Apple Being Engaged in Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Apple Being Engaged in Design - Essay Example †¢ Is world renowned for its pioneering efforts in personal electronic communications devices and systems Apple or "the company" is engaged in design, development and marketing of personal computers, media devices, and portable digital music players. The company also sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. The company's portfolio of offerings comprises Macintosh (Mac) computing systems, iPods line of portable digital music and video players, iPhone handsets and iPad portable multimedia and computing devices. The company primarily operates in the US. It is headquartered in Cupertino, California and employs 46,600 employees. (Datamonitor 2011) Slide 3 Industry Analysis Macro-environment Analysis †¢ Political issues o Stigma of big business (SEC scandal) o Tighter policies imposed by gov’t o Different policies by different gov’ts †¢ Economic issues o Global economic crisis o Strong emerging economies Slide 4 Industry Analysis Macro-environment Analysis †¢ Social issues o Growth of social networking o Connectivity push by many countries †¢ Technological issues o International Protection of IPR o Continuous R&D Slide 5 Industry Analysis Macro-environment Analysis †¢ Legal issues o Pursuit of litigation for IPR globally o Dangers of faulty product design †¢ Environmental issues ... Fujitsu, Samsung Electronics, Sony and Toshiba, among others.The company is currently focused on market opportunities related to mobile communication devices including the iPhone.The mobile communications industry is highly competitive with several large, well-funded and experienced competitors. The launch of iPhone spiked the demand for smartphone with touch functionality and other innovative features. This made several players in the mobile phone market, such as Nokia, HTC, RIM, Palm, Samsung and LG Electronics, launch their respective smartphone devices in the market creating significant competition. Unique vision (primarily by Steve Jobs) Apple has been usually viewed along with its charismatic and visionary founder, Mr. Jobs who has always been instrumental in managing the growth of the company and leading it to its current size. Network of interrelated support services (i.e., the APP store) bundled with peripherals Mobile apps are one of the most important factors in driving sa les of smartphones. Apple is the strongest player in the mobile apps market, with approximately 350,000 apps. Its closest competitor, the Android market has 250,000 apps, while Blackberry and Windows Phone 7 has 20,000 and 9,000 apps respectively. The mobile app market is expected to exceed $9 billion by 2014. With its innovative products such as iPhone and iPad, Apple is in a position to increase its share in the growing smartphone and tablet market. Strong horizontal and vertical integration ‘Plug-and-play’ solutions Slide 9 SWOT Analysis (Datamonitor, 2011) Strengths Powerful brand image According to industry sources, Apple is the fourth largest player in the global mobile phone market. The company holds a market share of approximately 5% and trails Nokia, Samsung and LG Electronics,

Girl Scout Essay Example for Free

Girl Scout Essay Juliette Gordon Low or Daisy was the founder of Girl Scouts, with the help of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts of America. Baden-Powell had learned that girls wanted to join the scouts, but he was too busy with running the Boy Scouts. He asked Low if she would like to be part of the Girl Guides movement, forming the first group of Girl Guides in Scotland in 1911. In 1912 Low returned to the United States, forming a group in Savannah, Georgia in 1912. In 1915, the Girl Guides became the Girl Scouts and Low became the first president. She stayed active until the time of her death. Her birthday, October 31, is celebrated by the Girl Scouts as Founders Day. Robert Baden-Powell Low was lived in Scotland when she met Sir Robert Baden-Powell at a party, where Low entertained him with stories of travel.[1] Upon further conversation, they learned that they shared a love of sculpting; Low had sculpted members of her family, including her father and one of her cousins.[1] Baden-Powell had started the Boy Scout movement, with a growing membership of boys throughout Great Britain, the United States, France, and Germany.[1] ] Girl Guides Baden-Powell’s sister Agnes had created a group for girls called Girl Guides.[1]:26 Low was interested in this movement, and created a troop in 1911 in Scotland.[1]:26 She taught them many of the skills she had learned from her grandmother, including first aid and cooking.[1]:28 On a trip back to the United States, both Low and Baden-Powell discussed the possibility of creating a Girl Guides group.[1]:28 Upon her return to her home in Savannah, she telephoned her cousin and urged her to rush over, announcing I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all America, and all the world, we’re going to start it tonight![1]

Training During The Current Global Recession Management Essay

Training During The Current Global Recession Management Essay The report attempts to find out the possible effects of cutting down the training budgets and deferring training programs during the current global recession as suggested by the senior management. Current and past literature has been reviewed to explore if training is a luxury during the current global recession. Research shows that although during the time of recession when a large number of companies are cost cutting, laying off employees, and compromising on training, Asian firms unlike western companies are focusing on training and development of their employees. In spite of the economic recession; there is a call for managing and attracting the talented employees efficiently. Employers, who will be able to pull the top talent and take on them, quickly build their capacity, hold on to them by providing advancement and development prospects, and direct employees input in line with the broader organizational strategies, will not only survive the current recession but also emerge fr om it with a distinctive advantage. Through training, such employers communicate trust in the employees and thus attain employees commitment and engagement. Moreover the trained employees will be motivated and skillful enough to cope and serve their employers with the rapidly changing knowledge based economies. Training will be an investment whose profit will be earned in post recession period. Thus it can be concluded that in the current global economy, the need for training of the employees has never been greater. Human resource management should chose relevant cost effective methods of training such as E-Learning, distance learning and self directed learning for training line mangers and employees. The blend of various methods can make training cost effective as well as beneficial in increasing productivity of the organization. Introduction Global recession is a phase, faced by most of the countries, all over the world. This economic recession has led to bankrupty of many companies. Companies have been lossing billions of dollars and firing millions of people. Analysts are of the view that this is not the first time and the last time that the global economy is going through recession. (Himachali, S. 2009). Since the Great Depression of the late 1920s, the world economy has experienced recession about every decade or two and, typically, this was followed by steady growth, driven mostly by the many ensuing innovations. Therefore it can be implied that this recession is likely to follow a similar pattern (Ndahi, H. B. 2009) Companies are trying hard to survive by cost cutting, laying off employees and compromisng on employee training and development during recession (Himachali, S. 2009). The global recession is a challenge during the time when there is the globalization of economy; expansion of knowledge based economies and more industries being centered on knowledge-based activities are now offering increased support services. Jeff Immelt CEO of GE believes that during the time of recession just holding on until things get back to normal is an error for most companies what we are seeing now is the new normal, the new world order (Charan 2009). The present report reviews current and past literature to explore if training is a luxury during the current global recession. The report will look at the possible effects of cutting down the training budgets and deferring training programs during the current global recession as suggested by the senior management. It is hypothesized that Training increases productivity of an organization during the current global recession. Review of literature will imply whether or not the managements decision to cut down on the training budget and defer any training programs is justified or not. Here the variable Training is defined as systematic development of the knowledge, skills, and expertise required by a person to effectively perform a given task or job (Patrick, 2000). Landy (1985) defined job training as a set of planned activities on the part of an organization to increase the job knowledge and skills or to modify the attitudes and social behavior of its members in ways consistent with the goals of the organization and the requirements of the job (p. 306). Where as the other variable Productivity of an Organization is defined for the present study as organizational performance in terms of revenue generated, product quality, customer service, optimal performance, customer relations and business reputation. Role of Training of Employees in Productivity of an Organization The goal of training is for employees to master the knowledge, skill and behaviors emphasized in training programs and to apply them to their day-to-day activities (Noe, Raymond A; Hollenbeck, John R; Gerehart, Barry; Wright, Patrick M. 2003). Training can increase employees knowledge of foreign competitors and cultures, which is critical for success in foreign markets. It helps ensure that employees have the basic skills to work with new technology, such as robots and computer assisted manufacturing processes. It helps employees understand how to work effectively in teams to contribute to product and service quality and ensures that the companys culture emphasizes innovation, creativity, and learning. It ensures employment security by providing new ways for employees to contribute to the company when their jobs change, their interests change or their skills become obsolete. It prepares employees to accept and work more effectively with each other, particularly with minorities and wo men. (I.I Goldstein and P. Gilliam, 1990). There is sufficient evidence that training increases job knowledge and skills and in turn, this results in better employee performance (Colquitt, LePine, Noe, 2000; Goldstein Ford, 2002). More over the research shows that the learning can contribute to self-efficacy and job satisfaction (Allen, Poteet, Lentz, Lima, 2004), which in turn can raise organizational performance (Patterson, Warr, West, 2004; Riketta, 2008). A good deal of research has linked individual learning with job performance (Colquitt et al., 2000; Salas Cannon-Bowers, 2001). There is an evidence to suggest that learning engagement can result in greater work role flexibility and willingness to learn new skills (Birdi, Allan, Warr, 1997). Training can be used to foster higher levels of commitment and satisfaction. Several HRD studies confirmed that training practices could enhance employee commitment (Meyer Smith, 2000; Whitener, 2001). Satisfaction with workplace training in an employees overall job experience is crucial. Ranstads 2001 North America Employment Review survey of twenty-six hundred American and Canadian employees found that 80 percent of respondents said receiving training that increases their skills and abilities was a key component of what they looked for in jobs (What Drives, 2001). In fact it has become an important characteristic of the new employment relationship. Roehling, M. V., Cavanaugh, M. A., Moynihan, L. M. Boswell, W. R. (2000) systematically assessed current thinking regarding the nature of the changing employment relationship through a content analysis of the practitioner and academic literatures and reported that the two most frequently mentioned characteristics of the new employment relationship are employers responsibility to provide training, education, and skill development opportunities, and employees responsibility to take advantage of those opportunities to develop and maintai n their skills. Nevertheless the global economy of today makes ongoing learning important throughout an employees career. Employees must continue to learn and grow on the job simply as a requisite for continued employability (Schmidt, S. W., 2007). Significance of Training at Manegerial Level Training shouldnt be confined to employees only. Recession brings stress and many businesses are under threat from the poor psychological state of their  stressed managers during the  global recession.  As stressed executives are more inclined to make wrong decisions that driven by their short term survival but are  not in the  companys strategic direction thus they end up ultimately damaging their business productivity and progress. Thus Managers and leaders need to be trained in this time of stress to trust their intuition and make meaningful decisions based on what is important for their business in the long term. (Zeus and Skiffington, 2004). Organizations are now realizing that workplace expertise is crucial to maintaining optimal performance and adapting to change in todays dynamic business world (Herling, 2000; Krohn, 2000). Training in the principles of social interest, democracy, and encouragement can assist managers in developing the leadership skills to foster collaborative and participative workplaces. Managers educated in participative management typically create satisfied, committed employees (Soonhee, 2002). Employer-employee relationship largely depends upon how well trained mangers are and their effective leadership qualities. Hogan (2002) noted that 60% to 75% of the employees in any organization report the worst or most stressful aspect of their job is the relationship with their immediate supervisor. According to Goldsmith (2004), employees interpersonal competence becomes more important as they achieve more visible leadership status. Most job candidates are hired based on their technical and functional abilities, but these skills recede into the background as individuals assume more prominent leadership positions. Annette Ryan, director of The Effect believes that although business leaders prior to the recession looked like leaders, but actually they were just managing in the good times. The recession demanded leadership skills, not management skills, and so these people came under a lot of pressure. Ryan says the companies that weathered the storm best are those with leaders who c ould make the hard calls, appropriately (SamGanankkan, S. 2010). Impact of Recession on Training Recession has been defended differently by various economies. Top performing economies, including the US and UK, are reducing focus on knowledge development, coaching and mentoring, and other human capital investments, with more firms reporting a decline than an increase in investment in staff development in 2008 (Clarke, M. 2009). The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (2008) also reported that firms that were investing earlier in the year are now cutting back investments in plants, machinery and training due to the pessimistic outlook for sales, orders and exports. However, by comparison, in Asia, according to the Economist Intelligence Units Business Outlook Survey, Asian companies are instead taking measures such as cutting business travel costs, reducing inventories and streamlining other budgets to cope with the recession. A minority of Asian firms (just over 40 percent) said that they would cut their training budgets in response to the recession, which was low in the order of priority compared to other measures. This contrasts with the industrialized countries, where a larger number of firms are cutting investments in employees rather than increasing them. (Economist Intelligence Unit, 2009). These findings suggest that emerging market countries will be well-positioned to overtake industrialized countries when the economy improves (Clarke, M. 2009). Impact of Deferring Training during Recession Deferring training means communicating to the employees that there are no long-standing prospects in the company. Moreover it may lead to assertive competitors picking up cream of the company leaving behind less capable employees. Thus companies that can afford to keep training, as part of their regimen will position themselves well for a rebound (Girard, K., 2008). The studies show that this lack of investment in training is detrimental. According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009, compiled by Klaus Schwab and Michael Porter for the 2009 World Economic Forum in Davos, an inadequately trained workforce was a highly rated problem-factor in doing business in the US, the UK and many other European countries. In comparison, fewer felt this was a major concern in developing markets such as China, India and South East Asia. According to analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC), businesses are already losing  £19 billion annually because of employees not having sufficient knowledge to do their job correctly. This statistic is staggering and particularly detrimental during hard economic times (Clarke, M. 2009). Employee misunderstanding, resulting from a lack of training and knowledge assessments, can be very costly for businesses; not only in terms of time and money, but also customer relations and business reputation. Additionally, a lack of knowledge and understanding of corporate and industry regulations could potentially result in high costs for the company. Business regulations seem to be constantly changing within every industry, across all sectors, and if employees are not conducting their business in compliance with new laws and policies, they are putting their company at risk of being fined and incurring other such penalties (Clarke, M. 2009). According to the survey of Monster resource center, employers are becoming increasingly tasked with how to handle present workplace changes and managing employees in the short-term. However, the companies that invest in their people now will be a step ahead in retaining their top talent (Monster World wide, inc 2009). Significance of Training During Recession Recession is a perfect time to invest even more in the training and retraining of workers to take on the new challenges of the current financial crisis, and for improved productivity when the economy recovers. The fact that all sectors of the economy are affected by the crisis means that all enterprises will require workers who are skilled, innovative and adaptable to help their company emerge from the crisis strong enough to compete in the global market. Therefore, investing in education and training of human resources should be a priority for every enterprise public and private (Ndahi, H. B. 2009). History shows that in the first few months in an upturn, hiring quickly becomes a front-burner issue, so in fact its a better option to save costs in hiring by investing in nurturing the skills and talent of employees. Investing in employee training during a downturn has the added benefit of improving staff loyalty, commitment and building high-performing teams (Ndahi, H. B. 2009). Chartered Institute of Personnel and Developments (CIPD) Recruitment, Retention and Turnover survey found out that Employers are choosing to focus on retention rather than recruitment in response to current resourcing issues. The report revealed that 73% of organizations find a lack of necessary specialist skills remains the key resourcing challenge, whilst 56% of employers are tackling this by concentrating on retention strategies such as training and career development opportunities with 75% of employers saying that additional training to allow internal staff to fill posts was the most effective recruit ment initiative. (Hesselschwedt, P. 2009). Training and development doesnt only mean to build the capacity of the employees for efficiently performing tasks in the work place. From employees perspective it means respecting and trusting individuals for what they are. According to Kelly International Workforce Survey (Kelly Services, Inc., 2010), during recession the issue of salary and benefits is of secondary importance for all generations. In answer to the question what one factor would be most likely to cause you to leave your organization, most respondents from various regions regarded lack of opportunities for advancement to be the reason for leaving organization. When respondents from various regions were asked as a result of the economic recession are you more loyal to your employer? If yes, why? Most of the respondents regarded positive management (56-70%) to be the reason to stay loyal to the employer, whereas a significant number (37-38%) regarded it to the training and development. It shows that managers training is very significant so that they can impart influential leadership skills. When considering whether to remain in or quit their job, younger workers have a much greater interest in the possibility of career advancement, while more mature workers predominantly focus on the quality of management ( Kelly Services, Inc. 2010). Studies have shown that for small and medium-sized enterprises formal training is not preferred due to high cost for training (Curran et al. 1997; Westhead and Storey 1996), uncertainty and short time horizon (Westhead and Storey 1996), loss of trained employees to other employers due to lack of internal promotion opportunities. Therefore informal training is opted as it is less costly, can be easily integrated into daily operations of the small firm, and is focused on employees specific needs (Hill and Stewart 2000; Curran et al. 1997). Large organizations during recession are facing the similar issues such as uncertainty and difficulty managing finances for training. But as the research for the small firms show that In spite of these seemingly legitimate reasons for preferring informal training, it is argued that failure to provide adequate formal employee training retards development of sustained competitive advantages in small and medium-sized enterprises (Stewart and McGoldrick 1996; Garavan, Costine, and Heraty 1995). And this significance of providing formal training can also be implied to large organizations during recession for high productivity. Need for training has become inevitable since companies today are challenged to expand globally. Because of the increase in global operations, employees often work outside their country of origin to work with employees from other counties. Cross cultural preparation training to educate exaptriates who are to be sent to a foreign country to conduct business successfully in the global market place is vital so that employees must understand the business practises and the cultual norms of different countries (Noe, Raymond A; Hollenbeck, John R; Gerehart, Barry; Wright, Patrick M. 2003). Knowledge Based Economies and Need for Training in Post Recession Economy Analysts are of the view that after recession; customers, competitors and suppliers will have different expectations and behaviors, so business strategies must anticipate and adapt to the new challenges and opportunities (Welch and Welch 2009). Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009 sketches new dimension of the world economy which is now experiencing globalization, knowledge based economies are being expanded and more industries that were previously not centered on knowledge based activities are now offering increased support services. Firms that do not obtain or maintain necessary skills through workplace education will find themselves excluded from the global value chain (Gorg, Greenaway and Kneller 2008). There are many dimensions in which firms must develop their capabilities, including in the use of new technology, production methods and engagement with global supply chains and networks. No less important is a commitment to investment in learning and development to ensure empl oyees and management are confident, competent and skilled to carry out their roles (Clarke, M. 2009). With the expansion of knowledge-based economies investment in knowledge will be essential in creating competitive advantage in the future (Fauth and Brinkley 2009). All this put a heavier emphasis on training of employees so that they are able to seek knowledge. Thus a lack of investment in people and their knowledge development will threaten the ability of leading industrialized countries to maintain global competitiveness in the post-recession economy (Mizen, P. 2009). Cost Effective Training Methodology During Global Recession Employees can be trained through e-learning, self study, video based training, instructor led training, simulations, apprenticeship, case study, interactive videos, team building and adventure learning, distance learning and job shadowing etc. Although the research shows that the methodologies which involve an instructor or coach were preferred significantly such as instructor-led training, one-on-one training, and job shadowing (Schmidt, S. W., 2007) more than the more solitary methodologies such as computer-based training, or self-study including video-based training (Nordhaug, 1989) as participants prefer a high degree of interaction between an instructor or coach and a student or students (Schmidt, S. W., 2007). But it is expected that the use of training technologies will increase dramatically in the next decade as technology improves and becomes cheaper; companies recognize the potential cost savings of delivering training via desktop computers (M. Van Buren, and W. Woodwell, J r., 2000), especially during and after recession. New training technologies can lower delivery costs and increase flexibility in delivery. (Gupta, H. U. 1996) for example, training delivered by an instructor at a central location requires employees to spend time away from their regular jobs and incurs employee travel costs. Lower delivery costs can be realized by using satellite-based training or distance leaning in which training programs are transmitted via satellite to several locations. Also use of CD-ROM or web base training gives employees the flexibility to participate in training on 24-hour basis at home or work though use of personal computers. (Noe, Raymond A; Hollenbeck, John R; Gerehart, Barry; Wright, Patrick M. 2003). These methodologies can be safely used during recession. An advantage of distance learning is that the company can save on travel expenses. It also allows employees in geographically dispersed sites to receive training from experts who would not be otherwise available to visit each location. E.g. the research and development group at 3M found considerable cost savings by using video conferencing to conduct an eight week class on imaging technology that involved instructors from Europe and USA. (Nadeau, M., 1995 B. Flipczak and B. Leonard, 1996). Without video conferencing the class wouldve cost $100,000 making it too expensive. With video conferencing the course cost only $13,000 (Noe, Raymond A; Hollenbeck, John R; Gerehart, Barry; Wright, Patrick M. 2003). Similarly the self-directed learning requires fewer trainers, reduces costs associated with travel and meeting rooms, and makes multiple site training more realistic. In the same way, although employers have to pay highly for developing interactive video programs and purchasing the equipment yet this is offset by the reduction in instructors costs and travel costs related to a central training location. At Federal Express, interactive video has made it possible to train 35,000 customer contact employees in 650 locations nationwide, saving the company millions of dollars (Hannum, W.H. 1990). In the same way, e-learning trainees are more engaged through the use of videos, graphics, sound and text, which appeal to multiple senses of the learner. Besides enhancing the training experience e-learning can reduce training costs and time. It brings geographically dispersed employees at their locations reducing travel costs (Noe, Raymond A; Hollenbeck, John R; Gerehart, Barry; Wright, Patrick M. 2003). Recession can be an Opportunity Similarly, Lynda Gratton suggests that recessions provide the space for new ideas to flourish while the economic effects can be dire, in the long term recession can have a positive effect on work and working habits (Gratton 2008). For many companies, times of turmoil offer new business opportunities, but taking advantage of them requires fast response, aggressive attitudes, and serious changes to the corporate status quo (Thornton 2009). Visionary leaders will emerge from the recession strong, with an educated and skilled workforce, because they would have invested in training during tough times. They would have realized that education and training constitute a bridge to entering and competing in new market conditions in the global economy (Ndahi, H. B. 2009). Recession is the right time to focus on innovation and creativity. An emphasis on greater market research (which is often neglected because of complacency when times are more profitable) would definitely pay off. Creating new products or services can open the gates for new consumers of products or services. Training is an investment not an expense. Despite any recession, it should be maintained as a continuous process to ensure organizations remain competitive and productive. (Rao, M. S. 2009). Conclusion Thus through the review of literature significance of employee and managers training has been highlighted. Workplace expertise is vital to sustain optimal performance and adapting to change in todays changing business world. Although companies are cutting down training due to global recession, yet research shows that inadequately trained workforce has affected business detrimentally. It is better to spend on retention rather than recruitment, as right after recession highly skilled staff will be required to compete in the global market. Moreover training employees is an investment that leads to staff loyalty and commitment. During recessions, organizations can find ways and means to cut down on unwarranted expenditure elsewhere other than training. Human resource management can chose relevant cost effective methods of training such as E-Learning, distance learning and self directed learning for training line mangers and employees. The blend of various methods can make training cost e ffective as well as beneficial in terms of increased production and improvements in product quality or customer service, raise in organizational performance in terms of greater revenue generated, maintenance of optimal performance, sustained customer relations and business reputation, saving company from the risk of being fined and incurring other penalties. Thus the hypothesis Training increases productivity of an organization during the current global recession is proved to be correct. Therefore training during recession is not a luxury; rather its a necessity. Hence the organizations management is not justified to cut down on the training budget and defer any training programs. In fact recession can be an opportunity for employees to spend time learning and for employers to gain a competitive edge. Recommendations Following recommendations are made for the organizations training program for management as well as employees during recession. The organization should map out the cost effective training related activities and the processes used to accomplish them methodically. Relevant cost effective methods of training such as E-Learning, distance learning and self directed learning for training line mangers and employees can be used. These methods can be used in a combination to maximize benefit and reduce cost. Need assessment should be done before planning training so that training objectives are in line with the organizations strategic goals. The planning process should be initiated with an audit of existing activities and measurement of new employee performance and of turnover outcomes. Whereas the outcomes should be defined and regularly evaluated (Holtan III, E. E, 1996). It is suggested that the organization should focus on collective learning during the time of recession. The organization should take steps to generate, disseminate and retain knowledge about itself. The managers should be trained extensively and through the acquired knowledge, capacity of the other workers should be build. The trainer employees should be appreciated when they are able to share and transfer their knowledge and skills with other employees. As past studies have shown information sharing as a way of involvement, to be linked to better business performance (Gibson, Porath, Benson, Lawler, 2007; Law Ngai, 2008; Lin, 2008). Organizational training can further be used to enhance team learning. It is suggested that training should be provided at managerial level and later trained managers should disperse this learning in team to other members. This will be not only cost effective but would result in stronger shared mental models that can improve performance as Marks, Zaccaro, and Mathieu (2000) and Marks, Sabella, Shawn Burke, and Zaccaro (2002) demonstrated in an experiment. It is proposed that the employees can be trained through the orientation programs learning in the workplace apart from job-training programs. During recession period, apart from the formal training, orientation sessions can be useful and less expensive. Through orientations employees can be trained for short-term period in which they can be provided basic information and the social cues. (Holtan III, E. E, 1996). A part from the formal job training, employees can be facilitated for workplace learning activities which may include all learning activities that occur in the workplace itself, such as on-the-job training, social learning, and informal learning. HR should evaluate employees after these formal and informal learning and should grant employees certificates provided their skills are developed. Moreover the organization should enhance and develop existing training programs because they will help reveal employees learning and areas that need more consideration. According to Clarke (2009) this kind of information helps to prepare future employees for their roles and saves companies the time and money that would otherwise be lost in misplaced and ineffective training programs. Due to the fast changing business scenario and economy, unpredictable market situation and global competition, during the period of recession or after that it is very important that the organization is transformed into a learning organization. It is not unrealistic to visualize for a learning organization that facilitates the learning of all its members and continuously transforms itself [Pedler, Burgoyne, Boydell, 1991]. This can help to increase competitiveness through generative learning that is forward looking and reduces the major shocks of change, through close relationships with customers and other key constituents that allow for mutual adjustment, and through the ability to quickly reconfigure and reallocate resources based on environmental change (Slater Narver, 1995). It is suggested that the organization should use assessment programs to identify the top employees to determine which employees are the most valuable for the business and should be retained. Such employees should be given extensive training and their capacity should be build to train other employees. As employing trainers within the organization would be more cost effective.

Essay example --

Jahanpanah – literally, ‘Refuge of the World’ –is often known as the fourth city of Delhi. The walls of Jahanpanah were constructed by Muhammad Tughlak in 1328 A.D. It is believed that the sultan (a megalomaniac) desired to unify the scattered urban settlements in the area : the old city of Lal Kot, the military cantonment of Siri, and the citadel of Tughlaqabad into one city by enclosing them within a single walled area. After building a part of it, he gave up the rest due to the huge expenses needed for construction. Jahanpanah was created by linking the older cities of Siri and Lal Kot by a set of two extensive walled sections with a total of thirteen gates. The western wall had six gates while the eastern had seven. But only the name of Maidan Gate on the west, near an old idgah, survives. Sher Shah removed the walls of this city. Historians believe that the fortified city was for the residence of the sultan and his royal household so must have contained the citadel with the sultan’s palace complex and the main mosque for the use of the royal family and others. The majority of city’s population lived within the walls of Lal Kot. It is also possible that large parts of Jahanpanah continued to be rural or forested during and long after Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign. Today, the fortifications have survived in small sections, mostly parts of the wall that connected Siri to Lal Kot from the south. Due to the expansion of urban India, Jahanpanah has been engulfed by modern residential neighbourhoods while large parts of the walls were demolished to lay modern infrastructure like roads. Other than the parts of the original wall, very little survives of what can be dated to Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign with certainty. Khirki... ...s. Below ground is a three feet wide cell and is almost filled up with soil. It is declared to be Kabir-ud-din Aulia’s abode below by day and above by night. The group of buildings includes ruins of several wall mosques, grave platforms, and gateways. On the roof, a low octagonal drum carries a conical dome. It is said that the dome was originally surmounted with a gold finial which was stolen at some point. The roof level is edged by carved sandstone battlement decorations. a tall pointed entrance arch with lotus bud fringe design contains a carved corbelled gateway surrounded by a band of white marble. Above the gateway is another arch, within which is set a red sandstone jali (screen with ornamental patterns). Similar patterns exist on the north and south except that the gateway is blocked by a jali of red sandstone. The solid western wall contains the mihrab.

Plugged In or Plugged Out?

The technological age has dawned upon us. 80 percent of Americans own a computer; they're constantly sucked into their iPods, iPhones, Blackberries, TVs, computers – you name it – from the time they awaken to the time they fall asleep. American teenagers, born into this world of technology as soon as it began to take off in the 1990s, find themselves completely at ease with computers, a trait that is, so far, unique to their generation. Schools have slowly started to implement new technologies into the classroom – the latest computers, tablets, projectors, smart boards – however schools must be weary of introducing too much new technology, because as instructive as they can be, they can also be disruptive and dangerous. When the right balance is found, the public school system – and the students – will surely prosper. The Internet, bursting into the homes of Americans in the 1990s, revolutionized American life. Entire businesses can be created and destroyed with the click of a mouse; doctors and nurses rely on it to store medical records and ensure the health of their patients. Newspapers, once so imperative to American life, and in shaping the history of our nation, have been completely replaced with online news websites, and businesses have learned to adapt to advertise and sell in the online world, when they had previously been limited only to print, television and radio. Countless numbers of student help websites have opened; the college application process simplified. Yes, the Internet is an incredible place, bursting with knowledge, but it is also a breeding ground for cheating and plagiarism. To accompany the honest educational websites, there are sites with prewritten essays – pay a small fee, copy and paste, and you're done. Students abuse websites such as Sparknotes and Cliffsnotes instead of reading the book that they're assigned, and they rely on search engines such as Google to do their homework for them. The lewd content, displayed so boldly and proudly, splashed across the pages of millions of websites, is also a problem for schools – one wrong click on a search engine and you could be viewing something you never wanted to see. It's a free-for-all in cyberspace, and there is certainly no quality control, as the Supreme Court ruled it a violation of privacy to regulate free speech on the web. Although technology to conquer these problems is in wide use – Turnitin, a plagiarism detector, and various Internet blocking s ystems are just a few – they are never 100 percent successful in their quest to make the Internet a less vile place. However, by taking proper safety precautions, schools can protect their students and still ensure they have access to the educational tools the internet provides. Read also Twitter Case Study Technology has impacted our daily routine so much that rarely do we ever find ourselves using the â€Å"old-fashioned† pen and paper. Why would we need to? We have cell phones to store phone numbers in and word processors to write papers in. Even keeping a journal seems like a thing of the past when our lives are documented so well by Facebook, Twitter, and various blogging sites. Pens and pencils have been exchanged for a keyboard, paper exchanged for a word processor. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing; with less paper consumption comes a healthier Earth. This is what e- books such as the Kindle attempt to accomplish. They read just like a book, store upwards of 10,000 books, are extremely lightweight and portable, and, of course, use no paper. Textbooks are available for purchase through these e-books for half the cost of traditional textbooks, and implementing them in schools could not only save the environment – they could also save money. The world is at the fingertips of students using the Internet – literally. One can take a tour of Paris, London or Rome, and even walk on the surface of the Moon or Mars using Google Maps. Google Art Project gives students the chance to explore art museums around the world, viewing old and new masterpieces with the click of a button. They can easily have a casual conversation via webcam in the foreign language of their choice with someone who lives halfway across the world. The can communicate with their teachers instantaneously outside of school and learn like never before. So what's stopping schools from investing in this new wealth of technology for the betterment of their student body? With sufficient Internet protection in place, students can learn better, and more quickly and effectively, than ever before. If the next generation is properly equipped with the right technology, they sky will no longer be the limit; they can reach for the stars and beyond.

Neptune essays

Neptune essays Neptunes surface is very different than most of the planets surfaces. Neptune has a rocky inner core, which is completely surrounded by water. Its atmosphere is made up of seventy-four percent hydrogen, twenty-five percent helium, and one-percent methane. The Climate Neptune has a very frigid climate. The water surrounding Neptunes core is freezing cold. Neptune also has the highest recorded wind in the whole solar system. The winds were reported at over 2,000 kilometers per hour. The storms that occur on Neptune move very quickly. The atmosphere on Neptune is so cold that some of the clouds are actually frozen water. Contrary to what many people believe, Saturn isnt the only planet with rings. Neptune, along with many other planets, has rings also. Neptunes rings are narrow and contain concentrations of particles called ring arcs. The rings are made of dark matter and scientists do not know exactly what they are made of. One system of rings has an unusual arrangement which is somewhat twisted. Scientists think that these rings are twisted because the original material of the rings was in clumps that formed streaks as the material orbited Neptune. The rings around Neptune are so faint that when the satellite, The Voyager, took pictures of it, the brightness of the planet mad it so the rings were almost impossible to see. Like most planets, Neptune was named after a Roman god. Neptune was the god of water. Neptune, the planet, was named after the god Neptune because of its blue color. Neptunes largest moon was named after Triton, the god of the sea and Neptunes son. Since Neptune is the eighth planet away from the sun it is very hard to see even if you are using a telescope. Because the planet Plutos orbit is quite random, Neptune is sometimes the ninth planet away from the sun making the view e ...

Augustus essays

Augustus essays Augustus was born plain Gaius Octavius at Rome on September 23rd. His father was the first in the family to become senator, but died when Octavian was only four years old. It was his mother who had the more distinguished connection. She was the daughter of Julia, sister to Julius Caesar. He was short in Stature, and well proportioned. His body however was covered in spots and he had many birthmarks scattered over his chest and belly. As for character it is said that he was cruel when he was young, but became better when he good older. He was tolerant of criticism and possessed a good sense of humor. Although unfaithful to his wife Livia Drusilla, he remained deeply devoted to her. His public moral attitudes were strict. Octavian served under Julius Caesar in the Spanish expedition of 46 BC. It was possible that he designated to take a senior military command in Caesar's projected Parthian expedition of 44 BC, although at the time he was only 18 years old. But Octavian was with his friends Marcus Agrippa and Marcus Salvidienus Rufus in Appollonia in Epirus completing his academic and military studies, when news reached him of Caesar's assassination. He at once returned to Rome. He learned on the way that Caesar had adopted him in his will. The news sharpened his resolve to avenge Caesar's murder. When he arrived he found power in the hands of Marc Antony and Aemilius Lepidus, who were urging compromise and amnesty. Octavian refused to accept this, and succeeded in undermining Antony's position by winning over many of Caesar's supporters, including some of the legions. He was failed to persuade Marc Antony to hand over Caesar's assets and documents. Octavian was compelled to distribute Caesar's legacies to the Roman public from whatever funds he was able to raise from other sources. This no doubt raised his standing with the Roman's considerably. ...

Molodova I - Paleolithic Mammoth Bone Hut in Ukraine

Molodova I - Paleolithic Mammoth Bone Hut in Ukraine The Middle and Upper Paleolithic site of Molodova (sometimes spelled Molodovo) is located on the Dniester River in the Chernovtsy (or Chernivtsi) province of Ukraine, between the Dniester river and the Carpathian mountains. Molodova I has five Middle Paleolithic Mousterian occupations (called Molodova 1-5), three Upper Paleolithic occupations and one Mesolithic occupation. The Mousterian components are dated to 44,000 RCYBP, based on charcoal radiocarbon from a hearth. Microfauna and palynological data connect the layer 4 occupations with Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 (ca 60,000-24,000 years ago). Archaeologists believe that the stone tool strategies appear to be either Levallois or transitional to Levallois, including points, simple side scrapers and retouched blades, all of which argues that Molodova I was occupied by Neanderthals using a Mousterian tradition tool kit. Artifacts and Features at Molodova I Artifacts from the Mousterian levels at Molodova include 40,000 flint artifacts, including over 7,000 stone tools. The tools are characteristic of typical Mousterian, but lack bifacial forms. They are blades with marginal retouch, retouched side-scrapers and retouched Levallois flakes. Most of the flint is local, from the Dniester river terrace. Twenty-six hearths were identified at Molodova I, varying in diameter from 40x30 centimeters (16x12 inches) to 100x40 cm (40x16 in), with ashy lenses varying from 1-2 cm thick. Stone tools and burned bone fragments were recovered from these hearths. Approximately 2,500 mammoth bones and bone fragments have been recovered from Molodova I layer 4 alone. Living at Molodova The Middle Paleolithic level 4 covers 1,200 square meters (about 13,000 square feet) and includes five areas, including a pit filled with bones, an area with engraved bones, two concentrations of bones and tools, and a circular accumulation of bones with tools in its center. Recent studies (Demay in press) have focused on this last feature which was originally characterized as a mammoth bone hut. However, recent re-investigations of mammoth bone settlements in central Europe have confined the use dates to between 14,000-15,000 years ago: if this was a mammoth bone settlement (MBS), it is older by some 30,000 years than the majority of the others: Molodova currently represents the only Middle Paleolithic MBS discovered to date. Because of the discrepancy in dates, scholars have interpreted the ring of bones as either a hunting blind, a natural accumulation, a circular symbolic ring bound to Neanderthal beliefs, a wind break for a long term occupation, or the result of humans returning to the area and pushing away the bones from the living surface. Demay and colleagues argue that the structure was purposefully built as protection from cold climate in an open environment and, along with the pit features, that makes Molodova an MBS. The ring of bones measured 5x8 meters (16x26 feet) inside and 7x10 m (23x33 ft) externally. The structure included 116 complete mammoth bones, including 12 skulls, five mandibles, 14 tusks, 34 pelves and 51 long bones. The bones represent at least 15 individual mammoths, and included both male and female, both adults and juveniles. Most of the bones appear to have been intentionally selected and assembled by Neanderthals to build a circular structure. A large pit located 9 m (30 ft) from the circular structure contained the majority of non-mammoth bones from the site. But, most importantly, mammoth bones from the pit and dwelling structure have been linked as coming from the same individuals. The bones in the pit show cut marks from butchering activities. Molodova and Archaeology Molodova I was discovered in 1928, and first excavated by I.G. Botez and N. N. Morosan between 1931 and 1932. A.P. Chernysch continued excavations between 1950 and 1961, and again in the 1980s. Detailed site information in English has only recently become available. Sources This glossary entry is a part of the About.com guide to Middle Paleolithic, and the Dictionary of Archaeology. Demay L, PÃ ©an S, and Patou-Mathis M. in press. Mammoths used as food and building resources by Neanderthals: Zooarchaeological study applied to layer 4, Molodova I (Ukraine). Quaternary International(0). Meignen, L., J.-M. Genest, L. Koulakovsaia, and A. Sytnik. 2004. Koulichivka and its place in the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition in eastern Europe. Chapter 4 in The Early Upper Paleolithic Beyond Western Europe, P.J. Brantingham, S.L. Kuhn, and K. W. Kerry, eds. University of California Press, Berkeley. Vishnyatsky, L.B. and P.E. Nehoroshev. 2004. The beginning of the Upper Paleolithic on the Russian Plain. Chapter 6 in The Early Upper Paleolithic Beyond Western Europe, P.J. Brantingham, S.L. Kuhn, and K. W. Kerry, eds. University of California Press, Berkeley.

Global Managerial Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Global Managerial Economics - Essay Example Some countries may not need financial assistance but advice on policies. IMF also extends this by providing Policy Support Instrument. Together with these programs offered by IMF is an austerity program. Financial aids are coupled with "neoliberal"1 ideology or agenda which is a prerequisite for the fund. Examples of these conditions are "cutbacks" or "liberalization" of the economy, opening markets for trade, minimization of government intervention, privatization which causes the reduced protection of domestic industries, currency devaluation, mounts in interest rates, "flexibility" of the labor market, elimination of subsidies, and incentive for foreign investors (Shah 2005). There has been a growing controversy on the effects of these austerity measures. Some critics claim that problems experienced by the countries aided by the IMF can be directly traced by the implemented austerity measures together with the organization's financial assistance. A good illustration of the above discussion is the global economic crisis which occurred from 1997-1999.

Critical analysis of the learning environment in the community Essay

Critical analysis of the learning environment in the community - Essay Example Modern nursing is changing with new roles and working practices. They are leaders, coordinators, teachers and practitioners. There is still a need for nurses to care for patients in hospitals, but much nursing practice now takes place in the GP surgery, in peoples homes and in specialist clinics in the community. Laschinger (1992) used the Kolb’s learning theory (ELT) to study 179 generic baccalaureate students’ perception of the contributions of different types of nursing learning environments to development of adaptive competences. Nursing learning environments were thought to contribute most to divergent competencies, reflecting the importance of both people-oriented and scientific skills in nursing. However it was found that clinical experience and senior preceptorship experience contributed significantly more to the development of these competencies than typical nursing classes and non-nourishing classes. Besides, the students considered assimilative competencies such as leading and influencing others relatively unimportant to successful functioning in nursing learning environments. The preparation for the practice of professional nursing occurs in the early training program for nurses that integrate liberal arts and sciences, as well as nursing theory and practice. Beside s this program need to develop altruistic values, an understanding of and appreciation for the social and ethical issues of life in a global society, the conceptualization and synthesis of general education and nursing knowledge and the development of affective, cognitive, and psychomotor skills and behaviors to function as a caring, beginning practitioner in nursing. The clinical learning environment creates many opportunities for student learning and the development of critical competencies in the nursing profession. The learning that takes place in this environment, however, confronts the first year nursing

Solar Collector mirror Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Solar Collector mirror - Research Paper Example Conduction with copper heats the water passing through the pipe. Mirror is bent by heating it. Attempting to bend mirror at too low heating would cause it to break whereas too much heating makes mirror melt and disfigure rather than being bent. Before, heating, the mirror is polished and cleaned good enough to make any dust particle invisible to the naked eye. After the mirror is cleaned, it is painted with a mix of detergent, clay, and calcium carbonate to prevent it sticking with the steel bracket when it gets hot. Exciting the silica molecules can take up to three hours before the mirror starts to bend when placed over the bracket and heated (Dinh, 2011). After the mirror has been bent, it is allowed time to cool down in a process called annealing that usually takes up to two hours to complete. If the mirror is allowed to cool down too quickly, the internal stresses built up during heating may cause it to

International Trade Unions 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Trade Unions 2 - Assignment Example Trade Union executive realized that they were legally responsible to imprisonment and prosecution for bona fide union actions, and it felt that some legislation for the safeguard of trade union was essential. The Indian government found it necessary for the protection and registration of trade unions. The act (Indian trade union 1926) sets rules for both the industrialists and the workers. The Act deals with the registration of trade unions, their liabilities, responsibilities and their rights to ensure that their funds managed properly. This is done through annual submission of the report on their expenditure, income, and membership to the ministry of labor and employment. Impacts of trade unions on export Trade unions negotiated for implementation of taxes policies to all tariffs where they argued that, the workforce was behind all the economical benefit realized and increased exports, in the manufacturing industries. The objective of any baseline was to work out the sectoral techn ological development fitting with the working people and GDP projections, which will then be kept unaffected for all simulations. Harmonization of employee’s salaries and working conditions lead, to improvement of the productivity of the goods and services produced in these sectors. The industrial sector, wholly measured similar significance for the two economies (India, & India2007). The Production moved towards manufacturing sectors wearing apparel sector, the textile, and leather. As a result, efficiency increased in exports rates in china does market linearization? Indian exports represent $ 77 billion spreading mainly on Industry and Textile goods (20%), manufactures (48%). Where the biggest share comes from manufacturers, and the major export market for Indian exports? EU are intense mainly on the manufacturing sector is worth noticing that in general evolutions of welfare are to a certain extent small in this situation, as it is common with this kind of models. This is mainly due to the choice to ignore the outcome of liberalization on efficiency and good organization. Countries sharing of trade union policies and markets, export efficiency would increase as a consequence of a bilateral agreement. This because there will be minimal sabotages and strikes on the sector. Impacts of trade union on employee’s grievances Trade unions not only act as a system to give voice to employee problems and grievances before management, but they also are fairly concerned in welfare trial for workers, and in improving the value for their life work; all such procedures may be placed under ancillary functions of unions.( Carr,2010). They actively take part in negotiations with management at different levels concerning safety, working conditions, and various other worker-related issues. Through these unions, the workers were able to get annual seminars related to their job to enhance their productivity. The issues of educating their families they got reorganiz ed fee structures for their children education in the schools of their township. Salary / wages decisions, considerations concerning dual pension on the ratio they will receive and the duration it will take after their retirement period. Improvement of information conveying to

Military Ethic - Utilitarian Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Military Ethic - Utilitarian - Essay Example According to Mill’s perspective of the utilitarian theory, he notes that the quality of happiness is the fundamental aspect of the utilitarian theory and not the amount of happiness. Mill’s indicates that happiness cannot be quantified as it is a quality. On the same breath, Mill’s says that the theory aims to enhance the highest ability of attaining happiness for the largest number of people. To what extent? To as many as possible. On the other hand, Bentham has a different set of principles that governs this theory. Bentham asserts that the importance of pleasure and pain in each person. Bentham agrees or disagrees of any act depending on the amount of pain or pleasure that results from the act. Bentham compares associates pleasure with good and pain with evil. The main assertion of Bentham is that pain and pleasure can be quantified. The two theorists seem to differ on the aspect of quantification. Can happiness or pain or pleasure be quantified? (Gierson & Ho lmgren, 2000). The utilitarian theory can be applied to certain the overall rules or certain actions. Application of the theory to the overall rules is termed as rule-utilitarianism, while the application of the theory to certain actions is termed as act-utilitarianism. In application of the theory through the act-utilitarianism, â€Å"An act is right if and only if it results in as much good as any available alternative.† (Pojman & Fieser, 2011). The application of this theory based on the act perspective is based on the good. The good that will result from the action. The question is, how much good results from many military actions? The other application of the theory through the rule-utilitarianism states that the utilitarian theory is utilized to evaluate if the regulations of behavior or conduct are valid. If one behaves in a certain way, is it

Some Aplication of Mechanical Engineering Term Paper

Some Aplication of Mechanical Engineering - Term Paper Example Mechanical engineering demonstrates its diversity in solving various challenges as mechatronics shows by providing a platform where sensors, actuators, signaling, electrical control, algorithms alongside computing assistance to provide stability to various connectivity needs in engineering systems. Apparently, the root of the name originates from mechanical and electronics, which implies that both phases of intervention towards solving specific challenges are crucial in the design of engineering products. Four main systems are managed in mechatronics namely, information, mechanical, computer and electrical, to provide a composite application in which mechanical engineering is put to test. Commonest application designs for mechatronics include home security applications, implant devices, jet engines, robotics, antilock brake, and intelligent highways among many more designs. The basic applications in this category appears to be and structural control (Bolton, 1995). To this end, the m echatronics aspect of mechanical engineering is considered key in industrial and semi-conductor revolutions as discussed below. Massive mechanical energy utilization fueled he industrial revolution that shaped the human civilization and introduced unprecedented differences to quality of life. Mechanical engineering designs formed the bulk of the industry that was rapidly taking shape from astronomical demand for energy to power the revolution. Gears and levers were among the commonest components of the mechanical engineering designs. Other components utilized in the revolution included cams and linkages that assisted in reduction of power demand and inefficiency incurred. Improvements towards the later stages of the revolution introduced mechatronics components that integrated electrical enhancement for the engineering designs (Fukuda, Harshama and Tomizuka, 1996). Learning from the potential that electronic enhancement could bring to mechanical designs, the world was prepared to

International Trade Unions 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Trade Unions 2 - Assignment Example Trade Union executive realized that they were legally responsible to imprisonment and prosecution for bona fide union actions, and it felt that some legislation for the safeguard of trade union was essential. The Indian government found it necessary for the protection and registration of trade unions. The act (Indian trade union 1926) sets rules for both the industrialists and the workers. The Act deals with the registration of trade unions, their liabilities, responsibilities and their rights to ensure that their funds managed properly. This is done through annual submission of the report on their expenditure, income, and membership to the ministry of labor and employment. Impacts of trade unions on export Trade unions negotiated for implementation of taxes policies to all tariffs where they argued that, the workforce was behind all the economical benefit realized and increased exports, in the manufacturing industries. The objective of any baseline was to work out the sectoral techn ological development fitting with the working people and GDP projections, which will then be kept unaffected for all simulations. Harmonization of employee’s salaries and working conditions lead, to improvement of the productivity of the goods and services produced in these sectors. The industrial sector, wholly measured similar significance for the two economies (India, & India2007). The Production moved towards manufacturing sectors wearing apparel sector, the textile, and leather. As a result, efficiency increased in exports rates in china does market linearization? Indian exports represent $ 77 billion spreading mainly on Industry and Textile goods (20%), manufactures (48%). Where the biggest share comes from manufacturers, and the major export market for Indian exports? EU are intense mainly on the manufacturing sector is worth noticing that in general evolutions of welfare are to a certain extent small in this situation, as it is common with this kind of models. This is mainly due to the choice to ignore the outcome of liberalization on efficiency and good organization. Countries sharing of trade union policies and markets, export efficiency would increase as a consequence of a bilateral agreement. This because there will be minimal sabotages and strikes on the sector. Impacts of trade union on employee’s grievances Trade unions not only act as a system to give voice to employee problems and grievances before management, but they also are fairly concerned in welfare trial for workers, and in improving the value for their life work; all such procedures may be placed under ancillary functions of unions.( Carr,2010). They actively take part in negotiations with management at different levels concerning safety, working conditions, and various other worker-related issues. Through these unions, the workers were able to get annual seminars related to their job to enhance their productivity. The issues of educating their families they got reorganiz ed fee structures for their children education in the schools of their township. Salary / wages decisions, considerations concerning dual pension on the ratio they will receive and the duration it will take after their retirement period. Improvement of information conveying to

Some Aplication of Mechanical Engineering Term Paper

Some Aplication of Mechanical Engineering - Term Paper Example Mechanical engineering demonstrates its diversity in solving various challenges as mechatronics shows by providing a platform where sensors, actuators, signaling, electrical control, algorithms alongside computing assistance to provide stability to various connectivity needs in engineering systems. Apparently, the root of the name originates from mechanical and electronics, which implies that both phases of intervention towards solving specific challenges are crucial in the design of engineering products. Four main systems are managed in mechatronics namely, information, mechanical, computer and electrical, to provide a composite application in which mechanical engineering is put to test. Commonest application designs for mechatronics include home security applications, implant devices, jet engines, robotics, antilock brake, and intelligent highways among many more designs. The basic applications in this category appears to be and structural control (Bolton, 1995). To this end, the m echatronics aspect of mechanical engineering is considered key in industrial and semi-conductor revolutions as discussed below. Massive mechanical energy utilization fueled he industrial revolution that shaped the human civilization and introduced unprecedented differences to quality of life. Mechanical engineering designs formed the bulk of the industry that was rapidly taking shape from astronomical demand for energy to power the revolution. Gears and levers were among the commonest components of the mechanical engineering designs. Other components utilized in the revolution included cams and linkages that assisted in reduction of power demand and inefficiency incurred. Improvements towards the later stages of the revolution introduced mechatronics components that integrated electrical enhancement for the engineering designs (Fukuda, Harshama and Tomizuka, 1996). Learning from the potential that electronic enhancement could bring to mechanical designs, the world was prepared to

The Level of Legal Immigration Essay Example for Free

The Level of Legal Immigration Essay In recent years, a political battle had been in the center of a very heated and controversial debate is the battle of immigration. Terrorism, the drug war, and the national deficit have all fueled interest in a long dormant debate. According to the United States Census, â€Å"immigration will propel the U. S. population total to 438 million by 2050†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Haub). The Hispanic population alone will exceed to an estimated 100 million, which subsequently is in relevance with the over 60 percent of immigrants coming from Mexico. Proposals have recently been put through by the  President and House of Representatives to deal with various aspects of illegal immigration, varying from amnesty for existing illegals, guest worker programs, deportation, fines for unpaid taxes, stricter border enforcement, and so on. However, very little attention has been given to legal immigration. Yet since this nation has become more and more ethnically diverse than it has ever been in decades, immigration is in general good for the country, therefore, it should be an acceptation for America to have this so-called â€Å"melting pot† grow more by increasing the level f people that are allowed to enter the country and work towards citizenship. Legal immigration should increase to benefit the improvement of the overall image of America intentionally, as it is seen as an openly welcoming country; immigrants who return home or maintain contact with family back home have a true image of America, not the one propagandized in much of the intentional media. It’s no secret that the United has a very unfavorable image around the world. Most American citizens are proud of their country and are happy to be here. So why do people have such an unfavorable image aboard? What percentage of the people in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East that have been sampled in these favorability opinion polls do others think have actually been to the United States for any significant amount of time? Think about it, for those that haven’t lived here, their opinion of America is based almost entirely on the media. Thus, the socialists, communists, and propagandists that dominate the international news media may be the most responsible for America’s image. This problem can be alleviated by allowing more people to enter the country. Real people can see what it eans to have freedom of speech, freedom to worship, freedom to publish and assemble. They can see our diversity and our shunning of those who lack tolerance. They can sample our sports and entertainment. They can meet for themselves the â€Å"evil Americans†. As more people return home or communicate with loved ones, people around the world will increasingly learn what a great country we have. Decreasing or eliminating legal immigration will inevitably create more incentive to come to the country illegally, which leads to less assimilation and fever taxpaying, law-abiding itizens. Many individuals have only one true hope for a better for themselves or their children – emigrate to America. The enormous number of immigrants in this country show that they will try to get here whether or not there are laws to stop them. Illegal immigrants must hide their identities. Thus, they aren’t going to be attending American schools, filing tax returns, or doing other things that typical Americans do. Plus, if they’re already breaking the law by being here, what’s to prevent them from breaking other laws we have? Legal immigrants, especially those ho plan to stay permanently, must pay taxes and are more likely to attend school to learn history, English, and a marketable skill. Since they don’t have to hide, they are more likely to assimilate with other Americans and adopt the culture. Lastly, they can eventually earn the right to vote and participate in our political process, meaning they can develop a decision-making stake in the future of our country. Furthermore, the increase of legal immigration in the U. S. gives struggling people all over the world and opportunity for a better life. This country was built on immigrants who ought opportunity as well as political and religious freedom. At some point in this debate the American people need to set aside the question of whether it’s good for this country and look at the point of view of the immigrant. Imagine you were in a place where you could be stoned to death for practicing your religion. Imagine you got paid the same regardless of how hard you worked. Imagine you were unable to study for a new career or start up your own business. Imagine you were forced to rely on government rationing of food to scratch out a living. Imagine the only access to medical care was physicians with only a few months of training who lacked vaccines and basic medical equipment. Would you want to live the rest of your life like this? Would you want your kids to live their whole lives like this? In speculation, most people, if given a choice would take the risk in coming to America to achieve something better. This country was built and has grown on the backs of such people. In the end, the government is highly responsible for keeping immigration reform more of path to greater and more lucrative opportunities for those entering this country with proper documentation. More importantly, they should make sure they give background checks to each immigrant to make sure he/she does not have ties to any terrorist organization (most especially al-Qaeda) in order for this great country to be a safe-haven environment. With the increase of jobs in America, many of those should be more accessible to newly naturalized citizens. It’ll be a shame if Americans still make strong accusations against immigrants for stealing their jobs.

Project Management Challenges In Construction Of Emirates Stadium Construction Essay

Project Management Challenges In Construction Of Emirates Stadium Construction Essay The PMI defines project management as the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources through the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve pre-determined goals of scope, cost, time, quality and participant satisfaction (Smith 2002) Through the project management process, business needs and requirements are transformed into deliverables or outputs the project will provide to meet; this transformation process is made up application of constraints such as time, cost, quality, motivation and application of project management tools and technique.(APM 2002) According to Dinsmore, and Cabanis-Brewin (2006), project management processes are grouped into the following areas: they are initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling and closing. A good project manager must be skilled in applying this knowledge and be able to integrate these activities as the project moves through its life cycle. The aim of this report is to critically evaluate the project management challenges and the management approaches in the construction of Emirate Stadium described in the groups presentation. Some of the challenges identified in group discussions includes; time constraints, planning approval, design and site constraints, procurement path, organizational/stakeholders management..This report compares some of the identified challenges with the established best practice in project management. The second part of the report is develop guideline for the 2012 Olympic Stadium which will include an overview of the difference between managing a single, simple project and a project that is part of a large complex programme of work, also to outline the project management challenges of the 2012 Olympic Stadium. 2.0 The Emirates Stadium 2.1 Background of the Emirate Stadium complex The need to generate additional revenue from the football event and also to provide a state- of the- art facilities for the fans is identified as the requirement for a new football stadium to replace the existing one .by Arsenal Football Club The Emirate Stadium is located in Holloway in London Borough of Islington town. The stadium is located in a high density residential area therefore restricting feasibility of increase capacity. Over 2000 new homes were built in Islington as part of the project. Two of the key points in the club brief to design team were for the pitch to be as good as Highbury, and to create an exhilarating stadium atmosphere through the design. Over 2,500 legal documents were signed in order to give the project full clearance. The overall project put at about 390million pounds. . It was opened in July 2006, with seated capacity of 60,432 making it the fifth largest football stadium in the UK (Source www.arsenal .com/emirates stadium.) Fig 2.1 emirates stadium under construction Source www.arsenal .com/emirates stadium.) Main Project management challenges identified by different groups Based on the group presentations some of the main project management challenges identified include: Time constraints, Planning and consent approval, Design and site constraints, Procurement path, Organizational/stakeholders management Document control Some of the management approaches considered by the group include; Involving contractor in early stage of the process Design and Build contract Site investigation Collaborating planning and possible overlap during construction to meet deadline Several procurement path Involvement of the stakeholders Redesigning to suit the shape of the site Understanding of the scope of the project. Evaluation of project management challenges and approach in the group work 2.4.1. Involving contractor in early stage of the process. This can help in integrating the contractors idea and expertise in the planning and design process, although, Austin, Baldwin and Wasket (2000) identified that it might result in uneven design workload while they wait for consultant and other contractors to develop their own design, this result in the client paying for retainer while the project is yet to start, thereby increasing the cost of the project. Therefore it might be beneficial to delay the introduction of contractor early 2.4.2 Time constraints It can be seen that in the case of Emirate stadium, delivering the project on time is very crucial; to enable the club to meet up with football season, Harrison and Lock (2004) stated that delivery a project on time is an extremely important objective to client as well as avoiding the risk of being skimped in respect of quality and reliability of being close to the budget but most time all the objective of the project cannot be met. 2.4.3 Planning and consent approval. Two sets of people are involved in planning; they the client and the contractor .Obtaining the consent approval and satisfying planning requirement as well as defining the project goals, ensure availability of funds and selecting the design is the primary responsibility of the owner, this is one aspect that group presentations did not consider. On the side of the contractor, proper planning and scheduling contributed to their delivering the project on time. 2.4.4 Contract /procurement strategy The contract strategy used in the construction of Emirate Stadium is identified as Design and Build. The type of contract is assumed to be the best when time constraint is considered, Rowlison and McDermontt (1999) reported that Design and Build approach involving overlapping of design and construction phases leads to economics and fast project, though the client has to limit the variation to minimum , finds evaluation difficult and also have to make early decisions. However, Aritua, Bower and Turner (2006) reported that Design and Build procurement options has been criticized for being cost rather than design quality driven. Chan and Yu-Ann 2005 identified design liability as the most important practical problem encounters in design and build system. 2.5 Best practice in project management The best practices in project management are those practices that are generally agreed that their application in the project has shown to enhance the chances of success over a wide range of projects. (PMBOK, 2004) Atkinson (1999) queried, if successful project management means doing something right, that result in a project which was implemented on time, within cost and to a quality parameters requested, but which is not used by the customers, not liked by the sponsors and does not seem to provide either improved effectiveness or efficiency for the organization Kerzner (2006) affirmed that best practices in project management are those actions or activities undertaken by the company or individual that led to a sustained competitive advantage, it can be learned from both failure and success. Defining project objective at the outset and establishing relative importance of these objectives is crucial (Smith 2002). The Primary objectives of the project are usually measured in terms of time cost and quality, whilst it may be possible to meet one or two of the objectives, meeting all three of them is almost impossible. (Smith, 2002). However, the general knowledge, skills and processes described in general agreement documents of project management should not always be apply uniformly to all projects, the project manager and the team is responsible for determining the appropriate process and tailored it down to suit the specific project, because every project is unique on its own. (PMBOK, 2004) 3.0 The 2012 Olympic Stadium complex Fig .3.0 Olympic Stadium complex under construction 3.1 The background of the 2010 London Olympic Stadium. The 2010 London Olympic Stadium is located at the south of Olympic park Stratford, East London. The EDAW consortium working with Arup and Atkins was appointed by Olympic delivery Authority (ODA) to develop the master plan and the design of the Olympic Park, while the design of the Olympic venue or the Athletes Village was tendered separately. In 2007, The Olympic Delivery Authority Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the consortium known as Team Stadium to design and build the Olympic Stadium. The consortium is made up the designer, Hoks sport. Main contractor Sir Robert McAlphine, structural engineer Burro Happold, service engineer and landscape designer. The project was estimated at 498miliion pound. The stadium consists of a lower tier of 25000 permanent. Seats set into the landscape with an upper tier of 55000 temporary seats. The sunken bowl built into the ground will contain the field of play and lower permanent seating. However, facilities for athletes within the Stadium include changing rooms, medical support facilities and an 80m warm-up track. Spectator services, refreshments and merchandise outlets will be located outside the venue on a podium that will surround the Stadium, rather than being located within the Stadium itself. Constructions began three months ahead of schedule and it is expected to be completed by 2011. In addition, construction works in other parts of the Olympic village is still on-going, while some are close to completion, others are yet to start. This is based on the planned milestone schedule set out by the Olympic Delivery Authority., According to the chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, some completion date has been moved further, this is to avoid the venue been completed and standing idle in the years before Olympic, as this call for additional cost of maintenance. (Culled from official site of 2012 Olympic). 3.2. The outline of the Olympic Stadium People will be able to see with their own eyes a stadium which is designed to be different: an innovative and sustainable design which uses temporary elements to meet a complex brief, a stadium built for both Games and legacy.(Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt). The design of London 2012 Olympic Stadium is much more than dazzling or out of this world Architectural structure that is norm of modern day Olympic stadium. The emphasis in the design has been on minimizing the quantity of material, whilst still producing the required performance, ensuring the sustainability of the stadium after the games give rise for incorporation of some temporary structures. However, design and construction of such large and complex project need effective and efficient management to deliver the agreed scope of the project. The management approach in multi-projects is generally different from single project. Flexibility management process with explicitly define rules and procedure can be a source of success with large complex project. (Dietrich and Lehtonen 2005). Baccarni (1996) defined project complexity as project that consists of varied interrelated parts and be operationalised in terms of differentiation and interdependency .On the hand Coffman believed that complex project comprises of subset of project that are composed of so many different facets that no individual or small team possesses all of the knowledge, experience, or skills required to design and implement them. Considering 2012 Olympic Stadium as a part of Olympic park which consists of interrelated and multidisciplinary projects that demand exceptional level of management and system approach which will be described to be inappropriate for a single project Looking at the technical and organizational complexity of the Olympic park, it is clear that it requires involvement of lots of multi-disciplinary contractors, sub contractors, supply chain, trade, different technology and specialties. Williams (1999) sees technical complexity as a three-fold concept: the variety of task as the degree of interdependencies within these tasks, and the instability of the assumptions upon which the Tasks are based. Complex project requires proper structuring and scheduling in terms of Work Break down Structure and further down into related bid package for the qualified construction firms .to bid .For effective organizational management, the services of a planner, scheduler, contract administrator, legal advis er, procurement engineer, accountant will be require in a complex project unlike a single project where all the task will be handle by the project management.. Moreover, managing a large, multi-projects environment or complex projects is refers by some author as programme management, Fern(1991), stated that the common theme of programme management can be identified as the co-ordination of projects to gain benefits that it would not be possible to obtain were the projects managed independently. He also defined programme management as the coordinated support, planning, prioritization and monitoring of projects to meet changing business needs. Pellegrinelli(1997) pointed out that programme management is not same as multi-project management, that the nature and practice of program management are much more than resource management though management of scares resources or the establishment of appropriate information system is identified as core elements of programme management. Fern (1991), proposed single objective programme model as one of the generic models to describe how organizations define and practice programme management. According to Fe rn (1991), programme with single objective are often called macro-project or simple project which consists of large numbers of project which run concurrently, often employ large numbers of contractors and can benefit from programme management techniques. Furthermore, the differences between managing a simple project and a project that is part of a large complex programme, can be identify in the description of project and program by Pellegrinelli(1997) and Fern (1991), which states that project is a group of related task(activities) which together satisfy one or more objectives, while programme is a frame work for grouping existing projects (or defining new projects) and for focusing all the activities required to achieve a set of major benefits. Some of features of managing a simple single project include project manager been responsible for directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve predetermined objectives, while a large complex programme involves having a programme manager facilitates the interaction of other managers and team manager responsible for work package. In addition, a single simple project have a set objective and self dependent for delivery, which entails, ensuring that trade-offs between scope, quality, time and cost are satisfactory and acceptable(Wideman,1990), while multi-project is interrelated and interdependent with other project in the programme. Significant increase in the number and independence of element between disparate project within a programme raise structural complexity to a level higher than that of single projects (Blismas et al 2004) A single project has a linear life cycle and fixed duration in which performance of the project is measured; while in multi-project duration depends on the delivery of the entire project in the programme Single project involves one main contractor with few sub contractors while multi-project involves large number of contractor, sub contractors and supply chain. Other features of a single project includes managing risk and uncertainties in line with the project scope and objectives, abbreviated planning process and Single client management In addition, scheduling and resources allocated is more complex than that of a single project the need and priority of a particular project is considered, detailed communication, organization and strategic management, multi-stakeholders management, development of software for project planning/scheduling and system control. 3.3. GUIDELINES FOR 2012 OLYMPIC STADIUM The purpose of these guidelines is to help in organizing, planning and control 2012 Olympic Stadium to achieve the project objectives. The guideline covers the life cycle of the project from initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling and closure of the project. 3.3.1 Initiation This is the beginning of the planning phase, the need is identified, resources, preliminary drawing and block diagram is produce, analysis including budget estimation, project charter including cost, task, and deliverable schedule, scope is defined and impact assessment initiated, conceptual design created followed by detailed design and planning 3.3.2 Project planning This include developing management Plan, scope planning and definition, creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), activity definition and sequencing, Resource estimating and allocation, Estimating budget and cost control, activity duration estimating, schedule development, human resource and communication planning, risk management planning, contracting, purchases plan (PMBOK, 2004) Management Plan: is necessary for the development of preliminary project scope statement, project management processes, environmental factors and organizational process assets. (PMBOK, 2004) Scope planning and definition is essential for creating project scope management plan that documents how the project scope will be defined, verified and controlled and also the creation and definition of WBS. Secondly development of detailed scope statement as basis for future project decisions. (PMBOK, 2004) Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Developing WBS with a corresponding project organizations and functional responsibility chart (Wideman,1990) Establishing the programme work breakdown structure and breaking it into work package for contract purposes. (Wideman,1990) Activity definition and sequencing is crucial in identifying specific activities that needs to be performed to achieve project deliverable and also identifying and documenting dependencies among schedule activities. It contains the activity list and attributes, milestone list, requested change and approved change requests project schedule network diagram. (PMBOK, 2004) Resource estimating and allocation is important in estimating the type and quantities of resources required by each work package Estimating budget and cost control: Each work package is treated essentially as a separate and autonomous effort requiring resources and input from variety of source (Clough et al, 2000).At the earliest possible time, an acceptable program budget breakdown must be established, which properly reflects the best estimate of the work required to achieve the overall project objectives. This will form the basis for regular cost monitoring and reporting (Wideman, 1990) Contracting, purchases plan: Laws and regulations will require public bidding procedure in the government owned project. Advertisements of the project are required to ensure that all contractors who might have interest are offered equal opportunity to bid. A number of work packages may be assembled into a contract package for procurement purposes(Wideman,1990) Type of contract strategy and procurement route to be use and allocation of risk of project is identified Human resource and communication planning: this is necessary in identifying and documenting roles and responsibilities and reporting relationships, secondly. Information and communication needs of the projects stakeholders are determined. (PMBOK, 2004) Risk management: The purpose of risk management process is to make effective project management decisions about what happens on the project in future. This consist of risk source identification, risk impact assessment and analysis and managerial response to risk in the context of the project (Smith, Merna, Jobling, 2006) 3.3.3 Execution stage This involves coordinating people and resources, integrating and performing other project activities. Some of the activities of this stage include Directing and managing project execution, performing quality assurance, acquiring and developing project team, information distribution. Selection of consultant, supply chain contractors and sub contractors. (PMBOK, 2004) Directing and managing project execution. This process is necessary for directing the various technical and organizational interfaces that exist in the project to execute the work defined in the project management plan. Some of the activities here consist of approving corrective and preventive actions, approving change request and defect repair, validating defect repair, administrative closure procedure. (PMBOK, 2004) Acquiring and developing project team: this is essential for obtaining human resources needed to deliver the project and also for improving the competencies and interaction of team members to enhance project performance. (PMBOK, 2004) Information distribution: design and foster intensive, open and timely communication within the project stakeholders. Employ multiple channels and mediums, in particular modern information technology and extensive face-to face interactions. Prepare systems that prescribe for most processes simple and brief procedures for flexibility of details. Restrict optimization to the essential. Selection of consultant, supply chain contractors and sub contractors. This process is essential for reviewing bids and proposal, selecting from among the potential contractors and negotiating a written contract, it also entail risk allocation between the client and the contractor. (PMBOK, 2004) 3.3.4 Monitoring and controlling This process is crucial for collecting, measuring and dissemination performance information, and assessing measurements and trends to effect process improvement Integration and ongoing progress is monitored against agreed milestones, results reported in accordance with mechanisms identified in the communication plan.Secondly monitoring changes and recommending preventive action in anticipation of possible problem is an important element of monitoring and controlling (PMBOK, 2004) 3.3.5 Health and safety and environment Maintenance of health and safety on the site is vital for a successful project delivery. Mandatory personal protective equipment for all the workers on site is necessary Also all the site machine and equipment should be working properly. Workers should be properly trained to use the equipments. 3.3.6 Project closure: this involves closing of project and contract closure. It is necessary for finalizing all activities, completing and settling each contract, including the resolution of any open items and closing each contract applicable to the project. (PMBOK, 2004 3.4 Outline of Project Management Challenges 2012 Olympic Stadium Some of the project management challenges: Design constraints: This involves getting an aesthetics design which depicts legacy of modern day and world class Olympics, as well as being iconic, environmentally friendly and sustainable in terms of future use and maintenance. Time constraints; Meeting deadline for the project for the Olympics events is very crucial and one is of the major indicator of measuring success or failure of the project. Site constraints The soil/site ground is poor from engineering and environmental viewpoint. Owing to past use of the site which resulted in uneven settlement that can only support very light construction. Site is located between two branches of River Lea an old embankment containing sewage artery. The above constraints call for redesigning to suit the site location and environment. Complexity of the project The multi-project nature of the project involves managing large numbers of subcontractors and supply chain. The construction of the stadium is just one component in the Olympic park, Resource allocation and scheduling Efficient allocation of resources in multi-project environment is a major challenge facing the programme manager, as this can lead to success or failure of the projects. Global recession and price inflation The world economic crisis of 2009 is a major challenge for the project, as this will cause price inflation for goods and services required for the project. The initial project estimate will no longer be feasible. Stakeholders management The project has different level of stakeholder. They include the financier, the host community, the supporters, the critics, the press and the general public. Project Co-ordination and document control.. The complexity of the project comprises large number of document which might have minor and major changes from the initial design that need to be communicated to people involve with the project. Logistics Challenges Transportation of huge numbers of workers and materials to the site using the existing means of transportation, amid the busy city of London. Health and Safety Maintaining safety in the site is a major challenge in construction site with large number of workers and ensuring that all contractors adhere to the health and safety rule in the site. 3.5 Conclusion ` The facts remains that projects are distinctive and unique in their own way. Project life-cycle as well as their requirements is different from each other. What worked for one organization in a particular project might not work for another; it all depends on the organizational culture and values, project environment, interpersonal skill, etc. The general guideline as contained in the Project Management Body of knowledge is only to serve as a guide that needs to be tailored down to suit a particular project. Also it can be seen that project management is more of a practical discipline than theoretical, this can be deduce from the uniqueness of every projects, because change is inherent in any project. There must be a change from the laid down planned and schedule strategy, change therefore cannot be eliminated, most especially in construction because of the project uncertainty, it is expected that plan must change. The ability of the project manager to apply the principles of risk management and improve effective change management will determine result of the project.