Workforce Diversity and the impact SHRM has towards Competitive Advantage

Workforce Diversity covers a wide variety of differences, which include race, gender, age, culture, nationality, religion, sexuality, interests, needs and desires (Hartel & Fujimoto, 2000). In order to explain workforce diversity in depth, this essay will utilise Race/Ethnicity as the key diversity characteristic, discussing the various theories and practices used in Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) to develop and manage diversity. In order to achieve increased organisational performance, a strategic plan must be implemented to position people throughout the organisation; and to manage these diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds, and nurture their creativity and innovation, diverse recruitment and training is undertaken. Through the use of the diverse labour pool available when recruiting, an organisation can benefit from the different skills and knowledge obtained by the diverse employees. Secondly, their creativity, innovation network range, uniqueness and rarity, serve as a means of giving the organisation unique resources and processes that competitors are unable to produce or replicate, resulting in the organisation benefiting from a human capital based competitive advantage. This essay discusses workforce diversity, competitive advantage, diversity orientation, diversity openness, and effects of diversity on team and individual performance, and diversity management. Due to the effects globalisation has on the organisations today, organisations must diversify the methods in which they manage their human resources and establish a competitive advantage to compete in the current global market. By defining the presence of differences among members of social units (Jackson et al. , 1995, as cited in D’Netto & Sohal, 1999), different types of diversity can be identified and the groups can be categorised in order to manage them effective and efficiently. According to H?rtel and Fujimoto (2000), Workforce diversity is categorised into two dimensions: Observable differences and Underlying differences. Firstly, observable differences take into account the diverse characteristics such as race, gender, age, verbal/non-verbal behaviours. Secondly, underlying difference encapsulates less observable differences such as values/beliefs, sexual orientation, skills/knowledge, and religion. These two dimensions contribute to the influence of the process and outcomes of many organisations. As suggested by Ayoko and H?rtel, impact of diversity of workgroups has been a focus for most studies on diversity; however, in diversity studies from Cox and Blake (1991) and Jackson (1992), cultural heterogeneity differences in race, ethnicity and national origin have been the focal point. Experiences of lower cohesion and social integration (Hambrick, 1994), more conflict, higher turnover, less trust, less job satisfaction, more stress, more absenteeism, and more communication difficulties ( Alder, 1991; O’Reilly et al. 1992; Zenger and Lawrence, 1989) are shown as the key comparisons in the research between diverse workgroups and homogeneous groups. Diversity has both positive effects such as increasing opportunity for creativity and negative effects such as increasing the likelihood of dissatisfaction and failure to identify with one’s workgroup (Milliken and Martin, 1996). Richard Florida (2004, 2005; Lee et al. 2004) argues that diversity influences economic comp etitiveness directly by fostering creativity and innovation, which are elements for promoting rarity and unique ideas and concepts, giving an organisation an advantage in its market. Organisations that acknowledge workforce diversity and its different viewpoints, and facilitate unique and creative approaches to problem solving, increase creativity and innovation within the company, leading to increased organisation performance and competitive advantage. By utilising the diversity and realising its potential, organisations are able to attract and retain the best talent available, reduce costs due to lower turnover and fewer lawsuits; enhanced market understanding and market ability; greater creativity and innovations; better problem solving; greater organisational flexibility, better decision making, and better overall performance (Cox, 1993; Cox and Blake, 1991; Cox, 1991; Robinson and Dechant, 1997; Carlozzi, 1999; Griscombe and Mattis, 2002; McAllister, 1997; Watson et al. 1993). Allan et al. (2007) suggests the negative effects of diversity to organisational performance such as lower employee satisfaction and higher turnover (O’Reilly et al. , 1989), creating a sense of detachment (Tsui et al. , 1992), lower cohesiveness, and difficulties in communications, and intergroup conflict and tension (Richard et al. , 2003; Cox, 1993). These effects of poor diverse planning and management would have severe and damaging results for the organisation. The use of Strategic Human Resource Management and Diversity Management are used to manage the broad definition of diversity, inclusive of everyone and values the differences that each individual brings to the organisation. The need for a broader definition is recognised by Loden (1993), realising that theories only based on affirmative action and equal employment opportunity tend to focus only on women and minorities which result in organisation efforts that are sectioned with the outcome of other groups feeling disenfranchised. Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) uses people as one of its components to gain competitive advantage. To be able to retain this advantage, the resources must remain scarce and hard to duplicate, have the inability to be directly substituted, and enable companies to pursue opportunities (Barney, 1991; Boyd & Wright, 1992). The key to a competitive advantage is how well the human resources work within the company (Pfeffer, 1994), leading to the creation of value, hard to imitate, and is rare which in turn increases sustainability of the competitive advantage. As the global market and its demographic characteristics of its customers change, so must an organisation’s to retain a competitive edge in the market (Cox, 1994). As communities become more multicultural, organisations must change their human resource structure so that it is aligned with the customer’s needs, as the organisation span widens globally, employees are then needed to understand the customer’s references and requirements (Cox & Blake, 1991). In order to maximise diverse employees, Diversity-oriented Human Resource Management (HRM) is utilised and is achieved through the implementation of HRM policies. By strategically focusing on processes such as employee attraction and recruitment, retainment, training and development, and organisational alignment (Denton, 1992; H?rtel & Fujimoto, 2010; Rosen & Lovelace, 1991), diverse employees can be promoted to assist an organisation to manage the challenges the come with today’s diverse marketplace. Problems arise for HRM when implementing diversity initiatives, such as convincing top management that the initiatives will benefit the organisation. Management can see the diverse initiatives as being too expensive, production may be reduced and disruption the workplace (D’Netto & Sohal, 1999). On the other hand, diverse-oriented organisations not only accept diversity, they also recognise it as an integral part of the organisation (Richard & Johnson, 2001). The key aspects of diversity orientation: work design, staffing, training, and compensation are all embedded with the foundation of diversity, thus being valued as the core part of the organisation. It is through the bundling of the HRM policies and practices that direct the organisation towards diversity and diversity management. The organisation activities of training and development, work design, staffing, and compensation programs need to all supporting and reinforcing diversity for the constitution of diversity orientation to be successful. Coinciding with the organisational activities suggested previously, procedural fairness must be undertaken so that both majority and minority groups do not experience a sense of feeling left out. Diversity orientation is a rewarding tool when striving for competitive advantage; however, diversity orientation is not universal. The effectiveness of diversity orientation involves a substantial commitment of resources and a willingness to experience inefficiencies for a time, although through persistence, this tolerance for inefficiency may be of great benefit for organisations desiring innovation, high-commitment work environments, and the ability to face dynamic environments. To be able to effectively manage diversity, the implementation of SHRM policies and procedures regarding recruitment and training must first be undertaken. Problems need to be identified so that the correct policies and procedures can be put into place. D’Netto and Sohal (1999) suggest several â€Å"best practices† be used to improve workforce diversity management during recruiting and selection; job descriptions and selection progress that cover job relevant duties, qualifications, and experience and comply with anti-discrimination legislation. Successful organisations can benefit from orkforce diversity by creating an organisation environment which attracts people from diverse labour markets. A competitive edge is promoted by selecting the right people for the correct task regardless of race (Cornelius, 1999). Through recruitment, human capital is used as a driver for competitive advantage by selecting diverse individuals with specific, unique, and rare skills, increa ses the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation, exploiting market opportunities, and neutralise potential threats (Barney, 1991; Ulrich & Lake, 1991). Human capital that is not readily available in the labour market and not easily duplicated by other organisations provides a potential source of competitive advantage (Snell, Youndt & Wright, 1996). Management needs to proactively communicate the organisation’s commitment and reasons for valuing diversity, invest in training, socialisation, and other efforts to manage conflicts effectively (Richard et al. , 2002). Once the right people have been employed it is then up to Human Resource management to implement diversity orientated training, helping to retain the diverse workforce and to focus on the organisation as a whole, creating an environment where clear, unambiguous policies and procedures are initiated. Training can create an awareness of certain traps and provide strategies for addressing any underlying issues (Barry & Bateman, 1996). A well implemented training program will provide employees with a better understanding of each other’s race, culture, gender, religion, and sexual preferences. It will help those who are not from diverse backgrounds identify the strengths and opportunities that are supplied by the minority groups. Communication problems can be addressed through proper diverse training, helping employees understand that minority groups are handled differently according to their skills and knowledge as opposed to the employment due to their minority status. The benefit of diversity-orientated training is that it reduces the amount of bias from both employees and management, allowing the diverse groups to be accepted for the skills and knowledge they offer, which in turn, leads to a more productive, innovative, and creative organisation and promotes cohesion and cooperation between colleagues (H?rtel & Fujimoto, 2010), resulting in human resources and practices that are of a competitive nature. The first two theories Social Identity and Similarity Attraction both dentify the negative effects that diversity can have on an organisation and how it can also affect the competitive advantage, in the form of human resource. Firstly, Festinger’s (1954) studies of Social Identity theory focus on the development of social identity which results in the comparison of individuals towards other group members. The outcome of these comparisons can result in the individual with either a positive or negative self-image (Richard & Johnson, 2001), an d desire to be part of the group or wanting to leave a group. Social Identity theory suggests that being part of a group creates a feeling of collective representation of self-identity and behaviour. According to Tajfel (1982), â€Å"the psychological process associated with this theory generates distinct group behaviour, such as, solidarity within a group, conformity to group norms, and discrimination against out groups†. The second theory of Similarity Attraction (Byrne, 1971) is reliant upon demographic characteristics such as race. Similarities are perceived by individuals and compared to other members of a group, fostering trust, mutual cooperation and interaction. These effects lead to sub groups which, in turn, lead to less effective team function as a whole. Finally, theory that describes the positive attributes to diversity is the Information Processing and Decision Making Theories (Gruenfeld et al. , 1996), suggesting that decision making and exchanging of information are improved within groups that are more diverse. Benefits arising from diversity are their ability to use a greater variety of resources, allowing the use of more diverse networks. The key to dealing with all of these theories of diversity are correct usage of Diversity Management, allowing management to identify the characteristics of each and deal with them accordingly, in doing so conflict, absenteeism, and discrimination are reduced, allowing for cohesion, creativity and innovation to be produced. Competitive advantage, organisation effectiveness, increased productivity and coherent organisational environment are all outcomes that can be acquired through the correct implementation of Diversity Management. These can be achieved through the building of specific skills, creating of policies and drafting practices (D’Netto & Sohal, 1999), which in turn, get the best results from every employee. The management of diversity can be identified as the leveraging and use of cultural differences in people’s skills, ideas nd creativity to contribute to a common goal in such a way that an organisation can achieve an advantage above that of the organisations competition (Deversky, 1994; Fernandez, 1993; Morrison, 1992). The management of diverse groups is becoming increasingly difficult. Globalisation is a large contributor to workforce diversity, increased migration as a result of the opening of foreign borders, especially from different countries where people were originally migration from, resulting in a wider span of people with diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds populating the country. In order to achieve competitive advantage through the use of diversity and SHRM, ethnic diverse individuals/employees must be strategically managed so that their diverse attributes can be utilised within the organisation, leading to organisation performance and efficiency. Diversity Management focuses on the inclusion of the full span of diverse employees, allowing them to perform to their full potential, ensuring that their wellbeing, both individually and in the organisation remain positive. Introducing training, development, and affective leadership are concepts that help develop diverse employees. According to H?rtel and Fujimoto (2010), it is reported that employees working in a diversity managed organisation have an improved work-life and higher cohesion among employees. Diversity Management has many positive effects which include understanding that minority viewpoints foster quality of thought, performance, and decision making (Nemeth, 1992), and that groups made up of larger diverse backgrounds and characteristics produce a wider variety of ideas, solutions, and alternatives than those groups with similar demographic characteristics (Bantel & Jackson, 1989; Jackson, 1992). Once these viewpoints are identified and understood, procedures and practices can be implemented to embed their skills and knowledge resulting in better organisational performance. Task conflict, when using diverse groups to problem solve complex, non-routine tasks, results in disagreements amongst members about task, including viewpoints ideas and opinions, utilising their skills, knowledge, abilities, and perspectives, leading to more complete analysis of the issues and improved decision-making and performance (Jehn, 1995; Pelled, 1996). In conclusion to the discussion of the previous associative approaches to managing diversity, the essay found limitations as a result of the quantity of differences that incorporate diversity, it would be limited to arguing the characteristic of Race/Ethnicity and the effects that workforce diversity has on its contribution to competitive advantage. The review concluded that the need for a contingency approach is needed to manage diversity effectively, as problems are constantly arising due to the ever changing demographical characteristics of today’s global market. Individuals from diverse cultures are migrating to areas in which they previously were not. This results in the need for continuously updated training and recruitment with placement of diverse individuals into positions to effectively communicate and network with global customers.

Fanny Robin Essay

With closer reference to chapters 7, 11 and 16 (appendix), explore Hardy’s presentation of Fanny Robin In chapter seven of the book ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ by Thomas Hardy, we are introduced to the character Fanny Robin. She is introduced during the night in the bleak darkness of a churchyard which symbolises death and possibly foreshadows unfortunate future events for Fanny. We are told that Fanny has ‘a bundle of some sort’ at her feet; from this, we can notice that Fanny is possibly running away from something. There is evidence that she is poor because she is described as ‘rather thinly clad’, and it is unusual for someone to be wearing very few clothes at such a cold time of year. Oak spares Fanny some money, and in the exchange of the shilling, Oak felt her pulse, it is described as ‘beating with a tragic intensity’ which means that he can notice that she is unhealthy, but the word ‘tragic’ stands out because it suggests a tragedy, where someone usually dies. This also makes us think of a stereotypical image of a heroin in Victorian times; because she is ill, she seems angelic, like she belongs in heaven. Hardy also shows a contrast between Bathsheba and Fanny. Fanny was very grateful and thankful for Oaks generosity and says thank you whereas Bathsheba, in chapter one, doesn’t take much notice of Oaks kindness. Hardy also shows this contrast by use of Pathetic Fallacy; when Bathsheba is introduced, it is made clear to us that she wants to stand out, ‘the sun lighted up to a scarlet glow the crimson jacket she wore†¦. ’ which shows that she is very passionate and unconventional. However, to describe Fanny, Hardy uses expressions like ‘motionless stranger’, which dehumanises her and makes her seem really small and weak. In Chapter eleven, it becomes clear that Fanny had been running away to go and visit her boyfriend, Frank who is a soldier. Soldiers often had a reputation for having many girlfriends so, in this chapter, Fanny comes across as being quite naive. There is more emphasis and description of Fanny’s weakness because she is described as a ‘form’ which makes her seem like a tiny blot or shape in the distance. More Pathetic Fallacies are used in chapter eleven, it is night time, ‘The bell was in the open air, and being overlaid with several inches of muffling snow’, which is describing the setting as being muted and extremely quiet. This person was so much like a mere shade upon the earth’. The word ‘shade’ stands out because it is often a word used instead of ghost. These things could signify death in the relationship of Fanny and Frank. When Fanny tries to gain Frank’s attention outside his window, she throws snow at it, ‘thrown with such imbecility as was shown here’, this shows fanny’s fragility and her inability to do even one small thing; she has to try another couple of times before she actually captures his attention. It shows her persistence and desperation. When Fanny introduces herself to Frank, he says ‘What girl are you? ’ which suggests that Fanny isn’t his only girlfriend, and that he has many. She responds to him, ‘Your wife, Fanny Robin’, which tells us that Frank and Fanny have had some sexual relations because she considers herself to be his wife, but this wouldn’t be openly spoken or written about in Victorian times. Frank asks Fanny, ‘How did you come here? ’; this shows that he did not expect her to be able to visit him because the journey is so long. Franks is inside in the warmth, whereas Fanny is left outside in the cold which show that he’s not particularly interested in her and that he has power over her because they are not in the same room or on the same level. Fanny asks ‘When will it be? ’ to which Frank replies, ‘I don’t quite recollect’ which is playing with her feelings. Fanny then asks when it is they shall be married and Frank is very hesitant and dashes are used in the dialogue which shows that he is not very keen, and has no intention of marriage. The dashes are also use in Fanny’s dialogue, but this is to show emotion in her speech. It is hinted that Fanny and Frank have had sexual relations on more than one occasion because Fanny says ‘You said lots of times you would marry me’. It is possible that Frank only said that he would marry her in order to get her to have sex with him. This also implies that there is a very high chance that Fanny could be pregnant, which could be why she is so desperate to get married and she wants the marriage to happen as soon as possible. She would be thought very poorly of if she was to have a baby out of wed-lock because there was a lot of stigma around this sort of thing in Victorian times, and it would be very difficult for er to find another job or another husband. However, in this chapter, Hardy wants the reader to sympathise for Fanny, because it would not be easy to be in her situation. In chapter sixteen (appendix), the chapter is split up into four main parts to resemble the quarters of the clock. This creates an atmosphere and it emphasises the growing frustration and embarrassment of Frank when Fanny doesn’t show up for their wedding. Frank and Fanny were due to be married in the church, ‘All saints’, but instead, Fanny went to ‘All Souls’, and as a result, was late for her own wedding. This is symbolic because we usually associate souls with death. When Fanny turns up, she asks if they can be married the next day, but Frank says ‘I don’t go through that experience again for some time, I warrant you! ’ because he has lost his pride. Fanny is trembling which shows that she is a conventional image of a woman and lowers herself to men. A lot of the description of Fanny symbolises and foreshadows death; there are many hints that something will go wrong for her or someone close to her in the future. Hardy has created a presentation of a very weak character, who doesn’t want to stand out, but she is also very mysterious and I think that she has a lot of secrets hidden.

Compare and Contrast of “The Lottery” and “AVOMWEW”

Humans sometimes feel that stereotypical beliefs or values are the black and white of life. In contrast, people are also unfitted to accept misleading truth. The perpetuation of archaic gender roles in â€Å"The Lottery† and the inability to accept unconventional truth in â€Å"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings† highlights the negative effects of unexamined or misplaced values. In the attempt to accept truth, the townspeople in â€Å"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings† finds out the truth in an unexpected manner.The incapability to accept unconventional truth in â€Å"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings† explains the negative effects of unexamined values and beliefs. For example, the family in â€Å"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings† calls in a neighbor woman who knows everything about life and death to see the man. â€Å"He’s an angel†¦ He must have been coming for the child, but the poor fellow is so old that the rain knocked him dow n. † People will often turn to, or use religion as an alternative to examine truth.â€Å"The Parish priest had his first suspicion of an imposter when he saw that he did not understand the language of God or know how to greet his ministers. † When realizing the truth is not unorthodox, the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place. â€Å"That was how Father Gonzaga was cured forever of his insomnia and Pelayo’s courtyard went back to being as empty as during the time it had rained for three days and crabs walked through the bedrooms. Generally speaking, accepting unconventional truth leads to stereotypical beliefs.The longevity of archaic gender roles in â€Å"the lottery† highlights the negative effects of misplaced beliefs or values. For example, when the â€Å"wife draws for her husband† it feels very out of place. The townspeople are not used to a woman drawing let alone draw for her husband. â€Å"Don’t you have a grown boy to do i t for you, Janey? † In these times, the men and boys are the leaders of households and hold the authority out in public compared to women.â€Å"Bobby Martin had already stuffed his pockets full of stones, and the other boys soon followed his example†¦ The girls stood aside, talking among themselves, looking over their shoulders at the boys. † The authority of men plays a big role of how well the children listen and respond to their mothers. The women start to call the children â€Å"and the children came reluctantly, having to be called four or five times. Bobby Martin ducked under his mothers grasping hand and ran, laughing, back to the pile of stones.His father spoke up sharply, and Bobby came quickly and took his place between his father and his oldest brother†. The sexist theme of the story explains in great detail how discriminatory the times back then were. In conclusion, the perpetuations of archaic gender roles in â€Å"The Lottery† and the in ability to accept unconventional truth in â€Å"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings† highlights the detrimental effects of unexamined or misplaced values.

Understanding Practical Business and Organizational Research Assignment

Understanding Practical Business and Organizational Research - Assignment Example The study elucidates the huge problem of poor performance, accountability, and transparency in the government institutions such as municipalities. The Americans have expressed their dissatisfaction of the delivery of services in the government institutions. On the other hand, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the contribution of performance measure to the sustainable improvement, accountability, and transparency of the government organization (Sanger, 2012). The research hypothesized that cities that had sophisticated performance measurement systems would have a high likelihood of using the performance data to improve performance. However, the research did not have research questions. The study used an analytic approach to collect quantitative data from a sample of 190 cities. The researchers searched the cities with a high likelihood of measuring performance with the intent of improving service delivery (Sanger, 2012). Fundamentally, the researchers selected a sample from four service areas namely police, parks and recreation, fire, and public works. The study used quantitative approaches to analyze the data and present it in tables. The study findings are important for the city mayors and officials who hold leadership positions to implement the information gotten from performance measurement for the betterment of services. In summary, the researchers established that government institutions rarely implement the information from performance measurements for the improvement of services. The data analysis indicates that few organizations use the information to improve service delivery. The analytic approach used in this study can be applied to solve performance problems. The researchers have analyzed the problem by seeking the primary data of the various cities. Primary data establishes the main cause of a problem, and thus provides a platform for selecting the best solution (Zikmund, 2013). For

Appeal to Flattery Fallacy Speech or Presentation

Appeal to Flattery Fallacy - Speech or Presentation Example Appeal to flattery is a fallacy or a misleading idea which has been frenetically researched through the lens of philosophy and psychology.Fallacy itself is widely known as a poorly constructed argument that employs no reasoning but misleading ideas which are expressed to further one’s interests.When there is no concrete reason for advancing one’s interests, a variety of fallacies can be used to achieve the desired objectives.Appeal to flattery is an intentional fallacy which is deliberately used to get something from the other person. Manipulation by deception is the art which forms bedrock of this fallacy. Flattery here is artistically enveloped in such beautiful packaging that often the person on whom this fallacy is aimed does not even know that he/she is being used in some way. This paper will explicate at length the philosophical meaning underlying the appeal to flattery. This fallacy is a confluence of two streams, flattery and buttered compliments. Both are frequ ently employed in place of evidence to win the heart of the other person. There is no evidence usually which is why people depending on this fallacy have to use it in the first place. Using emotionally charged language in place of pure evidence is the theme of this fallacy (Rainbolt & Dwyer, 2010, p. 140). The use of fallacious appeals is so frequent and pervasive in our society that its effects can be described as ubiquitous. From domestic setting through schools and colleges to business settings, everyone is seen using some fallacious argument on routine basis to gain certain benefits. Husband and wife at a home can be complimenting each other very effectively substituting evidence by flattery to save their marriage. Students in a classroom can be witnessed ardently complimenting the teacher’s oratory skills actually wanting the deadline on some assignment to be extended. In this instance, students commit fallacious appeals to flattery (Rainbolt & Dwyer, 2010, p. 140). A gr oup of employees can be seen passionately laughing on their manager’s shallow jokes at a workplace apparently pretending to be impressed by their boss’s humor skills for a rise in their salaries or bonuses while actually feeling a swinging pain in their jaws from forced laughter. These examples suggest that appeal to flattery is actually a very phony way of sustaining something or advancing interests by cunningly appealing to others’ emotions. Flattery can never take place of concrete evidence which is why the kind of reasoning incorporated in appeal to flattery is outrageously fallacious. Though the principal theme in this fallacy is that flattery can be used in place of evidence provided it is used artistically to compel the other person to act in a certain way by influencing his/her thinking (Chaffee, 2010, p. 559), but this reasoning or this way of rationalizing this idea is still misleading because flattery is based on empty mockery. This fallacy of irrelev ance stems from empty lies used to appeal others emotionally (Gambrill, 2012, p. 384) which is why this is an emotional attach which cannot be rationalized no matter how lightly or abundantly it is used. Some people in particular have an exceptionally shrewd acumen for this specific fallacy and they can be seen using this great talent to surpass others. They even manage to gain more autonomy and dominance than the rest because truth is that flattery is found by many people a singularly irresistible sweet though actually it is only a dark lie wrapped very colorfully. General consensus is that appeal to flattery is a logical fallacy, not enormously destructive in comparison to some other fallacies which have major shortcomings, but cannot be considered constructive at all. This is because however logical it may seem, it still makes use of fake compliments to make a point as there is no real evidence. As it is an irrelevant fallacy, a wrong point is supported and though not singularly destructive, this fallacy is still disparagingly criticized by many because of its

Research J 5.3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Nutrition discussion - Case Study Example What happened in the above illustration was that the food ordered in the hospital the previous day could not be provided in time the following day. The patients needed the roast beef, but sixty-five of them ended up not getting lunch. The cooks had to work on the problem first before they began preparing the evening meal. The lateness caused general delays in the hospital as even the nurses had to wait the patients to take lunch. This operation shows how important food production is, relative to patient fulfillment. The production sheet is a record indicating the amount of a food substance and the number of patients who ordered for it. The purpose of the production sheet therefore was to clearly identify whether the problem lay in the patients or the employees. Some patients might have thought of taking roast beef twice thereby causing a shortage. Poor production control generally leads to less consumer satisfaction poor employee morale and increased employee work load. Poor production of food also increases food costs as substitute food services have to be provided and catered

Chose an interesting Topic - Make it strong or Use Bridging the Essay

Chose an interesting Topic - Make it strong or Use Bridging the Digital Divide - Essay Example Such is the case with the urbanized communities, who are in a better position to access such technologies, as opposed to the rural communities. The access to computer and other forms of technology comes with its educational advantage, where the societies accessing the computers have higher chances of becoming educated than those who do not have the access (Bridging the Digital Divide, 49). Owing to digital divide, Nicholas Negroponte started the One Laptop per Child Program (OLPC), whose main objective was to bridge the digital divide, by making computers available and accessible to all children all over the world. Despite facing various challenges, the program has registered considerable success, by making computers accessible to many children all over the world, with some countries such as Uruguay completely meeting the objective of providing every child with a computer (Bridging the Digital Divide, 50). Due to the power and electricity accessibility problems in different parts of the world, as well as the internet infrastructural issues, the program focuses on availing computers that are not entirely dependent on electricity as a source of power and with inbuilt internet accessibility. This has seen the development of Computer models such as the OX-I, OX-1.75 and OX-3(Bridging the Digital Divide, 50). This initiative has seen other technology companies such as Intel launch similar programs, with its Classmate-PC initiative that has since made computers even more accessible to different parts of the world. The importance of such programs in bridging the digital divide cannot be overemphasized. Question 1 There are various reasons why digital divide matters to children and their families. First, digital divide places some sections of the community at an advantage over the others, through providing them with opportunities for education and information accessibility, which the other sections lack (Servon, 48). Digital divide also matters to children and their pa rents, since it serves to increase the social and economical inequality, through making computer technology affordable to the families that are at a higher economic level, enabling their children to enjoy the benefits that come with computer and internet skills, while the poor families are left behind. This translates to the rich families dominating the poor families in social aspects, such as economical and political (James, 15). Digital divide also determines the infrastructural development of the society. This means that the societies that have access to computer technology will also enjoy other infrastructural development such as electricity, compared to societies with no computer technology access. This translates to families and children who have no computer technology access remaining disadvantaged by underdevelopment (Yelton, 33). Question 2 The OLPC project will be successful. This is because; the program has translated into reality in countries such as Uruguay and parts of the US, with the same also happening in Australia and Rwanda, and in other countries in the near future (James, 23). Additionally, the initiative to provide every child with a laptop is attractive to many philanthropists, NGOs, charitable organizations and even governments, which can easily translate such a program to

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Personal statement - Essay Example I am emotionally stable, responsible, and mature in looking at various perspectives of human behavior. I have developed the skill to deal effectively with people from all walks of life. By recognizing that listening skills are critical, I became more sensitive and compassionate to others, especially those who need understanding and emotional strength. I developed good communication and writing skills. The courses I took during my years pursuing a degree in commerce developed my leadership skills and analytical skills enabling me to critically analyze problems and opt to choose the most appropriate solution. I am extremely patient and persevering recognizing the fact that most psychological treatments of patients take considerably long periods of time. The skills I have developed in giving attention to details, being analytical, having leadership skills, being patient and persevering, and being theoretically equipped to understand patterns of behavior and mental processes would assist me in future

Information Technology Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Information Technology - Coursework Example Apart from Windows, temporary files are detected and cleaned for most of popularly used software like Office, various media players, downloading utilities, and others. It also checks and cleans the history and temporary internet files left by browsers. For advanced users, CCleaner also offers a comprehensive registry cleaner. Finally, a tool is available within the utility to permanently delete files without trace which is useful for a security conscious user. Tools also exist to check enable or disable programs that run at system startup. System Requirements: Windows 7, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Windows XP (â€Å"CCleaner specs†). For networks, server support is for Windows 2008 RC2, 2008 and 2003 (â€Å"CCleaner Network Edition†). Other information is not available. How easy is the program to use?: The program has a very intuitive interface and very simple to use. Pressing a single â€Å"Analyze† button does a complete diagnosis of the system and pressing a single â€Å"Run Cleaner† button cleans it. Areas to check within the system can be selected by simple check boxes. It is however advised that the registry cleaner option is used by knowledgeable users only. Cost: The single user version of the software is free. For use on a network, the prices start from $199 for 10 users to $3200 for 500 users.

The Role of Faith in Night by Elie Wiezel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Role of Faith in Night by Elie Wiezel - Essay Example How his faith shifted from one phase to another requires a deep understanding on reader’s path regarding Eliezer’s role in Night. This paper intends to discuss the role of faith in the holocaust story. The story begins with an introduction of a boy who was enthusiastic and devoted to study Talmund and learn Cabbala. He had committed his life to learn the teachings of Cabbala. He would cry in his local temple where he prayed over the obliteration of the Temple in Israel. He had raw but strong faith in God at this point. He would insist his father to arrange a mentor for him to teach him Cabbala and Talmund. When he saw that his father was ever disinterested, he decided to convince a temple assistant, Moshe the Beadle, to help him understand the complicated texts of the Cabbala. His passion toward his learning shows how strong a faith he had in his religion and how much he wanted to learn about God. He wanted to extend his knowledge about his religion. However, since he h ad blind faith without logic, there were huge chances that his faith would change as he grew up. We can get the hint because when Moshe asked him why he prayed, he replied why he breathed, which shows the extent of blind faith he possessed. Soon Elie made some heart-wrenching observations which shook his faith in God. He witnessed a burning death ditch in which thousands of babies were laid and used as target practice by the Nazis. It was such a brutal thing to see that Elie was brought to think the first time in his life why God ever allowed human beings to commit such an evil act. He was so shaken and depressed that he started considering committing suicide before he was told to turn away from the death pit. Elie was unable to forget the shocking scene and this was the first time he started losing faith in God and religion. He was not able to figure out why a just God would ever permit anyone to be so brutal to other innocent human beings. The next event which further weakened Eli ’s faith was the public hanging of the â€Å"pipel†. When he saw how the little boy was given the deliberate and excruciating death, he also experienced at the same time the death of his faith and beliefs. He considered pipel’s death as divine death as he said that it was not the pipel who was hanged but it was God hanging on the gallows. Up to this point, Elie’s beliefs had abandoned. He had given up his loyalties toward God. His faith had been shattered to pieces and he had no plans to collect those shattered pieces and join them up again. As a token of expression, he stopped praying to God. He did not pray on the holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. He announced during the New Year celebrations that he had accused God who was answerable to him. However, this shift in his faith did not satisfy Elie internally. He knew that he was restless and empty from inside, when he should have been feeling satisfied upon accusing the guilty one. Elie was witho ut help and was blank. The rebellion against God strengthened when Elie stopped practicing any religious ritual and did not even fast on the Day of Atonement. He was encouraged by his father who had always been disinterested in Elie’s faith. Elie made sure he â€Å"swallowed† his meals on the Day of Atonement expressing his rebellion against God and faith. However, faith had still not died entirely. Elie experienced some portion of it coming back to him which forced him to pray twice. Or

The submittal of claims Essay Example for Free

The submittal of claims Essay The submittal of claims to insurance companies requesting payment for medical services provided by a doctor to a patient is called the medical billing process. Ten steps make up the process: preregistration of patients; establishment of financial responsibility for the visit; checking patients in; checking patients out; the review of coding compliance; verifying billing compliance; the preparation and transmittal of claims; the monitoring of payer adjudication; generation of patient statements; and the follow-up of payments by the patients and the handling of collections. HCPCS, HIPAA, CPT, and ICD have an influence on every step of the process. The 9th Revision-Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) is a global categorization of disease and contains sets of codes. These codes give information for evenly measures and diagnoses. The ICD-9 code has three digits, and these three may be followed by a decimal point and then two more digits. The Healthcare Common procedure coding system (HCPCS) does not give diagnosis information, only information about the procedure area. The purpose of HCPCS codes is to process hospital treatments for outpatient services. Physicians also use these codes. ICD-9 procedure codes are required by HIPAA for their porting procedures of hospital inpatients. The numerical codes for CPT and the diagnoses areas signed by the coding team. They make these assignments based on information given by the provider. A charge is then created, following the billing rules that pertain to certain locations and carriers. People who work on the process of medical billing have to maintain patient information confidentiality based on HIPPA rules. Employees must also be truthful and conduct themselves with integrity. Every procedure and diagnosis has to be correctly documented and then coded accurately to avoid any delays in payments.

The Process Of Building Social Relationships

The Process Of Building Social Relationships A social relationship is an interaction of two or people, also a social group. They are believed to shape the behavior of individuals in different ways, as the saying goes, show me your friends and I tell you your character. At some point most people especially the women and also research shows that social relationships reduce pain. When women are in a relationship they are happy because they have someone to lean on. Social support is seen as a very important factor for both physical and mental health. Stressful and painful experiences can be reduced through engaging in social relationships as one will get moral support and encouragement thus is able to face the problems easily. Building social relationships begins as early as at birth. That is the relation of the child with the mother and the other family members. The process does not stop there but goes to the society as one grows up and becomes able to decide where he or she wants to belong. In the past building social relationships was much easier because most of the properties were communally owned that is to say that they shared a lot and thus interaction was easy and regular. Newman (2009) observes that the 21st century time is challenging and strange when it comes to deciding the kind of relationships one should have in creating a foundation of ones social life. People may want to be in social relationships due to different reason. For example may be one want to benefit from the other and after getting what he or she wanted it comes to a time to withdraw. All the same it is important to note that building social relationships is very necessary to every individual. When building social relationships one must have the social interaction skills. These are behavior that help one be able to stick to the social relationship because they keep you out of trouble and avoid conflicts. According to Bellini (2006) social skills are behavior that are learned and are socially accepted that help a person to be able to interact with other people without negative responses. He also notes that these skills the building blocks of a successful social relationships. This skills are usually taught by the parent to there children at a tender age. All the same as one grows into an adult basically the very skills are still applicable in building social relationship. Another thing that comes along in building social relationships is the art of being friendly to all. Every day we meet different people with different personalities. It is therefore up to us to be able to fit and interact freely. We should have friendly skills like greeting people when we meet, be able to offer a sit to someone, shake hands, say words like thank you, am sorry, excuse me, please and many other ways that is friendly. Be able to treat people the same way you would want them to treat you. As the saying goes: put yourself in ones shoes. In this way one is able to interact freely without many difficulties thus building social relationships. The factor of age or we can also say peer group also is important in building social relationships. This will help connectivity to be much easier because people of the same age tend to think more alike. Meersman and Tari (2003) observe that communication between people of the same peer group is easy and they refer this to architecture of communication. Here what they simply mean is that the construction of communication in such a social group is well defined. These categories of people include; the children, teenagers, young adults, adults and the old. Social relationships are based in this age set and you find they all act in the same manor. In the various societies that exit today we have social institutions and community organizations that play a major role in building social relationships. The family is usually seen as the most important social institution in the society because this is where one builds the foundation of his or her social life. We have other institutions like; religious institution for example the church, temple, and mosque. The school, hospital, peer groups, community based organizations, and not forgetting the working places. These are places where people from different back grounds meet and get to know each other thus interact. It is therefore important for people to always belong to one or as many as possible of any this groups. We build social relationships to understand the knowledge of the mind. This helps us to continually monitor or check our own behavior and also be able to predict the behavior of those that we interact with. Bellini (2006) notes that the theory of the mind was coined by Permack and Woodruff (1978).this refers to the ability of one to understand and explain the things that are not seen I a person directly. These include feelings, thoughts, beliefs, desire, and intentions. He continues to say that knowledge of the mind is a successful component of building social relationships. In building social relationship the element of trust is necessary. Once an individual decides to get involved with a particular social group it automatically means that he or she trusts the people they are interacting with and they too trust them. This is so because when one gets a problem for example, it will need someone trust worthy to talk to. One who will keep your talk confidential. These kinds of people are the people we interact with daily and we have had enough time together so we are so familiar with them. Language is an aspect that is of value in that people look at in building social relationships. People can only interact well when a common language is used. This enhances good communication and understanding in the group. Gee (2005) also sees language as an important aspect in social relationships. He further notes that in the interaction process people need to use the same social language. Different social groups have different social language. For example, children, adolescents, adults and the old all have different social languages that they use. In building social relationships people also base in there social values. These social values include things like sex, beliefs, roles, and even structures. Depending on these values different social groups are formed. One would want to fit in a group that he or she will feel comfortable and proud to be there. It will help them to be constructive and optimistic. These values also help shape there daily life to there own interest thus happy people. Social relationships are also built basing on the family origin, unconscious motives, ones habits, personality, and relationships and life experiences. For the sake of a social relation lasting there is need to match this concepts to each person. This will ensure stability of the group by avoiding constant movement of members in search of a group where they best fit or that they find suitable to them. Change is inevitable in life and we as human beings should be able to adapt to the daily changes of life. When building social relationships people are expected to witness a lot of change in the social group. It can either be the members or that group itself changes. When this happens it is up to the social group to accept and adjust to the change rather than moving to another new social group. It does not have to be the same through out and that is why the members of a particular social group have to be always flexible. According to Young (1990) the social life of morality is not found in an individual person because it is comprised of a small structure of the self. He instead say that social morality is found in the relationship between individuals and the society. Here is where things like belief, trust and faith are found. It is also believe to shape human behavior so as to know good and evil. One will stay away from evil so as to belong to the society. Transparency is an important element in building social relationships. Because there is the element of trust people should be open in with they are doing in life. The issue of you cannot judge a book by its cover should not arise. Openness should be evident. Let the people know you as you are both in the inner self and outside and this should be the same. Activities of the group should also be carried out in a transparent manner as well, without having anything to hide. The need for human relation is also the reason for building social relationships. Every human being was created in such a way that they always have a sense of wanting to relate in any way. They a want to belong in a particular group or with other people apart from the self. These relations are a basic to every individual in life. The importance / advantages The study of Newnan (2009) shows that building social relationships plays an important role in group ties in peoples daily life. He gives an example of Japan and India where people consider duty and sacrifice more than individual achievement or personal success. they believe that group connections is the best foundation for any individual wellbeing because it come along with things like loyalty, connection with people , responsibility of one self and other people as well and it also creates a sense of belonging. Building social relationships bring come with a lot of changes in the society. These changes include both individual development and the community at large. Rosenberg and Rehr (1983) say that the involvement of one in institutions like self help groups, social work, church, school and being close to your family helps reduce conflicts and they bring about development. This is through coming together to do social work or fund raising contributions and even come together to advocate for changes in health care policies. Through this development the people are assured of a better living. Building social relationships also promote peace love harmony and unity in the society. This is true because people living together and there social life is well build up will not have conflicts. They appreciate each other and offer moral support to one another. Such a society will always it together as one and solve issues that may arise in a more organize way. Building social relationships is important in everyones life. This is because in times of depression and stress one always needs someone to talk to and relieve the burden. This now where the people you have been interacting with come in to offer that moral support. Just as we know that this an important factor both in physical and mental health of a person. Frumkin, Frank, Jackson (2004) note that social bond known to be a very important component of good health. They further state that isolation and loneliness are toxic while on the other hand social relationships are healthy. The 21st centaury has come along with diseases that are complicated. Some of these diseases include, stomach ulcers depression and many others. These diseases are not diseases that one can say that you go to the hospital and get treatment then you are cured. Doctors recommend that these diseases are controlled by the individual. The way one interacts with other people really matters. To avoid these kinds of diseases researchers indicate that one should build up as many social relationships as possible. This helps one to be able to avoid these diseases by sharing out there problems. As we know that a problem shared is a problem half solved. Building social relationships also help people get to know each other well and lead to marriages. People get to find there perfect pairs and choose to spend the rest of there life with them. This leads to the creation of happy marriages and also happy families. Getting a life time partner is not an easy task as we all know but as one builds his or her social relationship in a good way, there potentials are noticed and they attract someone thus they propose and marry. Making them live happily ever after. Building social relationships help a person to have good problem solving abilities. It also helps one to think in a more flexible manor. This is basically important in the early stages of life and the parents have the task of ensuring that there childrens social life is good. The kind of games that a child plays and with who becomes the main issue that a parent should look at with keenness. This kind of interaction is what the child will live to adopt even as he grows older. People with stronger social network live longer. Research show that the mortality rate is determined by the social network of people in a place. This is true as social net work improves the health status of an individual. That togetherness gives an individual a reason for living. Research also indicate that in looking at two different sets of people, That is one in a marriage life and one who is single, they found that people in marriage live longer than people who are single. This is because in a marriage there is sharing of problems and also constant moral support. All human beings emotions are believed to be able to change another persons motives and feelings. In the process of building social relationships important factors such as this arises. Emotions are inter-personal and con not therefore be separated from the process of relating. These relationships change the feelings of a person in a positive direction. Bad people change and become good people with moral. The society is always there to encourage people to do good for the benefit of both the society and most importantly to the individual as a person. Building social relationships also come with some form of organization. The relationship it self shows that there was cooperation that triggered it. When we look at it in terms of a society we find that things are done in a systematic way. There is order of the way issues are handled and a systematic way of doing thing. These in the long run avoid conflicts and the wastage of resources in the social group. Employment is created by building a social relation ships. This is mostly through net working or it can as well be through the formation of self help groups or social work. Employment means that one has a source of earning a living thus assured of daily bread. This promotes the living standards of an individual as well as the society at large. It reduces the problem of unemployment in the society. Building social relationships also reduce the aspects of immorality, theft, murder and all other devices that one can think of. This is true because social relationships in a society are meant to shape the morals of every individual. People become responsible for their own actions in life In conclusion therefore we can say that building social relationships is an inevitable process in the life of every person. This is so because it begins from birth. When a child is born that is when it begins to build its social relationship. At this point it is limited to the family level mostly influenced by the mother. This is the foundation and parents are careful. As one grow he or she now able to look at which social relation group he best fits. This as we have seen shape the personality of the individual into a better being. Going to social institutions such as the school, church and others also ply a major role in the individual. Social relationships cannot be avoided in whatever way and people should always be ready to be involved in them with a positive attitude.

The Merger Of Bp And Amoco

The Merger Of Bp And Amoco British Petroleum and Amoco announced their merger on August 11th of 1998 as the largest industrial merger in history worldwide. Initially the plan was to convert all the BP service stations in the United States into Amoco, whereas overseas all the Amoco service stations were supposed to be converted into BPs. However, in 2001 BP announced that all Amoco service stations would be renamed into BP while some others would be closed or disposed of, leading to an entire rebranding of Amoco Fuels. During 2008, almost all Amoco Fuels service stations had been restored by BP Gasoline with Invigorate and just a few of them remained operations under the original Amoco brands name. On April 2010, Chevron purchased some of the remaining Amoco Fuel service stations, mostly in Mississippi and converted them into Texaco service stations. After the spill in the Gulf of Mexico from Deepwater Horizon, BP considered to rebrand their US based operations back into Amoco Fuels as the company suffered a decline in sales on account of the negative publicity associated with the incident. Companys background: In 1909, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) was incorporated as a subsidiary of Burmah Oil Company to exploit a concession to search for oil in Iran. By 1935, it became the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), but after the assassination of the pro-western Prime Minister Ali Razmara, the oil industry in Iran was nationalized and National Iranian Oil Company was formed displacing the AIOC. By the time, the British government owned the AIOC and contested the nationalization at the International Court of Justice at The Hague, but its complaint was dismissed. However, in 1953, National Iranian Oil Company became an international consortium, and AIOC resumed operations in Iran as a member of it. The AIOC became the British Petroleum Company in 1954 and the British government was controlling it again. In 1959 the company expanded beyond the Middle East to Alaska and by 1978 it acquired a controlling interest in Standard Oil of Ohio. Nevertheless, British Petroleum Company continued operating from Iran until the Islamic Revolution in 1979, when the new regime confiscated all of the companys assets within the country without compensation, bringing the end of the British 70 years presence in Iran. Between 1979 and 1987, the British governments entire holding on the company was sold to several private investors and in 1987, British Petroleum negotiated the acquisition of Britoil. Moreover, Standard Oil of California and Gulf Oil had merged in 1984, it what would be known as the largest merger in history at that time; however the antitrust regulation relented many of its operating subsidiaries in the Gulf and sold some stations and a refinery in the eastern United States, allowing British Petroleum to acquire most of them. Finally, John Browne, who had been on the board as managing director since 1991, was appointed group chief executive in 1995. Browne is considered the responsible for BPs three major acquisitions; Amoco, ARCO and Burmah Castrol. Development of the merger: In 1997 BP and Amoco net income was US$ 4.6 billion and US$ 2.7 billion respectively. Combined revenues were US$ 108 billion and capital employed US$ 57 billion. The combined market capitalization was calculated around US$ 110 billion, a figure which would place the newly formed corporation among the top three oil companies in the world. The deal was expected to deliver synergies from cost savings that would add at least US$ 2 billion pre-tax a year by the end of 2000 to the earnings already separately targeted by the 2 companies. Finally, when British Petroleum merged with Amoco in December 1998 the company also acquired Burmah Castrol plc. and Arco (Atlantic Richfield Co.) closing the deal in early 2000. BP continued selling Amoco branded petrol even in service stations with the BP identity since Amoco had been rated as the best petroleum brand by consumers for 16 consecutive years comparable only to Chevron and Shell. In 2008, the high grade available petrol from BP (BP Gasoline with Invigorate) was still called Amoco Ultimate and BP decided to move it as most of its petrochemical businesses into a separate entity called Innovene within the BP Group. Terms agreed for the merger: The pre-merger negotiations conducted between the two companies were relatively fast compared to other transactions in the same scale. The benefits expected both companies were easily identified and agreements were developed in a friendly manner. The terms were disclosed immediately and were summarized as following: Value of the merger: US$ 53 billion Merger deal instrument: share swap (exchange of stock) Exchange Ratio agreed: Amoco shareholders were offered 3.97 BP shares for each share of Amoco common stock Amoco shareholders premium above BPs current market value: 25% Increase in number of shares after the merger: 15% Shareholders structure after merger: 60% BP shareholders 40% Amoco shareholders Headquarters of the new company after merger: BP Amoco plc. headquarters remained in London and Amocos head office became the headquarters for the companys North American operations Trading market for the companies: BP and Amoco shares would remain listed on the London Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange Companys management structure after merger: BPs CEO Sir John Brown would continue leading the company co-chaired by BPs chairman Peter Sutherland and Amocos chairman Larry Fuller Staff cuts after merger: BP Amoco plc. confirmed cost reductions from a cut-off in personnel; the two groups had 99,450 employees together, with BP employing 56,450 and Amoco the rest. The reduction in first stage would represent 11% to 13% of the total Combined reserves: 14.8 billion barrels. Serving 17,900 BP service stations around the world and 9,300 Amoco service stations all in the US Options pegged to the merger: Amoco granted BP an option to purchase 189,783,270 shares of Amoco common stock at a price of US$ 41 per share. This represented approximately 19.9 % of the outstanding Amocos common stock Dividend payout after the merger: Both companies would continue to pay quarterly dividends in the ordinary course prior to the implementation of the merger, then its dividend policy was to continue paying 4 dividends a year and with a payout of approximately 50 % of through cycle earnings The Merger Agreement would also provide termination fees to be paid by one party to the other under certain circumstances. The circumstances in which either party is able to terminate the Merger Agreement include: If either Amoco or BP shareholders do not approve the merger and related transactions If the other party enters into negotiations with any other person in relation to an acquisition offer for that party If the board of the other party withdraws or adversely modifies its approval related to the merger Market conditions leading to the merger: In order to get a better understanding about why the BP-Amoco merger is considered as one of the most successful mergers in history and which factors contributed to given success, it is important to deem about the different aspects from the oil industry market that either the management and the shareholders from both companies took into account to be convinced that the transaction would only add value and the risks would be covered: Oil prices worldwide were depressed and had fallen to their lowest levels in over a decade The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil had decreased to US$11.8 in real terms; the lowest price in 25 years No oil company of any significant size was immune to a takeover threat during the early 1990s; their stock prices were depressed. It was cheaper to buy oil reserves on Wall Street than by exploration and development outlays. These pressures caused the major oil companies to engage in a wide range of restructuring activities and costs reductions Restructuring efforts and improvements in technologies had lowered costs to US$16 to US$18 per barrel. Oil prices declined to US$9 per barrel in late 1998. Thus, the overriding objective for the mergers beginning in 1998 was to further increase efficiencies to lower breakeven levels toward the US$11 to US$12 per barrel range Amoco had reported the month before a fall of more than 50% in second quarter earnings Amoco, being the fourth largest US oil producer, was hurt by its lack of international refining Combining the chemicals operations of BP and Amoco would create a business with revenues of US$ 13 billion that together with the strengths of BP in Europe and Amoco in the US would provide a powerful platform for expansion in Asia where both companies already had significant investments The new chemicals business would be one of the worlds largest petrochemicals companies, with leading positions in 7 core products: acetic acid, acrylonitrile, aromatics, purified terephthalic acid (PTA), alpha-olefins, purified isophthalic acid (PIA) and polypropylene. A diversified portfolio of key proprietary technologies Best practices in acquisitions issues indicated that the successful mergers carried out in previous years tended to be those in which the goods or services offered by the companies involved in the transaction were highly similar, contrasting mergers between companies seeking to combine different markets and diversify its business. The latter were considerably more risky and the probability of failure was higher Features of BP-Amoco merger versus Daimler-Chrysler merger: In contrasting the BP and Amoco merger to Daimler and Chrysler, it is important to outline the main differences both in the pre-merger requisite as well as the merger implementation. Particularly, with regard to each companys ability to adapt to the changes after the merger and the manner in which the target markets would accept the new company. The acquisition of Chrysler marked the first time one of the Detroit Big Three automakers would be in the hands of a private equity firm. There are those who say the merger, which faced significant cultural differences, was doomed from the start. Originally, the plan was for Chrysler to use Daimler parts, components and even vehicle architecture to sharply reduce the cost to produce future vehicles. But problems surfaced when Daimlers Mercedes-Benz luxury division, whose components Chrysler would use, was averse to contribute to Chrysler. Further, the immediate perception of the market was that the new company would produce vehicles with lower quality standards Both automakers wanted to enter markets overseas that they had never explored before, and that consumers would be unwilling to accept such change. In the contrary to the car industry, the oil industry had been, arguably more than any other industry, forced to adjust to the massive change forces of globalization and entrepreneurial innovations. It stands out from most other industries in many ways, one being the existence of a truly global market in which 53% of the total volume is traded internationally. Oil itself accounts for about 10% of total world trade, more than any other commodity. Furthermore, there are some other key factors that contributed specifically to BP-Amoco merger success compared to Daimler-Chrysler such as: Amoco and BP believed that the bigger companies among the industry would win the best opportunities Amoco and BPs merger was cataloged by the oil industrys experts as one superb alliance of equals with complementary strategic and geographical strengths which effectively creates a new super-major that can better serve millions of customers worldwide It was known that within the oil industry, the best investment opportunities would go increasingly to companies that had the size and financial strength to take on those large-scale projects that offer a truly distinctive return There were accounting reasons in both companies why the merger would be more appropriate and would create value Amoco had a lack of international refining. Nonetheless, it also had important findings from research and development technologies to offer (a deal with an oil major was only a matter of time) Both, BP and Amoco had significant investments in solar energy and share strong records and reputations for sound operating practices, environmental and social responsibility. It was easy to predict that they were able to share the same practices and therefore the same markets Quite the opposite, Daimler-Chrysler never considered that their businesses were focused on different markets in terms of geographies, type of vehicles and prices. In addition to that, with regard to Chrysler, markets for passenger cars and commercial vehicles were deteriorated at the time of the merger (low growth expectations) In addition, the adaptation of automotive companies after the merger would be much slower than that of oil companies given the production practices of each of the parties. In other words, the extraction of oil was very similar whereas car production had significant differences Conclusions: According to Berkovitch and Narayanan2) there are three major types of motivations for mergers: synergy, hubris, and agency problems. BP-Amoco merger met the three of them: Synergy: efficiency objectives were promised and achieved; costs were reduced by adoptions of best practices from both companies, particularly in combining advanced technologies. The market cap of the company after the merger resulted 12.5% higher than the sum of both companies market cap. Hubris: this motivation may be reflected in overpaying for the target; in this case, Amocos shareholders premium outcome was around 25%, higher than any other merger premium negotiated within the industry. Agency problems: Since the Return on Equity (ROE) and the Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) increased after the merger, it can be assume that the management and shareholders targets were well aligned and therefore agency problems were not implied. Moreover, divergent from Daimler-Chrysler merger; the reasons, the structure, and the implementation of the BP-Amoco transaction reflected the characteristics provided by the oil and gas industry to ensure the success of the merger: There are no significant differences between the product from different brands (petrol is pretty much the same, no matter who extracts it). The industry increasingly utilizes advanced technology in exploration, production, refining, and in the logistics of its operations (it is evident the cost reduction since all the companies require the same expenditures) According to the market conditions related to the oil industry mentioned before, the BP-Amoco merger was convenient and almost needed to push the barriers surrounding the industry as the fall in crude prices and the high costs regarding exploration and development that were required to further increase its production. Concerning to Daimler-Chrysler, many factors were not considered before the merger and limited the achievement of outcomes expected, mainly on issues of marketing, synergies in production and work culture. http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/STAGING/global_assets/downloads/A/ARCO_Key_facts_and_operating_statistics.pdf Mergers and Acquisitions ARCO. 2008 Berkovitch, Elazar and M. P. Narayanan, 1993, Motives for Takeovers: An Empirical Investigation, Journal of Financial Quantitative Analysis, 28 (No. 3, September), 347-362. http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A080230b.htm. Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved 5 Jun. 2010 Copeland, Tom, Tim Koller, and Jack Murrin, 2000, Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Values of Companies, 3rd ed., New York, NY, John Wiley Sons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BP ANNEXES BP Recent financial data in millions of US$ Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Sales 180,186 236,045 294,849 249,465 265,906 284,365 361,341 EBITDA 22,941 28,200 37,825 41,453 44,835 Net results 6,845 10,267 15,961 22,341 22,000 20,845 21,157 Net debt 20,273 20,193 21,607 16,202 16,202

Les Miserables :: Les Miserables

Les Miserables Throughout peoples lives they will be influenced due to other people and events. There are many ways people can be influenced. In the book Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, three different people influence Jean Valjean. The first influence on Jean was by the bishop. Another influence on Jean was Cosette. A third influence on Jean was Javert. Each of these are people who play a large role in Jean's life. The bishop was one of Jeans first and most important influences involving kindness and forgiveness. The first way that the bishop shows kindness to Jean is by inviting him into his home for dinner and a place to sleep, even though he is an ex-convict and no one else would help him. "Monsieur, sit down and warm yourself: we are going to take supper presently, and you bed will be made ready whil you sup." (Page 26) The next and most powerful act of kindness and forgiveness that the bishop shows to Jean is, when he tells the police that the silver which Jean had actually stole was a gift, and that he had forgotten to take his gift of candlesticks. When the bishop says, "Ah there you are! I am glad to see you, but I gave you the candlesticks too, which are also silver and will bring you two hundred francs"(Page 38). When the bishop say's this, Jean Valjean is filled with surprise and disbelief, and did not know what to do. From that day on Jean would remember the bis hop and his kindness towards him, and use this memory to help others. Javert has many different types of influences on Jean. One way that Javert influences Jean is by sending him to the galleys for the first time even though he was just stealing to feed his family. Jean was turned cold and cruel by this, he thought that the whole world was as cruel as Javert seemed to be. This cruelty only leads Jean into more trouble. "See, there is where he got out; he jumped down Cochefilet lane. The abominable fellow! He has stolen our silver!" (Page 37) This shows that even after Jean was released from the galleys he was hardened from the influences and still was a thief. The second way that Javert influences Jean is by testing Jeans new side of kindness and gratitude by sending him to the galleys a second time, for saving a wrongfully accused man.

Organizational Behavior and Its Importance to a Company Essay -- Organ

Organizational Behavior and Its Importance to a Company What is organizational behavior and why is it important for a company to understand it? There are several crucial reasons why companies should utilize the concepts of organizational behavior, as well as understand the key terms that are associated with organizational behavior. To understand and utilize organizational behavior there are several key terms that must also be understood, for example organizational culture, diversity, communication, organizational effectiveness and efficiency, organizational learning. Intracorp, a bill review company, has the potential to be more efficient and employees could possibly be more eager to meet intended goals. Definition of Organization Behavior Organizational behavior is defined as â€Å"Organizational Behavior is the study and application of knowledge about how people, individuals, and groups act in organizations† (Clark, 1998). Being able to understand how individuals act within the organization gives management the tools needed to develop an â€Å"effective leadership guide† (Clark, 1998). Should management try and implement a way of leadership that most of the employees are not familiar with will only lead to conflict. It is important that management develop and interpersonal relationship and understand their employees goals should they want the most out of their employees. Intracorp could be one of the leading bill review companies should they have happy and willing emp...

Restraint, Weight Suppression, and Self-Report Reliability: How Much D :: essays research papers

In the analytical report entitled Restraint, Weight Suppression, and Self-Report Reliability: How Much Do You Really Weigh? By P.J. Morgan and D.B. Jeffrey, they look at the eating habits of people and categorize them as three types of people. Those categories are Dieting and Overeating group, Current Dieting, and Weight Suppression. The Dieting/Overeating group consists of "individuals who undergo repetitive cycles of dieting and overeating,"(Morgan, 1999). They have the appearance of a diet, but overeat every once in a while to make up for it and to fulfill food desires. The Current Dieting group "encompasses those who consider themselves to be currently on a diet and who consume less food than what is required than what is required for maintenance of their current weight," (Morgan, 1999). They are ones that eat small portions of food and starve themselves to keep their weight down or to lose weight. This can also be categorized as anorexia nervosa, a clin ical eating disorder that afflicts primarily women. The last category is the Weight Suppressors, who "successfully lost weight and have kept it off for some time," (Morgan, 1999). These people have lost the weight by some means and have kept the weight off by adopting better eating and exercise habits. The groups were split into two groups, the control group and the variable group. The experiment was to see what the effects would be on each type of person in the variable group when enticed with a milkshake "Preload" which tastes better than a regular milkshake and is higher in fat and calories. The control group would not receive the "Preload" shake so the experimenters could monitor normal reactions of persons from each group. The result was the "Preload" group ate more than the control group regardless of their category. The authors concluded that the dieting and appetite suppression is a mental game of the person and is only as strong as their own conscience and taste. However, that is only one way to look at the information. The structural functionalist perspective focuses on the manifest and latent reasons for dieting. The manifest reason a person to diet is to look better physically. Physical acceptability is very important to people, both male and female alike. It is a part of out status as a human and gives value to our appearance as well. The latent function is to make ourselves healthier inside and out, by improving our immune system and eliminating cholesterol from our blood vessel, which could cause blockage.

Definition of Non-Verbal Communication Essay

The nonverbal communication is the communication that occurs through clues, signs, symbols and lack of verbal syntactic structure i.e. to have no syntactic structure so it can not be analyzed sequences of constituent hierarchy. The nonverbal communication is the process of communication by sending and receiving messages without words. These messages can be communicated through gestures, body language or posture, facial expression and eye contact, communication of objects such as clothing, hairstyles or even the architecture, symbols or graphics, as well as through an aggregate of above, such as communication behavior. Nonverbal communication plays a key role in the daily life of everyone. Nonverbal communication comes with evidence of the human species before the evolution of language itself. The animals also show certain types of nonverbal communication. It is important not to confuse â€Å"nonverbal communication† with â€Å"oral communication† as there are forms of communication â€Å"verbal† (i.e. linguistic or syntactic structure) non-oral such as written communication and sign language. There can be nonverbal communication that can be made ​​orally, as the grunts and sounds of disapproval. In humans, the nonverbal communication is often paralinguistic i.e. verbal information accompanying the nuanced, extending it or by sending mixed signals. Types of Non-Verbal Communication. According to experts, a substantial portion of our communication is nonverbal. Every day, we respond to thousands on nonverbal cues and behaviors including postures, facial expression, eye gaze, gestures, and tone of voice. From our handshakes to our hairstyles, nonverbal details reveal who we are and impact how we relate to other people. Scientific research on nonverbal communication and behavior began with the 1872 publication of Charles Darwin’s The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Since that time, there has been an abundance of research on the types, effects and expressions of unspoken communication and behavior. While these signals are often so subtle that we are not consciously aware of them,  research has identified several different types of nonverbal communication. In many cases, we communicate information in nonverbal ways using groups of behaviors. For example, we might combine a frown with crossed arms and unblinking eye gaze to indicate disapproval. 1. Facial Expression Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion of nonverbal communication. Consider how much information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown. While nonverbal communication and behavior can vary dramatically between cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger and fear are similar throughout the world. 2. Gestures Deliberate movements and signals are an important way to communicate meaning without words. Common gestures include waving, pointing, and using fingers to indicate numeric amounts. Other gestures are arbitrary and related to culture. 3. Paralinguistics Paralinguistics refers to vocal communication that is separate from actual language. This includes factors such as tone of voice, loudness, inflection and pitch. Consider the powerful effect that tone of voice can have on the meaning of a sentence. When said in a strong tone of voice, listeners might interpret approval and enthusiasm. The same words said in a hesitant tone of voice might convey disapproval and a lack of interest. 4. Body Language and Posture Posture and movement can also convey a great deal on information. Research on body language has grown significantly since the 1970’s, but popular media have focused on the over-interpretation of defensive postures, arm-crossing, and leg-crossing, especially after the publication of Julius Fast’s book Body Language. While these nonverbal behaviors can indicate feelings and attitudes, research suggests that body language is far more subtle and less definitive that previously believed. 5. Proxemics People often refer to their need for â€Å"personal space,† which is also an important type of nonverbal communication. The amount of distance we need and the amount of space we perceive as belonging to us is influenced by a number of factors including social norms, situational factors, personality characteristics and level of familiarity. For example, the amount of personal space needed when having a casual conversation with another person usually varies between 18 inches to four feet. On the other hand, the personal distance needed when speaking to a crowd of people is around 10 to 12 feet. 6. Eye Gaze Looking, staring and blinking can also be important nonverbal behaviors. When people encounter people or things that they like, the rate of blinking increases and pupils dilate. Looking at another person can indicate a range of emotions, including hostility, interest and attraction. 7. Haptics Communicating through touch is another important nonverbal behavior. There has been a substantial amount of research on the importance of touch in infancy and early childhood. Harry Harlow’s classic monkey study demonstrated how the deprivation of touch and contact impedes development. Baby monkeys raised by wire mothers experienced permanent deficits in behavior and social interaction. Touch can be used to communicate affection, familiarity, sympathy and other emotions. 8. Appearance Our choice of color, clothing, hairstyles and other factors affecting appearance are also considered a means of nonverbal communication. Research on color psychology has demonstrated that different colors can evoke different moods. Appearance can also alter physiological reactions, judgments and interpretations. Just think of all the subtle judgements you quickly make about someone based on his or her appearance. These first impressions are important, which is why experts suggest that job seekers dress appropriately for interviews with potential employers. CONCLUSION The nonverbal communication is the communication that occurs through clues, signs, symbols and lack of verbal syntactic structure i.e. to have no syntactic structure so it can not be analyzed sequences of constituent hierarchy. http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/a/nonverbaltypes.htm http://www.allabtworld.com/business/nonverbal-communication-and-its-types-277

Interpersonal skills are the life skill Essay

Inter psycheal skills atomic number 18 the life skills all the human-being used all(prenominal) day to contact and interface with a nonher(prenominal)s, twain separately and in themes. People who throw a trend kneaded on growing strong interpersonal skills ar normally more productive in their masterly and personal live. honest interpersonal skills allow us to get into effectively as a fellow member of a team. Moreover, employability skills deal be specify as the transfer subject skills needed by a personal. Beside with good practical sagaciousness and issue knowledge, employers often summarize a set of skills that they want from an employee. According to equivalent (2001), he said employers want employees to cause employability skills that employers value generic employability skills over special(prenominal) occupational (technical) skills and that employers consider many inlet? take aim job applications to lack the necessitate employability skills and express d eep concerns regarding this deficiency. It is a mediocre conclusion then that those skills bracketed within the landmark employability skills are fast becoming a requirement for employment rather than desirable, and that employers wait the responsibleness for the development of such skills fictionalisation with educational institutions.According to the personal military posture field results, I am a committed and responsible teammate, I endlessly do my own part wellhead, and I will contri howevere for the success of my group work. Moreover, I never give up anything halfway. I will nonetheless of what I do, I commence it with anticipation and vitality. Additionally, I will non get confused when I work, and I take rejoicing in completing tasks. I work hard to finish what I begin. No matter what project I get, I will submit my work in time. Uniquely, I reciprocally offer the raft who hire wrong a back chance and I forgive those who do me wrong. For me, my personal pr inciple is be blessing not revenge to others. Furthermore, I do a great job organizing activities and contend that what they work. I will stay accordance within the group by reservation everyone feel themselves is the one of the signifi burnt and back up a group to get the tasks done. to a fault that, the raft who feel most almost to me are the said(prenominal) people to whom I feel most close. In item those in which caring and sharing are reciprocated.As well, my family members and my friends understand that I am an appreciative person because I usually demonstrate my thanks to them. I am aware of the great things that happen at me, and I never take them as allowed. Comparatively, I am an honest person, whether by telling the truth or by living my life in an veritable(a) and true way. I am put down to this world and without dissimulation. Likewise, my spatial relation aspect my actions and are an origin of repose to me. I as well as have reasonable and strong attitude about the higher motivation and import of the circle. In contrast, I am not a creativity person, I could not find something new and more imaginative when presenting something. I will improve my creativity by read the magazines, trade journals, and other literature in my field to make sure I am not outdated. Other than that, I must move on creative as my hobbies. Hobbies can in any case help me to relax. An active mind is undeniable for creative growth.Furthermore, I am flimsy on making judgement. Sometimes I cannot make a last when facing problem. Although I know that is an important thing, but I am not able to change my mind. I have to realize this failing from myself, I have to very believe I have the laterality and power to turn our judgement and decision history around. Based on the employability skills survey results, one of my powerful employability skills is negotiating and persuading. Mainly, I would expanding a line of reasoned distinction and enormousness th e positive views of my argument. Similarly, I will mind the needs of the person I am trading with at all the time. This is because we can know more details of the person and what he needs. I overly like to challenge the points of view expressed by others.Of course, my co-operating skills is very strong. I can concentrate on the behaviour which need to be improved and being self-confident rather than obedient and energetic. Not only I presenting my own plan effectively in a group but also proceed a part of the responsibility in a group. I can giving burning, useful feedback to others and learning from enthusiastic evaluation. My written communication is one of my helplessness. For example, I cannot analysing, gathering and arranging data in a rational section. In the same way, I also cannot succeed my disagreement in a rational way and briefly outline the content. only when I will try to improve this weakness by esteeming trough in advance what I want to say. Moreover, I will adopting my writing style for dissimilar audiences.In my opinion, many people think an occupation for life is no long-lasting a choice nowadays. Most people will hold their career with a diversity of employers and pass across varied employment zone through their functional life. We all need to be adjustable in our working arrangements and be lively to change jobs or sectors if we have confident in a better chances. But most of the employer require the employee should work well with other people, including the ability to work co-operatively towards common goals, provide a high level of customer services. Hence, we have to understand our interpersonal and employability skill, so that we can improve our weakness as well.References1) Cotton, K. (2001), Developing Employability Skills, Northwest regional Educational Research Laboratory, Portland, OR, available at www.nwrel.org/scpd/sirs/8/c015.html (accessed 18November2014).

Reading the Sopranos

What has Carmela ever done for Feminism? Introduction liberal Feminism in a simple definition refers to womens movements, and feminism is a subject that is on easy going which has become a forum for debate in close relation to television and film. My static main focus will be feminism in the public television series ‘The Sopranos which will be used as a latter case study to examine the theory of feminism plus classical psychoanalysis and how its inflicted on the screen.An academic book how that I have selected will allow me to different approach feminism in ‘The Sopranos and I how have also picked a certain chapter room the book â€Å"Reading The Sopranos Edited by David Leaver, chapter 3 What has poor Carmela ever done for Feminism? Carmela Soprano and the Post-Feminist Dilemma. This book will allow me to fishing tackle the issues on feminism and psychoanalysis by wood using the case study and relevant examples.It is a creative portion of me deeds that must be a bit more active.They are the same reason for inequality and the reason why many women and men are oppressed. Doesnt anything ever change? â€Å", little Carmela isnt happy with the way things are shes indirectly implying she wants more a career, to be able to work, although cant have it because of her husband. Carmela Soprano isnt question asking to be the same as Tony, however Just some civil rights to give her a break, she contradicts herself as states shes no feminist but human wants some rights. Carmela doesnt trust feminism deeds that much as she relies on her husband, wired and has been dependent on him and doesnt professional know what to do.Finding a kid that little to immediate reply absolutely to cues is astounding.

Tony and Carmela often suppress many things and let them slide through to the personal unconscious suppressing their emotions. Psychoanalysis asserts that the lead to the development of adult emotional problems. (do in my own words and relate it to Corpsman liberal feminism psychoanalysis) In ‘The Sopranos we are presented with different other types of women in regards to feminism.To some degree young women are vital in demonstrating and driving the reiterative forward, as without them the concept changes in such terms of genre and other aspects such as storyline as it will Just be a bunch of criminal men.Hes currently own writing three series.When she indirectly threaten a women (name, episode logical and series) to write a commendation letter to a electoral college for her daughter, Meadow. ( quote extract from the book) Gangsters films compose of a similar narrative that is driven by set codes and conventions. Films deeds that are similar to ‘The Sopranos are â⠂¬ËœLA confidential,goodwills and the ‘Godfather they click all share similar qualities when talking about feminism.Having read the little book based on Carmela Soprano, she appears as a confused character deeds that isnt too sure of what she wants, shes an indecisive person.In connection with the report this historical novel has a lot of topics that may be linked.

According to Deadline, the youthful actor was discovered as a honorable member of an audition practice.For buying my book, as a gift, you are getting a resource list.Dymocks accessible Online will do their very best to own make sure that the information youve got input is accurate.This reflects societys form which is present in Korea.

They may adequate supply you if theyd like to insert anything.Find worn out what things to do instead." in addition, its NOT about being skinny.It was not anything I really wished to perform.

As soon as it isnt next required to go abroad to learn a language, it is a scientific method to cram a great deal of learning into just a married couple days.Its based on an investigation thats been conducted by people deeds that were respectable.It is going to be odd to vacant see a project .This was a experience that is hydragogue cathartic that is real.