted a study with 520 adolescent of Nigerian students on contemporary clothing habits and sexual behavior of adolescents in the South Western Nigeria. They found that there is no significant difference in the factors influencing adolescents dressing habits and also the fact that there is relationship between clothing habits and their sexual behavior. In Pakistan, Qidwai (2000) surveyed perception among 188 Pakistani young men, who presented to family physicians, at the outpatient department of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, about enjoyment of sexual experiences in women. He found a high prevalence of misconceptions about female sexuality among Pakistani young men. Furthermore, Hennink, Rana, Iqbal (2005) studied on knowledge of personal and sexual development amongst young people in Pakistan. They found that young women typically gain information from a limited number of sources while young men accessed a wide variety of information sources outside the home. From studies done in various Muslim countries, however, there is not enough information on factors influencing the basic sexual and reproductive health among Muslim undergraduate student as well as in other developing countries (Singh, Bankole Woog, 2005). Intervention studies are largely absent. There is a need therefore to determine factors associated with Muslims sexual perception to develop a clear understanding in student variables, the results of which may contribute to help students on their knowledge and behavior regarding to sexual and reproductive health and it will help determine best bets for programs for sex education for Muslim youths. The purpose of this study was to survey Muslim undergraduate students perceptions in sexual and reproductive health, and in doing so, to clarify the meaning of the construct itself. Thus, the study addressed the following research questions: What are the factors influencing Muslim undergraduate students perceptions towards sexual and reproductive health? This study is based on the crossed different populations and geographic regions influencing factor adolescent on sexual and reproductive health studied by Manlove et al. (2001). They pointed out that there are multiple domains in an adolescents life associated with reproductive health outcomes. By grounded on the ecological approach, individual factor, family factor, peers, partners, school context, neighborhood, community, and social policy characteristics are all associated with sexual behaviors, adolescent pregnancy, and STI. However, this study only looked at certain dimensions which comprised (1) individual factor (religiosity, knowledge of reproductive health and attitudes and belief about sex); (2) school context (curriculum); and, (3) media. The authors, therefore, hypothesized that there are four influencing factors of undergraduate Muslim students perception on sexual and reproductive health: (1) school and tertiary curriculum support, (2) Islamic values on sexuality, (3) electronic and printed media, and (4) students prior knowledge on sexual and reproduction health. Significance of Study Results of this study are pictured to provide empirical data on factors influencing perception on sexual and reproductive health among Muslim undergraduate students that have not been fully studied. Thus, the results of this study are expected to help in the understanding of students perception towards sexual and reproductive health and sex education which is promoted by several factors. The findings are beneficial to understand and determine the success or failure of factors influence and the implementation of sex education in Islamic higher learning institute as perceived by students. Such information can help to improve the strategy in order to accomplish the sex education particularly for Muslim youths. Method Research design In this study, the survey method was employed. A questionnaire was selected from Nik Suryani et al. (2007) measured these relationships. It consisted of two parts. The questionnaires were distributed randomly to a sample of undergraduate in the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Population and sample The population is the undergraduate students in IIUM, Gombak campus, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. All were Malaysians. A random sampling was used to select participants. The principle component analysis (PCA) was conducted where the number of sample depends on the items of the questionnaire. Since the number of the item is 40, the minimum sample size is 40 x 5 = 200 participants. In this study, the participants were 255 which were more than the minimum requirement (Hair et al., 2006). Data Collection To distribute the questionnaires, researchers sought help from three students which researchers have known. The questionnaire has an attached covering letter that assures the confidentially of data collected and describes the major components of questionnaires to be completed. Students were given one week to complete the questionnaires and had to return them to the assigned persons within the time allocated. The usable returned response rate was 72.9 % (n=255) out of 350 students. The data collected was operated on January 2008. Validity and Reliability To establish the face and construct validity of the instrument, the opinions of two experts in education were sought on the design and items used for the various dimension. The instrument was pilot tested on 30 students that was not on the list of the selected students. Based on the pilot test, 50 items from Nik Suryani et al. (2007) was tested and a few items were omitted in order to refine the instrument further. Finally, 40 items were confirmed with a reliability of Alpha Cronbach = .72. Instrumentation The survey instrument was adopted from a core questionnaire developed by Nik Suryani et al. (2007). The questionnaire comprised 40 questions divided into two sections: social and demographic variables and students views and knowledge on a wide range of topics on sex and attitudes towards sex. It sought to find out students perceptions on: (1) school and tertiary curriculum (5 items; no.1-5); (2) Islamic values on sexuality (6 items; no.6-11); (3) electronic and printed media (4 items; no.12-15): (4) sexual novel (4 items; no.16-19): (5) their prior knowledge of sexual and reproductive health 5.1 protected sex (6items; no.20-25): 5.2 sexual act (9 items; no.26-34): 5.3 circumcisions (9 items; no.35-40). The response to each item is in the form of a five-point Likert scale of â€Å"strongly disagree, â€Å"disagree†, â€Å"undecided†, â€Å"agree†, and â€Å"strongly agree†. The demographic characteristic of the first section of the questionnaire contains questions with regard to the respondents background information (gender, age, country of origin, former school and location, faculty, year of study, CGPA, and marital status). Data analysis For the demographic data, frequency and percentage were employed. To answer the research question on factors influencing students perceptions of sexual and reproductive health, principle component analysis was utilized. An explanatory factor analysis was conducted to construct-validate the factor influencing students perception. To find out the number of factors the following rules were used: (1) the Kaisers rule of 1.0 as the minimum eigenvalues, (2) the scree test and (3) the interpretability of the solutions. The degree of intercorrelation among items justified the application of the factor analysis as well as the Batletts test of sphericity recorded a Chi square value. Results Table 1 shows out of 255 students, 152 (59.6%) were females and 101 (39.6%) were males. A majority of the students (91.4%) were between 20 and 25 years of age, the remaining being distributed between the age group of younger than 20 (7.4%) and older than 25 (1.2%). Approximately, 239 (93.7%) of the respondents were Malaysians while 16 (6.3%) were international students. Most of students (37.2%) graduated from urban day school, followed by religious school (27.1%), boarding school (16.5%), rural day school (9.0%), private school (5.9%), and others (1.9%). The respondents were represented from different faculty with nearly half (42.4%) being law students (AIKOL). The other half was distributed between Human Sciences (24.3%), KENMS (11.8%), ENGINEERING (7.1%), KAED (5.5%), INSTED (3.9%), KICT (2.7%), and IRK (2.4%) respectively. Majority of students were second year student (32.5%), the remaining being almost distributed between the final year (29.8%), the first year (21.2%), and the third year (16.5%). In general, almost more than half of the students (49.4%) had CGPA more than 3.0, while the rest (28.7%) had less than 3.0. Almost 95.7% students were single which 131 (53.7%) were not attached to someone and 110 (45.1%) were having attached to someone, only 11 (4.3%) students were married. Table 1 Respondents Demographic Background Variables N Percent 1. Gender: Male 101 39.6 Female 152 59.6 Missing Value 2 0.8 2.Age 19 7.4 20-25 233 91.4 >25 3 1.2 3.Country of Origin Malaysian (local student) 239 93.7 Non-Malaysian (international student) 16 6.3 4. Former School and Location Urban Day School 95 37.2 Rural Day School 23 9.0 Boarding School 42 16.5 Religious School 69 27.1 Private School 15 5.9 Others 6 2.4 Missing values 5 1.9 5. Faculty Information and Communication Technology (KICT) 7 2.7 Engineering 18 7.1 Laws (AIKOL) 108 42.4 Human Sciences (HS) 62 24.3 Islamic Revealed Knowledge (IRK) 6 2.3 Institute of Education (INSTEAD) 10 3.9 Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS) 30 11.8 Architecture and Environmental Design ( KAED) 14 5.5 6. Year of study 1st year 54 21.2 2nd year 83 32.5 3rd year 42 16.5 4th year 76 29.8 5. CGPA 1 0.4 2.00-2.49 11 4.4 2.50-2.99 61 23.9 3.00-3.49 102 40 >3.50 24 9.4 Missing Value 56 21.9 6. Marital status Single 244 95.7 Single and have attached to someone 110 45.1 Single and have not attached to someone 131 53.7 Missing Value 3 1.2 Married 11 4.3 n = 255 Perceptions toward Sexual and Reproductive Health Table 2 summarizes the results of the descriptive analysis of the students perceptions on sexual and reproductive health. The data showed that the mean scores ranged between 1.83 (items PRO23) and 4.57 (items REL10); the standard deviations ranged from .66 (items SEX34) to 1.18 (items PRO23). The mean scores were located within the expected range (none of the items are included a mean score of zero, at 95 % level of confidence, with a reliability of Alpha Cronbach = .72). The data showed that the dispersion of the scores for each item sufficiently discriminated the students perceptions. In addition, the degree of bivariate correlation among most of the 40 items matric variables ranged from low to high. However six of them (items EDU1, EDU2, PRO24, SEX28, SEX31, and CIR39) were found to link weakly and negatively with the rest of the items. Table 2 Mean (Standard Deviation) and Item-Total Correlations of Students Perceptions on Sexual and Reproductive Health Items Code M SD r 1. The content of information on sexual related matters taught at school is sufficient. EDU1 2.95 1.157 .081 2. Courses like Family Management and Parenting at undergraduate level should openly discuss sexual and reproductive health matters. EDU2 4.11 .876 .023 3. Sexual education should be taught as subject of its own at secondary schools. EDU3 3.28 1.176 .227 4. Sexual education should be taught as a separate subject at the tertiary level. EDU4 3.60 1.043 .195 5. Sexual education should be taught in pre-marital courses. EDU5 4.38 .686 .176 6. Quran provides me with information on sexuality in a decent manner. REL6 4.38 .789 .239 7. My religious knowledge provides basis for me to develop the conscience not to engage in premarital sex REL7 4.52 .728 .192 8. Religion helps me suppress my sexual desire. REL8 4.26 .847 .237 9. Fasting is one of the best ways to keep my sexual desire under control. REL9 4.31 .910 .327 10. Watching pornography is forbidden in Islam. REL10 4.57 .767 .303 11. The only way to eliminate illicit sex is by implementing the Syariah Law. REL11 4.19 .922 .389 12. Electronic media portrays negative perception of sexuality. MED12 3.70 1.079 .339 13. Printed media portrays negative perception of sexuality. MED13 3.65 1.075 .372 14. Electronic media leads young people to embark on pre-marital sexual relationship. MED14 4.10 .927 .357 15. Printed media leads young people to embark on pre-marital sexual relationship. MED15 3.94 .987 .412 16. Reading sexy novels leads people to having pre-marital sex. NOV16 3.42 1.036 .354 17. Novels are most descriptive about sexual intercourses than other sources. NOV17 2.98 1.072 .350 18. Novels with sexual descriptions increase my desire to masturbate. NOV18 2.69 1.107 .324 19. Novels with sexual descriptions increase my sexual fantasies. NOV19 2.95 1.093 .268 20. There is fertility problem if pregnancy does not occur in the first year of marriage. PRO20 2.52 .972 .218 21. Unprotected sexual intercourse will guarantee pregnancy. PRO21 3.32 1.175 .339 22. Protected intercourse guarantee pregnancy wont occur. PRO22 2.70 1.085 .235 23. Kissing and touching can lead to pregnancy. PRO23 1.83 1.177 .153 24. The use of contraceptives or protected sex ensures safety from sexually related diseases. PRO24 3.41 .996 .069 25. Islam forbids the use of contraceptives. PRO25 2.87 1.010 .169 26. Preservation of virginity is most important for both men and women before getting married. SEX26 4.53 .781 .125 27. Sex is painful for first timers. SEX27 3.44 .933 .100 28. Sex is painful for women. SEX28 3.22 .886 .069 29. Sex is pleasurable to both men and women. SEX29 4.04 .853 .162 30. Only matured people enjoy sexual relationship. SEX30 2.88 1.088 .100 31. Sexual relationship is for young people only. SEX31 1.91 .909 -.057 32. Good Communication between spouses ensures satisfying sexual relationship. SEX32 4.32 .839 .100 33. Knowledge about sex is a pre requisite for enjoying sex. SEX33 4.05 .876 .246 34. Understanding between each others needs help improve sexual satisfaction. SEX34 4.39 .660 .168 35. Circumcision is mainly for health reasons. CIR35 3.93 1.090 .192 36. Circumcision is for cultural reasons. CIR36 2.43 1.033 .189 37. Circumcision for women reduces sexual satisfaction. CIR37 2.89 .935 .116 38. Circumcision for women represses their sexual desires. CIR38 2.96 .856 .235 39. Circumcision for men reduces sexual satisfaction. CIR39 2.59 .977 .076 40. Circumcision for men represses their sexual desires. CIR40 2.92 .969 .105 The Underlying Dimensions of Students Perceptions To identify the factors that influence undergraduate Muslim students response toward sexual and reproductive health, the data collected from the sample of 255 respondents were subjected to principal component analysis. Nevertheless, the present analysis used only the responses on the 34 of the 40 items (Table 3). Based on the results of item analysis as described in the preceding section, 6 of the items (items EDU1, EDU2, PRO24, SEX28, SEX31, and CIR39) were excluded because they were behaving poorly in the item-total correlation. Table 3 summarizes the correlations among the 34 items supported the use of principal component analysis. Specifically, the Bartlett Sphericity Test yielded statistically significant intercorrelation c2 (561) = 2525.854, p = .001 with an overall MSA of .65, which exceeded the value of .60. Thus, the data matrix has sufficient correlation to justify the use of the exploratory factor analysis. The principal component analysis yielded a seven -factor dimension structure, accounting for 60.69% of the variance. This indicates that four underlying dimensions explain more than 60% of the variance among the 34 variables. The eigenvalues, ranging from 1.616 to 3.0622 (which is greater than 1 as required), satisfied the standards of important factors as prescribed by Hair, Jr. et al. (2006). Table 3 Correlation Matrix and Descriptive Statistic EDU3 EDU4 EDU5 REL6 REL7 REL8 REL9 REL10 REL11 MED12 MED13 MED14 MED15 NOV16 NOV17 NOV18 NOV19 PRO20 PRO21 PRO22 PRO23 PRO25 SEX26 SEX27 SEX29 SEX30 SEX32 SEX33 SEX34 CIR35 CIR36 CIR37 CIR38 CIR40 EDU3 .548 EDU4 -.284 .557 EDU5 -.134 -.128 .747 REL6 .051 -.046 -.085 .769 REL7 -.021 .017 -.107 -.385 .735 REL8 .061 -.006 .027 -.125 -.233 .724 REL9 -.052 .028 -.011 -.130 -.104 -.210 .771 REL10 .015 -.084 -.110 -.084 -.023 -.234 -.002 .742 REL11 .007 .040 -.099 .027 -.140 .031 -.194 -.153 .782 MED12 .062 .071 .045 -.034 .068 .107 -.062 -.183 -.005 .669 MED13 -.162 -.074 .029 -.025 -.014 -.082 .046 .100 -.202 -.784 .666 MED14 .046 .052 -.088 .045 -.021 .080 .110 -.118 .071 .005 -.172 .664 MED15 -.032 -.025 .017 .003 .001 -.124 -.044 .120 -.113 -.074 .052 -.763 .688 NOV16 .162 -.022 .047 -.145 .047 .001 -.010 -.069 -.191 .020 .072 -.138 -.034 .757 NOV17 -.020 -.056 .094 .046 .028 .017 -.174 .000 .125 .028 -.029 .045 -.141 -.328 .713 NOV18 -.034 .113 -.078 -.017 -.081 .124 -.030 -.024 .209 -.019 -.076 .141 -.089 -.188 -.191 .591 NOV19 .085 -.105 -.101 .183 -.018 -.168 .126 .040 -.053 -.004 -.012 -.011 .013 -.001 -.047 -.663 .588 PRO20 -.106 .172 .097 -.095 .194 -.099 .024 -.007 -.015 -.018 -.118 -.040 .033 -.075 .118 .036 -.051 .630 PRO21 .032 -.077 -.059 .056 -.056 .056 -.098 .072 -.002 .006 -.031 .051 -.044 -.124 .065 -.090 .049 -.093 .610 PRO22 -.055 -.041 .006 -.023 -.001 .022 -.140 .004 -.097 -.053 .109 .067 -.031 .108 -.111 -.081 .059 -.147 -.290 .485 PRO23 -.120 .028 .054 -.017 .112 -.070 .003 .149 -.198 -.060 .040 -.141 .111 .042 -.050 -.087 .012 .010 -.045 -.196 .619 PRO25 .088 -.126 .092 -.052 .056 .126 -.134 -.206 .005 .114 -.030 -.028 -.017 -.015 .002 .025 -.096 -.120 -.169 .099 -.126 .490 SEX26 .004 -.041 .071 -.092 -.141 .034 -.010 -.063 -.056 -.031 .023 -.049 .067 .080 -.175 .047 .036 -.006 -.204 .086 .101 .057 .671 SEX27 .079 .083 -.093 .080 -.078 -.056 .098 .135 -.107 .051 -.024 -.100 .015 .098 .074 -.135 .085 .026 .196 -.244 .092 -.128 -.197 .319 SEX29 -.085 -.058 -.089 -.088 .013 -.091 .011 -.055 .033 -.086 .153 .029 -.007 .048 -.105 .135 -.199 -.211 -.196 .120 .069 .111 .114 -.195 .572 SEX30 -.023 .064 -.009 -.090 .118 .029 -.161 -.055 .048 -.006 .000 -.110 .075 -.117 -.027 .114 -.097 -.009 .011 -.001 .036 .092 .101 -.143 .147 .536 SEX32 -.243 .095 .094 -.039 .066 -.068 -.006 .074 -.018 -.148 .127 -.028 .018 .047 -.001 -.043 -.004 .231 -.038 .114 .041 -.106 -.040 -.103 -.054 .089 .640 SEX33 -.023 .060 .014 .163 -.195 .084 -.110 -.149 .058 .090 -.043 .062 -.055 -.124 -.088 .088 -.092 -.192 .057 .133 -.119 .097 -.036 -.040 .056 -.046 -.193 .570 SEX34 .127 -.132 -.039 -.139 .173 -.044 .020 .067 -.049 .105 -.085 -.076 .025 .064 .193 -.167 .075 .158 .006 -.155 .072 .032 -.058 .123 -.256 -.054 -.333 -.463 .555 CIR35 -.103 .093 .052 -.006 .018 .025 -.115 -.101 -.075 -.026 .058 -.053 .056 .011 -.026 -.020 -.012 .065 -.052 .054 .038 -.065 -.104 -.074 .019 .018 .053 .128 -.237 .600 CIR36 .003 -.139 .060 -.085 .159 -.147 .181 .069 -.084 .015 .045 -.014 .021 .025 -.197 -.173 .174 -.052 -.137 .084 .010 -.068 .108 -.114 .020 -.026 .032 -.170 .133 -.113 .613 CIR37 -.145 .013 .021 .044 -.011 .168 -.081 .037 .072 -.034 .015 -.086 .068 -.157 .067 .104 -.121 .003 .126

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Lizard by Dennis Covington Essay

Dennis Covington is an American writer of fiction whose stories give a realistic version of the world through the lives of the fictitious characters. He did his education in fiction writing and got BA degree from the University of Virginia. He married second time to Vicki Covington in 1977 and also taught at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. (Alabama Center for the Book and Auburn University, 2008) Lizard is his commendable story of a deformed young teenage boy, Lucius Sims, whose deformity gets him a nickname Lizard. The whole story revolves around this boy, his anguish as he is abused and laughed at by other children and even though not mentally retarded yet is admitted in the asylum of mentally retarded children. Lucius Sims has a disfigured face and looks completely different from others and similar to a reptile. This makes him an object of ridicule and insults. He is often insulted and called â€Å"Turd Head† (Covington, 1991, p. 10) by the boys, and nurse refers him as â€Å"that boy with squashed head† (Covington, 1991, p. 28). He is also admitted in Leesville State School for mentally handicapped boys by a woman named Miss Colley with whom he was staying. From this place onwards his troubles and problems actually start. There is no sign or even evidence of his being mentally handicapped still he is forced to stay with these children which prove nothing less than a torture for him. His sending him off to the school of mental retarded children is just a means to get rid of him, so that Miss Colley could marry without having to face burden of taking care of him. Lucius is burdened of having to face not only these children but also adults so he decides to escape. Soon he gets an opportunity when he is helped by a young actress and an actor to flee from school. He takes this chance to escape into the new profound freedom. They take him into the acting company where he plays a role of Caliban in one of the organized Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. In course of his journey, he comes across range of people- orphaned brother and sister whom he finds staying in a dirty swamp, a museum curator, a black artist, and finally again Miss Cooley whom he finds to be his own mother. On this journey he has to face many situations and circumstances which are both tragic as well as comic like interstate chase, acting debut, unreciprocated love, his acting career and many more adventures. â€Å"While performing in the play, Lizard becomes a specifically American Caliban who finds through the culturally-authoritative voice of Shakespeare, language to speak the trauma of self and nation crystallized by the extreme political history of 1963. † (Hateley, 2009, p. 158) Plot moves very slowly in the beginning but becomes more mesmerizing as it moves forward. Whole text appears to be very loosely connected with again plot appearing to be like turning here and there and twisting. In some places, rough language has also been used which has very little or no relevance to the plot. Many people have been described in the book that gives a nice view about the present society as a whole and the difficulties it faces. It is a self narrative with an autobiographical touch as this whole story has been told by Lizard himself and from his perspective. Through this story, we could not stop but admire him for the way he shows courage and strength in dealing with the circumstances and the people around him. All other characters are also very intriguing allowing us to have a good grasp of the society and its ways. Lizard is Covington’s first work of fiction as he produced originality while espousing the social themes and the worldly affairs with great dexterity and as a keen watcher. This novel is more recommended for young aged between 14 to 16 who should adopt the attitude of love and tolerance towards these â€Å"other† unconventional children. It is also a novel of hope and optimism as in this odd world, a body with disfigured face wants to make his place. Through the eyes of this young boy nicknamed Lizard, writer allows us to show great wisdom, and love for all. It is also a way to remove the undaunted fear of adolescence. While reading the novel, it appears writer has achieved what he wanted with no doubt through the confused, tormented and on some occasions violent while other funny escapades of main the protagonist Lizard. Reference List Alabama Center for the Book and Auburn University. (2008). Dennis Covington. Retrieved on May 2, 2010 from W. W. W: http://www. alabamaliterarymap. org/author. cfm? AuthorID=134 Covington, D. (1991). Lizard. New York, N. Y: Bantam Doubleday Dell. Hateley, E. (2009) Shakespeare in children’s literature: gender and cultural capital. New York, NY: Routledge. Perantoni, C. (2003) First One I and Then the Other, in Reimagining Shakespeare for children and young adults edited by Naomi J. Miller. New York, NY: Routledge. Polette, N. & Ebbesmeyer, J. (2002). Literature lures: using picture books and novels to motivate middle school readers. Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited. Ward, M. (2006). Voices from the Margins: An Annotated Bibliography of Fiction of Disabilities and Differences for Young People. IAP.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Utilizing Leadership to Accomplish Successful Organization

Utilizing Leadership to Accomplish Successful Organizational Cultural Change The following paper will provide an in depth analysis as to the benefits associated with utilizing leadership to implement successful organizational change. The paper will outline and convey the importance behind effective leadership demonstration within the workforce environment.Along with this, the importance for instigating and culturing positive working relationships amongst employees, coupled with streamlined communication between staff and executive management is of the utmost importance. This paper will produce the direct correlations between innovative thinking and successful organizational cultural change, showing the importance of this relationship.The paper will reveal that the functional realities met by senior level leadership provide respective managers with access to information vital to the success of organizational change and therefore, are crucial to the drivers of change, seeking to influe nce middle level management and ground floor employees' willingness to accept change It is imperative that there is a thorough understanding as to what is needed to facilitate cultural change implementation, and hat leadership members convey these principles and strategic ideas accurately to their respective staff.Earning and retaining employee willingness to implement change is of the utmost importance as this will allow for more efficient change implementation, combined with a strategic organizational effort. Along with this, implementing streamlined communication amongst staff and managers provides a proactive approach in nullifying any potential impasse in the overall goal. Phalanx's article entitled, Cultural Revitalization Movements in Organization Change Management, outlines one of the most convincing case studies as it relates to what is added in implementing successful cultural change within an organization. 2005) Philae conveys a thorough understanding of why and how organ izational value systems change according to the model and furthermore outlines how management can successfully guide change in behavior. Along with this, strategic cultural change implementation is most efficient when management best understands the ultimate task at hand. Along with effective leadership demonstration, the need for building positive relationships amongst all parties when seeking cultural change is of the utmost importance.This can instigate trust and rapport between both employees ND management alike, allowing for streamlined communications. Bogart, Melville, and Wilkinson, outline the need for organizational leaders to facilitate the complexities of workforce relationships through the process of training and immersion. It is within these training principles that proper employee expectations can best be established. This then affords each employee the opportunity to fully understand their respective position within the workforce environment, which can then ultimately lead to an increase in employee sense of ownership.Positive reinforcement of applied training principles can double as a strategic catalyst for erect and coherent correlation between long-term, innovative thinking and cultural change within an organization. (Bright, Mink, & Owen, 1993) Highly efficient and successful organizations understand the need to adapt with change, and implement policies and procedures that will act as the catalyst for this change.Furthermore, proactively outlining and presenting a clear and concise program when seeking to implement cultural change proves to be advantageous in identifying the end result and then preventing any possible impasse in direction between management and employees. The principles of Total Quality Leadership, as outlined by W. Edwards Deeming, seek to identify an integrated philosophy of leadership and management that has been easily integrated amongst other organizations with a sufficient level of success.Continued education at the m anagement level can be advantageous in the construction of a new cultural philosophy within a respective organization. (Bonkers, 1992) This proves to be beneficial for all parties as it provides the organization with a leadership team that not only possess the intellectual capacity to facilitate change, UT also provides management, and in turn, their respective employees, a strategic opportunity to capture and utilize an educated skill set. There is a direct correlation between organizational leaders and human resource practices and how these components work together to implement organizational cultural change. Easterly- Smith & Salaam, 1994). Changing core values at the management level and implementing a top-down, coordinated effort by management to disperse the new value system throughout the organization can prove to be highly efficient and establishes a level of accountability for all employees. This hands on viewpoint streamlines communications between all parties within the o rganization, proactively nullifying any confusion related to change and also displays to employees that the change process is well thought out and highly organized.The functional realities floor employees' willingness to accept change. (SST-Amour, 2001). Providing leadership with sufficient information directly related to the organization's ability to successfully orchestrate cultural change within the workforce environment is crucial in formulating a change platform that can be duplicated throughout each respective vision within an organization. . In addition to the aforementioned, requiring leaders to think culturally and even employ cultural tools when seeking to implement successful cultural change within the organization provides for a broader viewpoint.Additionally, encouraging leadership to focus simultaneously on the systematic and structural changes, as well as the symbolic presence when identifying and using change triggers, can prove to produce highly efficient levels of change. (Brooks, 1997) Presenting management with planned, strategic change platforms, coupled with editorship's ability identify and cater to cognitive cultural thinking would be beneficial. Moving forward, managing cultural artifacts when seeking to implement cultural change is very important and should be done so with a direct understanding of the importance this brings.Cultural artifacts are found to be the history of the organization and can include components from social norms to strategic heroes that manage these cultural artifacts could prove to be problematic as these components are deeply rooted within the organization and could ultimately provide barriers that would stifle the change triggers. Team Based Cultural Change: A Case Study, presents 10 critical success factors resulting from a strategic, four-step, teamwork program that was designed to assist in cultural change. (Wellbeing 1992).Additionally, this provides the organization with a teamwork approach that sows tog ether the change process. This can prove to be advantageous in proactively preventing push back from employees as it relates to organizational change. Different than the aforementioned, Clausal takes a predominant approach directly related to employee empowerment within the organization and discusses how this relates with successful cultural change. (Clausal, 2004) This then demonstrates the value in using the company's respective employees to assist in instigating cultural change, seeking to utilize employee support to drive organizational values.This can behoove all parties involved as leadership can then provide additional focus towards facilitating the continued change model. In conclusion, it is imperative that there is a thorough understanding as to what is needed to facilitate cultural change implementation, and that leadership members convey these principles and strategic ideas accurately to their respective staff. Implementing streamlined communication amongst staff and man agers provides a proactive approach in nullifying any potential impasse in the overall goal.Additionally, earning and retaining employee willingness to implement change is of the utmost importance as this will allow for more efficient change implementation, combined with a strategic organizational effort. Recommendations would include implementation of streamlined communication strategies between ground floor employees, divisional leaders, and executive management. This would allow for real time problem solving and a proactive solution to strategic organizational change implementation.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Aswan High Dam Controls the Nile River

Aswan High Dam Controls the Nile River Just north of the border between Egypt and Sudan lies the Aswan High Dam, a huge rockfill dam which captures the worlds longest river, the Nile River, in the worlds third-largest reservoir, Lake Nasser. The dam, known as Saad el Aali in Arabic, was completed in 1970 after ten years of work. Egypt has always depended on the water of the Nile River. The two main tributaries of the Nile River are the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The sources of the White Nile are the Sobat River and Bahr al-Jabal (the Mountain Nile), and the Blue Nile begins in the Ethiopian Highlands. The two tributaries converge in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, where they form the Nile River. The Nile River has a total length of 4,160 miles (6,695 kilometers) from source to sea. Nile Flooding Before the building of a dam at Aswan, Egypt experienced annual floods from the Nile River that deposited four million tons of nutrient-rich sediment which enabled agricultural production. This process began millions of years before Egyptian civilization began in the Nile River valley and continued until the first dam at Aswan was built in 1889. This dam was insufficient to hold back the water of the Nile and was subsequently raised in 1912 and 1933. In 1946, the true danger was revealed when the water in the reservoir peaked near the top of the dam. In 1952, the interim Revolutionary Council government of Egypt decided to build a High Dam at Aswan, about four miles upstream of the old dam. In 1954, Egypt requested loans from the World Bank to help pay for the cost of the dam (which eventually added up to one billion dollars). Initially, the United States agreed to loan Egypt money but then withdrew their offer for unknown reasons. Some speculate that it may have been due to Egyptian and Israeli conflict. The United Kingdom, France, and Israel had invaded Egypt in 1956, soon after Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal to help pay for the dam. The Soviet Union offered to help and Egypt accepted. The Soviet Unions support was not unconditional, however. Along with the money, they also sent military advisers and other workers to help enhance Egyptian-Soviet ties and relations. Building of the Aswan Dam In order to build the Aswan Dam, both people and artifacts had to be moved. Over 90,000 Nubians had to be relocated. Those who had been living in Egypt were moved about 28 miles (45 km) away, but the Sudanese Nubians were relocated 370 miles (600 km) from their homes. The government was also forced to develop one of the largest Abu Simel temples and dig for artifacts before the future lake would drown the land of the Nubians. After years of construction (the material in the dam is the equivalent to 17 of the great pyramids at Giza), the resulting reservoir was named after the former president of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser, who died in 1970. The lake holds 137 million acre-feet of water (169 billion cubic meters). About 17 percent of the lake is in Sudan and the two countries have an agreement for distribution of the water. Aswan Dam Benefits and Problems The Aswan Dam benefits Egypt by controlling the annual floods on the Nile River and prevents the damage which used to occur along the floodplain. The Aswan High Dam provides about half of Egypts power supply and has improved navigation along the river by keeping the water flow consistent. There are several problems associated with the dam as well. Seepage and evaporation account for a loss of about 12-14% of the annual input into the reservoir. The sediments of the Nile River, as with all river and dam systems, has been filling the reservoir and thus decreasing its storage capacity. This has also resulted in problems downstream. Farmers have been forced to use about a million tons of artificial fertilizer as a substitute for the nutrients which no longer fill the floodplain. Further downstream, the Nile delta is having problems due to the lack of sediment as well since there is no additional agglomeration of sediment to keep erosion of the delta at bay, so it slowly shrinks. Even the shrimp catch in the Mediterranean Sea has decreased due to the change in water flow. Poor drainage of the newly irrigated lands has led to saturation and increased salinity. Over one-half of Egypts farmland in now rated medium to poor soils. The parasitic disease schistosomiasis has been associated with the stagnant water of the fields and the reservoir. Some studies indicate that the number of individuals affected has increased since the opening of the Aswan Dam. The Nile River and now the Aswan High Dam are Egypts lifeline. About 95% of Egypts population live within twelve miles from the river. Were it not for the river and its sediment, the grand civilization of ancient Egypt probably would have never existed.