Personal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Personal - Essay Example In this case, the professor advocates for more talk than reading (Dickinson, 34). Good presentations are always structured in sections and in this case, the professor talks of the importance of organizing the points. It is also important to do a dry run on the topic before the main presentation. Showing interests in the students is also advisable. It is always wrong to intimidate the students or embarrass them (Dilts, 67). Communication during the presentation also remains an important component. In this case, it is always important to engage the students in the discussion. The communication component goes with the body language, flow of the language and giving the students a chance to contribute in the discussion. Circling the class gives the professor a chance to engage with every person in the class (Dilts, 70). Accepting interruption during the presentation is evidence enough that the students are concentrating on the topic of discussion. It is also important to finish strongly or knowing when to stop lecturing. Too much lecture can be become boring for

Nursing leadership and management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nursing leadership and management - Essay Example It is the duty of nurses in leadership positions to examine the contributing factors leading to nurse shortage and high turnover. This is to become familiar with the situation for them to determine the necessary approaches that would improve the retention strategies. The primary objective of the examination among leaders is to convey the severity and problems related to nursing shortage and high turnover allowing them to devise solutions such as successful employment of nurses and retention strategies (Fabre, 2005). This increases the number of registered nurse; thus, improving the quality of care. Leaders need to study the reasons why new nurses quit this profession. This may include job satisfaction and disillusionment. Leaders should make it clear that nursing profession should not be perceived based on individual commitment since it requires in depth knowledge of illness, suitable treatment, appropriate managerial skills, and emotional strength (Gordon, 2005). There is need to reveal a definite employment brand in the nursing profession. In order to enhance the dedication of nurses so that they can become industrious members of the workforce, job satisfaction is necessary. The nursing leaders should develop a retention committee that will address sensitive issues such as improving job satisfaction and endorsement. Moreover, it is the responsibility of leaders to create and maintain a favorable environment. This allows the connection of employees with the organization. This enhances recruitment as well as retention of nurses. The nurse leaders can also examine the process of hiring new nurses, and maintain efficient communication with them as a way of enhancing employee contribution. The organization leaders must be keen on the perceptions of nurses for them to respond to the needs of nurses promptly. Managers need to provide rewards and recognize the effort of nurses because it assists in

The Level Of Education System Between India

The Level Of Education System Between India The project provides valuable information on the research work undertaken on the subject To know the difference between the level of education system between UK and India as a part of country report work during semester abroad programme (SAP). The research was conducted on the basis of primary data and secondary data. A questionnaire was structured to obtain desired information. With the sample size of 50 personal interviews was conducted in Student mansion and Birkeck University to know what perspective do the Indian students have towards the education level of both India as well as UK and a basic secondary research was undertaken to understand the education level of both India as well as UK. The data collected was tabulated, analyzed and then followed by findings and recommendations. The study suggested that although the study material is the same in both the countries but the pattern of teaching differs. Thus the Indian students who come to UK to study has an opinion that the stud ies conducted here are more practical based and gives them a greater insight and understanding. INTRODUCTION This report pertains to the country report which was a part of the Semester abroad proramme (SAP) provided by Amity London Business School. The basic purpose of this country report is to provide students with an exposure of analyzing the country, to identify variations in both the countries that is in India and UK and thus choosing a topic of their interest in order to conduct a research. With the help of this country report students develop different skills in terms of creative thinking, communication skills, behavioral skills, technical skills, interpersonal skills, etc. thus the institute has provided students to do a country report. The country report was conducted on to know the difference between the education system between India and UK. The word education has arrived from the world educere which means to bring about what is already in. As Swami Vivekananda said, Education is the manifestation of perfection, already present in man. The basic purpose of education is to notice talent proactively and the purpose of school education is to guide the childs discovery of himself, to identify and nurture his potential to the fullest. Teachers must perceive children as seeds to be nurtured and not as clay to be molded. They must act as gardeners and not as potters. This attitude must be change and if it does so would the education system. It is very essential that education should be based on application and intelligence instead of trying to test the memory of knowledge. Memory doesnt have much relevance in todays times given the volume of information which is available on the internet. It is the application of information that matters and to be tested. Students must be taught the difference between being wise and being knowledgeable; being well informed and being intelligent. People must be cautious of Information pollution which comes along with globalization and which often blurs the difference between knowledge and wisdom. The education system must encourage the students to imagine and invent and not reinvent the same wheel. Each students imagination is different and, therefore, he has to be guided correctly to choose his occupation in life. There is no denying in the fact that a person who has found his vocation in life is a blessed human being. Education in India: A superior education system is of primary importance to a nation and for a nation like India which is growing, it is of great importance to reflect on our present education system and incorporate sustainable changes in it, to make it compatible with the global dynamism. The education which is been provided in India is via Public sector and Private Sector, which is been controlled and funded by three levels i.e. the central, state and Local. The University of Nalanda is the oldest system of education in the world. Majority of the universities in India are been controlled by the Union and the state government. Western education became more embedded into Indian society with the establishment of the British Raj. India has made a great progress in terms of increasing the primary education attendance rate and thus has expanded the literacy rate to approximately two third of the population. As the education has enhanced in India this has led to an increase in the economic rise in India. The private education in India constitutes to just 5% although in terms of value estimated is $40 billion in 2008 and which will increase to $68 $70 billion by 2012. Though the education system of India has improved still 25% of the population is illiterate in India, 15% who make it to high school, graduate. Indias post secondary education offers only 7% of Indias age population. 25% of the seats are vacant nationwide and 57% of the college professors lack either a masters or PhD degree. Indias higher education is the 2nd largest after the United States. The main governing body at the tertiary level is the (UGC) i.e. University grants commission which helps in maintaining the standard, advices the government and it helps in the coordination between the centre and the state. The Indian education system has expanded at a very vast and a quick pace by adding 20,000 colleges and more than 8 million students in a decade from 2000 01 to 2010 11. As of 20122, India has over 42 central universities, 275 state universities, 130 deemed universities, 90 private universities, 5 institutions established and functioning under the state Act and 33 institutes of national importance. Other institutions include 33,000 colleges at government degree colleges and private degree colleges. The system of Education in India is highly similar to that of the Anglo Sazon countries. The following are the stages: Nursery Primary Class ( 1 to class 5) Secondary ( class 6 to class 10) Senior Secondary (class 11 Class 12) Graduation (Arts and commerce 3 years, professional 4 years, Medical 5 years) Post graduation (1/2 3 years) The present scenario of the Indian Education system: The present Indian educational system is the implantation of the British rules. Today India is said to be the communication hub and hence it has become very popular with the international students from all around the world. The Indian education has become highly attractive because of its forward thinking, its popularity with large multinational companies, and also because of English being the most common language of communication. According to Peter Ducker, India has become a super power house very fast, the medical school in Delhi is now said to be perhaps the best in the world. The technical graduates of the Indian institute of technology, Bangalore are as good as any in the world. Also India has 150 million people for whom English is the main language so indeed India is becoming a knowledge center. Education In UK: Education in UK is a devolved matter with all of the countries of UK having separate systems under separate governments: that is the UK government is responsible for England, and the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are responsible for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, respectively. UK offers an inclusive range of academic and vocational qualifications in virtually all field and subject for students of all stages and ages of their education. A wide range of institutions or universities in Uk offers courses in each level from schools, colleges and higher education. In all the levels other than the primary education students can choose to study towards the wide variety of different qualifications. Education in UK is mandatory for everyone between the ages of 5 and 16 and it is been provided by 2 kinds of schools: state 0 funded schools and independent/ fee charging schools. In the highly competitive global economy the educational performance of the UK population is below the standard of the best performing OECD countries. This is reflected in the UKs relatively low secondary school completion rates. It is because of the current situation of the secondary school system has led to the creation of new diplomas to provide young students with alternative routes into continuing education and work. In higher education sphere there are 169 British Universities offering world class studies to 2.4 million young people, around 1 in 8 of whom comes from overseas .The UK is the second largest provider of higher education for international students. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The study has been conducted with the following objectives in mind: To know the opinion of Indian students studying in the UK on education system of UK and India. Which education system provides with greater insight and understanding. To identify which education system will provides with more practical knowledge. Which education system provides with greater value and opportunities for future? PROBLEM STATEMENT: To analyze the difference of management education system between India and UK METHODOLOGY: METHODOLOGY: The study was undertaken by using both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected with the help of a structured questionnaire which was personally canvassed. Around 50 Indian students were surveyed to understand the opinion of Indian students on the education system of UK and India. All the students interviewed were between the age group of 18 to 25 years. The questionnaire contained questions related to education system in India and UK. Primary data was also collected by doing a Face to Face In- depth survey of the students to get the insight of the students regarding their opinion towards the education system of India and UK. Secondary data was collected through internet, newspaper, magazine etc. Secondary data will help in analyzing the education system in both the countries. Sampling: The samples of 50 Indian students have been collected from the student mansion and Birkbeck University for Quantitative research and sample of 5 has been take for face to face survey of the students. Sample Size: The sample size of 50 has been collected in which there will be a structured questionnaire and sample of 5 has been chosen for qualitative survey. The study requires and in depth survey so as to know the insight of the students regarding the education system in both the countries. PRIMARY RESEARCH: Primary research was undertaken by doing a survey of 50 International students. A structured questionnaire was prepared on questions relating to education system in UK and India. Graphical representation of the survey Which countries teaching do you prefer? Country Frequency Calculate Percentage India 22 22*100/50 44% UK 28 28*100/50 56% Analysis: The project was undertaken to analyze the opinion of Indian students towards the education system of UK and India with a sample size of 50 students, the respondents were asked which country classroom teaching do they prefer? 22 out of 50 responded India i.e. 44%. And 28 out of 50 responded UK i.e. 56%. Therefore from the above analysis it is clear that the Indian students who have experienced the education system of both the countries that is UK and India prefer UK teaching methodology. Which education system provides you with greater practical knowledge? Country Frequency Calculate Percentage India 15 15*100/50 30% UK 35 35*100/50 70% Analysis: Since out of 50 sample size chosen, 15 out of 50 i.e. 30% responded that Indian education provides then with less practical knowledge and 35 out of 50 i.e. 70% responded that UK education provides them with greater practical knowledge. Therefore from the above analysis it is clear that the education in UK is more practical based and provides students with more insight and understanding about the topic which will help the students in the competitive world in the near future after the completion of their course. 2.1) If UK, why do you find this education system more practical based? FREQUENCY More of industrial visits 29 Class room based activity 12 Primary research assignment 17 Role plays 20 Others 7 Analysis: In the above (2) question when asked which education provides you with greater practical knowledge 70% students responded UK. When asked why they find UK education system more practical based. Out of 50 students, 29 students responded there are more of industrial visits, 12 responded because of class room based activity, 17 responded because of primary research assignment, 20 responded because of role plays. Therefore from the above analysis it is clear that maximum students who find UK education more practical based is because there are more number of industrial visits, primary research assignments, classroom based activity etc. 2.2) If India , why do you find this education system more practical based? FREQUENCY More of industrial visits 14 Class room based activity 12 Primary research assignment 7 Role plays 28 Others 19 Analysis: In the above (2) question when asked which education provides you with greater practical knowledge 30% students responded India. When asked why they find Indian education system more practical based. Out of 50 students, 14 students responded there are more of industrial visits, 12 responded because of class room based activity, 7 responded because of primary research assignment, 28 responded because of role plays. Therefore from the above analysis it is clear that in India there is not much of practical based studies for students. There is less number of field trips, primary research assignments and classroom based activity. What according to you should India adapt from UK teaching? FREQUENCY Openness 27 Citing practical examples 35 Improvement in technological advancement 22 Others 13 Analysis: Out of the 50 students surveyed, when asked what should India adapt from UK classroom teaching, 27 students responded openness in terms of interaction with the faculty, asking them questions etc. 35 students responded that the faculty in India should cite more of practical examples rather than bookish knowledge.22 students responded that there should be improvement in the technology .and 13 students responded others. How far is India lagging behind in comparison to UK in terms of use of technology? FREQUENCY CALCULATE PERCENTAGE Very Much 18 18*100/50 36% Not so much 25 25*100/50 50% Not at all 7 7*100/50 14% Analysis: since out of the 50 sample size chosen, when students were asked does India lag behind in terms of technology 18 out of 50 i.e. 36% responded very much, 25 out of 50 i.e. 50 % responded not so much and 7 out of 50 i.e. 14% responded not at all. Therefore from the above analysis it is clear that India requires improvement in technology. Which education system is more liberal in teaching? Country Frequency Calculate Percentage India 15 15*100/50 30% UK 35 35*100/50 70% Analysis: Out of the sample size of 50, when students were asked which education system they find more liberal, 15 out of 50 i.e. 30% responded India and 35 out of 50 i.e. 70% responded UK. Therefore from the above analysis it is clear that UK is more liberal in its attitude as compared to India. Which education system do you find more exam oriented? Country Frequency Calculate Percentage Indian education system 31 31*50/100 63% UK education system 29 29*50/100 37% Analysis: Out of the sample size of 50, when asked which education system you find more exams oriented? 31 out of 50 i.e. 63% responded that Indian education system is exam oriented and rest 29 out of 50 i.e. 37% responded that UK education system is less exam oriented. Therefore from the above analysis it states that because of the pressure from the faculty and parents or to get a good placement in future marks are essential and hence a lot of importance is given to exams in India where as on the other hand in UK they focus more on understanding of the subject rather than cramming up on the topic and writing in the exam. In which country do you get more acknowledgement and respect to your views and opinions? Country Frequency Calculate Percentage India 11 11*100/50 21% UK 39 39*100/50 79% Analysis: from the survey conducted, when students were asked in which country you find more comfortable to express your views and opinions? 11 out of 50 i.e. 21% students responded in India and 39 out of 50 i.e. 79% responded in UK. Hence from the above analysis it states that students find it more comfortable to express their views and ideas in UK. An idea or opinion which is been stated by a particular student is appreciated as people here are more open to ideas and are not conservative. Which country provides you with greater opportunities for future? Country Frequency Calculate Percentage India 33 33*100/50 66% UK 17 17*100/50 34% Analysis: From the survey conducted, when the students were surveyed which country provides them with greater opportunities for future 33 out of 50 responded India and 17 out of 50 responded UK. Therefore from the above analysis it is clear that India provides with greater opportunities in terms of future growth. Which curriculum is more managed and structured? Country Frequency Calculate Percentage India 22 22*100/50 44% UK 28 28*100/50 56% Analysis: The survey that was conducted, when the students were asked which curriculum do they find more managed and structured? 22 out of 50 i.e India and 28 out of 50 i.e. 56% responded UK. Thus from the above analysis it shows that the study pattern is more organized in UK as compared to India. In which country would you advice your friends, family for studies? Country Frequency Calculate Percentage India 21 21*100/50 42% UK 29 29*100/50 58% Analysis: Out of the 50 students that were surveyed, when students were asked in which country would you prefer your friends and family for studies? 22 out of 50 i.e. 44% responded India and 28 out of 50 i.e. 56% responded UK. Thus from the above analysis it shows that students would prefer their friends and family to study in UK over India. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: Face to face in- depth survey was conducted of 5 students in order to know the insight of the students. Unstructured questions were asked to students in order to know what they feel about the education system of UK and India. The following are the view points of the students: As compared to India students find UK education is more practical based in terms of visiting industrial. The example that was cited by the students was that back in India they have studied the theoretical perspective of the subject. But when they went for industrial visit here they could relate what they had studied in the past and could thus apply in future when they work for an organization. They got to know about the various lines of processes. Students mentioned how class room activity helps them to think out of the box. Students in UK have given a stipulated time and in that time frame they need to come up with a role play where in they have to come up with a solution of the problem. This enables the students to think swiftly and think in other directions. They even mentioned how case studies are given in each class after the theoretical summary about the subject. Real time cases are been given to students so that students can read the entire case and thus analyze the situation and thus discussing the problem in class and providing solution for the same. The students have mentioned about technology which is more advanced in UK as compared to India. In UK everything can be operated on the podium starting from switching off the lights, opening and shutting the window chick, the projector screen etc which saves a lot of time. They have spoken about how liberal UK is in its attitude while teaching. The faculty here believes in breaking the standard barrier of thinking in one direction and to think in various directions for proving a solution to a problem. Some of the students have even mentioned that even if in UK the emphasis on exams is not to that extent as compared to India, this even leads to students not taking exams seriously. Even though understanding of the subject is essential a base for the subject is essential which can be acquired by reading the theory. Hence students feel emphasis on exams should give to acquire more in depth knowledge. Students when surveyed mentioned that more opportunities for future placement for a job and for future growth is more seen in India as compared to India. FINDINGS: From the above research conducted by Quantitative and Qualitative the following are the findings: The Education System of UK is more practical based as compared to India as it provides students with more to industrial visit which helps the students to gain knowledge about the processes and workings that are undertaken. In UK they find their ideas and views to be acknowledged and respected and are even appreciated thus motivating the students to accomplish what they desire in future. The faculty in UK provides students with their real life experiences rather than the giving bookish example. Students find the opportunity for job or placement in India as compared to UK. The opportunity for future growth is seen in India as compared to UK. The education system in UK ensures students to have great amount of exposure in terms of solving case studies, class room activity on an everyday basis. On contrary the education system in India ensures students to participate more in role plays rather than field trips. The attitude in expressing views and opinions in Indian education system lacks openness. There is lack of technical advancement in India as compared to UK which saves a lot of time and energy of students and faculty as well. The education system in India is more exam oriented as compared to UK which is in a way vital as the students will not take their studies liberally. RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESSTIONS: In India students must be taken to various Industrial visits in order to get them a greater insight of the working of management processes, working inside the organization. Indian Education system must have brainstorming sessions for students so that they can think out of the box and express their opinions and views. Indian Education system must have brainstorming sessions for students so that they can think out of the box and express their opinions and views. As compared to UK, India is lagging behind technology. Hence use of technology in a better way to enhance the learning experience of students thus saving time, cost and energy. There should be many more courses in India which concentrates on research fields only for the companies. As India is more exam oriented than UK, UK education system should have more emphasis on exam this would increase their knowledge to a great extent. ANNEXURE 1 QUESTIONNARE NAME: COURSE: Which countries teaching do you prefer? INDIA UK Which education system provides you with greater practical knowledge? INDIA UK 2.1) If UK, why do you find this education system more practical based? More of Industrial Visits Class room based activity Primary based assignment Role plays Other ) If India , why do you find this education system more practical based? More of Industrial Visits Class room based activity Primary based assignment Role plays Other What according to you should India adapt from UK teaching? Openness Citing Practical examples Improvement in technological advancement Others How far is India lagging behind in comparison to UK in terms of use of technology? Very Much Not so much Not at all Which education system is more liberal in teaching? INDIA UK Which education system do you find more exam oriented? Indian education system UK Education System In which country do you get more acknowledgement and respect to your views and opinions? INDIA UK Which country provides you with greater opportunities for future? INDIA UK Which curriculum is more managed and structured? INDIA UK In which country would you advice your friends, family for studies? INDIA UK

Italian Mafia Essay -- History

Italian Mafia The Mafia was first developed in Sicily in feudal times to protect the estates of landlords who were out of town. The word Mafia, derived from the Sicilian word, Mafioso, means family. Today, Mafia is a name which describes a loose association of criminal groups. These groups can be bound together by blood, oath or sworn secrecy. Many people had considered the Sicilian Mafia as the most ruthless mobsters of the twentieth century. By the nineteenth century, the Mafia had become known as a network of criminal thugs that dominated the Sicilian countryside. Members of the Mafia were bound by Omerta. Omerta, an Italian word, stands for a strict code of conduct. The code include avoiding all contact or cooperation with authorities. In the beginning the Mafia had no centralized organization. It consisted of many small groups. Each of these groups was considered as a district. And, each of these districts, had its own form of government. The Mafia had gained their strong-arm by using scare tactics amongst the people. By using these terroristic methods against peasants who could vote, the Mafia used this upper hand in placing themselves into political offices. They would achieve this in several communities. Using this political power in their advantage, the Mafia was able to gain influence with police authorities and the ability to obtain legal access to weapons. Benito Mussolini was the premier-dictator of Italy from 1922 to 1943. He was the founder and leader of Italian Fascism. Mussolini, along with his Facets government, was able to successfully suppress the Mafia during the time of World War II. However, after the war ended in 1945, the Mafia emerged and ruled once again. Over the next thirty years, the Sicilian Mafia was not only able to gain control Sicily, but all of Italy as well. In the second half of the nineteenth century, America had the largest number of immigrants moving to the United States ever known. There is a recorded three million Irish, four million Italians, and four million Jews that immigrated to the United States during the later half of the nineteenth century. People immigrated for a number of reasons. Many of them dreamed of leaving behind their old worlds. Worlds of oppression, fear, and crime. Unfortunately, this dream was shattered for many of the immigrants. For those who migrated to Chicago, severa... ... the rest of his life in his mansion in Miami Beach, Florida. A great contribution to the Chicago Mafia died alone in 1947. In the early 1980's, the Italian government launched an anti-Mafia campaign throughout all of Italy. Not only did this lead to a number of arrests and trials, but it also was the reason for several assignations of key law-enforcement officials whom were in retaliation. For the past two decades, both America and Italy have been cracking down on the organized crime group known as the Mafia. Criminal activities concerning those involved in the Mafia have declined dramatically. The modern underworld crime of today consists of business men and women with a strong knowledge of computers. Old world ways such as killing, riots, and vendetta have been done away with. Today's "mobsters" are highly educated extortionists dressed in suites. The old ways of organized crime will never be the same again. The desire, need, brutality, wisdom, and style of what we know as the Italian Mafia only exists in books and movies. In my opinion, the time of the Prohibition was, and always will be the most recognizable time of the underworld because of the Italian Mafia.

American Agricultural Industry

By looking at the historical highs and lows and the American agricultural sector, these constitute a success story. The early 1900’s saw the golden age of agriculture with many thriving farmlands across the United States. With many farms, competition heightened and together with other economic factors resulted to the decline in the agricultural sector in the late 1920s up to the early 1930s resulting to the bankruptcy of many small farms. Abandoned lands became residential and commercial areas while the farms that remained became large farmlands that grew because of technological advancements.This transformed the composition of the agricultural sector from many small to medium farmlands to niches of large farmlands driven by large capital investments and technological development. Government policies conducive to the growth of the agricultural sector also contributed to the further development of the agricultural sector. Although many small farms closed, the long-term impact o f changes in the agricultural sector is the decline in farm poverty because of higher productivity and lower prices from the abatement of competition to a certain extent.Although, contemporary agricultural sector has not regained the position it reached during its golden age, growth is sustainable. (Gardner 1-3) The present agricultural sector survived because of four factors. First is capital investments, in which the banking and financial sector played an important part. Second is sustained productivity due to the development of technological tools and processes. Third is government support for researches in the agricultural sector to support sound policymaking.Fourth are the price-support programs of the government for stability that benefits farm owners by enabling them to gain sufficient profits to sustain continued production as well as consumers through lower prices so that food constitutes less than ten percent of the budget of consumption of American households. (Gardner 33 7) Methods of Production and Distribution Production and distribution in the American agricultural varies between the large and small farms.In the case of the large farms, the method of production targets the mass market and takes advantage of economies of scale and the mode of distribution is through mass- marketing outlets such as large supermarkets and other retail venues widely accessible to consumers. There are large farms that have been able to produce more than one agricultural product and these distribute products within economies of scope by bundling complementary goods. Large farms achieve economies of scale by using high-technology tools and processes and taking advantage of the abundance of workers in the labor market.Production in large farms use tractors to till land, small planes to spread pesticides over vast tracts of land, regulated water sprinklers, and other implements or even biotechnology by using pest or weather resistant varieties of seeds, vaccines for lives tock, and weight control systems. Although these involve costs, it is only on a one-time basis with cost-savings accruing in the long-term, and technology supports mass production. Large farms also depend on contractual workers for the necessary manual work and the abundance of unskilled labor especially coming from Mexico has allowed farms to cut back on cost.Due to cost-efficiency, large farms are able to cut-down on production costs and ensure high yields resulting to the ability to offer competitive market prices. As such, large farms are able to gain large supermarkets as distribution channels by offering a bigger mark-up price and gains for the retailers. (Paul and Nehring 526-528) In the case of the small, farms, production depends on its cost structure, revenue generation, and market so that methods of production implements basic technological tools and processes together with manual labor.The low scale of production of small farms led to niche marketing targeting only a lim ited market to ensure sales. Distribution channels are through on-site retail outlets, groceries, and specialty stores. (Paul and Nehring 526-528) Market Structure and Concentration Market structure of the American agricultural industry experienced greater degrees of concentration. Technological developments have segmented the American agricultural industry into two groups.One are the limited number of large farms that, in a way, can be considered as operating within an oligopoly or even nearing monopoly, except only for the government prerogatives to intervene to protect public policy. The other is small farms operating in an atomistic structure so that these do not have any significant effect on prices. There is a wide gap between the large and small farms in terms of productivity and market impact, with the large firms operating with large capital and employing high technology processes while households usually run small farms with limited workers using technological tools that f it their expenditure range.This resulted to high barriers to entry and exit. Contrary to estimates, the number of farms in the American agriculture sector experienced little change in the number of players since there are around 2. 1 million farms remaining with an average of . 25 percent decline rate. This is because the large firms have remained stable with expansion through the mergers or the acquisition of small farms. Movement occurs in the case of small firms through the entry of small farms specializing on certain agricultural products for niche markets to succeed in becoming part of the agricultural market.In addition, the difference in farmland also widened with the large farms producing on more than 1,000 acres of land while small farms only have less than 50 acres. (Ahearn, Yee, Korb 1182) Due to the segmentation of the American agricultural sector into a few large farms and many small farms, agricultural production is concentrated in the large firms contributing two-thir ds to the primary agricultural production in the United States of grains, fruits and vegetables, and livestock. The remaining one-third comes from small farms. (Ahearn, Yee, Korb 1183)Degree of Foreign Competition The degree of foreign competition in agricultural trade has grown because of the rise in the importation of agricultural products by the United States. This means that foreign competition has escalated due to the entry of agricultural imports, especially from developing countries. Projections show that in the next years the balance of trade would tip in favor of agricultural imports. During the 1980s up to the early 1990s, the United States is a string player in the export of agricultural products so that exports exceeded imports.By the mid-1990s, the surplus in agriculture trade has declined from $27. 3 billion to $10. 5 billion so that even if agricultural exports continue to increase, the volume of imports is also doubling. This was due to the rise in agricultural expor t prices as the American economy experienced growth. Economic growth also fuelled agricultural imports since Americans had the income to purchase foreign products that flooded the market due to price differences. (Jerardo) Now, growth and patterns of consumption would further fuel the growth in the imports of agricultural products.Rise in consumption together with the growing exposure of American consumers to international cuisine would continue to favor the importation of agricultural products. The consumption of foreign agricultural products should increase from 13 percent in the next years. (Jerardo) The major competitors of the United States in agricultural trade are China, India, Indonesia, Mexico and other agriculture-based economies in Latin America. These countries have large populations but these are also primarily agricultural economies owing to favorable climate conditions and low labor cost.Raw agricultural products come from Mexico and the Latin American countries becau se of geographic proximity while processed foods, which comprise 62 percent of food consumption of Americans, come from China, India and Indonesia. (Jerardo) Industry Leaders The agricultural sector in the United States is a mix of sub-sectors such as livestock or fruits and vegetables, seeds or feeds, packing or processing, and research and development. The industry leaders have stakes in many or all of these sub-sectors to ensure their competitiveness, industry position, and market share.Leaders in the agricultural sector comprise not really of the owners of farmlands but the firms controlling the agricultural sectors encompassing production, harvesting, processing, packaging, transport, and export of agricultural products. Large farms and agricultural firms have created clusters to gain access to these different sub-sectors. The clustering is dynamic depending on the shifts brought about by mergers and acquisitions. Currently, there are three clusters comprising the leading agric ultural sector players. (Helper 1288) Cargill/Monsanto.Cargill is a large firm engaged in the seed operations including research. It has a large capitalization and control over farmlands along the Ohio and Illinois River basin. Cargill purchased continental grain to gain access to corn, wheat and soybeans production along the Mississippi River for export. Monsanto is widely engaged in biotechnology and it has acquired patent over genetic products that ensure better yields through more resistant agricultural produce. Cargill entered into a joint venture with Monsanto in 1998 to gain access to the patented genetic products by offering its large capitalization as incentive.Cargill/Monsanto focuses on the production, processing, packaging, marketing, and export of seeds as well as corn, wheat and soybean products. (Heffernan) ConAgra is engaged in various sub-sectors as a top-three flour miller, top-four corn miller, top-three live stock feed producer, top-two in cattle slaughtering, to p-three pork processor, and top-five broiler producer and processor. United Agri Products, a subsidiary also engages in seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals as well as biotechnology. It has its own packaging and processing plants as well as land and water transportation subsidiaries.It collaborated with ADM for the operation of a grain export facility. ConAgra also has a stake in production, processing, distribution and export of grains and livestock. (Heffernan) Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) constitutes the largest processor of agricultural products such as corn, soybeans, wheat and cocoa. It collaborates with farm cooperatives to obtain raw agricultural products for processing or gained shares in firms engaged in agricultural production such as Growmark, Countrymark, United Grain, and Riceland.It has expanded into the other sub-sectors through a join venture with Novartis to gain access to seeds, biotechnology, and agricultural chemicals. It has also engaged in the raising, slaughtering and processing of livestock through joint ventures with Consolidated Nutrition and AGP. ADM has also been able to participate in the major sub-sectors. (Heffernan) Thus, the agricultural sector in the United States operates through corporate farming. Scarcity of Land Scarcity of agricultural land the in the United States pertains to the land use conversion and degradation of agricultural lands due to the use of chemicals.Land conversion decreases farm size while land degradation reduces productivity or causes shift in production from one agricultural product to another. This also pertains to the comparison of agricultural production with the consumption of agricultural products. In the United States, agricultural lands constitutes 46 percent of the land base, which remains a significant percentage share considering the massive industrialization of economic sectors. Of the 2. 3 billion acres of land comprising the United States, 442 million acres compris e croplands and more than 500 million acres of farmsteads, pastures and ranges.Conversion of agricultural lands is not significant so that in the past thirty years, only six percent of agricultural lands have been converted for other purposes. In terms of land degradation, reports have not raised alarm on the rate of land degradation. In terms of food consumption, the increase in food imports is fuelled by change in consumption patterns and not the inability of agricultural lands to support the food needs of Americans. Moreover, the U. S. remains a major food exported. Land scarcity does not constitute a major problem in the American agricultural sector.(Brady) Impact of Ethanol Production on Wheat Production and Cost to Consumers The government has implemented a fixed subsidy on ethanol at a floor rate of 40 cents for every gallon and a ceiling rate of 60 cents per gallon. The subsidy served as an incentive for production of ethanol as an alternative source of fuel in the United St ates. Relative to price of crude oil, ethanol is slightly cheaper depending on the volume of production. However, in the early 2000s, the price of crude oil skyrocketed to as much as $80 per barrel.The huge difference in price opened opportunities for the expansion of ethanol production because of the fixed subsidy together with the room for price increase that would still be below crude oil prices but constituting significantly higher prices than its previous market offering. This means that some farmers have shifted to the sowing of raw materials of ethanol leading to a decrease in the number of farmers and farmlands producing agricultural products. This in turn led to the rise in the prices of agricultural products such as wheat and even soybeans.In addition, other alternative sources of energy have gained momentum such as corn. Although corn receives lower subsidy compared to ethanol, the engagement of the agricultural sector in alternative sources of energy could significantly affect the volume of production of other agricultural products that would prove costly for consumers in the form of higher food prices. This effect has led to the emergence of the issue of food-fuel prioritization. (Tyner and Taheripour 1303) This is yet to be resolved and this would continue to become an issue in the agricultural sector until the next decade.Conclusion Outlook for the American agricultural sector in the future points to a positive situation because the United States would continue to become a major player in agricultural exports while providing agricultural products to the domestic market. However, there are a number of policy issues that requires due consideration. First, forecasts of balance of trade shows a further decline in agricultural trade surplus with some even suggesting the probability of trade deficit.This is because even if agricultural production experiences growth, the flood of imported food products could be greater, especially when these food produ cts become cheaper as the price of domestically grown agricultural products increase. This will have a significant adverse impact on the American agricultural sector. Even if there is no food shortage, the flooding of cheaper agricultural products could contribute to the decline in the agricultural sector. The government needs to assess its import policies to balance consumer demand with the viability of the agricultural sector.Second, land use and agricultural production needs assessment, since this falls within federal and state regulation, especially in the context of the food-fuel debate. The rising prices of agricultural products could be eased through the application of a flexible instead of a fixed subsidy rate together with the continued investment in research and development to justify the continuation of subsidies for ethanol and even the focus on fuel from corn. It has been thirty years since the government started implementing subsidies on ethanol but ethanol as an alter ative fuel has yet to become a commercial source of energy as intended.Thus, government policies on price support and agricultural research has played an important role in the growth of the American agricultural sector and this will not change in the future since the issues faced by the agricultural sector fall within the area of policymaking and subject to government regulation. Works Cited Ahearn, Mary Clare, Jet Yee, and Penni Korb. â€Å"Effects of Differing Farm Policies on Farm Structure and Dynamics. † American Journal of Agricultural Economics 87. 5 (2007): 1182-1189. Brady, Michael. â€Å"Land Use, Value and Management. † 18 October 2005.USDA Economic Research Service. 26 April 2008 Gardner, Bruce. American Agriculture in the Twentieth Century: How it Flourished and What is Cost. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2002. Heffernan, William. â€Å"Study on Concentration in U. S. Agriculture. † 5 February 1999. Institute for Agriculture and Trade Po licy. 26 April 2008 Helper, Susan. â€Å"Empirical Research in an Increasingly Concentrated Industrial Environment: Discussion. † American Journal of Agricultural Economics 89. 5(2007): 1288–1289.Jerardo, Alberto. â€Å"The U. S. Agricultural Trade Balance†¦ More than Just a Number. † 1 February 2004. USDA Economic Research Service. 26 April 2008 Paul, Catherine, and Richard Nehring. â€Å"Product Diversification, Production Systems, and Economic Performance in U. S. Agricultural Production. † Journal of Econometrics 126. 2(2005): 525-548. Tyner, Wallance, and Farzad Taheripour. â€Å"Renewable Energy Policy Alternatives for the Future. † American Journal of Agricultural Economics 89. 5 (2007): 1303-1310.

Comparison Matrix Essay

Within the comparison matrix, the author will provide information from three empirical articles. The articles were titled, Transformational Leadership in the Public Sector: Does Structure Matter? (Pandey and Wright, 2009), The Effect of Transactional and Transformational Leadership Styles on the Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction of Customer Contact Personnel (Barker and Emory, 2007), and Empirical Research on Ethnic Minority Students: 1995–2009 (Vasquez III, E. , Lopez, A. , Straub, C. , Powell, S. , McKinney, T. , Walker, Z. , and Bedesem, P. L. , 2011). The first article provides information on the public sector, and the transformational style of administration. It shows that there is no true influence on the behavior of management (Pandey and Wright, 2009). Within the second article was not only discussion on the transformational style of leadership, but transactional leadership as well. This article offered a comparison of the two styles and the impact on performance and satisfaction while on the job (Barker and Emory, 2007). Lastly, the third article focused on actual empirical research and the effect it has on minorities. It covered a fifteen-year span (Vasquez III, E. , Lopez, A. Straub, C. , Powell, S. , McKinney, T. , Walker, Z. , and Bedesem, P. L. , 2011). This essay is meant to review the specific areas that were exhibited in the matrix in order to gain a better understanding of how to compile and complete a substantive comparison with realistic and verifiable information. While reading the essay the following comparisons will be covered, research questions posed, sample populations, and the limitations of the research. Comparison of research questions All of the articles present supported questions. In the first article, the author raised the question of the public and transformational leadership. It mentioned that a transformational leadership that is structured at a high level may have the ability to alter the way an employee performs. The makeup of an organization operating under Transactional leadership can influence the amount of rewards given to individuals. Additionally, the weakness of communication can influence behavior as it pertains to transformational leadership (Pandey and Wright, 2009). Meanwhile, the research conducted in the second article asked for the association when dealing with the attitude, satisfaction, and commitment of employees. It asks for the affiliation between two surrogates of employee attitude types. In addition to this, it speaks on the dimensions of transformational and transactional leadership and how they assist with defining and examining the actual impact on the attitude of the employee. Lastly, the affiliation between positive employee attitudes and transformational and transactional leadership. Respectable directors inspire and motivate employee groups to unearth an innovative way of doing something (Barker and Emory, 2007). The last article is not about leadership styles, but the effect of research and minorities. The article identified and counted the number of published empirical articles in each of the issues reviewed. Additionally, it identified articles by using four categories to narrow the data identified, and lastly the methodological characteristics of the articles (Vasquez III, E. , Lopez, A. , Straub, C. , Powell, S. , McKinney, T. , Walker, Z. , and Bedesem, P. L. , 2011). Comparison of the Sample Populations Each of the populations varied in size and format. Article one used 1,322 high-level public administrators in municipalities exceeding 50,000 residents (Pandey and Wright, 2009). Whereas article two, used 77 branch managers from three regional banking organizations and 47 store managers from one national food chain(Barker and Emory, 2007). Lastly, article 3 used four specific journals which circulate principal research pertaining to special education and those with a learning disabilities, and used a specific time frame from 1995-2009 (Vasquez III, E. , Lopez, A. , Straub, C. , Powell, S. , McKinney, T. , Walker, Z. , and Bedesem, P. L. , 2011). This clearly shows that one can use multiple means and respondents in order to compile information as long as it can be proven at the conclusion of the research. Comparison of the Limitations When looking at any form of research the limitations must be taken into account. As it pertains to article one, a limitation may be that the typical age of those who responded was fifty years old. In addition, the fact that they were generally Caucasian, which may cause bias, was another. Ironically, a lot of areas in which the study was conducted, only had three individuals respond, this may not be symbolic of the thoughts of other direct statements. Moreover, a condensed number of inquiries were used to assist with minimizing the size of the actual survey; this may have caused false identification of leaders who were transformational (Pandey and Wright, 2009). In article two, one limitation may be gender bias. There were less females then males in the study. In addition, males may act differently towards female managers and females may act differently towards male managers (Barker and Emory, 2007). Finally, the third articles limitations are the fact that there are multiple students who are assisting with the study, and that each student must participate without individual bias (Vasquez III, E. , Lopez, A. , Straub, C. , Powell, S. , McKinney, T. , Walker, Z. , and Bedesem, P. L. , 2011). Conclusion Contained in the comparison matrix were characteristics of three investigations conducted by various researchers. Pandey and Wright suggest that public organizations are not as bureaucratic as stereotypically believed and that the performance measures in place support higher levels of transformational leadership in these organizations than might be expected based on their hierarchical structures. The argument is plausible established on the necessity for groups to be flexible in order to be motivated (Pandey and Wright, 2009). Barker and Emory, 2007, suggested that a key influence in customer service and the retaining staff members is the actual attitude of those who are employed. The way in which the staff portrays the leadership will determine their commitment and positive outlook. The author builds a conceivable argument based on the association of commitment on as it pertains to the organization, and satisfaction of both customers and employees (Barker and Emory, 2007). Lastly, Vasquez III, E. , Lopez, A. , Straub, C. , Powell, S. , McKinney, T. , Walker, Z. , and Bedesem, P.  L. classified how frequently research conveys and disaggregates statistics in a manner that would back conclusions about certain ethnic minority groupings. The authors suggest that education should be recognized as being twofold. They feel that instructors must afford students with basic understanding and skill sets which are necessary to in order to benefit from accelerated opportunities in education. Furthermore, the authors suggest that instructors must prepare students to meet life’s challenges and have the ability to actively contribute to our society. The authors build a conceivable argument based on the need for educators to ensure that every student has the chance to succeed in school, despite locality, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or disability(Vasquez III, E. , Lopez, A. , Straub, C. , Powell, S. , McKinney, T. , Walker, Z. , and Bedesem, P. L. , 2011). Based on all of the research shown there is a true need for confidence, inspiration, and presentation of a true understanding of the data being collected and delivered. The data that is revealed may determine the actual thoughts of the reader. All research should be valid and unbiased.

Strategies for Growing Tods Luxury Shoes

Strategies for Growing Tods Luxury Shoes Introduction There are many factors which are essential for success in business. Those factors range from proper and professional management of business resources to adoption of up to date business models in order to ensure continued existence and growth amid ever stiffening competition.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategies for Growing Tod’s Luxury Shoes specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The main conventional goal of any business organization is to maximize profits and to remain solvent throughout. Achievement of this goal largely depends on an organization’s capability to sustain its client base and win new business by growing into other markets and winning customers from other competitors within its current markets. The ability of a business organization to win new business, maintain a happy workforce and consistently keep up a superior customer service depends to a large extent on its ability t o adjust to changes occurring in its area of specialization in order to sustain its competitiveness (Pinson 2008, p.56; Waddell, 2004, p.112). Failure to adopt the relevant technological changes as well as appropriate business models in this age can be the main cause of a company’s dwindling profits and eventual fall down due to its inability to offset liabilities. Surprisingly, there are business organizations such as Tod’s Luxury Shoes which sticks to old fashioned business models and still manages to sustain and even increase their client base and remain solvent and competitive. Growing Tod’s Luxury Shoes All business organizations are constantly on the lookout with respect to how they can expand their client base in order to maximize their profits. Business organizations expand their customer base by accessing new markets and winning competitors’ customers at the national level and international levels. Organizational marketing strategies are critical in establishing a ground in new markets and winning over your competitors’ clients because marketing function forms the important link between the company and the target audiences.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Kurtz, MacKenzie and Snow (2009, p.37) notes that it is important for companies like Tods which are seeking to grow their business to change the way they interact with their present and new customers. Tods should substitute the conventional view of marketing as a plain exchange process or transaction-based process by a long-term approach that put emphasize on building strong relationships with each an every customer Kurtz, MacKenzie and Snow (2009, p.37). Unlike traditional marketers who focus on attracting customers and closing deals, Tods marketers should recognize that even though it is important to attract new customers, it is even more signif icant to create and preserve a strong relationship with them so they become loyal repeat customers Kurtz, MacKenzie and Snow (2009, p.37). It is important to note that strong relationships should not be limited to customers alone and must be expanded to include suppliers and employees. Tods marketers should realize that customers are getting more and more complicated. According to Pinson (2008, p.32), increase or decrease in the sales of the product or service of your company depends largely on the taste and preferences of your customers. You are therefore bound to effect changes on the basis of changes in their tastes and preferences in order to raise your sales, preserve you client base and win new business. In the clothing industry in which Tods is a player for instance you have to keep up to date with fashion styles and color preferences. Technologically, it is naturally expected that you have to adjust your business in order to stay modern with the shifting business world or be come obsolete by clinging to old technologies (Pinson, 2008, p.33; Waddell, 2004, p.78).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategies for Growing Tod’s Luxury Shoes specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Change is inevitable in business and how well a business organization manages change and adapts to changes determines its future survival and ability to preserve its solvency and continue making profits in a business environment that is highly competitive and increasingly risky. According to Kurtz, MacKenzie and Snow (2009, p.37),the present day customers understand marketing messages and may turn away from them if the.messages do not have the kind of information that they want and need. Therefore, Tods executives and marketers should come up with new methods for creating and developing trustworthy relationships between their company and their customers (Kurtz, MacKenzie and Snow 2009, p.37; Thurau and Hansen 2000, p.4). In a nutshell, Tods should embrace relationship marketing in place of transaction-based marketing which puts emphasize on development, growth and maintenance of lasting, cost-effective exchange relationships with employees, individual customers, suppliers, and other persons for mutual benefit. Relationship marketing offers a company new opportunities to attain a competitive edge by moving customers up the loyalty ladder (Kurtz, MacKenzie Snow (2009, p.37). Clients move from new customers to regular buyers, then to loyal supporters of the company and its goods and services and eventually to advocates who not only buy its goods but propose them to others (Kurtz et al. 2009, p.37). Relationship development should start early in marketing. It should start with determining what customers need and want then manufacturing high-quality goods to satisfy those needs. It should then continue with superior customer service before and after the acquisition. In should include programs that encourage repeat buying and promote customer loyalty (Kurtz et al. 2009, p.37).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In short, over the long term this relationship should be transformed to a lifetime value for customers who are represented by finances and intangible benefits that a client brings to an organization over an average lifetime less the investment the company has made to catch the attention of and maintain the customer. To attain growth, Tods should develop partnerships and strategic alliances. Tods should form strategic alliances, that is, partnerships that generate competitive advantages. These alliances would particularly prove important in international markets where Tods seeks to access new markets. For instance, Tods can form product-development partnerships that entail joint costs for research and development, marketing partnerships and vertical alliances where one company provides a product or component to another company which then distributes or sells it in agreed geographical locations or markets (Kurtz et al. 2009, p.38). To minimize marketing costs in international markets where Tods has not yet established itself properly it should form marketing partnership with a company that will be selling its products in those new markets. Where possible Tods can form an alliance with local companies in international markets to allow them produce their products in order to minimize production costs.This will mark a radical shift from its current old fashioned model thereby enabling it to access new markets and grow its business. Human Resources Management Introduction As mentioned earlier, proper and professional management of a business organization and its resources is a major prerequisite for success.Exelllent business management to a large extent depend on the kind of a workforce that an organization has and how well that workforce is managed. Employees of an organization add value to other organizational resources, that is, physical, financial and technological resources. Nevertheless, however adequate and good these resources may be within any given organi zation without a well organized and managed personnel an organization cannot achieve its economic as well as its social and environmental goals. The capability of an organization to maintain its client base and win new business in order to facilitate growth depends on an organization’s ability to give its customers value for their money, produce and sell safe and worth products and go an extra mile to serve their customers needs satisfactorily through its employees (Pirnes Lutolf-carroll 2009, p.54). According to Pirnes and Lutolf-carroll (2009, p.54) these steps are commonsense business values which pay off in the long run. Managing an Increased Workforce Real life business experience have shown that happy and satisfied employees in turn gives happiness and satisfaction to customers who are the main source of financial resources needed to generate profits and maintain solvency Evans(2007,p.379). Businesses have found that as workers satisfaction increases so do consumers sa tisfaction and loyalty to the organization. Cook (2008) argues that â€Å"†¦there is a correlation between employee satisfaction measures and external customer satisfaction measures† (16). Happy and satisfied workforce is also critical in establishing and building beneficial relationships with other businesses and stakeholders like shareholders, suppliers, authorities, financiers, the wider society as well as competitors. Cooperative and friendly relationships with these groups of people in modern business world are significant especially for a business like Tods which seeks to expand its business (Kurtz et al 2009, p.37; Nalbantian 2003, p.359). Tods should commit itself to employee and customer satisfaction and engagement. To achieve this it should embrace a democratic human resource management styles. Employees should be viewed as human beings with economic, social and emotional needs to be fulfilled and not mere objects for achieving organizational goals. Tods should make sure that their new and old employees are satisfied with their working conditions and jobs, so that they can stay with Tod and become familiar with customers and their needs (Evans 2007, p. 379).Continued stay with Tods by the employees will give them an opportunity to correct mistakes because customers know and trust them. This will enable employees to attain and enjoy outcomes of higher productivity and superior customer service (Evans 2007, p.379).Tods should comprehend and appreciate that if its customers are served by employees who are satisfied they will become more reliable thus facilitating more repeat business. Customers of an organization whose employees are satisfied are usually ready to protest about service problems prompting employees to fix them, they benefit from the good relationships by enjoying lower costs and better service and this results into a new sequence of increased customer satisfaction (Evans 2007, p.379). Tods should make sure that its employees a re hired through professional recruitment and selection process in order to ensure that employees with skills and experience match Tods’ need to grow its business are hired. Once they have been hired through such a process Tods should engage them in its work and make them part and parcel of the â€Å"fabric† of Tods (Evans 2007, p. 379). Extensive employee engagement will ensures that Tods workers have a strong emotional bond to their organization, are actively involved in and committed to their work, feel that their work in put is significant, know that their opinions and ideas have value and over and over again go beyond their immediate prescribed work duties for the good of the organization. In short, engagement results in to bigger levels of satisfaction among the workforce which in turn improves organizational performance. It is important to note that employee satisfaction and engagement is firmly related to employee retention, employee safety, profit and overall productivity (Evans 2007, 379). Employees’ performance should be regularly appraised through fair and transparent means in order to measure their performance and reward them accordingly. Tods should adopt a known culture of promoting excellent performers in order to motivate newly employed workers to work smart and hard. This will inspire them to exploit their potential for the good of the organization. In simple terms, meritocracy should underpin compensation of an individual employee work (Edwards Rees 2006, p.14). It is noteworthy that increased workforce will inevitably be accompanied by increased workforce diversity which if managed well and on basis of sound management knowledge can be exploited for the good of the organization. Increased diversity implies that the organization shall have employees with different cultural backgrounds and indigenous languages trying to work together Bronwynne (2007, p.115). Managers should ensure that all workers are heard understood an d appreciated by all members of an organization (Bronwynne 2007, p.115). To achieve this, they should ensure that there are clear channels of communication in their organization and between their companies and others to avoid preventable work place conflicts. Tods should put in place mechanisms that facilitate and build good employee relations within the organization and a fair reward management so as to make sure that everyone gets what he or she deserves. It can organize regular workplace leisure activities. In order to improve employee performance and take care of the employee career development, on job training should carried out regularly so as to ensure that employee keep up with changes in their department and thus prevent them from becoming obsolete. Tods should comprehend and appreciate that proper and professional management of its employees is essentially the basis of the kind customer service that it is going to offer to its clients. In short, the happier and satisfied t he employees the better the customer service will be and hence the volume of sales. Benefits and disadvantages of the marketing strategies adopted by Tod’s Luxury Shoes Introduction Marketing is an important process in business without which your better-quality products or services may not fulfill its intention which is satisfaction of your customer needs. According to Silk, marketing is the process of strategizing and implementing the development, pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, goods and services to facilitate exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives (Silk 2006, p.3). The objects of the Tods marketers should therefore be to make sure that their clients understand the basic concept underlying their goods; explain to them the significance of the Tods’ products to their needs; get rid of or alleviate barriers to exchange so that customers can engage in an exchange with minimal effort and to build up and manage dependable relationship s with customers, thereby providing the framework within which exchanges occurs (Silk 2006, p.3). Extending the product line According to Farrils, Moore and Buzzell (2004, p.82), an extended product line enables a company to increase the productivity of other features of the marketing communication mix. Extending product lines may increase the productivity of the in-passageway promotions because the whole product line profits from advertisements for individual goods in the line (Farris et al. 2004, p.82). Fundamentally, an extended product line allows a company to better leverage a fixed expenditure on in-passageway promotions ( Farris et al 2004, p.82). According to Bennett (2009, p.426) one of the main disadvantage of extending a product line is the lack of depth within the product lines carried in numerous departments. Therefore, sales persons are not able to specialize fully in a given product. As a result, sales persons may tend to be inclined into the selling of their favorite products at the expense of others. In the long run, this may lead to lower volume of sales which is not good for a company like Tods which is seeking to expand its business. Seeking New Markets Seeking a new market for a company’s products has many advantages. First, new markets enable an organization to win new business and thus expand its client base and eventually its revenue. Secondly, seeking a new market enables a company to access valuable information it would not have otherwise obtained. New markets enable seeking opportunities to move into new markets to obtain first hand product ideas with regard to the new market needs. New markets can also assist a Tods to access valuable resources like cheap raw materials and labor once it establishes itself in the new market (Burrow 2008, p.78).Thirdly, new market enable an organization to identify potential other markets within the vicinity of their current new markets. However, in the initial stages of seeking new market for its products Tods should be ready and willing to spend without necessarily making any substantial profits in those markets (Needle 2004, p.324). Apart from extra costs that a firm is bound to incur while seeking new markets for its products, it is bound to encounter challenges that may arise from diversity among its new workforce as well as its customers and other parties like authorities. This may imply the need for more resources to facilitate training of its managers and employees on how to deal with multiculturalism. All these may derail its grounding within new markets. Reference List Bennett, A. G. (2009). The Big Book of Marketing. New Delhi: McGraw-Hill Professional. Bronwynne, B. (2007). Managing people: fresh perspectives. Pretoria: Pearson South Africa. Burrow, J. L. (2008). Marketing. New York,NY : Cengage Learning. Cook, S. (2008). Customer Care Excellence: How to Create an Effective Customer Focus. New York,NY : Kogan Page Publishers. Edwards, T., Rees, C. (2006). Int ernational human resource management: globalization, national systems and multinational. Financial Times Prentice Hall. Evans, J. R. (2007).Quality and Performance Excellence: Management, Organization, and Strategy. New York, NY: Cengage Learning. Farris, P., Moore, M. J., Buzzell, R. D. (2004). The profit impact of marketing strategy project: retrospect and prospects. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Hennig-Thurau, T., Hansen, U. (2000). Relationship marketing: gaining competitive advantage through customer satisfaction and customer. New York, NY: Springer. Kurtz, D. L., MacKenzie, H. F., Snow, K.(2009). Contemporary Marketing. New York, NY: Cengage Learning. Là ¼tolf-Carroll, C., Pirnes, A. (2009) From innovation to cash flows: value creation by structuring high technology alliances. London, John Wiley and Sons. Nalbantian, H. R. (2003).Play to your strengths: managing your internal labor markets for lasting competitive advantage. New Delhi: McGraw-Hill Professional. Ne edle, D. (2004). Business in context: an introduction to business and its environment. New York, NY : Cengage Learning EMEA. Pinson, L. (2008) Anatomy of a business plan: the step-by-step guide to building your business and securing your companys future. Chicago, IL :Aka associates. Silk, A. J. (2006).What is marketing? Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press. Waddell, D. (2004). E-business innovation and change management. London: London, Idea Group Inc (IGI).

Stuck in the Middle Essays - English-language Films, Films

Stuck in the Middle Essays - English-language Films, Films Stuck in the Middle Films Stuck in the Middle Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty were a duo known as Stealers Wheel when they recorded a Dylanesque pop hit, "Stuck in the Middle With You", in April of 1974. The single reached number five on the charts - little did they know that eighteen years later it would become a cult favorite. In 1992 Quentin Tarantino, a little known writer/director, took the Cannes film festival and the world by surprise with his motion picture Reservoir Dogs. The movie is about the difficulties that occur when five "master" criminals are hired by a crime king pin named Joe to pull off the biggest diamond heist of the century. Stuck right in the middle of the movie, the Egan/Rafferty hit is played as a introduction to one of the best or worst torture seens ever in the history of movies. It depends on how you look at it. I'll set-up the scene in the movie where it is being played, try and follow me... The five criminals hired go by color-coded names . During the heist the cops show and things got out of control. Two of the robbers were shot and killed after Mr. Blonde, the "on the edge" gangster started shooting up the place when an employee triggered the alarm. Mr. White and Mr. Orange (an undercover cop) escaped the scene and headed for the hideout where all the men were supposed to meet. On the way to the hideout Mr. Orange was shot, he was bleeding severely but the injury was not life threatening. Shortly after their arrival, Mr. Pink met with them and they all anxiousley waited for Mr. Blonde. Mr. Blonde, acting cool and unaffected by the mornings events, made his entrance. After being questioned by Mr. White about why he went psycho in the store, Mr. Blonde called them out to see a "surprise" he had in his trunk. Mr. Blonde in an effort to find out how the police heard about the robbery in advance had kidnapped a police officer. They carried the man into the warehouse and after tying him to a chair Mr. White and Mr. Pink commenced beating the hell out of him. They Asked him to tell how the police knew of the heist, he said he knew nothing and after beating on him some more, Nice Guy Eddie came in. He was Joe's son and told Mr. White and Mr. Pink that they would have to come with him to ditch the cars. Mr. Blonde was told to stay and keep an eye on the cop and the injured Mr. Orange. My idea is that the following scene was written by Director Tarantino choreographed to the song by Stealers Wheel. Rather than the norm where a scene is written and the music is picked thereafter. As I describe the scene I will give the lyrics to the song and show how they correspond to the characters actions in the scene. Mr. Blonde starts talking to the cop, who still insists he knows nothing. The lyrics to the song begin; keep in mind that I am suggesting that the words are what the cop is thinking. Well I don't know why I came here tonight. I got the feeling that something ain't right. I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair, and I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs. Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right... Here I am stuck in the middle with you. The words being sung tell us that the cop is wondering how he got into this situation, he knows something is up, and he is scared that he may not be able to make it through the rest of this torturous interrogation alive. The clowns are his fellow officers who allowed the situation to get so out of control, and the jokers are Mr. White and Mr. Pink. And now he is stuck in the middle of this whole ordeal with the most cynical, evil, and hardest criminal of the bunch....Mr. Blonde. Yes I'm stuck in the middle with you and I'm wondering what it is I should do It's so hard to keep this smile from my face cause I'm and I'm all over the place (chorus) These are the lines that justify what I am saying the most. He is wondering what he should do, he knows that Mr. Orange is a cop and if he were to mention it to Mr. Blonde it may save his life. It is an internal conflict

Ocean Acidification Definition

Ocean Acidification Definition The oceans have reduced the effects of global warming for thousands of years by absorbing carbon dioxide. Now the basic chemistry of the oceans is changing because of our activities, with devastating consequences for marine life. What Causes Ocean Acidification? Its no secret that global warming is a major issue. A main cause of global warming is our release of carbon dioxide, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels and the burning of vegetation. Over time, the oceans have helped this problem by absorbing excess carbon dioxide. According to NOAA, the oceans have absorbed nearly half of the fossil fuel emissions weve generated over the past 200 years. As the carbon dioxide is absorbed, it reacts with the ocean water to form carbonic acid. This process is called ocean acidification. Over time, this acid causes the pH of the oceans to decrease, making ocean water more acidic. This can have drastic consequences on corals and other marine life, with cascading impacts on the fishing and tourism industries. More About pH and Ocean Acidification The term pH is a measure of acidity. If youve ever had an aquarium, you know that pH is important, and pH needs to be adjusted to optimal levels for your fish to thrive. The ocean has an optimal pH, too. As the ocean becomes more acidic, it becomes more difficult for corals and organisms to build skeletons and shells using calcium carbonate. In addition, the process of acidosis, or buildup of carbonic acid in body fluids, may affect fish and other marine life by compromising their ability to reproduce, breathe and fight diseases. How Bad is the Ocean Acidification Problem? On a pH scale, 7 is neutral, with 0 the most acidic and 14 the most basic. The historical pH of sea water is about 8.16, leaning on the basic side of the scale.The pH of our oceans has fallen to 8.05 since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. While this may not seem like a big deal, this is a change greater in magnitude than any time in the 650,000 years before the Industrial Revolution. The pH scale is also logarithmic, so that slight change in pH results in a 30 percent increase in acidity. Another problem is that once the oceans get their fill of carbon dioxide, scientists think the oceans could become a carbon dioxide source, rather than a sink. This means the ocean will contribute to the global warming problem by adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Effects of Ocean Acidification on Marine Life The effects of ocean acidification can be dramatic and far-reaching, and will affect animals such as fish, shellfish, corals, and plankton. Animals such as clams, oysters, scallops, urchins and corals that rely on calcium carbonate to build shells will have a difficult time building them, and protecting themselves as the shells will be weaker. In addition to having weaker shells, mussels will also have a reduced ability to grip  as the increased acid weakens their byssal threads. Fish will also need to adapt to the changing pH and work harder to remove acid out of its blood, which can impact other behaviors, such as reproduction, growth and food digestion. On the other hand, some animals such as lobsters and crabs may adapt well as their shells become stronger in more acidic water. Many of the possible effects of ocean acidification are unknown or still being studied. What Can We Do About Ocean Acidification? Lowering our emissions will help the ocean acidification problem, even if that just slows the impacts long enough to give species time to adapt. Read the Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming for ideas on how you can help. Scientists have acted swiftly on this issue. The response has included the Monaco Declaration,  in which 155 scientists from 26 countries declared in January 2009 that: Ocean acidification is accelerating and severe damages are imminent;Ocean acidification will have broad socioeconomic impacts, affecting marine food webs, causing substantial changes in commercial fish stocks and threatening food security for millions of people;Ocean acidification is rapid, but recovery is slow;Ocean acidification can be controlled only by limiting future atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The scientists called for intense efforts to research the problem, evaluate its impacts and cut emissions drastically to help curb the problem. Sources: Fabry, V.J., Seibel, B.A., Feely, R.A. and J.C. Orr. 2008. . Impacts of ocean acidification on marine fauna and ecosystem processes. ICES Journalof Marine Science, 65: 414–432.Feely, R.A., Sabine, C.L, and V.J. Fabry. 2006. Carbon Dioxide and Our Ocean Legacy. (Online) NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Science Brief. Accessed March 7, 2009.McAuliffe, K. 2008. Ocean Acidification: A Global Case of Osteoporosis. (Online) Discover. Accessed March 7, 2009.Monaco Declaration. 2008. Monaco Declaration on Oceans. Accessed July 21, 2015.Smithsonian Ocean Portal. Ocean Acidification.  Accessed July 21, 2015.

Strategic management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 11000 words - 1

Strategic management - Essay Example Corporate culture describes and governs the thinking, feeling and actions of owners of companies and employees. It does not matter whether corporate culture is written as a mission statement or merely understood by organisational publics. Corporate culture may be founded on the beliefs spelled out in the mission statement or be consisted in the part of a corporate symbol. For example, Apple’s corporate culture is reflected in its rainbow-coloured apple. Contemporary managers are always keen on the corporate culture of their organisations. According to Johnson, Whittington, Scholes, Angwin and RegneÃŒ r (2014), corporate culture has a critical role to play as far as determination of organisational performance is concerned. Fundamentally, how well a business performs is contingent upon the ways through which people behave in organisations. Behaviours, as contended by Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel (2009), comprise of the actions that lead to production of results. Corporate culture is a subset of these actions; this is why corporate culture is directly proportional to the performance of a business. Capon (2008) believed that all organisations have a developed set of assumptions, understandings, and implicit rules that govern the daily behaviours in the workplace. All businesses have their own cultures that determine the relationships between them and external stakeholders. Corporate culture is not constant and fixed within an organisation. Volberda (2011) posit that all aspects of organisations should feature flexibility in order to enhance adaptability across time, place, and circumstances. If a company is not happy with the current corporate culture, the management can begin looking for ways of changing it into what they want. The management can find alternative symbol, believes, attitudes and even values that can change the direction of behaviour. The management, in this case, should ensure

Organisational Behaviour (Motivation in the Modern Business World) Coursework

Organisational Behaviour (Motivation in the Modern Business World) - Coursework Example Organisational contribution to employee motivation 14 4.1 Role of Organisational culture 14 4.2 Role of organisational systems 14 4.3 Role of leadership 16 5 Current issues and recommendations: 18 6 Conclusions 19 References Appendices Abstract This report explores the role of motivation on organizational behaviour. This is accomplished by understanding the concept of motivation and its implications on organization. A brief understanding of the two types, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation has been obtained. Different motivational theories categorized under content and process theories have been explored. Implications of motivational theories on various management aspects such as employee performance, employee commitment, and organisational performance have been explored by applying content and process theories through specific case studies obtained from the literature. Further, role of organizational aspects such as organizational culture, systems and leadership on employee motivati on have been studied. ... roup dynamics that constantly interact with each other and consequently result in specific outcomes that can have positive and/or negative impact on the individuals as well as organisations. Considering this, workplace motivation has been extensively studied in the present context beginning with its definition and including types and theories of motivation. This report outlines various theories of motivation and their implications on employees. In the process, impact of motivation on individual performance, organisational performance, and employee commitment has been reviewed by applying few case study examples. Further, role of organisational systems, culture, and leadership have been critically assessed in creating workplace motivation for employees. 2. Motivation in organisational behaviour and its definition Organisational behavior considers people’s behavior in the organisation, circumstances that create specific behavior, impact of people’s behavior on organisatio n, groups, and individuals. Organisations are major part of sociological entities that shape the societies, economies and relationships between different companies, and countries. The extent of such impact is dependent upon their performance, which is determined by their systems, processes, technology, and most importantly employee motivation. Wilson and Rosenfeld (1990) explain that motivation is one of the earliest concerns of organisational behaviour and links between a motivated workforce and increased performance led managers to strive toward ‘motivating’ their workforces in an attempt to reduce alienation. Therefore, employee motivation is regarded as one of the key elements of organisational behavior. Motivation is defined as the process of arousing and sustaining goal-directed behavior

Hypertension Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Hypertension - Research Paper Example Alternatively, there are anti-hypertensive’s drugs to normalize blood pressure levels. It’s very important for individuals to go for a regular medical check up to avoid damage of blood vessels by hypertension. Hypertension Introduction Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure has affected a majority of individuals across the globe. It is the principal cause of kidney and cardiovascular diseases and in combination with diabetes; it has been associated with more than half of all deaths in the world (Hypertension often ignored, 1997). Despite its severity and prevalence, if left untreated, high blood pressure is a disease that is extremely unpredictable. Of those suffering hypertension, it is only seventy percent (70%) who are aware of their condition. Accordingly, 59% seeks treatment and 34% have been perceived to have the condition under some control. The major problem being experienced is that, hypertension’s specific linking factors to heart and kid ney diseases are not fully discovered. Hypertension has no clearly defined symptoms, which makes many people to continue leading risky lifestyles even after developing the condition. It can only be detected when it has damaged the blood vessels to the extent of producing devastating symptoms. For this reason, individuals are advised to check their blood pressure regularly. Life style changes with interventional approaches such as exercise, salt restriction, relaxation and the utilization of pharmaceutical products will help in increasing life expectancy of those individuals affected with the condition (Hansson, 1996). These interventions are significant as they help in dilating the artery to decrease blood pressure. The purpose of this paper is to document current statistics of individuals affected with the condition, document how different body systems are affected by the condition and illustrate any treatment/ medications available for dealing with the condition. Statistics of Ind ividuals Affected With Hypertension According to the world Health Statistic (2012), there is a growing concern across the globe on the spread of communicable diseases. This report notes that one in three grownups in the world views hypertension as the principle cause of deaths resulting from heart failure or stroke. Widespread treatment and diagnosis with low cost medication in high-income countries have resulted to the reduction of mean high blood pressure across populations. Furthermore, this has significantly reduced the number of deaths as a result of heart diseases. However, in Africa, more than forty percent (40%) of adults in numerous countries are approximated to have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. A majority of these individuals remain undiagnosed even though the condition can be treated with low-cost medications. Given the fact that the average prevalence of hypertension in the world is approximately 10%, about one third of pacific Island countries population has been diagnosed with this condition. Left untreated, hypertension can damage the body severely and result in certain death. In the United States, about 76.4 million people aged twenty and above suffer from hypertension. According to the High Blood Pressure 2012 Statistical Fact Sheet, high blood pressure is the principal cause of death among the American populace. For instance, in 2008, 61,005 Americans died from the disease. As from 1998-2008, individuals

A marketing plan to regenerate the area around Aberdeen Beach Essay

A marketing plan to regenerate the area around Aberdeen Beach - Essay Example Internal marketing audit, external marketing audit, competitor analysis as well as marketing review of the beach has been done in order to make the area attractive for the locals as well as visitors. Mission Statement The purpose of the tourist beach will be to provide an everlasting experience for the visitors of the beach by exposing them with clean and calm environment, latest adventure sports and activities, leisure areas, top class restaurants and nice places to hangout. The beach will be serving all demographic categories starting from kids, teenagers, youngsters as well as adults, professionals, middle aged and senior citizens. There will not be any gender bias and equal opportunities will be provided to men and women in terms of activities and events (Nimwegen, et al., 2008). The beach will be established keeping in mind the environment and local surroundings. The beach will also use latest technologies to keep the pollution and wastages at bay and will make sure that least a mount of wastes are dispersed in the surroundings (Fuchs and Diamantopoulos, 2010). Corporate objective The major corporate objectives of the beach authorities are as follows; 1. Tighten the security of the beach and its surrounding areas so that the trust of visitors and tourists on the beach safety is re-established. 2. Re-position the beach and its surrounding areas as a favourite destination for serene and pollution free holiday. 3. Increasing profitability and return on investment of the marketing and advertising strategies by ensuring proper monitoring and strategic implementation. 4. The corporate vision for the beach will be to provide their customers with the best holiday destination experience from beginning to end, with attractive environmental sites and engaging activities. Internal marketing audit Current situation At present, Aberdeen beach is going through a difficult situation. There has been a decline in number of visitors, especially the locals. Off late, the beach authorities have been criticised for growing unhealthy environment. The area surrounding the beach is not cleaned properly, leading to a garbage land. This has accelerated the growth of mosquitoes and other flies in the corners of the beach. Also, people have started complaining about the pungent smells because of the growing wastes. Another blow to the safety of the beach was done when a dead body was found inside the beach complex. The flow of visitors reduced drastically after the incident. Usage and facilities Currently, the beach is primarily used for walking, surfing and windsurfing. The beach is actually an array of many attached beaches, each having specific qualities and attractions. Thus, while few beaches are mostly used for walking and sigh-seeing, others famous for their high tides and surfing. The beach also has a popular amusement area. Apart from this, the beach is also surrounded by restaurants, cinemas, condones and parks. The Aberdeen beach is actually a part of the Queens Link which is famous for various other attractions such as amusement park, cinemas, restaurants, shopping centres and more. External analysis In order to do a macro and micro environmental analysis a PESTLE analysis of the Scotland tourism is done here. Political Scotland falls in the category of developed economies. Political situation is stable in Scotland. The major

Buisness law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Buisness law - Essay Example The government economy is also socialism. It endeavors to promote equality among the public by providing them with standardized social benefits like education and health care. In both systems, the public does not have equal access to wealth and resources. It is easy to call a policy capitalist or socialist but harder to justify why because capitalism is the opposite of socialism. A policy like wealth cannot be multiplied by dividing it since it is hard to justify it as capitalist or socialist. Mandatory health care coverage is capitalism. Capitalisms’ core reason is more money and high profits. It pays its workers according to productivity and requires undisrupted operations, thus health assurance will be necessary. The video is emphasizing on the importance of having personal values as a leader. The values govern how people act and are foundations of how they should behave. They give people guidelines and direct behaviors. Action does not represent what is termed as values. Values in general are fences that should surround the judgment that we

Issue of health & food Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Issue of health & food - Annotated Bibliography Example Akineymi intelligently shares insights on how one can regain their health by applying right eating patterns. In spite of the health complications facing human beings, the author provides a framework that a person can embrace when working towards regaining their health. Essentially, it is important to appreciate the fact that some of the complications that arise due to the food we eat occur because we do not have the right information regarding the foods we eat. As such, the author focuses on the foods as well as the aspect of choice and its overall impact on our overall health. The author captures the potency of words when it comes to the diets we eat. As such, the author reiterates the role and impact of our feeding patterns especially concerningour overall health. The author shares important factors such as self-esteem, the importance of emotional awareness, the value of morality and the general perspectives aligned to what we eat. The reader gets a clear understanding of the importance of investing in knowledge and information especially when it comes to the individual choice of food. In the end, Asamoah shares some valuable insights on how one can benefit from an array of foods depending on their psychological orientations. Barrows shares on how a diet works within a specified timeframe. However, it requires an individual to take deliberate and informed steps when it comes to the choice. The type and nature of effects that you will experience during this process depend on several factors. The author captures some of the factors that influence or determine whether you will be successful or not. In a compelling and captivating fashion, the author shares factors to consider when choosing the right diet. The main theme of this book is on the individual freedom when choosing a diet. Minich, Deanna M. Chakra Foods for Optimum Health: A Guide to the Foods That Can Improve Your Energy, Inspire Creative Changes, Open Your