Workplace Health and Safety - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1084 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/10/10 Did you like this example? Introduction In a workplace, there are many types of hazard that may cause harm or adverse effects. These hazards include chemical, psychosocial, physical, and ergonomic among others. Health Canada coordinates the workplace Hazard Materials Information Systems. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Workplace Health and Safety" essay for you Create order Health Canada also monitors the workplace radiation exposure as a measure of contribution to the occupational health and safety (OHS) issues in the country. Other measures to ensure the safety of employees at the workplace include the provision of resources on specific hazards and their control through risk assessment, identification, and inspection in order to keep the workplaces safe and healthy. Also, Labor legislation is a key factor under the jurisdiction of Canadas provinces and territories. According to Nelson article â€Å"Essentials of Managing Human Resources† human resource management is more than just, training, paying or hiring people, it involves process, programs, practices, and systems in an organization that emphases on the effective deployment and development of its employees. The following is a summary of the article. In order to ensure health and safety at the workplace several key factors are needed, these factors include the creation of a culture of a safe and healthy working environment by the management. This environment ensures a sense of well-being demonstrated through actions and behaviors of the employees; the other factor is the definition, analyzing and designation of the work whereby everyone understands what they have to do, when and in what order by the working groups or teams; planning, recruiting and selecting the right workforce with the right skills in the organization; training, orienting and developing the employees to assist them in performing better with the right equipments will also ensure safety; the managers ought to manage the employees in such a manner that the organizations’ goals are met and in time; the other factor is the rewarding and recognition of the exemplary employees; the employees relationship with supervisors, managers or other representatives should be positive and constructive to prevent Posttraumatic stress disorder among the employees and to ensure that the employees feel satisfied in their working areas (Nelson, 5). Line managers directly interact with the employees hence their contribution to the organization is vital. Professional HRs should ensure that they guide the supervisors or the line managers with the necessary skills to run their jobs. They will assist the supervisors to develop steps to improve the performance of the employees hence ensuring safety, healthy and understanding among the employees (Nelson, 7). The Canadian economy largely depends on the exports ranging from mining to forestry. Canadian companies attribute their success in the global marketplace to the employees. Investing in the people is a key factor for any organization to succeed: the investments include specialized training and pieces of equipment to the staff who in turn provide exceptional services to the clients (Nelson, 10). This ensures safety and healthy working conditions for the employees. In this 21st century, the world is focusing on a healthy planet and sustainable economic growth through advancements of technology. With these changes in the world, the organizations should focus on the use of clean energy to ensure safety and a healthy globe (Nelson, 17). Many studies have demonstrated that organizations that focus on the health and safety of the employees prevent Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the employees and hence demonstrate higher profitability, and overall they demonstrate stronger organizational performance (Nelson, 221). Employees’ capabilities are improved through determination of their talent and improving their skills through training. Transparency, focus and understanding the companies, and the employees interests increase the organization profitability too (Nelson, 313). Moreover, Organizations that are supportive to the elderly and family of the employees through parental leaves, job sharing, part-time work, day-care, flexible work schedule increase the productivity and increases the talent pool in addition to promoting healthy and safe working environment to the employees (Nelson, 25). According to Diane, et al., the total amount of economic and society costs on the psychological injury and mental illness in the workplaces is staggering. These costs are a result of unchecked working conditions of the employees or the organizational negligence on its employees (Diane, et al. 42). The organizations or the employers, the government and other stakeholders, have been looking for strategic solutions for this problem for many years. This Diane, et al., study on â€Å"employer’s perceptions and attitudes toward the Canadian national standard on psychological health and safety in the workplace† uncovers the organizational approachability to a deliberate inclusive standard for dealing with psychological health and safety in the workplace. The study was inclusive, and it involved people from different workplaces including construction, healthcare, health promotion, occupational health, manufacturing industries among others. Psychological health and safety are a key factor if any organization is to be successful in its performance and profitability (Diane, et al., 45). There is a need for the implementation strategies and simplified engagement of the standards that can be tailored to the distinction between sizes and types of industries (Diane, et al., 46). Some organization needs to work towards the safety, health and mental health such as PTSD more than other fields. However, according to Diane, et al., 47 organizations that mostly require enlightening psychological health and safety may be the least receptive. Conclusion Health, safety and Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a mental condition caused by experiencing serious injuries, or violence or even witnessing death are common in some workplaces. The organizations should work towards developing anti-stigma awareness and PTSD training to educate the supervisors and the staff on the risks involved. The ministry of labor requires organizations to submit their PTSD Prevention Plans at times. This move is helpful to the employees who at times have to work under very risky conditions. Some provinces such as Alberta are putting new rules in place to investigate and prevent deaths and serious injuries in the workplaces. This move includes the signing of memorandums between the labor ministry and the police services. Criminal charges or charges for workplace violations are warranted to ensure the safety of the workers while they are performing their duties. Awareness of the health, safety, and prevalence of the mental health in the workplace is rapidly g rowing in the country. However, legislation, enforcement, practices, and policies have lagged behind despite their efforts. Inadequate efforts to curb this problem is a health and safety hazard hence all employers and legislation should strive to mitigate and ultimately aim to eliminate all forms or hazards in the workplaces. Workers have the right to work in an environment that is healthy, safe and free from all possible causes of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Film Analysis The Film Cronos By Guillermo Del Toro

The ideas of what a utopian society should look like changes when talking to different people in different parts of the world. More often than not most people would say that violence is not a part of this utopian ideal and that man has found a way to work past that and find a better solution to the violent issues we have seen in the past. Films in a sense are a way for artists to explore these utopian and dystopia ideals and present them to the public as a looking glass into what the world could look like. For many of us we live in a capitalistic society or a society with at least some forms of capitalistic ruling. Film makers in Latin America have used their position to critique and analyze the different forms of capitalism and how the†¦show more content†¦As for Jesus Gris he was not originally afflicted by the idea of being lower class once presented with the opportunity to gain affluence he does not hesitate to accept it. In turn he neglects to think about the conflicts and consequences that may come with it. The consumer (Jesus) eventually became dependent on the Cronos device (the commodity). This shows how interdependent the market is with the consumer and the commodity. One can not exist with out the other once one has fallen to dependency. The violence that can ensue when it comes to consumerism and the market is depicted between Jesus and Dieter de la Guardia. One man from the lower class and the other from the elites both fight over control for the commodity and who should be able to reap its benefits. At de La Gurdias warehouse we are shown statues of the Virgin Mary hanging from the ceiling like pieces of meat. This shows how consumeristic violence can begin to over shadow even the most important moral aspects of human existence. The idea that statues were just failed attempts at attaining the Cronos show just how neglected religion has become in a consumerism society. Class conflict can also be seen in the types of cars people drive, Jesu s whose car is pushed of a ledge was an older model while Angel de La Gurdias car is much nicer. The idea that capitalism is a criticism on the poor can be seen the way Dieter thinks Jesus is unworthy of controlling the

Building Teams and Work Groups Free Essays

Man is a social being, from the individual level, he transcends to the next level-the group level followed by the organizational level, then by the institutional level and lastly he is integrated in the society. Therefore, to work with others in different field is inevitable. Man needs others to survive, to feed him biologically, emotionally and physically. We will write a custom essay sample on Building Teams and Work Groups or any similar topic only for you Order Now All of this integration of man with others started from the time that he is born. First, he became dependent to his mother as he feeds from her, second other members of the family pays close supervision of him and next he is incorporated with the rest of the family members. From the family level, as he grows up he will meet new faces, neighbors perhaps that he may associate as friends. As he goes to school, he will be acquainted with a larger peer groups. From then on as he became socialized, his social networks will also widen. As mentioned in Module 7, assuming membership in a group requires a role and responsibility. An effective team must be able to come up with clear and right decisions. This can be done through constant meetings and consultations. Traditionally, it is conducted in a meeting place or a functional hall wherein you personally meet with the members of the group. Since ancient time, there had been meditated ways of sending message and communication, likewise, the use of birds as messengers. Soon it was changed with letter writing and sending mails. Amidst the modernity of the society, people discovered new ways of communicating without the hassle of being present in every meetings and group work all the time. Through the use of telephones, people learned communicating the easy way and made much more easy as it became cordless and compact- the mobile phones. In the early 90’s computers were in the boom. Name it, any transactions was made easier through e-mails, web-based environments etc. Schools and Universities also developed their own website for easy access and inquiries. Even the faculties required their students to provide their e-mail addresses so that he/she will be able to send academic related information through internets and they can also be able to conduct seminars and conferences on line. Evaluation of Peer Participation on the Research paper: Describing the Effective Characteristics of Mediated Communication Group Member Rating Contribution/s Member1 9 Has made various internet researches, checked on the journals and books on the library. Actively participated the conceptualization and consolidated with the group. Consensus we the group members, we designated tasks needed to comply with the assignment to each member of the group. We also decided to come up with a peer evaluation paper wherein each group will determine the contributions and cooperativeness of each member through his/her rating with regards to the other group members. In a scale of 1-10, 10 being the highest, we came up with this summary of peer participation. How to cite Building Teams and Work Groups, Papers

Dalai Lama free essay sample

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. He is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the very young age of two, the child who was named Lhamo Dhondup at that time, was recognized as the reincarnation of the previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are believed to be enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity. Education in Tibet His Holiness began his monastic education at the age of six. The curriculum consisted of five major and five minor subjects. The major subjects were logic, Tibetan art and culture, Sanskrit, medicine, and Buddhist philosophy which was further divided into a further five categories: Prajnaparimita, the perfection of wisdom; Madhyamika, the philosophy of the middle Way; Vinaya, the canon of monastic discipline; Abidharma, metaphysics; and Pramana, logic and epistemology. The five minor subjects were poetry, music and drama, astrology, composition and phrasing, and synonyms. At 23, His Holiness sat for his final examination in Lhasa’s Jokhang Temple, during the annual Monlam (prayer) Festival in 1959. He passed with honors and was awarded the Geshe Lharampa degree, the highest-level degree, equivalent to a doctorate of Buddhist philosophy. Leadership Responsibilities In 1950 His Holiness was called upon to assume full political power after Chinas invasion of Tibet in 1949/50. In 1954, he went to Beijing for peace talks with Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders, including Deng Xiaoping and Chou Enlai. But finally, in 1959, with the brutal suppression of the Tibetan national uprising in Lhasa by Chinese troops, His Holiness was forced to escape into exile. Since then he has been living in Dharamsala, northern India. Since the Chinese invasion, the Central Tibetan Administration led by His Holiness appealed to the United Nations on the question of Tibet. The General Assembly adopted three resolutions on Tibet in 1959, 1961 and 1965. Democratization Process In 1963, His Holiness presented a draft democratic constitution for Tibet that was followed by a number of reforms to democratize the Tibetan administrative set-up. The new democratic constitution promulgated as a result of this reform was named The Charter of Tibetans in Exile. The charter enshrines freedom of speech, belief, assembly and movement. It also provides detailed guidelines on the functioning of the Tibetan Administration with respect to those living in exile. In 1992, the Central Tibetan Administration issued guidelines for the constitution of a future, free Tibet. The guidelines outlined that when Tibet became free the immediate task would be to set up an interim government whose first responsibility will be to elect a constitutional assembly to frame and adopt Tibets democratic constitution. His Holiness also stated that he hoped that Tibet, comprising of the three traditional provinces of U-Tsang, Amdo and Kham, would be federal and democratic. In May 1990, the reforms called for by His Holiness saw the realization of a truly democratic administration in exile for the Tibetan community. The Tibetan Cabinet (Kashag), which till then had been appointed by His Holiness, was dissolved along with the Tenth Assembly of the Tibetan Peoples Deputies (Tibetan parliament in exile). In the same year, exile Tibetans on the Indian sub-continent and in more than 33 other countries elected 46 members to the expanded Eleventh Tibetan Assembly on a one-man one-vote basis. The Assembly, in its turn, elected the new members of the cabinet. In September 2001, a further major step in democratization was taken when the Tibetan electorate directly elected the Kalon Tripa, the senior-most minister of the Cabinet. The Kalon Tripa in turn appointed his own cabinet who had to be approved by the Tibetan Assembly. In Tibets long history, this was the first time that the people elected the political leadership of Tibet. Since the direct election of the Kalon Tripa, the system of the institution of Gaden Phodrang of the Dalai Lama as both the spiritual and temporal authority ended. Since then, His Holiness described himself as being semi-retired. Peace Initiatives On 21 September 1987 in his address to members of the United States Congress in Washington, DC, His Holiness proposed a Five-Point Peace Plan for Tibet as the first step towards a peaceful solution to the worsening situation in Tibet. The peace plan contained five basic components: Transformation of the whole of Tibet into a zone of peace. Abandonment of Chinas population transfer policy that threatens the very existence of the Tibetans as a people. Respect for the Tibetan peoples fundamental human rights and democratic freedoms. Restoration and protection of Tibets natural environment and the abandonment of Chinas use of Tibet for the production of nuclear weapons and dumping of nuclear waste. Commencement of earnest negotiations on the future status of Tibet and of relations between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. On 15 June 1988 in an address to members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, His Holiness made another detailed proposal elaborating on the last point of the Five-Point Peace Plan. He proposed talks between the Chinese and Tibetans leading to a self-governing democratic political entity for all three provinces of Tibet. This entity would be in association with the Peoples Republic of China and the Chinese Government would continue to remain responsible for Tibets foreign policy and defence. Universal Recognition His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems. His Holiness has travelled to more than 67 countries spanning 6 continents. He has received over 150 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes, etc. , in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. He has also authored or co-authored more than 110 books. His Holiness has held dialogues with heads of different religions and participated in many events promoting inter-religious harmony and understanding. Since the mid-1980’s, His Holiness has begun a dialogue with modern scientists, mainly in the fields of psychology, neurobiology, quantum physics and cosmology. This has led to a historic collaboration between Buddhist monks and world-renowned scientists in trying to help individuals achieve peace of mind. This has also led to the introduction of modern science in the traditional curriculum of Tibetan monastic institutions re-established in exile. Political Retirement On 14 March 2011 His Holiness sent a letter to the Assembly of Tibetan Peoples Deputies (Tibetan Parliament in exile) requesting them to devolve him of his temporal (political) power. According to The Charter of the Tibetans in Exile, His Holiness was technically still considered to be the head of state. The historic announcement would bring an end to the dual spiritual and political authority of the Dalai Lama and revert to the previous tradition of the first four Dalai Lamas being only the spiritual leader of Tibet. The democratically elected leadership would assume complete formal political leadership of Tibet. The Ganden Phodrang, the institution of the Dalai Lamas, would continue and remain intact. On 29 May 2011 His Holiness signed into law the formal transfer of his temporal power to the democratically elected leader. This brought to an end the 368-year old tradition of the Dalai Lamas being both spiritual and temporal head of Tibet. The Future As far back as 1969, His Holiness has made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future. However, in the absence of clear guidelines, should the concerned public express a strong wish for the Dalai Lamas to continue, there is an obvious risk of vested political interests misusing the reincarnation system to fulfill their own political agenda. Therefore, on 24 September 2011, clear guidelines were drawn up to recognize the next Dalai Lama, so that there is no room for doubt or deception. His Holiness has stated that when he is about ninety he will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. On that basis, a decision will be made. If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is a need for the Fifteenth Dalai Lama to be recognized, responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama’s Gaden Phodrang Trust. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should seek advice and direction from these concerned beings and carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. His Holiness would leave clear written instructions about this. Bear in mind that, apart from the reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Republic of China.

Swarovski vs. Pandora Marketing Essay Example

Swarovski vs. Pandora Marketing Paper Marketing Communications Home Assignment 2 Written by: Kacsak Kitty Seminar Leader, Group: Tom Owens, Tuesday 10. 00 am Swarovski 1. Positioning Swarovski positioning itself as a luxury fashion brand by creating a consumer experience that embodies Swarovskis brand values of innovation and modernity. They would like to position themselves as creating premium, high-quality products with many features for the high-value customers. They are working hard on the continuous innovation to be a market leader in the luxury and travelling jewellery segment. Their products are truly multifaceted and as multifaceted as that product is, so is the customer base. This gives Swarovski a unique advantage in the current economic climate to reach out to a broad spectrum of people and provide them with a luxurious yet affordable product 2. Target Group The common favour in most of the luxury and lifestyle brands is the travelling person, which is a prime marketing target group for Swarovski. Every single female consumer, from 17 to 71, in terms of buying or gift receiving is a target person for Swarovski. The company think themselves as a global and all-encompassing brand. They have targeted four major sections in the women fashion with sophisticated, business, classical and bridal collections. Very recently, they have discovered that one of their crystal pendants (Fiorella) is very successful in the children’s pages of in-flight catalogues. Originally they have not targeted this segment but it has made them aware to consider the further development of this marketing segment. Pandora 1. Positioning We will write a custom essay sample on Swarovski vs. Pandora Marketing specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Swarovski vs. Pandora Marketing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Swarovski vs. Pandora Marketing specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Pandora designs, manufactures and markets hand-finished and modern jewellery made from genuine materials at affordable prices. High quality, hand-finished, modern and genuine jewellery products at affordable prices, thereby inspiring women to express their individuality. All women have their individual stories to tell – a personal collection of special moments that makes them who they are. That is why Pandora celebrates these moments, why they say these moments are unforgettable. 2. Target Group The brand claims its target market is the late 20s. That is where the advertising is directed. That is the age to which women are aspiring. In truth, many are much older. It is a product that appeals to all ages, we can see three generations standing in front of a Pandora window, looking at the product and all wanting the same thing. They are selling their products on a more affordable price than Swarovski, so they are providing an every day wearable product on a medium price to a wider range of females. The unique future of Pandora’s products that they are hand-made.

Orange PLCs Organizational Culture and Structure

Orange PLCs Organizational Culture and Structure Introduction: The Orange PLC Company Orange PLC Company is one of the most profitable international companies in the global PC business arena. The company has its headquarters in New York. The New York branch has 250 employees in the three departments of production, marketing, human resource management.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Orange PLC’s Organizational Culture and Structure specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In order to survive and control a sizable share of the global PC industry, Orange PLC Company has endeavored to remain competitive through an organized structure and culture. Thus, this reflective treatise attempts to explicitly review organizational structure, restructure and culture of the Orange PLC Company located in the United States of America. Orange PLC’s Organization Structure Organization structure refers to systems and channels that control the scope of operations in an organizat ion. The organization structure offers an explicit overview of the general operation of a company within efficiency levels (Sylvia Stanley 2008). Work Specialization Knowing how to improve quality is crucial in the growth of a business enterprise. Improved quality has great reward to the Orange PLC Company. Since the production team is permanently employed in the company, they are engaged in the production process to ensure that the company optimizes labor as a factor of production towards efficiency. This is achieved through quality planning of the labor hours of the employees that relate to their specialization, rather than just keeping them on standby (Sylvia Stanley 2008). Besides, the marketing team is constantly trained on the latest marketing models to ensure that they give their best in online and offline marketing of the company’s products. The HRM team has specialized training on efficient performance among the employees to minimize redundancy. Quality planning of work specialization is an important policy that aims to promote long term success in business objectives since it is focused to enhance the effective exploitation of human resources (Sylvia Stanley 2008).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Chain of Command The Orange PLC Company has demonstrated that there exists a complex network behind its formal organizational chart. The teamwork based organization structure actually identifies the hierarchy of the organization structure in order to understand the complex network. In addition, it provides myriad illustrations of the persuasive importance of problem definition within communication contemporary context. Also, the strategies of investigation, ramification, and elements of the problem definition are addressed in its chain of command. The current organization structure of the Orange PLC Company is characterized by a streamlined chain of bureaucracy in the chain of command. The top bracket in the chain of command consists of the five company board of directors who report to the chairman of the company. Under the board of directors are the departmental managers in the three departments of production, marketing, and human resource management. Team supervisors below the departmental managers report directly to managers and are the bridge between employees and the managers. The ordinary employees are grouped into team units consisting of four employees within the same area of specialization. Thus, whenever there is need to communicate an issue to the chairperson, the team cells will pass the information to the supervisors. The hierarchal procedure will be repeated until the chairperson gets the information. For the self-motivated people, this approach allow them to do more spectacular things as a team and not as human machines (Sylvia Stanley 2008). Span of Control Other factors associated with inh ibiting learning in organizations are inappropriate organizational structures, work pressure, entrenched attitudes towards learning, and emphasis on meeting targets (Douglas 2000). Fear and resistance to change in organizations that are characterized by high levels of bureaucracy and inter-functional rivalry are the main reasons that impede learning in such organizations. Fortunately, since every employee in the Orange PLC Company is his or her own boss, the cultural structure of the company has spurred a continuous growth in the competitive market. Related to changes in organizational structure are the variations in job design and new structures which provide the employees with an opportunity within the work activities. Moreover, the Orange PLC organization exhibits flexibility in its organizational structure that enables jobs to be redesigned thus, facilitating work based innovations.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Orange PLC’s Organizational Cul ture and Structure specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Centralization Orange PLC Company has created a healthy work environment and personal growth perspectives that apply to all situations since all the vital controls organs of the company are centralized. Through centralized and properly designed training procedures, talent promotion, and motivation, productive behavior internalization have presented the best alternative ways of solving problems in role execution. Unless employees take a positive attitude to embrace change and create an environment that motivated the change, quantifiable change may just be a dream (Douglas 2000). Formalization The Orange PLC institution is made up of formal systems of monitoring operations, reviewing performance and rewarding achievements. Employees’ behaviors in the company are influenced by the mutual interests that exist between the company and its workers. This mutual interest offers super ordinate objective which can be achieved only through combined determination of the organization (employer) and individual workers in a formalized production control system. Restructuring at the Orange PLC Company Restructuring in an organization refers to the strategies adopted by an organization to introduce an element of change that is meant to improve on the performance of that organization. Restructuring is necessary whenever redundancy becomes the norm of organization performance (Douglas 2000). The Orange PLC Company has restructured to introduce innovation department in the last two years to properly monitor and manage the logistics and challenges that might exist in the transit channels of product improvement. Specifically, restructuring of the production department was necessary in achieving the company’s goal of being the innovation leader in America. The innovative structure was critical in improving leadership skills, evaluation skills, and promoting creativity within th e production department.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, job performance has greatly improved since the attractive rewards for innovation has become a motivational engine among the employees. Orange PLC’s Organization Culture Organizational culture is a manner in which people in a company operate both unconsciously and consciously on their daily activities (Flamholtz Randle 2011). Through understanding the organizational culture, the Orange PLC institution can understand the culture that prevails, drives and supports essential programs within its workforce to accomplish the strategic objectives. Physical structure The physical structures of the Orange PLC’s organization culture promotes positive relationships between favorable and effective job performance and work environment as attributes of motivation and congenial conditions. The structure encourages security, comfort and safety, and prevailing physical convenience. Measuring factors such as interpersonal relations, working conditions, support and trust, we lfare provisions, and work environment has greatly contributed to the organizational effectiveness as well as good employees’ behavior at the Orange PLC. Symbols The Orange PLC Company has identified that the key driver of productivity is employees’ morale. It is revealed that engaged and productive workers are more likely to be creative and interested in their work commitments. Satisfied workers are more eager to create positive results in their work. This element has been embedded in the company unity of purpose symbol designed to create the culture of efficiency and support among the employees. Ceremonies, language and rituals With the need to establish a proactive organizational culture, the Orange PLC Company has developed a discursive approach in explaining and exploring shared and coordinated actions on roles and channels through which organizational framework functions in the exchange of information formally. This is of great essence towards understanding its o rganizational communication. Employees are also allowed to contribute their viewpoints regarding the daily management and operation of the organization. In order for the productivity quotient to become an effective tool, it is appropriate to ensure that workers and the management team both understand the collective perspective of the institution (Douglas 2000). The managers play a significant role in setting up the learning environment for their employees. This culture has created an ideal climate for innovation and communication among the employees. The proactive communication and team work culture at the Orange PLC Company spells the rules of engagement, expected behavior, and repercussions for misconduct. These rules appreciate diversity and uphold integrity in judgment. In the process, issues of prejudice are minimized as diversity develops into a positive aspect of the organization (Flamholtz Randle 2011). Consequently, when people are absorbed and made to feel part of these g oals, they would strive to give their best towards the organization and uphold the existing culture with minimal struggle. References Douglas, R. (2000). Does corporate culture contribute to performance? American international college journal of business, 4(1), 45-47. Flamholtz, E., Randle, Y. (2011). Corporate culture: the ultimate strategic asset. Stanford, UK: Stanford business Books. Sylvia, F., Stanley, K. (2008). Creating competitive advantage through intangible assets: The direct and indirect effects of corporate culture and reputation. Advances in competitiveness research, 16(2), 34-38.

Financial Statement Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Financial Statement Analysis - Essay Example The company’s revenue was up and down during period. A clearer picture of these changes is provided in the charts labelled Figure 1. The information in Figure 1 shows that Dixon Retail experience higher levels of turnover in nominal terms than Home Retail during the five year period. The trend was similar up to 2012. However, Home Retail’s revenue continued to decline in 2013 while Dixon Retail’s Revenue increased. When the figures are adjusted for inflation the picture is somewhat different. (See Table 2 in the Appendix.) Figure 2 illustrates the trend for both companies in real terms. The information in Figure 2 shows similar trends for both companies for both companies over the first four years – a slight decline in revenue in real terms between 2009 and 2010; a significant decline between 2010 and 2011; and a moderate decline and increase between 2012 and 2013 for Home Retail and Dixon Retail respectively. A companies cost of sales is the cost of raw materials and other costs necessary to get the goods to the customer. The common size cost of sales for Home Retail group shows a continuous increase from 65.69% of turnover in 2009 to 68.37 in 2013. This is an indication of rising costs of goods without a similar increase in price. The information for Dixon Retail was somewhat different as the common size cost of sales ranged from 92.48% to 94.86%. These two percentages were recorded in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Figure 3 shows the information for both companies. Figure 3 shows a bar graph of common size costs. The graph shows that the common size costs for Home Retail showed an upward trend while that for Dixon Retail remained fairly stable with an obvious slight decline in 2010. A company’s gross profit represents the difference between its sales revenue (turnover) and its cost of sales. The gross profit as a percentage of sales was much higher for Home Retail – above 30% than for

Organizational Design & Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organizational Design & Behavior - Essay Example In situations wherein the crowding increases in the jails it may be difficult to oversee the system as a whole. As such it becomes necessary that a comprehensive review and overhaul of the complete organizational set up of the country’s criminal justice system is performed in order to correctly assess the situation and suggest changes that can offer more viable solutions. A closer look at the existing system will indicate that it is managed in relatively more complex manner as there are many layers of management. Multiple layers of management therefore create strong chances that the overall fixation of responsibilities and accountabilities remain a challenge. In order to overcome the situation and deal with the overcrowding problem, it is therefore necessary that the organizational restructuring is done. In order to overcome the situation, it is important that a comprehensive overhaul of the existing organizational set up is undertaken. The current system is multi-layered in nature it is therefore important that few layers are removed in order to make the system leaner and more flexible to adapt to the different challenges including that of over-crowding. It is important that the number of correctional institutions must be increased in order to successfully negotiate with the over-crowding problems. Increasing the number of institutions will therefore allow the country to develop a system which can accommodate the unexpected number of new entrants and as such can manage the overcrowding problem with relative ease and with minimum management burden. It is important that number of correctional programs shall be increased so that the recurring incidences do not take place. Proper and more adaptive correctional programs may help the jail inhabitants to become more responsible and mature citizens and do not engage themselves into kind of activities which can bring them back into the jails for minor or major crimes. The above

While Dunning's OLI model provides a general paradigm for Essay

While Dunning's OLI model provides a general paradigm for expelling the determinants of FDI, its use in designing an international corporate strategy is limited and requires more models for the task - Essay Example meanwhile, Douma and Schreuder (2012) noted that as far foreign direct investment (FDI) is the approach to internationalisation a company seeks, the eclectic paradigm, also known as the OLI (ownership, location, internalisation) model developed by John Dunning is one important framework that provides general paradigm for knowing the determinants of the FDI. In this paper, the strengths of the OLI model to the study of FDI are appreciated whiles examining the limitations of the model in designing an international corporate strategy for firms. By extension, the paper takes a stance that it is one thing to be engaged in internationalisation and another to have an international corporate strategy. This is because the latter is wider and covers several aspects of corporate growth and expansion management than the former (Li, Ferreira & Serra, 2009). There are several ways that the OLI model helps in influencing the study of FDI. On the whole, the model helps firms to make decision on becoming multinational by understanding the potential sources of advantages they have that could make them successful. The model is important in providing firms with an understanding of their ownership advantages, where the question of firm-specific qualities of the firm is addressed (Antras & Elhanan, 2004). Because the firm-specific advantages are tied around the company’s unique approach to doing business, it helps firms to identify their competitive advantage which allows them to overcome the cost of operating in international markets (Peng, 2001). Without applying the OLI model and for that matter ownership advantage therefore, it becomes difficult for firms to identify their competitive advantage with which they will become preferred options for consumers instead of their competitors. Secondly, the OLI model is relevant in helping firms identify location advantages, where the firms answer questions on the best places to choose for internationalisation (Neary, 2007). In

The History Of Communication History Essay

The History Of Communication History Essay Before the discovery of radio waves, telegraphy had been developed as a means of communication. Telegraph meant long-distance writing in Greek. Earlier means of communication included smoke signals, torch signaling, heliographs (flash mirrors), and signal flags were used to convey message over distance (Crowley Heyer, 2002; Farnham, 2005). In the 18th century various methods of communication came into use. They were mainly used in the military arena during the French revolution and the Napoleonic wars. This period marked the development of the first optical telegraph system. By the mid 1800s this system covered about 5000 km and involved more than 550 stations (Farnham, 2005). In the Late 1800s first radio signals were sent across the English Channel. During the titanic disaster, the challenges of unresponsive ineffective radio operators were witnessed. This led to the enactment of Radio Act of 1912. This required that at least two radio operators be on board all vessels carrying more than 50 passengers, and at least one operator be on duty in the Marconi room all the times while the vessel was underway (Farnham, 2005). The 1912s marked the development of radio telephony, or voiceless communication using radio waves in safety and military communications. During this period, the development of amateur radios was taking place in countries with this technology. Amateur radio operator, Hiram Percy Maxim came up with what is now known as the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) whose role was to set up a voluntary network of associated radio amateurs to facilitate the long-range relay of radiograms. The reliability and accuracy of relaying messages through such means was very important for military, commercial and public services (Farnham, 2005). Microfinance is the practice of making small loans to farmers or business owners too poor to provide collateral. The research could help lenders establish more successful microfinance operations. Details are published in the Journal of Development Economics. What this helps us do is better understand which microbanks are successful throughout the developing world-and why, says Christian Ahlin, associate professor of economics at Michigan State University. The microfinance movement has exploded during the past two decades, Ahlin notes, with more than 100 million customers now borrowing small loans from more than 10,000 microfinance institutions around the world. The movement was thrust into the spotlight in 2006 when Grameen Bank, a Bangladesh microbank, and its founder, Muhammad Yunus, were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Ahlin and colleagues from New York University and the University of Minnesota examined the experiences of 373 microbanks worldwide. Because borrowers of microloans typically are third-world farmers or operators of tiny businesses in rural, isolated settings, it wasnt clear how they are linked to the larger economy, he says. Ahlin was surprised to find that as the larger economy grew, the microbanks profit margins grew as well, nearly one-for-one. For example, if the economic growth rate increased 5 percent, a typical microbanks profit margin went up by 5 percentage points. The finding of this study is not that context is everything, but that it does help explain significant differences in performance of the microbanks, Ahlin explains. Microbanks generally grow more successfully in countries with less of a manufacturing base, such as Nigeria and Mongolia, as opposed to more industrialized nations such as China and Indonesia. Ahlin says this is likely because manufacturing jobs tend to crowd out the more entrepreneurial-related jobs supported by microloans. The researchers also say that better developed governing institutions can impact microfinance business negatively by driving up costs, for example, suggesting that borrowers may benefit from a hands-off regulatory approach. Finally, microfinance institutions generally cover costs more easily in countries with a per-capita income of about $6,000-countries that are not too poor, but not too rich either, Ahlin says. In extremely poor countries, he says, there may be a lack of education to run a microenterprise and little demand for goods beyond basic food and medicine. But that doesnt mean lenders should steer clear of the most impoverished nations, Ahlin points out. On the contrary: The research findings could help support the case for more sustained donor support of microfinance in those areas. Although covering costs internally may be harder, Ahlin says, the impact could be greater in these poorer countries. Communication in the Cold War Introduction Cold war was a period between 1945 and 1991 involving the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. It was over the military might, often characterized by the struggle between capitalism and communism. Communication played a vital role in cold war, mostly in the use of various means to convey propaganda (Crowley Heyer, 2002; Jenks, 2006). The historical account of the mass media influence on the population has a very negative background. As pictured by Taylor (1997), the blind are leading the blind à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ sleaze and sophistry have triumphed over sophistication and subtlety and biased presentation of foreign news has resulted in serious distortion and misunderstanding (pp.1). The application of technology in global communications played a fundamental role especially during cold war. As indicated by Taylor (1997), the cold war created an environment that prompted new rules à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ in which the control, manipulation and dissemination of information à ¢Ã ¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (pp.28) became very essential. The United States was committed to freedom of information in their transaction with other nations in an attempt to win their support. With time technological advances from radios, through the television to faxes, satellites and e-mails changed the initial perceptions (Taylor, 1997). Communication during the cold wars Before the United States involvement in the Second World War in 1940, the ARRL established an Emergency Corps that trained on frequencies not initially used by casual amateurs. Up to this day military radio system has involved the training of personnels and continued tests. The cold war reached its greatest heights in 1952. During this period, Radio Amateur Society was formed under the effort of the Civil Defense. This development and many others were as a result of the recognition of the essence of disaster and emergency communication. In the cold war period, transistors and integrated circuits were also invented. It also saw the improvement of frequencies from the lowest to microwaves (Farnham, 2005). By 1945 the debate was still ragging on whether the United States should continue with its broadcasting via the Voice of America (VOA) after the end of the Second World War. It was viewed by many as a weapon of war hence could not be part of foreign policy. The government was however hesitant in abolishing the VOA. On the other hand, the Soviet Union continued with their intention of extending their coverage to most parts of Eastern Europe. Their enmity with the United States prompted the continuation of VOA expansion to integrate the Russian language in 1947. This was out of the United States optimisms that radio would be successful in penetrating the communication barriers experienced during the World War II. By 1949, the Americans were under extreme fear over the infiltration of communists in the United States. That year saw the enactment of the Central Intelligence Agency Act by the Congress. Besides, the establishment of the CIA, this act enabled the setting of a new radio servi ce as a project for public diplomacy. National Committee for a Free Europe organization was also established to address the plight of exiles from Eastern Europe. Funded by the CIA, this organization established Radio Free Europe (REFE) in 1950, beginning its broadcast in July of the same year from Germany. Another radio targeting the Soviet Union (Radio Liberty or RL) was created by a similar organization of exiles. Since it was also broadcasting from Germany, the RL signal faced constant jamming by Soviet leaders from its inception. Jamming was a technology used by the Soviet Union to interfere with the radio transmission (Parsons, n.d). Computing in the Cold War It is commonly believed that war influences the rate of technological development. This is probably true in the arena of computing. Many earlier machines such as the ENIAC and the Mark I for instance were invented for military calculations. It is however believed that the cold war promoted the greatest advances in computing (I-Programmer, 2010). The computer was very important in for gathering and processing information about the enemys whereabouts. An example is the SAGE (Semi Automatic Ground Equipment) computer system used by the United States to track any movement in the sky, to send signals of any nuclear attack. In 1940s, the Whirlwind computer, the fastest model available was built at MIT. Although not understood by many, Whirlwind computer was an important tool for flight simulations. In 1945 the Air Defense Committee was formed. It recommended the need for integrating the radar system in the newly invented computers. The radar was important in detecting airborne objects and the computer monitored and verified the objects to ensure that they familiar (I-Programmer, 2010). This was an important step since both computer and the radar system were new technologies which whose impact were unimaginable in the first place. It was quite ambitious to think of the interconnection of a radar network stations and central computer data processing in the absence of a modem. Mass storage devices, graphical visual display unit and computers were still made of valves. In 1951g, the Project Lincoln research was initiated to develop the new system with the supply of computer hardware (Whirlwind I) and data communications from the Air Force Research Laboratory (CRL) (I-Programmer, 2010). Cold War Propaganda In the early period of the cold war, the British government established a voluntary civil defense with the objective of protecting the nation from the enemy in case of attack. The civil propaganda was successful in mobilizing many people to participate in the war (Jenks, 2006).During the cold war both the United States and the Soviet Union were involved in propaganda. In the period of the Red Scare, characterized by mass hysteria over communism, the United States government perpetuated this hysteria in movies, comics, books and even lessons in schools. It was mostly focused against communism reign. The use of propaganda had negative impact on the population. Both the America and the USSR used propaganda to instill hatred of their enemies in their citizens and also to ensure that the citizens would fully support the government. The two countries used different media for conveying their propaganda. The Soviet Union used military prowess to impress their citizens while America relied on Hollywood and the media. The result of the propaganda was the victimization of many employees in the government and Hollywood. For this reason many innocent people were caught in between the wrangles and suffered ruined lives as a consequence (Kerrington, 2007). The electronic medium commonly in use that time was the black and white television. Although quite costly, many could still afford one. The use of television opened a fresh page in the propaganda war. It was used to dispel fear that the Soviet Union was on the wrong side. It promoted the idea that white Americans were superior over the other races and there could easily be victorious over the Soviet Union (Hudson Stainer, 1997; Kerrington, 2007). Another form of the media in America in that period was the radio. While not everybody could afford the television, everybody at least had a radio. It was a symbol of family union since most members of the family could gather around it at dinner session to listen to news briefings or their favorite programs. It was quite valued and people took extra care to maintain it. It was the best way to reach the vast population. The united p states government took the initiative to perfect the broadcasts. The government invested largely in the Voice of America which enabling broadcast to reach the Philippines, Germany and Japan. Movie theaters were flocked by people of all ages as relief from the worries of life (Hudson Stainer, 1997; Kerrington, 2007). The propaganda reached its greatest height especially in the wake of Senator McCarthys leadership. Films were used to convey the idea that the Soviet Union was going to win unless the patriotic Americans determined to wipe out communism. It would portray the importance of upholding the traditional values advocating for goodness over evil in the attempt of defeating the enemy. Some movies focused on highlighting the negative side of communism. Such movies received a lot of financial support from the government. Examples include the Red Nightmare, nowadays referred to as The Commies Are Coming, and the Invasion USA! presently these types of movies lack the impact they had during the cold war, they are even taken as comedies in most occasions. Initially, they drew a lot of seriousness and they were even integrated in the curriculum of civics and history in schools. Some such as the James Bond movies are presently still enjoyed (Kerrington, 2007). People could also be exposed to propaganda through literature. Several fiction novels, the paperback novels, and comics were used to propagate anti-Soviet or communism ideologies. They were readily available due to their low cost. These novels depicted the heroic actions of the cowboys in their rescue missions. On the other hand, the non-fictional books were also extremely biased negatively depicting the threat posed by communism. The comics, focusing mainly on the young generation were aimed at inculcating hatred for the communists. Communists were also not allowed to express their idea freely; they were prevented from teaching in colleges and at secondary level. As a result many people lost their jobs because of such stance (Kerrington, 2007). Soviets were not exempted from propaganda. They also had radios, literature and films. Their form of propaganda involved the demonstration of e military might by constantly holding military marches. These were used to remind the public that their army was the most invincible. Stalin propagated his against the Americans via the radio, always insisting that communists should uphold their togetherness. The Americans were painted as racists, sexists, treacherous and indifferent to others. In Stalins perspective the Americans were ignorant, and America faced probable defeat. Unlike the American methods, Stalins methods of propaganda were more direct. They were also equally successful (Kerrington, 2007). Conclusion Communication played greatly defined the cold war. Various means of communication such as the televisions and radios were used by both parties of the conflict to marshal civilian support against their enemies. As portrayed above this period was marked by the distortion of foreign reporting, issuance of threats, and accusations which were only made possible via the mass media.

Asoka of India :: essays research papers

Asoka was one of the greatest rulers of ancient India. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya of Magadha who established the first Indian empire. Chandragupta reigned for twenty-four years before relinquishing his throne in favor of his son, Bundusara (Asoka’s father), who left no noticeable mark upon the empire. Asoka was born in 304 B.C. and was known in his youth as Canda Asoka (the fierce Asoka) because of his aggressive nature. Asoka came to the throne in 270 B.C. after a power struggle that ended in the death of one of his brothers. He was at first disposed to follow the example of his father and grandfather and complete the conquest of the Indian peninsula. In about 256 B.C. Asoka attacked Kalinga, a country on the east coast of Madras, in order to expand his empire, which he ruled as a tyrant at the time. Asoka succeeded in conquering Kalinga in the bloody war in which 100,000 men were killed, 150,000 injured, and thousands were captured and retained as slaves. The sight of the slaughter involved in his conquest deeply distressed Asoka and deeply affected his mind. Overwhelmed by the carnage, he changed his way of life. Asoka, who practiced Brahmanism, renounced war forever and sought peace in Buddha’s preachings of love and ahimsa. The war developed in him a hatred of all kinds of violence so he gave up hunting and the slaughtering of animals. He became a strict vegetarian. His son, Mahinda, became a Theraveda monk and was sent to introduce Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Asoka spent time piously retracing the steps of the Buddha and raising stupas inscribed with moral injunctions and imperatives at holy places of pilgrimage, and for some two years he became a member of a Buddhist order without relinquishing his role as Emperor. Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism, affected with the help of his own teacher, Upragupta, was gradual. Even though he did little to change the system of government he inherited, he introduced a novel and powerful moral idealism, which was a moral rule or way of life in the Buddhist sense, as he understood it. He called this the â€Å"Law of Piety.† This law, though following the tenets of the Buddha, was distinct from them and peculiar to Asoka. It was to become one of the great turning points of the civilization of the East, having profound effects throughout the neighboring kingdoms, not least in