Environmental Factors in Colombia Essay

Organizations are not isolated of what happens in the environment outside them, they face uncertainty in dealing with events in the external environment and they have to adapt to new changes regarding customers, government, economic conditions and technology. It is very important for organizations in Colombia to become aware of their environment because assessing it could make them more competitive and allow them to adapt and survive in the market, but the uncertainty Colombia in terms of globalization, technology, knowledge, demand, etc. is making organization to rethink about strategies and new ways to do business and to address all of the factor in the external environment. The factors causing organization complexity in Colombia are addressed by Daft, they are both internal and external: industry, human resources, raw material, markets, international, government, sociocultural, economic and technological factors. For example, in Camacol (Cà ¡mara Colombiana de Construccià ³n) the lack of legal stability threats development opportunities in large cities and scares away national and international investors. It makes necessary that the rules established for projects are maintained and are not changing every day, that’s why head directors in Camacol proposed to the government new ways to manage the permissions and monitor the decisions taken by majors in areas adjacent to Bogotà ¡. (Paà ­s, 2014). This is important for the construction sector because its development brings with it the increase of an important set of activities in industries and related services, contributing in this way to increase employment and to the satisfaction of an important set of needs of the population, in this case, the access to housing services. Nowadays we can not talk about uncertainty avoidance or external environment without talking about globalization, reducing borders and forcing businesses to prepare increasingly for indulging in different markets, ensuring its validity in the market. To achieve this, it is necessary for organizations  to adopt new strategies of growth, market penetration, creation of own responsibilities, coordination and adaptation of the products to various markets according to their needs. Many organizations that have been integrated into international markets have found the need to modify their products or strategies to meet the needs of its customers, because the factors that determine the environment change. For example Juan Valdez, have found the need to deal with government regulations in different countries, and lately with the entrance of a new competitor in Colombia, also they had to change its technology processes to transform coffee to sell it in every store and to make it more efficient and effective, reducing costs; this kind of changes not only help businesses in Colombia but in all countries the organization is in. Also there are International Organizations in Colombia that have adapted their processes to Colombia’s complex environment and have succeeded CEMEX is the tangible proof that the competitiveness in a globalized world is the result of a set of factors, a clear direction, state-of-the-art technology, human capital, good financial management, investments in infrastructure, etc. , and, between them, the actions taken in the aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility have given the company a significant competitive advantage. A really important factor for any organization is the human resource and sociocultural. In Colombia the labor movement that happened in 2013 and remained in 2014 called â€Å"Paro agrario† not only affected the government laws and relationships but also affected organizations that use raw materials produced in the rural sector. This represented a huge challenge for business managers, because of the workers demands. Not addressing this kind of problems with contingency plans would have caused major loss of profit, suppliers and market. The human resource sector is one of the most important factors in the external environment because it concerns employees, suppliers, customers, and mostly any kind of relationship made by the organization. On the other hand the sociocultural sector demands organizations to be more greener and environment-friendly that’s why supermarkets such as Éxito, Jumbo, Carrulla and Olà ­mpica offer recyclable plastic bags, because they know those bags are used by customers as garbage disposals that later on go to sanitary landfills. Also, Coca Cola in Colombia and Postobà ³n have develop new bottles and recyclable packaging that use less plastic and take up less space in the trash, they have also launched campaigns to recycle these containers giving benefits to consumers, with picking machines or donations to NGOs. Main telecommunications operators such as Tigo, Movistar, Claro, Une and ETB have been influenced in a big way by the environmental complexity because they are not only influenced by new demands of customers, they are also influenced and have to be prepared for the unpredicted changes such as: new regulations about communications, contracts and share; competition in services, offers, products; the way business are made with international and national companies in order to have competitive advantages, also by advertising its products nationally; offering new technological services and products in competitive prices. This organizations face tremendous complexity in Colombia, that’s why they keep studying the environment they are in and offering customers new products every time, meaning that in order to them to stay in the market they need to pay more attention to the external environment to run processes internally, this is a good example of a dependence on high uncertainty-com plex environment. Studying external environment is as important as the internal environment because one can change the other, also because there is where the needs are, where the consumers are and what they want to pay to meet their needs. Also in the environment are the obstacles to the company, such as the products of competitors, and the actions to have market share. Also the requirements and restrictions that the company must meet, all of that can influence the processes a company has, because a company is nothing without the interaction with the outside environment, and now is more important to be aware of that thanks to the globalization. Bibliografà ­a Paà ­s. (25 de 08 de 2014). â€Å"Esa incertidumbre no aguanta†: Camacol. Recuperado el 09 de 2014, de Revista Dinero: http://www.dinero.com/pais/articulo/proyecciones-para-sector-construccion-colombiana-2014/200196

Love And Disguise In The Twelfth Night Essay

The art of love suggests that this complex emotion cannot be easily defined; it must instead be conceptualized within the confines of language and images.   One writer that mastered this presentation of love is William Shakespeare. Through his sonnets and plays, he immortalized the concept of love for readers of all generations.   His comedy Twelfth Night in particular presents love as an elusive object which throws out many tricks along its path.   Through the artful use of language and disguise, this play presents love as a comic yet sentimental quest.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first words in this play are spoken by a man in love – â€Å"If music be the food of love, play on:/Give me excess of it, that surfeiting, /The appetite may sicken and so die† (I,i,1-3).   Duke Orsino is lovesick for Lady Olivia, who, unfortunately, has gone to great lengths to avoid his pursuit.   He uses a metaphor comparing himself to a hart hunted by love’s â€Å"cruel hounds† (I, i,   22).   This use of negatively connoted language reveals to the reader how much pain and suffering the Duke feels due to this unrequited love.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The plot becomes ironic when the shipwrecked Viola chooses to disguise herself as a eunuch, a serving boy, in the house of Orsino in order to quietly pass the time until she can find out if her twin brother has survived the same disaster at sea.   In doing so, she finds that she has fallen in love with him but cannot express it because she is masquerading as a man.   Her job is to woo Olivia, who is continuing to disguise herself in her mourning garb to thwart Orsino, which creates a further complication in that Olivia herself falls for the man that she thinks Viola is – Cesario.   Thus, a triangle forms:   Viola loves Orsino who loves Olivia who loves Viola (as Cesario).   Clearly the point that love is confusing is well-taken.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Yet, this play has more to say about the complexities of love.   Olivia marvels at the quick onset of her feelings: â€Å"How now!/Even so quickly may one catch the plague?† (I, v, 206-207).   Again, love is presented here as an illness to be avoided.   TO make matters worse, Malvolio, Olivia’s grumpy servant, carries a secret love for his mistress.   When Olivia’s uncle and his friend, who also loves Olivia, find out, they set him up for embarrassment.   The love letter he ‘finds’ compels him to make romantic gestures toward Olivia, who has him banished for madness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The further irony is that the choices of love interests in this play defy reason.   Orsino emphatically asserts that nothing and nobody can â€Å"bide the beating of so strong a passion/ as love doth give my heart;† (II, iv, 72-73) for a woman that has constantly spurned him.   Olivia, on the other hand, has fallen in love with a disguised woman: â€Å"I love thee so, that maugre all thy pride,/Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide/† (III, i, 121-122).   Viola, disguised as a man, loves a man, and Malvolio has made the unfortunate mistake of loving a woman out of his class.   Of course Andrew has been convinced to love Olivia as well, out of Toby’s malevolent and usurious needs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The role that disguises play in the love situations above cannot be ignored.   With the possible exception of the Duke, nobody is who they seem to be on the outside.   Typically, Olivia would not fall for another female, but the traits in the person she perceives to be a male jive with her own desire for independence and autonomy.   Likewise, Viola knows that she cannot formally announce her love for the Duke because she is disguised as a male.   However, he is drawn to her because he must somehow sense her femininity.    Olivia is pretending to still be in mourning for her brother’s death by hiding herself under a veil, though the period for mourning has long since passed.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Further, when Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother enters the picture, Olivia naturally gravitates to him, resulting in hilarious results.   Oddly, he accepts her proposal of marriage only minutes after coming in contact with her. This just goes to show that the characters in this play are not serious about love while they are disguised.   It is characterized as a painful, cancerous emotion, yet they still seek it.   When the characters finally are able to express their emotions as their true selves, the love seems more substantial. The marriage of Sebastian and Olivia is false until she realize that she hasn’t married Cesario, but really Sebastian.   Likewise, the moment that the Duke discovers that Cesario is really the woman Viola, he offers his hand to her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What appears to be a happy ending is itself disguised.   The reader must wonder what has compelled these individuals to profess their undying love then change their minds so quickly.   If love is as painful as they might suggest, why pursue it in the first place?  Ã‚   The idea of the happy ending is shadowed in the forced marriage by bet of Toby and Maria, and the angry outburst of the wronged Malvolio.   The marriages of the play are reduced to a farce, which the clown can only sum up with a song. Reference Shakespeare, William.   Twelfth Night.   Mineola, NY:   Dover, 1996.

Individual Management Consultancy Report Research Paper

Individual Management Consultancy Report - Research Paper Example The important observations and recommendations are with regard to the following aspects. The company needs to establish standards for various operations of the business at various levels of management and introduce Balanced Scorecard system to make the costing and budgetary control system more effective for sustainable growth and development. The company can consider installing CRM for improving the efficacy of customer service. The company has to revamp its HRD and encourage diversity in workforce for catering to the needs of the customers with various cultural, social and religious backgrounds and effective customer service. The company may concentrate on activities relating to Corporate Social Responsibility for enhancing its brand image and brand value for sustainable development. Contents I Reporting on Management Consultancy 3 Introduction 3 Objectives of reporting 3 Approach and Observations 3 Client’s situation and critical comments 5 Breakdown of the Consultancy Proje ct 6 II Observations and Practical Considerations 7 Teamwork 7 Project Management 8 Costing and Budgeting 9 Problem Solving 10 Consultancy Modes 11 Confrontations and Conflicts 12 Ethical Issues 13 Conclusions and Reflections 13 Balanced Scorecard 14 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 14 Restructuring of HRD 14 Outcomes 15 Reflections 15 Bibliography 16 Part I Reporting on Management Consultancy Introduction The performance of Sunshine Enterprises has improved substantially over years both financially and operationally. However, the problems relating to planning and management and control have also been on rise in the recent years. The evaluation of the management processes and practices indicates that the problems are mainly relating to customer service, human resources management and performance evaluation. These three areas relating management are very important and significant as it affects the day-to-day operations, planning and control. In order to ensure measurement and e valuation of performance for operational control, the standards have to be established and Balanced Scorecard system introduced for effectiveness in planning and management control. Objectives of reporting Having identified the broad areas where the management has to focus its attention for sustainable development, specific factors relating to performance in these areas have been analyzed with a view to propose changes in the organization for improving efficiency in the operations. Approach and Observations Wickham and Wickham (2008, p. 5) stated that according to Henri Fayol, management has five basic functions: planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. The client-consultant relationship under process consultation has been adopted in the project to facilitate using our expertise for directing the organizational behavior. The consulting team has worked along with the executives for observing, analyzing and resolving the issues with a view to implement changes wherev er necessary using the resources already available in the organization. The organization has been able to rediscover its ability under this process effectively to sort out the issues in relation to their needs and introduce changes in the methods for implementing them with the resources available. In consulting process, the

Personal develop plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal develop plan - Essay Example It is the means through which ideas are exchanged between people. I believe developing effective communication skills is important to effect any change. Even though I have these positive attributes there are some weaknesses in my communication. Although am clear and concise, my speech is sometimes stilted, and too formal1. This is evidence of tension and not being relaxed enough. Sometimes people find it difficult to follow my argument. Feedback shows that at times it is not easy to understand the flow of my argument or presentation of ideas. These are challenges I need to work and improve on, and I will do so in the following ways. In order to present a perfect argument or presentation through speech, I have to practice public speaking more often. I have to practice in order to be confidence when speaking smoothen my presentation. As I gain confidence, I will see a marked improvement. I will utilize the learning support offered by the University, to improve my writing skills. This will have a positive impact on my grades as my ideas will be well thought out written works. Better grades will be the resultant effect of this2. I will also dedicate enough time to research to enhance the quality of my presentation. Team work refers to the ability to fit in a group and successfully achieve the set goal or goals. The ease with which one fits and work in a group is the above mentioned skill. Working as a unit is important as it leads to division of tasks or assignment, which in turn yields faster and credible solutions. As far as this particular skill is concerned I believe am well above average. I have been in many situations where it was mandatory to be a team player and also situation where I have exhibited my leadership qualities. I have worked part-time in my uncle’s repair store. I was just but one of the employees. The nature of the work was such that we all relied on each other in order to do a

The Issue of power in the story The Road To Salvation by Premchand and Research Paper

The Issue of power in the story The Road To Salvation by Premchand and Punishment by Rabindranath Tagore - Research Paper Example In Punishment, on the other hand, Tagore describes the inequalities of gender relations in rural India, which may as well reflect the problem of sexism that continues to put women in a powerless position in society in many parts of the world. While both Tagore and Premchand sharply presents the power relations among humans in society during their respective times though, they also push the concept that unfair or unequal arrangements could be corrected either through fate or through non-violent appeals to conscience of the dominant force. In this regard, both short stories did not dwell on the issue of genuine justice as administered by the legal institutions in society. Although these are quite effective in arousing people about the issue of unfair power relations, these fail to encourage them to seek justice. Instead, both stories have the intention of dousing cold water on any emotional reaction to unjust power structures. However, these also did not provide ideas on the alternative actions that can be taken rather than to simply accept the concept that there are those who are powerful while the rest are fated to be subjugated. These are the reasons why a situation where people are passive and docile despite their oppr ession and exploitation exists. Economic wealth is proportionate to political power and social influence. As portrayed in both short stories, economic status is the basis for the clout that one yields over others in the community, a premise that is not only valid in the historical setting in Premchand’s and Tagore’s works but is also true for the rest of the modern world. Such clout or power, on the other hand, is mainly used to further make one richer and to protect his valuable properties. The perpetuation of one’s power therefore is a necessary step to sustain one’s preferred way of life. Even without an established political

MBA 510 Problem Set I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MBA 510 Problem Set I - Essay Example b. Compute the mean deviation. 3.24 square root ((N-Mean)^2+(N1-Mean)^2.../n)= Square root (42/4)= 3.74 c. Compute the standard deviation. 3.74 square root ((N-Mean)^2+(N1-Mean)^2.../n-1)= Square root (42/3)= 3.74 b. Lind Chapter 5: Exercises 8, 66 8. A sample of 2,000 licensed drivers revealed the following number of speeding violations. Number of Violations Number of Drivers 0 1,910 1 46 2 18 3 12 4 9 5 or more 5 Total 2,000 a. What is the experiment The experiment is the gathering of the data set b. List one possible eventA driver has less than two speeding violations c. What is the probability that a particular driver had exactly two speeding violations 18/2000 = .009 d. What concept of probability does this illustrate Relative frequency 66. A survey of undergraduate students in the School of Business at Northern University revealed the following regarding gender and majors of the students: Major Gender Accounting Management Finance Total Male 100 150 50 300 Female 100 50 50 200 Total 200 200 100 500 a. What is the probability of selecting a female student 200/500 = .4 b. What is the probability of selecting finance or accounting major 300/500 = .6 c. What is the probability of selecting a female or an accounting major Which rule of addition did you apply 250/500 = .5 The addition rule of independent events d. Are gender and major independent Why No, the data is dependent upon gender e. What is the probability of selecting an accounting major, given that the person selected is male 100/300 = .33 f. Suppose two students are selected randomly to attend a lunch with the president of the university. What is the probability that both of those selected are accounting majors Acct major = .4 Both acct major = .4*.4 =... 68. The American Automobile Association checks the price of gasoline before many holiday weekends. Listed below are the self-service prices for a sample of 15 retail outlets during the May 2003 Memorial Day weekend in the Detroit, Michigan, area. 70. A recent article suggested that if you earn , 25, 000 a year today and the inflation rate continues at 3 percent per year, you'll need to make 33,598 in 10 years to have the same buying power. You would need to make 44,771 if the inflation rate jumped to 6 percent. Confirm that these statements are accurate by finding the geometric mean rate of increase. 38. The accounting department at Weston Materials, Inc., a national manufacturer of unattached garages, reports that it takes two construction workers a mean of 32 hours and a standard deviation of 2 hours to erect the Red Barn model. Assume the assembly times follow the normal distribution. 44. The number of passengers on the Carnival Sensation during one-week cruises in the Caribbean follows the normal distribution. The mean number of passengers per cruise is 1,820 and the standard deviation is 120. 60. In establishing warranties on HDTV sets, the manufacturer wants to set the limits so that few will need repair at manufacturer expense. On the other hand, the warranty period must be long enough to make the purchase attractive to the buyer.

Understanding Yourself as a Facilitator of Learning Research Paper

Understanding Yourself as a Facilitator of Learning - Research Paper Example This improved their cognitive level of effectiveness (Pappamihiel, 2002). I also had to serve as a facilitator in group discussions organized within the classroom environment when we used to communicate with each other in English but formally. Learners, in such an environment had a feeling of being watched and judged, which often made them nervous as well as over conscious, hindering their level of confidence. In addition, with one learner performing outstandingly in comparison with others, the slow learners used to get demotivated at certain instances. As the process used to affect learners’ confidence level massively, especially for the slow learners, I would term this process as ineffective lacking emotional and cognitive value attribution (Koulouriotis, 2011). Suggestively, I believe that interactive informal or semi-formal teaching method will be more effective for the adult learners who tend to obtain classes on English as their second language. Techniques that allow round-the-clock learning and learning through experiences will be most helpful I believe. It will not only ignite cognitive betterment and emotional strength for the non-English speakers but will also motivate life-long learning among them that will ensure in developing their respective skills continually, even after the conclusion of their courses. If given an option, I would never use the traditional text interpreting strategy for the learners, which makes the entire learning process ethically critical as well as often discouraging being highly monotonous in nature. In addition, such methods do not provide adequate opportunity to the learners to share their views that would in turn permit effective assessment of their cognitive and emotional developments. Therefore, I wil l try to avoid the mechanism in my learning approach (Cumming,

Critical Analysis of Microsoft Monopoly Power Essay

Critical Analysis of Microsoft Monopoly Power - Essay Example Moreover, the firm will stand to benefit from the economies of production and the cost per unit of products will be lowered (Baumol & Blinder 2011). This will create entry barriers to new entrants. There are various sources of monopoly power. The first source of monopoly power is the control of an important factor of production that is fundamental in the production process (Allen 2003). A firm that has exclusive control on an important factor e.g. technology, land, or production process is likely to acquire monopoly power and hence lock out competitors. Secondly, monopoly power may also be attained from the government where the government licenses only one firm to be the sole supplier in the industry thus prohibiting entrance from competitors. The monopoly power may also be attained because of the market size i.e. where the market is small; one supplier may supply the whole market. Finally, the amalgamation and mergers of firms in the industry could also create monopoly power. Firms may merge to benefit from the economies of scale production or to avoid competition that could cause losses to the firm. Such factors may lead to monopoly in an industry (Learning & Moyer 2010). In the case of the software industry, Microsoft has enjoyed monopoly position by creating entry barriers to their potential competitors. Entry barriers arise in terms of high costs, time, quality, and lack of resources to advertise in order to make successful entry. One of the strategies that Microsoft used to lock out their competitors was the large number of applications that were necessary to make an operating system preferred by the end users (Kobie 2009). The ends users require software that can be used to execute the different functions at once and this will ensure that they get the convenience they require. It would thus expensive for a new entrant to develop software with many applications that will compete those of Microsoft (Kobie 2009). The users of computer software are also like ly to remain loyal to Microsoft application software because of the multi application that the soft ware can perform. The second way of creating entrance barrier is by entering into exclusive agreements whereby a firm will enter into agreements that prohibits the use of their competitors’ products. In the case of Microsoft, the company created exclusive agreements in which the company’s operating software would be solely used in their PC’s (Meller 2009). As a result, their competitors or potential competitors would lack the market for their software and this would make them incur heavy losses that lead to their termination or dissolution. This anti competitive strategy is not healthy for the users of the products, as they will lack a variety of products to make choices from (Mankiw 2008). They will thus be compelled to adhere to the available and little viable option. These therefore deny the consumers their sovereignty making Microsoft monopoly unjustified. In addition, Microsoft used their financial power and strength to keep their competitors at bay. Monopolists firms make large profits that is can use in lowering the selling price or giving offers that are meant to make their products cheaper compared to those of the competitors (Kobie 2009). Due to this new entrants or existing smaller competitors will be barricaded from accessing the market and hence the continuation of the

Water pollution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Water pollution - Essay Example Therefore, water pollution is a problem that requires a collective effort in order to beat. In my opinion, this article was too lightweight for such a heavy issue. It was tackled in a single page and dealt with in such a lighthearted manner by the writer. It almost sounded like a Wikipedia or â€Å"Water Pollution for Dummies† article due to its simplicity. However, it does manage to effectively introduce the problem and the possible solutions to it. I am glad that such an article exists which was written with the intention of making the water pollution problem understandable to everyone, even children in a grade school level of study. The writer should be commended for making such a complex issue easily understandable to those who do not have a background or serious understanding of the water pollution problem and the various prevention methods that have been set in place to help prevent the further deterioration of our seas and water

Issiue surronding whistle blowing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Issiue surronding whistle blowing - Essay Example We will look at four separate cases, two corporate, and two public sectors or government. A whistleblower can be defined as a person who reveals the wrongdoing within and organization to the public or to those in positions of authority (Whistleblower). The importance of whistleblowers is relatively easy to see especially since the not so recent events of Worldcom and Enron destroyed tens of thousands of lives and ended with billions of lost revenues. According to Lilanthi Ravishankar a researcher with Santa Clara University, â€Å"When Time magazine editors named WorldCom's Cynthia Cooper and Enron's Sherron Watkins two of their People of the Year for 2002; they were acknowledging the importance of internal whistleblowers† (Ravishankar). These were two of the most well-known of the corporate world’s whistleblowing events. These are followed by two of the highest profile public sector whistleblowing events with drastic differences in the public arena. Worldcom’s C ynthia Cooper stated in a 2002 interview with Time magazine, â€Å"It was easy to empathize with the investors. WorldCom was the only Fortune 500 Company headquartered in Mississippi. My parents had invested in the stock† (Ripley). This brings up the first of the ethical dilemmas that exists for whistleblowers, how their stance to tell the truth will affect their families. While this is a serious dilemma Cynthia Cooper later stated that she realized it was her only choice, she realized far more people would be hurt if she did not come forward. Her family while being important was the lesser of the two problems and she was forced to choose the greater good. While the loss to her family was great is it easier to make the decision when it is someone else’s future and loss at stake, the next whistleblower was personally affected by her whistleblowing. Sherron Watkins the publicly acclaimed â€Å"whistleblower† who also made Times person of the week was quoted as say ing, "Has Enron become a risky place to work? For those of us who didn't get rich over the last few years, can we afford to stay?" (Pellegrini). This brings out another issue of whistleblowing, personal loss; the individual committing the whistleblowing or what seems to others like whistleblowing is surely committing personal career suicide, or are they? While to some this question may seem to be something that cannot be brought up and would be â€Å"easy† to ignore. However, for this woman who had clawed her way to a very high position in a nation where very few women make it to this position of authority the mere thought of losing something she had spent her entire adult life gaining may seem difficult. What would each of us do here, it would be difficult for myself in the same situation. Personal loss seems like it may be easier to handle than social ridicule as the next whistleblower has experienced personally. In the public arena there are a few very high profile cases o f whistleblowing, one in particular that involved a president. President Bill Clinton’s lurid affair with Monica Lewinski was brought to light by one of the more infamous whistleblowers of our time, Linda Tripp. Unfortunately for Linda Tripp instead of acclaim she received the public service send off for those who tell secrets, she was summarily fired and has found it almost impossible to gain employment. This brings to light another ethical dilemma or issue with whistleblowing, while it is a good thing that she did, the public’

Discussion Board Questions Essay Example for Free

Discussion Board Questions Essay 1. Ecological Approach: The work of the Chicago School and the impact of that perspective had a profound effect on research methods. What aspects of the ecological approach could be applicable today and why? Examples would be excellent! (You may have to search a bit for this. Please use not only our text, but do internet searches as well. ) The work of the Chicago School is even more useful in today’s society than it was when it was first pioneered, primarily because those efforts enabled the increased access we have to relevant information now, such as education levels, income levels, crime rates, etc. Most importantly, our world is growing rapidly, and the ability to track what problems a city has, and where, can help us to find effective solutions to those problems. For example, if research indicates that a certain area of the city has a higher high-school dropout rate, efforts to keep kids in school can be increased in those neighborhoods. The ecological approach maintains the paradoxical stance that a society has problems because its individual members have problems, but its members have problems because the society has problems. Thus, we must find solutions that work on both levels, which is essentially where the focus of the ecological approach lies. In addition, this allows us to address prevention issues. If we can map trends and growth, then we can put measures in place to effectively solve a problem before it occurs. A prime example of this is public education – projecting growth based on current trends could allow a school district to budget accordingly and thus reduce the financial strain that comes with unexpected expenses. On another level, being able to identify the demographic that will be growing in the school population can help educators to better address those students’ needs. 2. Stanford Prison Simulation: Look for some of the information on the Stanford Prison Simulation. Phillip Zimbardo maintains a website for the experiment, linking it to contemporary issues like the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib during US military action in Iraq. Please look at this website http://www. prisonexp. org and provide your reactions in terms of the legitimacy of this kind of research. Feel free to be TOTALLY HONEST. As far as the legitimacy of this kind of research goes, the reactions and psychological effects are surely genuine. However, ethical and moral values clearly indicate that research such as the Stanford Prison Simulation should not be undertaken. As professionals holding a position of trust, we have an ethical obligation to do only that which will benefit those whom we seek to help – and this is definitely harming people. From a moral standpoint as well, the information obtained was not worth the cost to the participants’ psychological health. Several studies have been done regarding the effects of imprisonment on actual prison inmates and guards, and history provides numerous real-life examples of exactly what the researchers found in the Stanford Prison Simulation. Take, for instance, survivors’ accounts of WWII concentration camps. Therefore, this project was entirely unnecessary. Basic human understanding tells us that when people are placed in highly stressful situations, where their basic human rights may be threatened or taken away, they will react in potentially volatile ways, and as a result, their psychological health will suffer. This is evident in prisoners and guards alike – the prisoners’ freedom is taken away, they rebel, causing the guards to feel that their personal safety is threatened, so they take away more freedoms – it is a cycle. However, this should be common sense and research should focus on ways to resolve these issues instead of trying to figure out why it happened. We know why it happened – because they’re human.

Best Buy Marketing Essay Example for Free

Best Buy Marketing Essay Best Buy Inc. has been performing business and providing customers with products and services in the United States for over forty-three years. From what started as an idea and a small music shop in St. Paul, Minnesota, Best Buy Inc. now operates over 1,500 big box retail stores around the U. S. They have constantly grown to become the largest specialty electronics retailer in the entire world. With ventures expanding into other countries such as China, Mexico, United Kingdom, and many others, Best Buy has plans to develop stores, distribution, and networks throughout the world to better serve its customers as we become more dependent on our gadgets and technology in our everyday lives. While being the largest specialty electronics retailer in the entire world, Best Buy is not just about the products and services it sells. While our customers are the most important aspect of our business, Best Buy is focused on developing and helping its employees grow as professionals in the workplace and better their lives as a whole. Their mentality is that if our employees are empowered, engaged, knowledgeable, and able to go above and beyond their normal expectations, customer satisfaction and loyalty will be built. Strong lasting relationships amongst our employees and customers will drive our profitability and growth as a company. Mission Statement Our formula is simple: were a growth company focused on better solving the unmet needs of our customers-and we rely on our employees to solve those puzzles. Thanks for stopping. Core Values †¢ Unleash the power of our people Show respect, humility, and integrity †¢ Learn from challenge and change †¢ Have fun while being the best Core Philosophies †¢ Invite each employee to contribute their unique ideas and experiences in service of customers †¢ Treat customers uniquely and honor their differences as segments and individuals †¢ Meet customers unique needs, end-to-end Company History Over the last forty-three years, Best Buy has grown from a single facing store to now boasting over 1,500 stores nationwide. Best Buy was originally started as a small audio-video and car stereo shop in St.  Paul, Minnesota, by a man named Richard Schulze. At the time, the small retail store was named the Sound of Music. In 1967, the Sound of Music obtained exclusive rights to Kencraft Hi-Fi and Bergo Company; which were the first of many acquisitions the company would make moving forward. With its immediate success, a second and third store was opened near the University of Minnesota and in downtown Minneapolis, respectively. In its first year of operation, the Sound of Music ended with gross sales totaling over $173,000. In 1969, the Sound of Music was introduced as a publicly traded company for the first time. In addition, three more stores are opened in and around the Twin Cities Area. A year later in 1970, they posted earnings and revenue which hit the $1 million dollar mark for the first time in the companies short history. In 1974, instead of operating out of each individual store, the Sound of Music opened their first headquarters located in Bloomington, Minnesota. They hired leadership staff and managers to help implement larger scale management direction and decisions. By years’ end of 1978, there were nine stores running in Minnesota. In 1981, a natural disaster shook up the small retail chain which seemed to be devastating, but little did they know it would provide insight into a new operating model that would lay the tracks for Best Buy moving forward. A tornado hit the Roseville, Minnesota store and the Sound of Music responded with a Tornado Sale which introduced low prices in a no frills retail environment that would be carried over to all surrounding stores. As a result of its success, stores averaged over $350 in sales per square foot versus the then industry average of $150 $200 per square foot. Thus the beginning of Best Buy. In 1983, the Sound of Musics board of directors approved the new corporate name, Best Buy C. , Inc, Shortly after; Best Buy opened its first superstore in Burnsville, Minnesota. From that point on, growth for Best Buy was inevitable. With its initial public offering on the NASDAQ, it earned over $8 million dollars in 1985. In 1986 the public stock offering raised over $33. 6 million dollars. This helped fund a 12 store expansion in Minnesota and surrounding states, Iowa and Wisconsin. Best Buy now operated in 21 big box retail stores with the grab and go store format and non-commissioned sales. In 1989, the Best Buy logo was changed to what it is today, the familiar angled yellow price tag with Best Buy in bold black letters. In 1993 Best Buy was deemed the nations second-largest consumer electronics retailer and was a staple and the epitome of retail prowess. In 1995 Best Buy broke into Fortune magazines annual ranking of Americas 500 largest corporations, listed as number 373. Best Buy also mandated and implemented a Standard Operating Platform (SOP), which was developed to support and manage every aspect of business within stores around the nation. Today, SOP is still around, but it has evolved as customer demands, employee needs, and the environment have impacted the way Best Buy store operate in their day to day operations. In 1999, Best Buy partnered with software giant Microsoft to cross-promote products going forward. Even today we see relevance of this as Windows 7 was recently promoted throughout Best Buy stores and commercials in order to drive business for both companies. They also were acclaimed by Fortune Magazine for being one of the top performing stocks since 1990. Since 1995, Best Buy has been ranked in Fortunes top 500 largest corporations. In 2000 Best Buy launched BestBuy. com and entered the online retailing business to compete with many others who were entering into the cyber store front space. They have continued to grow through customer base and acquirement of many brands listed below. †¢ Magnolia Hi-Fi †¢ Future Shop †¢ Geek Squad †¢ Audio Visions †¢ Pacific Sales †¢ Jiangsu Five Star Appliances †¢ Carphone Warehouse Since 2001, Best Buy has also made strides to compete in the global market place making international acquisitions and efforts to expand into the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and Mexico. In 2001 Best Buy moved north to acquire FutureShop, a large Canadian electronics retailer chain, thus paving the way for eight Best Buy stores to open in the greater Toronto area in following years. In 2003, Best Buy also made efforts in the global market by opening its first global sourcing office in Shanghai, China, and later in 2006 they acquired Pacific Sales and a large portion of Jiangsu Five Star Appliance stores located throughout China. Finally, after two years of planning, research and development, Best Buy finally opened its first retail store in Shanghai bringing the low cost, warehouse style shopping experience to a very different market. Recently, in 2008 Best Buy acquired one of the largest cell phone distributors, Carphone Warehouse, in order to gain competitive advantage in the cellular device market. They also have begun to introduce Best Buy stores across and around the European countries as well as opening the first Best Buy Retail store just north of Mexico City.

Marketing Analysis Of Singapore Airlines

Marketing Analysis Of Singapore Airlines The airline industry is one of the fast growing industries in the world irrespective of its criticism. The genesis of aviation in 1909 was by the Wright brothers who flew their first successful flight in Kitty Hawk. Due to the risk involved, numbers of people did not consider travelling by air not until the 1900s. Another breakthrough was that of Charles Lindbergh who flew and completed a journey across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. The United States postal service as well contributed to the aviation/airline growth. Kelly Airmail Act allowed transport mails from one destination to another in 1925. There was a major issue with increase in air collision which brought about an Act by the Federal Aviation Administration in 1958. Another discouraging issue was the increase in the price of fuel in the 1970s. During the early 1980s there another deregulation was introduced which brought about mergers of large carriers and growth of smaller ones. In the early 1990s, peoples confidence returned and there was an increase in the number of passengers due to price cut and cities served by airline were increased.   Singapore Airline Singapore airline along with its subsidiaries is basically engaged in passenger and cargo air transportation, engineering services, airport terminal services; they are also involved in training their staffs, tour wholesaling and other activities. Singapore airline operates in the Eastern part of Asia with about 30,088 staffs as on March 31, 2008 according to market research. The revenue recorded by the company was $15,975.5 million during the financial year ended march 2008 which yield an increase of 10.2% compared to 2007. The operating profit of the company was $2,124.5 million in 20008 with a decrease of 3.8% compared to 2007. http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES MISSION STATEMENT: In some organization just like Singapore airline, the vision and objectives and the master plan in order to achieve all achievable is referred to as innovative strategic plan. Innovative strategic planning is a management process which simply can be identified as taking inputs and transforming it as output. The input can be defined as information which is understood by the organization, its environment and its management. The transformation of the information is referred to as the innovative strategic planning and lastly, the output is the defined innovation. According to the mission statement of Singapore airline, it addresses the organizations basic goal i.e. the kind of business they are into. The purpose of the organization was clearly defined and stated which comprises of the potential activities the company is engaged in. The mission statement of Singapore airline is to provide air transportation services of the highest quality and to maximise returns for the benefit of its shareholders and employers. Pillay, J. (1989) Nature of innovation of Singapore airline Clarity and commitment: the quality services to customers are clearly stated and it is companys fundamental objective and aspiration which has made them provide a world-class customer service due to their commitment. Continuous training: in order to meet up with customer needs and challenges, Singapore airline set up training centres for their staffs thereby offering a wide range of educational programs. Career development: there is every opportunity to learn and grow in the company, senior managers are allowed to develop as well Internal communication: Singapore airline employed people from different cultural background to work together in achieving the goal and objectives of the company. In order to maintain good and healthy communication. Singapore airline published departmental newsletters and magazines whereby creating regular dialog between management and staffs. Consistent external communications: when there is a new development in the company and needs to be advertised, the Singapore airline girls are always featured which is the brand identity of the company Connection with customers: several medium is being employed to communicate and carry customers along such as in-flight surveys, reply to compliments and complaints received, sending messages to flyers of offers and privileges which includes additional baggage allowance, priority seating and more. Benchmarking: keeping an open eye for improvement and new ways or strategic means of satisfying customers by following the steps of banks, hotels and retail outlets growth. Improvement, investment innovation: Singapore airline came about a different way of doing things by introducing free drinks and headsets, fax machines on board, individual video screens and telephones in every seat, leading edge gaming and in-flight entertainment. Rewards and recognition: Excellent staffs are being rewarded for their performance and selfless acts of service. Professionalism, pride and profits: Singapore airline has been able to achieve a remarkable result due to staff commitment to the airline and to customers. The airlines reputation is being protected by the staffs as well. Chan, D. (2000) Wirtz, J., Johnston, R. (2003) SNAP SHOT OF SINGAPORE AIRLINE http://s3files.core77.com/blog/images/sa3803.jpg From www.google.com/singaporeairlineimages Comfort ability FIRST HAND DATA Through the means of email and telephone interview, I was able to collect the following first hand data directly from the public affairs department in Singapore from the 5th to the 9th of September 2009. Question 1: Since its establishment, Singapore Airlines has earned a reputation as an innovative market leader, combining quality products with excellent service. In brevity, please explain the history of Singapore airline since its early days from 1947 till date? Answer: A Brief History The Early Days Singapore Airlines history can be traced back to 1st May 1947, when a Malayan Airways Limited (MAL) Airspeed Consul took off from Singapore Kallang Airport on the first of three scheduled flights a week to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang. Over the next five years, larger capacity DC-3 aircraft were introduced. This meant faster and more comfortable flights, and the extension of services further afield to destinations in Indonesia, Vietnam, Burma (now Myanmar), North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak. Inflight refreshments improved from the original thermos flask of iced water to sandwiches, biscuits and cold cuts plus a choice of hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages served by a lone hostess. Known as female pursers, these hostesses are the forerunners of todays Singapore Girl. The 1950s 1960s More new aircraft were added to the fleet in the 1950s and 1960s, the period leading up to the jet age. Among these were the DC-4 Skymaster, Vickers Viscount, Lockheed Super Constellation, Bristol Britannia, Comet IV and Fokker F27. On 16 September 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was born and the Airline became known as Malaysian Airways Limited. In May 1966, it became Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1968, for the first time, annual revenue hit S$100 million. The sarong kebaya uniform for air hostesses, designed by French couturier Pierre Balmain, was introduced and three B707s were added to the fleet. The Airlines Boeing age began in 1969 with the purchase of five B737-100s. The 1970s The 1970s got underway with a bang: on 2nd June 1971, MSAs first transcontinental flight took off for London. In 1972, MSA split up to become two new entities Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airline System (MAS). The rest of the decade was devoted to growth and consolidation of the newly-established Singapore Airlines. The fleet was expanded to include B747s, B727s and DC10s. To provide more efficient ground services at Paya Lebar Airport, a subsidiary company, Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) was set up. A B747 hangar and airfreight terminal was opened in 1977. The 1980s The move to the new Singapore Changi Airport from Paya Lebar on 1st July 1981 was a big event. Two years later, Airline House, Singapore Airlines corporate headquarters in the Changi Airfreight Centre, was officially opened. The first Singapore Airlines A300 Superbus went into service in February 1981 and the first B747-300 in May 1983. The first B757 and the first A310-200 arrived in November 1984. In 1989, Singapore Airlines became the first airline to operate a B747-400 on a commercial flight across the Pacific. Tradewinds, a Singapore Airlines subsidiary, became Singapores second airline in February 1989. It has since been renamed SilkAir and has an established network of 29 destinations in the region. The 1990s Singapore Airlines commenced operations from the new Terminal 2 at Singapore Changi Airport on 22 November 1990, with the arrival of SQ23 from Amsterdam. In September 1998, Singapore Airlines set new standards in air travel by unveiling a new suite of product and services worth S$500 million across all three classes of travel, offering customers enhanced standards of service on the ground and new levels of comfort, cuisine and entertainment in the air. In 1999, Singapore Airlines launched KrisFlyer, its first proprietary frequent flyer programme, which allows First, Business and Economy Class customers to earn mileage credits. The 2000s In February 2004, Singapore Airlines inaugurated its first Airbus 340-500 by setting a record for operating the worlds longest non-stop commercial flight from Singapore to Los Angeles. The Airline bettered the record barely half a year later, in July 2004, when it launched the non-stop Singapore to New York (Newark) flight. Singapore Airlines currently operates 77 Boeing 777s, consisting of 12 B777-300s, 19 B777-300ERs , 31 B777-200s and 15 B777-200ERs. In October 2006, Singapore Airlines launched a comprehensive suite of new generation cabin products comprising the worlds widest First and Business Class full-flat seat products, a new Economy Class seat, and the next generation of KrisWorld inflight entertainment system. On 15 October 2007, Singapore Airlines took delivery of the worlds first A380 at the Airbus Headquarters in Toulouse. Singapore Airlines was the first airline to operate out of Changi Airport Terminal 3 in January 2008. The Airline currently operates out of both the new terminal and Terminal 2. In May 2008, Singapore Airlines created history again by being the first carrier to operate an all-Business Class service between Asia and the USA with its launch of all-Business class non-stop flights from Singapore to New York (Newark). Three months later, in August 2008, the Airline introduced this all-Business Class non-stop service to Los Angeles. On 21 January 2009, Singapore Airlines received the first of 19 new A330-300 aircraft in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is configured in a two class layout, with 30 new Business Class seats, and 255 Economy Class seats. The planes currently serve the regional and medium-haul routes between Singapore and cities in Australia (Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) and Japan (Nagoya). The Airline will commence daily A330-300 services to Osaka in early 2010. Public Affairs Department Singapore Airlines Ltd (2009) Question 2: What are your innovative strategies in terms of your products and services? Answer: Product and Service Excellence Excellence in customer service has been integral to Singapore Airlines success. Superb in-flight service is the cornerstone of its reputation for customer service and hospitality. Singapore Airlines has also developed a reputation as an industry trendsetter. The list of industry-leading innovations by Singapore Airlines includes: First to offer free headsets, a choice of meals and free drinks in Economy Class, in the 1970s First to fly non-stop from London to Singapore in 1984, and the first to fly non-stop from Singapore to London in 1989 First to fly non-stop across the Pacific between Hong Kong and San Francisco in 1989 First to introduce satellite-based in-flight telephones in 1991 First to introduce KrisWorld, a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment and communications system across all three classes in 1995 First to involve a comprehensive panel of world-renowned chefs, the International Culinary Panel, in developing inflight meals in 1998 First to bring high quality theatre-style surround sound to inflight movie viewing in all three classes with Dolby Technologies in 1999 First to offer audio and video on demand (AVOD) capabilities on KrisWorld in all classes in October 2001 First to operate the worlds longest non-stop commercial flight between Singapore and Los Angeles in February 2004 on the A340-500, and then surpassing the record (in terms of distance) later that year with the non-stop service to New York (Newark) in June 2004 First to introduce the Berlitz ® World Traveler interactive language learning programme on all A340-500 aircraft in July 2004 First in the world to launch the next generation KrisWorld inflight entertainment system on Panasonic Avionics Corporations eX2à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ platform in October 2006 First to fly the A380 from Singapore to Sydney on 25 October 2007. Public Affairs Department Singapore Airlines Ltd (2009). Question 3: Globally, what impact has the company made so far in respect to innovative ideas? Answer: Global Network The Singapore Airlines route network extends across 98 destinations in 40 countries, including those served by Singapore Airlines Cargo and the regional airline subsidiary, SilkAir. On 1st April 2000, Singapore Airlines joined the Star Alliance network as part of its globalization strategy and continual commitment to offer its customers improved services and benefits, including seamless air travel worldwide. Modern Fleet Singapore Airlines fleet today comprises A380-800s, A340-500s, A330-300s, B747-400s, B777-300s, B777-300ERs, B777-200s and B777-200ERs. It is the result of a series of large orders made in the 1990s, as part of an ambitious fleet renewal and expansion strategy. The orders included a US$10.3 billion order for 22 B747-400s and 30 A340-300s in 1994, a US$12.7 billion order for 77 B777s in 1995 and a US$2.2 billion order for 10 A340-500s in 1998. Singapore Airlines reinforced its commitment to fleet upgrading and expansion by placing a series of orders for a range of new generation aircraft in recent years, including: 25 Airbus A380-800 (10 in fleet, 9 on firm order and 6 on option) 40 Airbus A350 XWB-900 (20 firm and 20 on option) 40 Boeing 787-9 (20 firm and 20 on purchase rights) 19 Boeing 777-300 Extended Range (all in fleet) Singapore Airlines became the first in the world to take delivery and fly the super-jumbo A380-800 aircraft in October 2007. Singapore Airlines has one of the youngest fleets of any major airline, with an average age of 6 years and one month as at 1 September 2009. Singapore Airlines Cargo, a wholly-owned subsidiary, operates a fleet of 12 B747-400 Freighters. SilkAir, also a wholly-owned subsidiary, operates a fleet of 16 aircraft, including ten Airbus A320-200s and six Airbus A319-100s. Public Affairs Department Singapore Airlines Ltd (2009). Question 4: Without leaving out the financial aspect of it, what were your innovative ideas in terms of management of funds? Answer: Financial Strength Prudent management has helped Singapore Airlines maintain a healthy financial position and return a profit in every year of its operation. For the financial year ended 31 March 2009, the Singapore Airlines Group recorded an operating profit of S$1,062 million. Public Affairs Department Singapore Airlines Ltd (2009) Question 5: How many subsidiaries does the company have and how has it helped with the growth of the company? Answer: Subsidiaries The Singapore Airlines Group has over 20 subsidiaries, covering a range of airline-related services from cargo to engine overhaul. The philosophy of investing in overseas joint ventures is the driving force behind Singapore Airlines development into a global group of aviation-related companies. The Singapore Airlines Group will continue to invest in related businesses, rather than seek to diversify outside of the aviation industry. Public Affairs Department Singapore Airlines Ltd (2009) Question6: How many staffs do you have at present? Answer: Human Resource The Singapore Airlines Groups staff strength as at 31 August 2009 was 29, 965 of which 14,054 were employed by the Airline. Public Affairs Department Singapore Airlines Ltd (2009) Question 7: In what other areas have you made impact? Answer: Corporate Citizenship Singapore Airlines recognizes the importance of building strong relationships, not only with its customers and business partners, but also with the many communities it serves. Through corporate donations, sponsorships and other forms of support, Singapore Airlines provides backing to a wide range of community groups including charities, educational institutions, and arts and sports events. Issued by Public Affairs Department Singapore Airlines Ltd to John Odewole.5th-9th September 2009) Information systems The main kinds of information systems that brings about innovation are as follows; Executive support system Management information system Decision support system Knowledge management system Transaction processing system Office automation system Operational level system An operational level system is managed by the operational managers to support them by keeping the track of elementary activities and transactions of the organisation by the use of transaction processing system. The flow of transaction is tracked at this level such as sales, receipts, cash, deposits, payroll, credit decision and flow of materials. Major function of this level includes sales management, scheduling, budgeting and personnel records. Training and development is one of the tools responsible to the success of SIA, therefore new ideas are needed to enhance this. Operational level involves sales and marketing, manufacturing, finance which is the backbone of the company, accounting and human resources. All these should be carried out accurately and effectively for proper running of the company. For the company to function well, a basic routine of transaction necessary must be carried out. At this level, the goals of the company, task, and recourses are predefined and structured intelligently. Beardwell, I., Holden, L. Claydon, T Knowledge level system The knowledge level is to help the organisation in discovering, organising, and to integrate new and existing knowledge in to the business. Controlling the flow of paper work should be employed in this level as well. A classical planning system in terms of models of problem solving should be carried out properly and accurately. A high level of information system design is needed at this level. In the knowledge level, a biometric system can be employed in order to monitor the staffs attendance and for security purpose. This system would reduce the level of insecurity and intruders or unauthorised access into the company. The use of SAP (system Anwendungen und produkte) can be employed in Singapore airline to manage the system at the operational level. SAP is system software used to manage the system database. Its efficiency and accuracy make it outstanding among other system software. Management level system The purpose of management level is to monitor and control, decision making, and administrative activities by middle managers. The management level is the decision support system unit where management information system should be used to carry out sales management, inventory control, annual budgeting and relocation analysis. is4 (By Lachlan Mackinnin and Phil Trinder) The management should be able to analyse regional sales, schedule production in such a way that time and cost of production will be will be managed by telling the production facility what to make with which staff, and on which equipment. This is done by using production scheduling tools. An inventory control system can be used, which is integrated package of software and hardware used in controlling the companys stock. The management level of SIA should be able to analyse cost quantitatively in order to decide whether to follow a course of action or not. In terms of pricing or profitability, the management should be able to conduct a proper profitability analysis in order to provide invaluable evidence concerning the earning potential of the company. Innovative system This level is being managed by senior managers to tackle and address strategic issues and long term trends. Senior managers do not only tackle issues within the organisation, they look into the external environment as well. The senior managers major concern is how to match the capability of the organisation with challenges, changes and opportunities externally. Executive support system is used at the strategic level by senior managers to carry out sales trend forecasting, operating plan, budget forecasting and manpower planning. is7 Inter-relationship between IS types (by Lachlan Mackinnin and Phil Trinder) Using information systems to facilitate customer relations of Singapore airline Information systems can be used to facilitate customer relations through the following means or medium: Functional support role To record and store customer market data, customer profiles, customer purchase history, marketing research data, and other useful marketing records. Marketing records are used for advertising, marketing plans and sales activities. Helps to record competitors activities data, industry data, intelligence data and strategic market records. In implementing, controlling, monitoring plans, strategies, tactics, new products and new business models as well as new customers. Decision support role Decision making is determined by asking what if Questions such as: what if we decrease the price of flight 5% will that increase our sales? What if we increase it by 2% will it decrease or increase sales? Or rather discourage customers, what if we decrease by 2% then increase by 3%? And so on. Strategic support role Core competence: sustainable competitive advantage which gives the company (SIA) long term advantage in the market place. Piloting the chain of internal values which helps to reduce costs and manage performance Rapid speed of change in information and technology helps in competitive aspect which serves as an advantage to the company. Performance monitoring role Help to establish relevant and measurable objectives Helps in monitoring results and performance Helps to send or to alert managers at each levels of the organisation. Benefits of a good customer relation management A good customer relation management helps to provide an excellent customer service in such a way that customers are satisfied and retained. Examples of this is providing a rapid response to queries, fast delivery, providing solutions to customer needs/ meeting customer needs and warm customer service that cannot be found elsewhere. Using customer information to optimise/ prioritize products/ goods and services and design as well as marketing strategy. Knowing your customers and then focusing on them in terms of provision of services. Building a long term relationship with the customers and conducting interaction with customer in order to know more about their needs. Reasons for CRM To be able to compete at a higher level with other competitors Unequivocal of customer economic retention With the help of technology, Singapore airline will be able to do so effectively and profitably. By doing the above, Singapore airline will definitely acquire and retain as much customers as possible and possibly enhance profits for the company. Ethical issues The principle of right and wrong: Ethical issue is concerned the choices that people make. Ethical issue can be classified under two categories such as: The fundamental morality of behaviour: this type of issue, as well known as deontologist refers to the basic and unarguable instances of right and wrong. Therefore this medium must not be used to mislead or differentiate. The consequences of behaviour: known as teleological, this refers to social effect of behaviour. The ethical issues Singapore airline might be encountering are: The innovative strategies used by corporate employees to maximise their frequent fliers benefits such as games which can be stored by frequent fliers. Breach in individual right Inconsistence in code of conduct of the company Unlawful distribution or exposition of customer details The consequences of this action on the society References Beardwell, I., Holden, L. Claydon, T. (2004) Human Resource Management: A Contemporary Approach 4th edition, FT Prentice Hall, London UK. Chan, D. (2000) The story of Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Girl, Journal of Management Development, Vol. 19. David, M. Smeeding T. (1985) Introduction, in David, M. Smeeding, T. (eds) Horizontal Equity, Uncertainty, and Economic Well-Being, National Bureau of Economic Research, Studies in Income and Wealth, Vol. 50. Hoovers (2006) Singapore Airlines Limited, available from: . 5th September 2009. Jacques, C. (1962) Objective Measures for Pay Differentials, Harvard Business Review, January-February Pillay, J. (1989) Singapore Airlines (A), USA, Harvard Business School Press. Thompson, A., Gamble, A.J. Strickland, J.E. (2005) Strategy, Winning in the Market Place 2nd International Edition, New York USA, McGraw Hill. Walker, K.W. (1992) Human Resource Strategy, McGraw-Hill, New York USA. Wirtz, J., Johnston, R. (2003), Singapore Airlines: what it takes to sustain service excellence a senior management perspective, Managing Service Quality, Vol. 13 No.1 http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=enlr=id=jCfkJUL8oV0Coi=fndpg=PA3dq=history+airline+industryots=5D_FKZw82lsig=P-yUX_IouBcLN8If4GZ_ci9RMtU#v=onepageq=history%20airline%20industryf=false 15th September 2009 http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1062338/history_of_the_airline_industry.html 15th September 2009 Public Affairs Department Singapore Airlines Ltd 5th-9th September 2009.

Are You Sick, or Do You Just Want Attention? :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Are You Sick, or Do You Just Want Attention? Most of us, in our youth, were probably asked this question in some form or another at least once by our parents; and most of us would probably admit to having faked being sick at least once in our lives. It is interesting, then, to note that there seems actually to be a pathology associated with this kind of behavior known as Munchausen syndrome. What, technically, is Munchausen syndrome? According to the Merck Manual, it is "Repeated fabrication of physical illness - usually acute, dramatic, and convincing - by a person who wanders from hospital to hospital for treatment." (1) People suffering from this disorder will even go so far as to inflict physical harm upon themselves in order to get the attention they want. Generally, it is associated with a past history of severe neglect and abuse inflicted upon the subject. It is important at this point to differentiate between Munchausen and two other pathological behaviors for which it might be mistaken: unlike hypochondriacs, Munchausen sufferers are conscious of the fact that they are not genuinely sick (2); unlike malingerers (people who fake or induce the symptoms of illness for some external gain, such as the prescription of painkillers (3)) the behavior of an overwhelming majority of Munchausen sufferers cannot be attributed to conscious motives. (1) A far more alarming variant of this disorder, known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, has also been documented. In these cases, the subject fabricates the existence of physical illness in another person, usually the subject's child. The same sorts of behaviors occur - faking or simulating the symptoms of illness, resorting to physical harm in order to induce those symptoms. Even though the parent - the Munchausen sufferer - will always appear to be deeply concerned for the child's welfare, her actions will not infrequently result in the child's being severely deformed or even dying. (2) Both variants of this disorder are highly uncommon. At present, people with either Munchausen syndrome or Munchausen syndrome by proxy are seldom, if ever, treated with drugs. Standard methods of management and treatment include early recognition of the disorder and years of intensive counseling; many doctors believe that the disorders are not treatable, inferring from the nature of the disorders that giving the subject medical attention would in fact heighten the severity of their pathology. (2) Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen syndrome by proxy are rarely treated successfully.

Lord Hastings: A Justification To Omit Regret :: essays research papers fc

Lord Hastings: A Justification to Omit Regret We, the audience, lend our ears and nod our heads at the exactness of Lord Hastings's uttering: I think there's never a man in Christendom, Can lesser hide his love or hate than he, For by his face shall you know his heart. (3.4.51-53). Ironically, we do not assent to his words because they are exactly in the right, but because they are exactly in the wrong. By Act III, Richard III exhibits a pallet of personalities including the devoted brother, the witty wooer, and the loyal subject. We see that these almost Platonic ideals are tarnished black under the rule of Richard's perfectly evil intent to manipulate. Lord Hastings, however, could not see until it was too late. The time to weigh the validity of the supernatural signs and omens in Stanley’s dream had past. Before his death, Lord Hastings misperceives the "subtle, false, and treacherous" Richard, and only saw the face (i.e. the theatrical abilities of Richard), not the heart (1.1.37). Why, then, do we nod at wrongness? The answer lies in the fact that we are plummeted into absolute awe. We have reached a catharsis of our emotions in response to the summit of Richard’s manipulative character, where Lord Hastings had actually believed tha t Richard was a man incapable of manipulating. Our response is a sign of assent because Lord Hastings is completely justified for trusting Richard and ignoring Stanley’s forebodings entirely. If Lord Hastings had the chance to relive his death scene, he would have two choices: to reiterate his regret for not listening to Stanley, or take a different course, and omit his regret. The study of this paper involves what types of justification Lord Hastings could offer if he had the opportunity to omit regret. His justification would necessarily contain an assessment of Richard’s compelling theatrical abilities. In other words, Lord Hastings would have to prove that Richard was too good of an actor for anyone to realize his acting. Lord Hastings now carries the burden of proof on his shoulders. Lord Hastings would probably refer to the ideal representation of brotherly love Richard shows to Clarence. â€Å"We are not safe Clarence, we are not safe,† Richard says, probably placing his hand on his brother’s shoulder while stressing â€Å"we†(1.1.70). In those words, Clarence felt warmth, despite the cold chains draping from his wrists; felt security, despite his insecurities about the reason as to why he was placed under arrest.