Employment and Human Resource Management

While this may be true to an extent, I do believe that the opposite Is also true, attractive people are over-looked due to their outward appearance and are taken less seriously even when qualified or more qualified than another candidate. This Is not to mention that life brings challenges, hurts, and UN- pleasantries, regardless of how a person looks. So we cannot be too quick to say that beautiful people have better lives. In this case though, the Issue is beauteous as a â€Å"free-pass† in a sense, or a way into a job position without the proper qualifications (or in spite of the proper qualifications).There has been some evidence that people who hire for Job openings do give preference at times to people who are obviously physically attractive. Researchers have noted that â€Å"beautiful people† tend to charm interviewers with their looks and create a positive tone and impression based solely off of how they look. Assess the Chair's behavior from a human resource man agement perspective. I feel that if people try to regulate every detail of a hiring process, Including the way people look, there will be even more discrimination.When an exceptionally beautiful or attractive candidate Is Interviewed, managers may feel pressure not to hire them Just so there are no Lies or tension In the workplace as to why that person was hired. In this case, though, it is not even evident that the Chair made an incorrect decision. Other department members should allow the Chair to do their job and trust that they have the proper qualifications to interview and choose quality candidates. There are times when candidates are chosen without having all of the qualifications of another candidate.There are job openings available that specify that a certain degree is referred but not required. The Chair was said to have â€Å"overlooked† a more qualified candidate, but that does not negate the fact that this interviewee may have also been qualified. A lot of times a degree or certain qualification sets are not the only thing being considered. A person who shows that they are able and willing to complete a job with a great attitude may win Job offers faster than a very-highly qualified person who may be lacking In other areas. Decision.The hiring committee should do their best to work as a team and keep down conflict within the workplace. The Chair made a hiring decision and that decision should be upheld. Employees may feel that the Chair is easily swayed and become more involved in the hiring process than they are even supposed to be. What happens when someone is interviewed that a worker Just doesn't like from their outward appearance? Going to the chair to try to get hiring decision overturned should not be a route taken too often by employees. I feel that there is already enough â€Å"looks-discrimination† in the workplace.When a person enters a room to be interviewed they are being Judged not only their answers UT also how they lo ok. Research shows that 74% of interviewers make hiring decisions within the first minutes of an interview. They Judge looks by the person's appearance, voice tone, handshake, and body-language. These are all surface characteristics†¦ There is enough Judgment in interviews, applicants should not have to be subjected to on-looking, non-involved employees' Judgments as well. Discuss to what degree and why attractive candidates may be given unfair consideration during hiring processes.This question makes me wonder, honestly, if people would feel better if attractive omen or men were interviewed through a wall or only via telephone. People come in all sizes and shapes, with different features and looks. Attractive people cannot help how they look and are often not even thinking about their looks when working or at an interview. Believe it or not, a lot of times attractive people would like a little less attention based off looks when it is time to be professional. More often than n ot, other people are more hooked on the candidates looks than the candidate themselves are.

Human Existence Essay

1. The origins of the majority of human existence in North America began with migrations from Eurasia over the Bering Strait. 2. The first truly complex society in the Americas was that of the Olmec. 3. Cahokia was a large trading center located near what present-day city? St. Louis. 4. The agricultural practices of pre-Columbian tribes in the Northeast were characterized by a rapid exploitation of the land. 5. The preeminent European maritime power in the fifteenth century was Portugal. 6. Christopher Columbus  thought the world was much smaller than it was in reality. 7. Amerigo Vespucci  helped popularize the idea that the Americas were new continents. 8. What European explorer gave the Pacific Ocean its name? Ferdinand Magellan 9. Encomienda was  the right to exact tribute and labor from natives. 10. The first permanent Spanish settlement in what is now the United States was St. Augustine. 11. In what way did sixteenth-century Europeans benefit from trade between the Americas and Europe? A large number of new crops became available in Europe. 12. Which of the following was NOT introduced by Europeans to the New World?  Corn. 13. The portion of west Africa that provided the majority of slaves for the Spanish Empire of the sixteenth century had well-developed economies and political systems. 14. African and American Indian societies tended to be matrilineal, which means that people traced their heredity through their mothers. 15. In the fifteenth century, slavery in Africa  generally allowed certain legal protections to the enslaved. 16. The European countries that controlled the African slave trade did so in which chronological order, from earliest to latest? the Portuguese, the Dutch, the English 17. What condition in England in the sixteenth century provided an incentive for colonization? The availability of farmland was declining, while the population was growing. 18. In what way were Martin Luther and John Calvin important to English Puritans? Luther and Calvin advocated ideas of religious reform that influenced Puritan thought. 19. The teachings of John Calvin  produced a strong desire among his followers to lead lives that were virtuous. 20. The English Reformation resulted from  a political dispute between King Henry VIII and the Catholic Church. 21. The English concluded from their colonial experiences in Ireland that English colonists should maintain a rigid separation from the indigenous population.

Advertising and society Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Advertising and society - Term Paper Example I am able to decipher the true meaning of this advertisement through the insight that is available and the knowledge that I have attained over a period of time. I am sure that whosoever comes across this advertisement will have an impact in a significant way. This is the reason why people like me, my friends and the ones who are near and dear to me appreciate the true value of this advertisement, no matter how many times we watch it. This paper will take a keen look at an advertisement that has had an effect like none other, and pay close attention to the basis of semiotic theory – the signs and symbols used, the essence of social phenomenon, and a basic catharsis that is much required for a deep enough meaning that shall be attained regarding the advertisement under consideration. This advertisement which has been made by Japan Ad Council basically outlines how well The Children’s Foundation needs assistance on the part of just about everyone. The message in this adver tisement is very loud and if only one can understand what is being said, which is revealed in the ending; then the implied essence is clearly transmitted to the intended audiences of this advertisement. The need is to know where this advertisement is creating the ‘wow’ factor within the people and to what proportions because the ending reveals quite a revelation without a doubt. The empathy element seems to be present within this advertisement so that the viewers can feel for the children who are undergoing differential treatments at the hands of the authorities, and more specifically the school authorities. The empathy element is also predominantly strong since a young one is being denied the right to get educated in his own righteous way. Merely the fact that he is different from others does not give the people the license or tag a child as mentally unsuitable within the domains of the society. This is something that derives a great deal of value for the people and th e dimensions of the society. The child under discussion is being treated in a very wrong way and this has a major say in the make-up of this advertisement. The intended message is coming out loud which is much required. The people who will watch this advertisement again and again will feel that its storyline actually remarks their own life journey. They are doing much the same thing because they are not giving the young ones a chance to explore their entireties and reveal what is hidden within them to the maximum possible levels. Now is the time to touch base with the children so that they can become valuable citizens of this world and contribute with their respective talents, skills and abilities that they possess within their folds. However, this is always easier said than actually implemented within the related settings and it is a good idea to find out where the wrongs are coming into the fray and how these could be turned into the positives that are direly needed. As far as the semiotic theory is concerned, there is a pertinent need to find out where the message is making its way through and how the intended audience is being connected. This can easily be seen in the form of an ideology that suggests the assumption of empathy which works to good measure whenever children are used in an advertisement. The children premise is being correctly pointed out because it touches upon quite a few areas which are deemed as necessary to transmit the message in a fair enough manner. The semiotic theory easily mentions how planned a child was in his own thinking regimes, and how he was able to transmit this message through his drawings. The bigger picture could not be envisaged by the elders yet he was able to draw it somehow or the other, in a

Breach of Confidentiality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Breach of Confidentiality - Essay Example It is intended to make sure that a person in possession of confidential information only uses it for purposes for which it was transmitted to him in the first place. The law of confidence can - as opposed to copyright, which is only concerned with the protection of the form in which information, idea or thought is expressed - protect the content of the information, idea or thought. The main function of the law of confidentiality, or an action for breach of confidence, is the prevention of the illegitimate use of confidential information by a recipient of information. A good conceptual springboard to the understanding of the justification for the protection extended to those items which fall within the ambit of confidence, is the notion that something which people are prepared to pay for must be worth protecting and therefore ought to be protected. However, the courts will only enforce properly identified rights that fall within recognised categories known to law. Some of the items that are protected under the law of confidence are those which do not consist of any specific intellectual property rights under patent, design and copyright or even trade marks law. Traditionally, this has been classified into personal information, governmental secrets and trade secrets. (Catherine Colston and Kirsty Middleton Modern Intellectual Proprty Law 2nd Edition) Obviously, the information, in order to receive the protection of the law, must be confidential. To be such, it must not be something which is public property or knowledge. Therefore, information which is in the public domain cannot be confidential. However confidential the circumstances of communication, there can be no breach of confidence in revealing to others something which is already common knowledge. For example, an employer cannot restrain his ex-employee from revealing a secret process to his new employer if that secret process has already been patented by the employer prior to the revelation by the ex-employee, for it is by then already in the public domain (Mustad v Dosen [1963] RPC 41). All that is required, however, is relative, and not absolute (as in the case of a patent specification, where novelty is required) secrecy. The information must be information the release of which the owner believes would be injurious to him or of advantage to his rivals and others. The owner must believe the information is confidential or secret, i.e. not already in the public domain. The owner's believe must be reasonable. The information must be judged in the light of the usage and practices of the particular industry concerned. On the other hand, it is equally clear that the mere fact of the publication of information does not detract

Citing references Outline Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Citing references - Outline Example ents who prefer the traditional format (face-to-face) do so for several reasons, but they most commonly cite a preference for the instructor presence and the learning advantage of face-to-face interactions. There are various disadvantages of face-to-face learning despite the fact that it is still the most popular mode of learning. Some of these disadvantages stem from the need for there to be an instructor present in order for lectures to take place and this added to the cost of transport imposed on the students may limit their access to education. Although it is emphasized by many that face-to-face learning is preferable, it is still quite limited: For example, the learning outcomes of students in a traditional face-to-face system may be considered to be better than those of students learning in a distance learning system but the latter has the advantage of permitting greater access to education. The distance learning system has an advantage over the face-to-face system because it enables many people to have access to education at their own convenience. This system is currently used by adults who, because of their busy schedules, cannot attend lectures frequently and their best and fastest option is to do so online. It is to the advantage of these students for them to have distance learning that is easier for them to cope with: Factors that predispose undergraduates towards taking online classes were examined and it was found that the risk factors for non-completion of their degree prefer distance education courses since distance educations courses provide students with more convenient and flexible class schedules. The distance learning system also has some disadvantages which face-to-face learning does not. Distance learning does not require the presence of a professor or instructor and this leads to less interaction between them. Furthermore, it is very difficult for a student to gain a full understanding of what the instructor is saying because responses

Report on Aspects of the Contemporary Banking Sector - Risk and Essay

Report on Aspects of the Contemporary Banking Sector - Risk and Profitability Analysis - Essay Example According to the Sunday Times, HSBC’s commitment to sustainability has been recognized thus listed in the Best Green Companies List (2010). RBS is a retail banking institution under the RGS Group; it provides banking services including loans, deposits accounts and insurance. It is the largest bank in UK and the fourth largest bank globally. RBS is listed as the second best for customer satisfaction among the major high street banks. Barclays bank is another major bank having the largest network of ATMs in the region. It is the first UK bank to give local business customers access to online banking services to check their supplier credit ratings as well as the first bank to announce mass crush of contactless- enabled debit cards in the UK banking sector. The retail banking sector of Barclays offers loans, deposits accounts, insurance as well as Forex trading services for its customers. Lloyds TSB, a major banking network in the UK is a merger between Lloyds Bank and TSB thus fo rming one of the largest domestic banking forces in UK. The bank has over 3000 branches globally and are authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Lloyds TSB retail banking services include credit cards, deposit accounts, credit cards, and loans. b. By using at least 4-5 years of financial data, identify, calculate and interpret key profitability and risk ratios. Perform the analysis for each individual bank and then compare their performances and explain which bank has been the most effective in effectively managing profitability and exposure to risk. Modern banks focus on two important areas of revenue generation; loan provision to customers for an interest rate and providing other services including money transfer or exchange rates for a certain commission and other non-interest incomes and fees. This paper analyses the shareholder’s economic value creation using the four major banks; Barclays plc, HSBC, Lloyds TSB and RBS within a 5 year period. In ord er to analyze the business practices and activities of the banks and how they influence shareholder’s stock market value, we use both the external and internal information including the auditor’s annual financial reports, stock market data, and designed control variables. By applying the traditional accounting; ROA and ROE together with the innovative EVA methods to measure each bank’s prospective performance, and regress it against the stock market returns and other control values, one can be able to understand their explanatory power more so with regards to individual shareholder’s economic value. The results obtained were both traditional and innovative accounting methods and they explain the variations of the stock returns for the four British banks. Over the half year decade, there are signs of revenue reduction in the major banking industries. Lloyds TSB trades at a 4 per cent premium over the book value whereas RBS and Barclays trade at a discount to the book value of 32 per cent and 54 per cent, respectively. HSBC is the only UK rival trading at a premium to the book value. However, HSBC is physically diversified, and generates majority of its income outside Europe, more so in Asia. Since many American and European banks have their balance sheets significantly overstuffed with intangible goodwill and assets, tangible book value is of more relevance for comparing against the individual banks' market capitalizations. During the last half of 2008, market turmoil

Real estate and capital structure decisions- Lease versus Buy Analysis Essay

Real estate and capital structure decisions- Lease versus Buy Analysis - Essay Example If the study proves to be promising, that the company will most likely to expand in 2-3 years, the idea of buying a space could then be possible---but it still might not be the best option. Company expansion may not even mean an extension of the same space. It would sometimes be practical, and this is what most businessmen prefer, to rent a space from a different area. This aims to win a different market and could then maximize company profits, or at times, if it is not a marketing company, this option will give its clients an option on which office is more accessible. Another factor is the present company financial status on the STL’s immediate needs. Having a twenty full-time staff, STL could then be considered as a small enterprise, and its financial statements show that STL is not earning a quite impressive profit; in fact, the statement indicates that the company will be immediately affected of the lease rent increase. Below is an illustration of a basic computation to determine the distinction on the lease expense and the purchase option. The trading company is currently paying an annual amount of HK$970,000 or HK$80,833.333 every month, whereas, an additional ten percent would require the company to spend HK$1,067,000 every year or HK$88916.667 each month. This amount, when multiplied by 10, would make the company an allotment of HK$10, 670,000. Please note the possibility of another increase for the lease. This would be dependent on the length of time of the contract, if STL has a 10-year lease contract it is not likely to endure another price rise. The amount, however, was multiplied by ten, for the anticipation of a ten- year-mortgage should the company decide to purchase its own space. The interest would depend on the market and economy; however, it is evident that the purchase price does not have a great difference in amount. The purchase

Post-traumatic stress disorder Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Post-traumatic stress disorder - Research Paper Example Threats of natural disasters like flood, storm, earthquake, fire etc and manmade disasters like terrorism, prison stay etc can cause PTSD. For example, after the 9/11 World Trade center attack, many of the Americans experienced PTSD because of the threats from Al-Qaida. This paper analyses the cause, symptoms and treatment options of PTSD. â€Å"PTSD starts at different times for different people. Signs of PTSD may start soon after a frightening event and then continue. Other people develop new or more severe signs months or even years later. PTSD can happen to anyone†(Medline Plus, 2011). The real cause of PTSD is still unknown to medical science. However, it is believed that various genetic, environmental and social factors are contributing to PTSD. The entire stress management mechanisms of the body are changed as a result of PTSD. â€Å"It affects the stress hormones and chemicals that carry information between the nerves (neurotransmitters). Having been exposed to trauma in the past may increase the risk of PTSD†(Post-traumatic stress disorder, 2011).Normal people and people with PTSD respond to abnormal behaviors differently. Normal people gradually forget about the abnormal event whereas for the PTSD patients, the memories of the trauma keep on agitate them in their future life.

Fat Substitute Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Fat Substitute - Essay Example The U.S. Food and Drug Administration affirms the safety of using fat-substitutes, however, the warning on fat-modified food by P & G stating "Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools† raises health concerns over the use of such foods (Glausiusz, 2001). Keeping the obesity statistics in view, fat modified foods are less likely to impact human’s health than does the fattening food itself. Obesity is being identified as a cause of millions of deaths around the globe. Fat-modified food, on the other hand, is not considered to have any known side-effects causing major health issues. The abdominal cramps and upsets are found to be miscalculated and wrongly hypothesized when study of University of North Carolina was conducted over a span of 3200 samples. Akoh, on the other hand, produced low-fat diets that dissolve the fatty acid chains and are said to decrease cholesterol levels significantly. Hence, the different fat substitutes are functioning in various different ways that are not harming health of individuals but rather providing ways to improve their well-being and dietary inconsistencies. The claim on the viability and negative outcomes of fat-modified foods seem to be vague. None of the studies provide a significant and visible deterioration of health. However, in the short run, much of the research conducted shows positive impact on human health, reduced cholesterol levels and maintenance of people’s food cravings with the tastes that they ever admired. Hence, fat-modified food provides a substitute to the unhealthy and high-fat diets causing physical, mental, medical, emotional and social disruptions in the wider

Germans that you hold to be true and admire Essay

Germans that you hold to be true and admire - Essay Example All they want is clear and overt expression of the underlying feel that makes them say what they want. Americans are not much different either. Americans also feel comfortable making direct and straightforward speech. Both Germans and Americans prefer direct and meaningful expression, and both are quite straightforward in general. Germans are truthful in their speech. The confidence that reflects in their straightforwardness originates in their truthfulness. If they commit to someone, they do so by heart and mean it. They are not double faced people, unlike most of the people belonging to other nations. Their words are meaningful because Germans are very dutiful. Most Americans are also dutiful, though there is also a significant population in America that does not fulfill its commitments to others in various matters of daily life. Germans do not waste time. According to Germans, if a job is done correctly but has not been done within the assigned time, this goes against the work eth ics. German work ethics place huge emphasis on punctuality, and so do the Americans. Works cited: â€Å"Truth and Duty.† Culture Smart! Germany. pp. 41-42.

Duddy Kravitz Materialism Essay Example for Free

Duddy Kravitz Materialism Essay Materializing is a major role in this book it affects a large part of the characters second and one person first hand. It also affects the plot due to the main characters obsession with materialism. Materializing can also cause people in relationships to grow apart due to confusion with priorities. Materializing can drive people to become some one that they would never wish to become with out even realizing it. It can also push you to do stuff that you would never think of doing. In the book The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz, the main character Duddy Kravitz was brought up with the saying a man with out land is a nobody. Duddy believes that the more land and money he gains the more of a somebody he will become. Duddy goes through life trying to make more and more money and gain more and more land. With an obsession like this it can cause a person to forget about priorities and also the heath and feelings of others. With Duddy by the end of the book his push to become a somebody cause the lost of respect from a family member and the loss of valued friends. It caused Duddy to put his own friend in a wheel chair for life just so he could try and save some money. Materializing can cause your judgment to fog and able you to do almost anything to get a head in the race to becoming a somebody. Duddy went to the point of forging a crippled friends check so he could buy more land. After he finally owns and controls all of the land hi feels that he has become a somebody. Duddy let money and poisons become the only thing that mattered to him. Duddy lost sight of everything that he lost and all the people that he hurt along the race to become a somebody. The plot of the book was greatly affected be materialism. The book is based around a selfish, greedy man named Duddy Kravitz a man that would stop at anything to become rich and well known. The plot twists as Duddy personality becomes meaner and more money driven. The plot of the book starts with the main character Duddy trying to make living well at the same timework his way up to becoming rich and at least locally famous. Duddy starts off as a happy man with a girlfriend, has many friends that are rich and is starting off his own business. However later on in the book after he starts to buy land to build a dream he starts to go bankrupt. As times get tough Duddy slowly starts to loss grasp of his goals and dreams that would make him a  somebody. The money hungry man starts to become verbally violent and uncaring for others. At this point he is only worried about losing his land and money. ################# but really Duddy has lost much more than he has gain. He has lost his friends, his girlfriend and the respect of his grandpa. The plot is based on materialism with Duddy. All most every problem in this book is a result in Duddy trying to make it big in life and becoming a rich man with a lot of land. When materialism is present with in a relationships it can push people to grow a part over time. It is usually noticed be one member and rarely caught but the person who is obsessed with it. With Duddy Kravitz it was present thought out his life. However as time moved on it slowly turned in to the only thing that mattered to him in his life. When Duddy first started to date Yvette you could see the connection they had with each other, you got the impression that they where meant to be together. They would go on picnics together, go for walks in the woods, and go swimming in the lake. This is where Duddy discovers his soon to be land, with in seconds you could see that the Duddy obsession with materialism has started to make things different between then. Duddy tried to bribe Yvette not to tell anyone about their place and offered to cut her in on the profits if she would keep it a secret. When money and the land came in to the picture it caused Duddy to almost stop trusting Yvette and act like she was more like a business partner rather than girlfriend. This cause Yvette to become angry and upset that Duddy didnt trust her and brought money in to the picture. Slowly over time Duddy became verbally violent towards Yvette, always telling her to shut up and yelling at her profoundly. Slowly Duddy obsession pushed him away from Yvette. By the end of the book Duddy was so obsessed with land, money and trying to become a somebody that he lost the important things in life. Duddy lost things that cant be bought but money, or impressed with land, he lost friends and family.

The Current Zynga Strategy Diamond Marketing Essay

The Current Zynga Strategy Diamond Marketing Essay Launched in 2007, Zynga has expanded its portfolio from exclusively Facebook API services to provide independent and multiplatform social gaming on personal computers, tablets and mobile devices (Zynga, p 1-2, 2013). However, less than a year after appearing on the stock exchange Zynga has fallen on hard times (Zynga, p 1, 2013). The challenge of satisfying evolving consumer needs and the microeconomic climate have severely impacted your bottom line. Your stock price has fallen over 70% and you have recorded net losses of nearly $53 million in Q3 2012 alone (Zynga, p 1, 2013). In order to stay relevant in todays market and return Zynga to the social gaming pioneer it once was, you must employ radical changes. I have identified four main challenges facing Zynga today. Firstly, Zynga is in the business of casual gaming with a social twist. But because casual games notoriously have the shortest life cycle it is hugely problematic that Zynga has neither innovated nor replicated successful games at the same rate that customers have grown tired of the available offerings. Secondly, Zynga does not have a sustainable source of revenue due to considerable customer churn. Cycling through customers and not generating repeat business is not a strategy for a freemium company. Thirdly, while Zynga is moving towards a more independent business model, the business was built on and still largely depends on Facebook. The close association between your corporations and your recent decision to sever ties with the social media giant has been negatively affecting your bottom line. Lastly, the corporate culture in place at Zynga thrives on imitation. Rather than being forward thinking and innovative, Zynga ha s enjoyed enormous success by mimicking already popular games and reverse engineering them for a simpler, social experience. Given these challenges I have developed a strategic recommendation to reinvent Zynga. Zynga must return to its original ambitions of being an independent social gaming giant and create a social gaming ecosystem unlike any other. By partnering with hardware manufacturers and developing a new operating system Zynga can not only reclaim its lost share of the social gaming market, but capture a population of consumers with unmet social gaming needs. With this innovative model, Zynga will once again demonstrate financial success. Goals and Objectives: The ultimate goal of my strategic recommendation is to revert Zyngas declining financial status and decreasing Monthly Average Users (MUAs). The new business model will pursue the goals upon which the company was founded upon: Reach, Retention and Revenue; however, these goals may only be achieved if Zynga remains true its original ambitions and strives for stable growth built on its own success, rather than piggybacking off the growth of another corporation. Contextual Analysis: Mark, you created Zynga to address an unrealized consumer need: socially integrated gaming. But while you correctly predicted that consumers wanted an immersive and integrated social gaming experience, as they do with most other tech experiences, you failed in your execution. The original customer reach, retention and revenue model aided the explosive growth you enjoyed in the past, but it did not create a foundation for your company to be further built on. You were too consumed with rapidly growing the company and collecting profits to see that strategically Zynga would have benefited from a slower, more premeditated climb to success. Your original ambitions to build an independent company were correct, yet instead you chose to piggyback off of the success of Facebook to catapult yourself into overnight, mass-market penetration. Accordingly, there are four challenges facing Zynga. Firstly, Zynga is in the business of casual gaming with a social twist. That is, simple games with uncomplicated, vibrant graphics and easy inputs and controls. Since casual games are not intimidating and easy to play, they appeal to a large audience (primarily [60%] a normally disinterested group of middle aged women). However, casual games notoriously have the shortest life cycle (Microsoft ). In fact, most estimates give casual games a 300 day life cycle (______). The gameplay in Zyngas games is particularly known for its simplicity (_____). Look at Farmville as an example. A users constant diligence and effort will ultimately be rewarded if they maintain their crops and animals (unless they choose to buy virtual currency with real currency to speed up the game). It is evident that there is hardly any skill component involved in casual gaming. Accordingly, game fatigue occurs relatively quickly. Your frequent introduction of new games is evidence that you understand this trend; ho wever, what you have not accounted for is that users become exhausted by the entire category of simple games. Once you have built a farm, city, mafia and castle using virtually indistinguishable principles, a similar game is less likely to be pleasing. This is especially true in a category of games that Zynga succeeds in: non goal-oriented games. That is games that have no definitive end or prize. It is hugely problematic that your company has neither innovated nor replicated successful games at the same rate that customers have grown tired of the available offerings. Cycling through customers and not generating repeat business is not a strategy. Secondly, you have neither a stable, nor sustainable source of revenue due to the previously discussed customer churn. Zynga operates on a freemium, free-to-play model. That is, the vast majority of your customers play your games for free while only a small portion of users constitute paying customers. Financial analysis reveals that over 83% of your revenue is generated by less than 3% of your customers. As such, Zynga faces grave financial risks if you lose the attention and enthusiasm of your core 3% of paying customers. Thirdly, while Zynga is moving towards a more independent business model, your business was built on and still largely depends on Facebook (Zynga 10-K, 2013). In 2012 86% of Zyngas revenue was from Facebook API services and revenues were down 20% from the prior year, while Facebook reported a 40% increase in gaming profit (Zynga, p , 2013) (Zynga 10-K, 2013). Note this discrepancy. Although the social nature of your games requires the use of a social network platform, Facebook is a social media monopolist. As such, you are buying and using services providing by a monopolist. This has severe financial implications for Zynga. When a company does not make considerable profits, it is not in Facebooks interest to charge a high transaction fee. Instead, Facebook encourages use of its services by maintaining low fees since the applications use increases the usage of Facebooks platform. However, if the company becomes financially successful, as Zynga did, Facebook begins to charge higher tra nsaction fees. This is standard microeconomics and a problem plaguing Zynga. Facebook is capitalizing on your success by taking over 30% of each transaction your games attract (Zynga, p , 2013). Additionally, the close association between your corporation and Facebook, as well as your recent decision to sever ties with the social media giant has been and will continue negatively affecting your bottom line. While costumers may recognize your games, your corporate brand has been dissolved and shadowed by Facebook. You should not have so closely associated Zynga with Facebook and so heavily relied on Facebook to grow your company. While Facebook will always have game developers to replace you, you will not always have the customer awareness you enjoyed on while using Facebooks API services. You are competing in an industry where you are highly replaceable and are at the mercy of your customers in your fight to stay relevant (Exhibit A). Lastly, the corporate culture in place at Zynga thrives on imitation. Zynga is present in the rapidly evolving industry of gaming in which technology is critical. Such an industry requires companies to be at the forefront of change and lead innovation. Normally companies employ sizeable RD teams that look to new game development (in your case to combat game fatigue and customer churn) as well as new distribution channels (in your case to combat the dependence on Facebook). You did genuinely pioneer social gaming, but that is where you stopped. While copying competitor games worked in the short term, it is not a sustainable strategy. You must refocus on innovation. Furthermore, this attitude blinded you to the importance of the smartphone as a new gaming platform. Only recently have you realized the potential of mobile games. Rather than being forward thinking and innovative, Zynga has enjoyed enormous success by mimicking already popular games and reverse engineering them for a simpl er, social experience. Strategic Options Alternatives: With regard to customer acquisition and retention, Pincus wondered whether Zynga should invest to improve its viral distribution model, or if the company needed to encourage users to connect with strangers who also happen to be Zynga game players. One of the unmet needs social media sites address is the desire to meet new people. Consumers enjoy being around like minded individuals and tend to seek out and gravitate to those who share similar interests and values. In most cases an individual has a set amount of friends in their social network that closely share their values, but not necessarily enough to satisfy their social needs. As such, it is in Zyngas best interest to encourage users to connect with strangers who also enjoy social gaming. Consumers would be attracted to the idea that they would be introduced to those most like them satisfying their social need. Furthermore, for Zynga the viral avenue is slowly disappearing since Facebook has amended its algorithm to limit game post viability to those who are not signed up for the Zynga services. Additionally, depending on a viral distribution model implies that there is a large enough customer base to promote to. Zyngas creation of an independent platform is a positive and progressive step, but you must remember that you will not have the same customer base that Facebook has, and it certainly will not attract 1 billion users overnight. With regard to product, Pincus debated whether he should invest primarily in evolving existing successful casual games, or if he should invest to expand Zynga into other markets, such as real money gambling and mid-core gaming. Zynga should invest in other markets. Social games have a very short life cycle and are becoming increasingly more expensive for Zynga to create and maintain. As such, Zynga should focus on investing and developing games that are more interactive, slightly more complex and retain customers for longer periods of time such as gambling games and mid-core games as these markets theoretically address the problems facing Zynga. With regard to corporate strategy, Pincus had to decide whether Zynga should continue to focus on being a content producer, or if it should focus on becoming a platform for hosting its own and 3rd party developers games. Zynga should not limit itself on content development as its only competency. You should begin building a platform or operating system or even venturing into hardware manufacturing in order to release yourself from the fetters of Facebook. In truth, this is the hardest strategy because it has the highest risk, but if properly implemented, it would also reap the great ROI as well as serve as the most long term option. Strategic Recommendation: Successful tech companies are those that do not just create products, services or experiences, but rather immerse their users into complete, closed ecosystems. Google, Amazon and Apple are three examples of lucrative companies that have enjoyed stable growth throughout the past decade of tumultuous technological uncertainty. They have fully integrated their consumers by enticing them to choose a digital lifestyle that is almost controlled by their gadgets and software. For instance, Google has vertically and horizontally integrated to provide social services (Google+) and created not one, but two platforms (Android and Chrome) available on a multitude of devices (computers, tablets, smartphones) to engage consumers on all levels. Apple has done the same with its iPhones, Macs and iPads and its OS. Amazon has the Kindle and Amazon Prime. In each company, consumer hardware is fully integrated with the other products and the platform/software addresses both known and unmet social needs. This occurs while the hardware and software provide the standard professional and personal solutions expected of computing devices. Even Facebook, your rival is making its foray into software and hardware integration with the release of its operating system: Home. Like Google, Apple and Amazon, Facebook will now have its own ecosystem to lock its users into. Creating an ecosystem employs the walled-garden concept where a company locks a consumer into its product by providing all the services necessary to address the consumer needs and effectively locks a consumer into the product. Zynga should follow lead and focus on creating a social gaming ecosystem with high walls (barriers to entry) by leaving the consumer facing high switching costs. The best way to create this ecosystem is by developing your own, independent platform and operating system and partnering with hardware manufacturers to deliver integrated devices to fanatical gamers. Implementation Plan Zynga should begin to secede from Facebook in a gradual 3 year plan. Each year you should refrain from renewing 1/3 of the games on the Facebook API service. Zynga should begin with the weakest performing games and gradually the best games to retain maximum customer awareness through the succession process. The goal will be to not only retain current Facebook customers and move them to Zynga.com, but also to generate enough buzz to secure to customers directly through Zynga.com. By slowly transitioning existing Facebook users to Zynga.com the customer base of your social network will grow and attract new users. Year One: Zynga should reach out to hardware manufacturers HTC is a great candidate to negotiate a contract and develop a smart phone and tablet adapted for Zynga games. Simultaneously, Zynga should begin developing the OS and gaming platform for the device. It is also important to reach out to retailers and wireless companies to secure subsidy contracts for the new device. It is also necessary for Zynga to pursue marketing and promotional partnerships with both the device manufacturer(s) and the wireless carrier(s) in order to split the cost of an aggressive marketing campaign. Year Two: During Q1 and Q2, Zynga should begin production and continue the marketing campaign. Zynga should also focus on developing a robust network of games to be deployed on its device. It would benefit Zynga to allow third party developer rights to innovate games for Zynga. In Q3 Zynga should begin selling the device. Year Three: Zynga should focus on a 10 month life cycle for its devices to stay relevant to consumers. As such, RD and production of the generation two Zynga device should take place during the middle of Q1 2016 and conclude at the end of Q2 2016. Sales of the gen 2 device should begin at the beginning of Q3 2016. Exhibit 1: Porters Five Forces: Competitive Rivalry High Zynga, Wooga, 5 Minutes, Playfish, Playdom, Kabam, Crowdstar, EA, among others. Power of Buyers Moderate to High Customers dictate the content and their needs change daily. Because there are so many alternate companies providing the same/similar services, game providers have to adapt to retain customers. Power of Suppliers Moderate to High While there are many game hosting platforms, few garner the attention of mass amounts of users. As such, the power of the supplier fluctuates based on its user base. Threat of New Entrants Very High The cost and time required to develop a social game is very low (single-digit millions and months) relative to the cost of developing a more traditional graphic-intense console game (tens of millions and years). This lower cost allows much smaller game developers to try their hand at developing the next big hit and has resulted in a proliferation of new competitors. Substitute Products Very High There are not only identical products out there by competitors, but also there are many substitute products: hardcore games, board games, tv, blogs, anything people use to pass the time. Exhibit 2: Current Zynga Strategy Diamond Arenas Casual gaming Vehicles exclusivity contracts, social platforms (mainly Facebook), early stages of their own social platform. Differentiators highly integrated social features. Economic Logic freemium business model. 97% of consumers receive free services while 3% of consumers pay to advance quickly through game and receive premium services. Monetization relies on 3 revenue streams, affiliate offers, virtual goods sales and advertizing Staging biweekly game updates. Release new games every ____.

Effects of Back Massage on Chemotherapy-related Fatigue

Effects of Back Massage on Chemotherapy-related Fatigue Shahida Abbasi This paper is aimed to critique on a quantitative research article. â€Å"Effects of back massage on chemotherapy-related fatigue and anxiety: Supportive care and therapeutic touch in cancer nursing† Written by Karagozoglu and Kahve (2013) as part of my assignment. The Problem The problem is significant to nursing as noted by Karagozoglu and Kahve (2013) that nurses are directly involved to provide care and deal with patients receiving chemotherapy and their experienced side effects. It is also mentioned that problem is significance to nursing, as nursing interventions intend to improve quality of life by reducing the stress level of the patient with cancer. Moreover, the purpose of conducting quasi experimental and cross sectional study research was to determine the effectiveness of back massage, a nursing intervention, on fatigue process which develops due to chemo therapy. Furthermore, on the anxiety level which develops, and has been explained explicitly. In my point of view this study can accomplish its purpose as Burns and Grove (2011) mentioned that effects of independent variables on dependent variable can be determined through quasi experimental studies. In addition, quasi experimental; a quantitative approach study design is best fit to determine the effectiveness of back message. In the article research variables back massage independent variable and fatigue as dependent variable has been explained with literature support, whereas I feel the dependent variable anxiety need more elaboration. The investigators promptly introduced the problem statement at the end of the introduction. In my point of view the answer to the problem provide insight into current issues in nursing practice because there was no study found which determine the effects of back massage in decreasing fatigue and anxiety of chemotherapy patients. In addition, the investigators has stated the assumptions very clearly that â€Å"back massage providing during chemotherapy reduces fatigue and anxiety† Moreover, limitations are not listed explicitly but reader can infer easily as evident by this statement, small sample size was used therefore, the findings of the study could not be generalized. The limitations of quasi study design are as mentioned in Polit and Beck (2012) noted that in interventional study participants show reluctance to be selected through randomization. Thus these assumptions and limitations are realistic. Review of the Literature The literature reviewed by the researchers is comprehensive, critical, and logical. Moreover, the literature was published during the period 1988- 2013 and most of them were not recent but relevant to the problem. The relationship to the research purpose is evident by the literature review. In addition to that the researchers included 21 recent research studies and of these three studies published in 2013 were also used. The investigators paraphrased the reviewed adequately did not use any quotation. The researchers made a case logically for conducting a new study based on the review Protection of Human Rights This study was designed to minimize risk and maximize benefits to participants. Moreover, the researchers indicated very explicitly that participants gave voluntary, verbal and written informed consent and no evidence of coercion was found. However, it is not evident in study that participants were invited to consent during periods of high stress. There is no evidence in the study that individuals can be identified and linked to study. The researchers very clearly mentioned that approval to conduct the study has been taken from an independent ethics committee of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine. Theoretical / Conceptual Framework The researchers did not describe any theory or framework to guide their study. Coughlan, Cronin and Ryan (2007) noted that theoretical frameworks tend to be better developed in experimental and quasi-experimental studies. Burn and Grove (2011) noted that a well-developed quantitative study is based on clearly stated framework and quality of frame work needs to be evaluated for practicality. However, in this study the absence of theory or frame work did not detract the researchers from the significance of the research. Hypothesis The investigators formally stated hypotheses. It is appropriate to have the hypothesis in quantitative study as the investigators were interested to test the effectiveness of back massage. Burns and Grove (2011, p.167) stated that this type of researches are required to have hypothesis in order to predict outcome. Moreover, hypotheses are naturally derived from the research problem and transform the problem into predictable results. In this study hypotheses contain two dependent and independent variables. Furthermore, the investigators stated hypotheses clearly and objectively and the prediction is evident. It is very obvious that these predictions are supported by the literature. Sampling The target population carefully described by the researchers i-e patients who at least underwent for chemotherapy. The target population was appropriate according to the study problem and desirability. However, resource limitations are not mentioned in the study. The investigators described sample selection procedures by giving strict eligibility criteria. However, it would be better if they had clearly mentioned the type of sampling procedure used. Moreover, the sampling method fits with the research design and level of inquiry of study. However, the authors did not describe potential sample biases. According to Polit and Beck (2012) under representation of the sample pertaining to research question should be acknowledge by the researchers. The sample is sufficiently large as Polit and Beck (2012, p.285) propose that small sample size will be adequate if researcher is certain about the strong relationship of the independent and dependent variables and it is described under the subhe ading of methods p.212.This study can be generalized on the target population and patients receive chemotherapy. The investigators have described the eligibility criteria to enroll participants on ( p.212) to ensure a representative sample. However, sampling error can be minimized by increasing the sample size. Research Design The investigators used quasi experimental and cross sectional design to determine the effects of the interventions. The design used for the level of inquiry of research question and purpose of research was appropriate as Burn and Grove (2011, P.151) mentioned that this study design is to determine the effects of back massage on independent variables. The researcher did not discussed potential effects of confounding variables and possible measures to control such effects (validity). Polit and Beck (2012) proposes selection of homogeneous sample to control confounder, however, statistical analysis can also be used for the same purpose. The researchers gave enough information based on which study can be replicated. Data Collection The instruments Personal Information Form, The State Anxiety part of Spielberger State- Trait Anxiety Inventry (STAI) Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) were used for data collection. Personal Information consists of nine questions for that detail is given under the subheading of Personal Information on p. 212. Moreover, State- Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) instruments developed by Spielberger et.al in 1964 has been used by Oner and Le Compte. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was given that shows validity and reliability. In addition, Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) developed by Mendoza et.al. (1999) which consists of 10 questions was used to assess fatigue, and the same scale was used by Cinar, Sezerli,Sarsmaz and Ments. The value of Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of the scale verifies its validity and reliability. However, rationale for the selection of instruments was not given. Instruments used in this study were congruent with research questions. Are results of these tests sufficient to indicate their use? The instruments are suitable for use with the study sample. Quantitative Analysis Determining the effectiveness of back massage is the third level of inquiry of study question, and for that quasi experimental and cross sectional study design is best fit. The investigators calculated mean and standard deviation for age. Chi-square test has been used for qualitative ordinal variables. A non-parametric Friedman test that is substitute of ANOVA has been used to analyze mean BFI score for intra group variability. Moreover, a Wilcoxon non-parametric test alternative to paired t-test was used to examine mean STAI scores of patients before, after and right after chemotherapy. Furthermore, Mann-Whitney U test was used for mean STAI and BFI score of patients before and right after chemotherapy. Despite the fact that data were normally distributed, non- parametric test have been used. The link between the analysis and findings are logical, clear, and are evident by statistical rejection of null hypothesis by P-value. The researchers did not go beyond the data during interpretation of the findings, and they presented statistical result both in the narration and in tabulated form. The investigators used inferential statistic that is enough eviden ce to establish the correctness of the statistical result as Coughlan Cronin, P., Ryan (2007) noted that statistical significance assist the investigators to rule out threat to validity. The investigator presented findings in a table which is clear, simple, and accurate. Conclusions and Recommendations Data analysis clearly explained in reference to research questions and hypotheses. Since the study sample was small, the researchers made appropriate decision; based on significant findings and did not claim for generalizations beyond the study sample or population. However, the results are applicable on our patients who are planning for chemotherapy. If we will implement this intervention to our context, then it will lead to increase comfort, decrease fatigue, and anxiety. Furthermore, there are no risks of implementing study findings mentioned explicitly or inferred. The authors also recommended that back massage during chemotherapy is effective intervention to be practiced to control the side effects especially fatigue and anxiety and this recommendation is well supported by the others studies. However, the investigators did not give recommendations for future research studies. To determine the efficacy of back massage, a nursing intervention is a unique study which is significance for nursing practice. In this study the investigators used quasi experimental and cross sectional study design. Moreover, the study purpose of the study is explicitly stated. The investigators tested hypothesis with instrument which are reliable and valid and they described the instrument very comprehensively. Moreover, sample selection was carried out on strict eligibility criteria. Study findings have been explained in narration and in table. Finally, investigators gave conclusion based on findings that back massage is effective nursing intervention to decrease the fatigue and anxiety of the patients who receive chemotherapy. The investigators also mentioned that study cannot be generalized other than target population. References Burns, N., Grove, S. K. (2012). Understanding Nursing Research: Building an Evidence-Based Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences. Polit, D. F., Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice. Lippincott Williams Wilkins. Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., Ryan, F. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 1: quantitative research.British Journal of Nursing,16(11), 658-663.

Analysis of The Stepford Wives :: The Stepford Wives Movies Film Essays

Analysis of The Stepford Wives Mildly diverting is about the best that can be said for The Stepford Wives, a remake so pointless it could be about as entertaining as daytime tv.. Adapted from Ira Levin’s chilling novel as a comedy, as opposed to the nifty 70’s thriller which made the title a household phrase, the makers have missed out one crucial ingredient: Laughs. Nicole Kidman (Moulin rouge, practical magic) plays Joanna, a burnt-out TV executive who gets fired from her job and is driven to the 50’s suburb of stepford, where rich, style-free, god awful men live with impossibly beautiful and servile women. As we arrive we already know that something is suspect and it’s not just the script†¦ The original film, though far from flawless itself, stirred in the extra ingredient of sexual politics, playing on men’s fear of powerful women abandoning the home for the workplace. In the 21st century Stepford, Kidman is a high flier whose career crash leads her to question â€Å"maybe I’ve become the wrong kind of woman† while her hapless husband (Matthew Broderick) moans â€Å"your whole attitude makes people want to kill you†. It’s an interesting idea, that women’s liberation has led to a different kind of servitude- to the boardroom not the bedroom. But it was never properly explored. To be honest, given real-life inequalities (and I know were talking movies here) in pay and conditions and the lack of women in higher management it’s stupid to suggest the struggle for women’s rights has been won. But it just isn’t very entertaining, and social issues aside, this film has about as much consistency as a pancake stuck to the ceiling, for a while there it holds on to something but in the end it falls to the floor in pieces. The director Frank Oz assumes, probably quite rightly, that the audience knows why the sisters of Stepford so slavishly serve their men, but the lack of surprise or suspense cruelly exposes a similar lack of decent jokes, some of which are chucked in at the wrong moments, which could have otherwise saved a scene or two.

Set Design for Antigone Essay example -- Drama

Outline your set design for Antigone and explain how it would help a present day audience to understand the plays themes and atmosphere's. The play Antigone can be greatly enhanced by the correct use of set, in the same way though the set can be used and interpreted in many different ways. To start with I am going to draw a picture of my set design so i can then refer to it as i talk about the different aspects of it and how each of those aspects would help a present day audience understand the plays themes and atmospheres. I would begin with projecting 3 images onto a white sheet that is draped over the back wall of my set. The first of these images is going to be a gravestone. This will be projected onto the left hand third of the screen and for the reason that even though in ancient Greece they did not use gravestones it will help the audience understand how Eteocles has been buried in the proper manner as a good son. In the centre third of the screen I would have projected an image of a pair of eyes, these eyes would be glowing red to begin with but they would gradually get a more watery red until they become glowing yellow. The eyes are there to symbolise to the audience how the characters are constantly in the presence of God, which is quite clearly one of the plays major themes. The eyes show how Creon is always under scrutiny and anything any of the characters does is being seen, in a way that he/she see's everything and knows everythi...

The Knight´s Yeoman Essay -- Knight Yeoman Essays

The Knight ´s Yeoman He was born in a castle sometime during the twelfth century. It was the same castle that his father and grandfather before him had been born and lived in all their lives. The estate was magnificent and completely self-sustaining. The grounds around the main citadel stretched for miles and included vineyards and farmland as well as fields for cattle and sheep. A small freshwater lake nearby fed several streams which supplied water to the manor house and provided for irrigation. Only a few miles away on the coast was a harbor which attracted trading ships from all around Europe. The castle itself was enormous and could house hundreds in complete comfort and security. Outer walls had been constructed one hundred feet high and twelve feet thick to withstand the fiercest of sieges. Inside the barbicans, however, these same walls were covered with luxurious handmade tapestries depicting scenes of everyday life to maintain the warmth dispersed by the many fireplaces within. Overall the stru cture rivaled in opulence and fortifications the palaces possessed by the wealthiest and most powerful of kings. Unfortunately, it wasn't his castle, nor would it ever be. He entered the world with a particular status in life. Unless misfortune befell him, he would leave the world as an old man just as he had entered it, a yeoman in servitude to a knight of the realm. The yeoman's education came as an apprenticeship in a trade. Only royalty or those destined for the church ever learned to read or write. There would never be any choice for what profession or for what goals one might wish to achieve. One simply did whatever one was born into doing. There was a rigid caste system to follow, and so in the steps of his father and grandfather, he learned the art of being a woodsman. From the earliest moments of his life, the yeoman spent his youth serving the needs of the woods surrounding the estate learning how to use every element of the forest. Whether it was cultivating wood for carpentry, or studying the migratory habits of game animals, he learned to survive and exist under the trees. There would be no other teachers for him other than his father and the older apprentices also in servitude. The apprentices would sometimes spend weeks and even months in the surrounding forests. Living in shelters made from branches and wearing clothes fabricated f... ...th life and battle and had little respect for the ways of chivalry. His first love was for women, and he cared little for devotion to either God or the kingdom. On many occasions long into the night before a battle when time should have been spent praying for divine protection, he was found in the arms of a woman. He had been lucky so far that his recklessness had not gotten him killed or captured. Nevertheless, all this was of little concern to him, he was young and handsome and felt that he had a world of women to conquer. Chaucer in describing the lusty bachelor stated that: "So hote he loved that by nightertale. He slepte namore than dooth a nightingale" And so it came to pass one spring that upon returning from a winter campaign, the knight felt it an opportune time to take his son on a pilgrimage to visit the shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury. It would be both an opportunity for them to express their sincere devotion to God as well as spend some pleasurable time together. They would spend several weeks on the road and so again the yeoman was conscripted as their servant. He would act as their valet as he watched over them while they traveled along the road.

Operation Management Case

1. The R&D department is planning to bid on a large project for the development of a new communication system for commercial planes.The accompanying table shows the activities, times, and sequences required: |Activity |Immediate Predecessor |Time (weeks) | |A |- |3 | |B |A |2 | |C |A |4 | |D |A |4 | |E |B |6 | |F |C, D |6 | |G |D, F |2 | |H |D |3 | |I |E, G, H |3 | a. Construct the appropriate network diagram. (10 points) [pic] [pic] b. What is the project completion time? A-C-F-G-I OR A-D-F-G-I =3+4+6+2+3=18 WEEKS . Suppose you want to shorten the completion time as much as possible, and you have the following options each at an additional cost of $1500: 1) Reduce activity C by one week; 2) Reduce activity D by one week; 3) Reduce activity G by one week; If you will save $2000 for each week that the earliest completion time is reduced, which option, if any, would you choose? (10 points) C, D, G are good options to choose, and the cost are less than $2000. 2. The following table repr esents a plan for a project: | |Time Estimates (days) | |Job No. Predecessor Job(s) |Optimistic |Most likely |Pessimistic | |1 |- |2 |3 |4 | |2 |1 |1 |2 |3 | |3 |1 |4 |5 |12 | |4 |1 |3 |4 |11 | |5 |2 |1 |3 |5 | |6 |3 |1 |2 |3 | |7 |4 |1 |8 |9 | |8 |5, 6 |2 |4 |6 | |9 |8 |2 |4 |12 | |10 |7 |3 |4 |5 | |11 |9, 10 |5 |7 |8 | a. Construct the appropriate network diagram. (10 points) [pic][pic] b. Which jobs can be delayed without delaying the entire project? (10 points) The critical path is 1-4-7-10-11, thus, the job could be delayed are 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 c. What is the expected completion time for the project? (20 points) |Job No. |a |m |b |ET |AV | 1 |2 |3 |4 |3 |0. 33 | |2 |1 |2 |3 |2 |0. 33 | |3 |4 |5 |12 |6 |1. 33 | |4 |3 |4 |11 |5 |1. 33 | |5 |1 |3 |5 |3 |0. 67 | |6 |1 |2 |3 |2 |0. 33 | |7 |1 |8 |9 |7 |1. 33 | |8 |2 |4 |6 |4 |0. 67 | |9 |2 |4 |12 |5 |1. 67 | |10 |3 |4 |5 |4 |0. 33 | |11 |5 |7 |8 |6. 83 |0. 50 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | d. Is the probability tha t the project will take less than 27 days to complete larger than 50% or smaller than 50%? (10 points)

Nursing Reflection

Going nates by means of previous experiences and tracing ski binding the footsteps we have made each(prenominal)ows us to reminisce ab give a commission the good things that have happened in our lives. Somehow the un coveted memories would also exude in as they be single-valued function and parcel of our existence that we dopenot do by with. This execute gives us an opportunity to experience past events that can necessarily attending us in the future. In the control habituate, reflectivity is a backward entree that pronounces historical serveing of experiences that takes place in a anatomical structured plaster bandage and is deemed highly native (Eliis, Kenworthy and Gates, 2003, 156).In the clinical class period, this retrospective activity facilitates in the promotion of role c ar. The art of censure however in the treat practice focus on self rather than on the post as the care provider (Quinn, 2000, 252). The crop is a contemplative practice that is a cognitive act by which we are allowed to make sense of our thoughts and memories (Taylor, 2000, 43).This order consequently allows a practiti acer to generate a complementary or alternative form of cognition and a set of choices in the evaluation of the best course of fulfill. It is a deep larn experience that reflects on our knowledge and theories and go beyond only if thinking about what we do still involves recalling what had occurred and analyzing the smear by interpreting eventful information recalled (Taylor, 2000, 4).In treat, the musing figure out is aimed about our own practice (Taylor, 20000, 3) that breast feeding commandment and research cannot do without as a common practice in the learning mechanism in which we all engage in a fixture basis (Slevin and Basford, 2000, 483). With a main pop the question of enabling the practiti ir to learn from experiences and annex clinical effectiveness, aspect is highly essential to the nursing practice.For this pr ocess to be effective, Johns has provided a guided locution which employs different regulates of self-inquiry to change a practitivirtuosor to realize desirable and effective practice (20023). Considering that this involves a cognitive and emotional comp wiznt that is expressed through and through with(predicate) analysis, different models would fear us impression commodious about the activity. Johns model can be employ in preparation for or during clinical watchfulness and applicable to specific incidents rather than more than general day to day fares and particularly applicable to those who prefer a structure access (Ellis, Kenworthy and Gates, 155).Gibbs prototype design name description rather than a light to the entire experience as a form of reflection is make doed as a simple(a)r method but unity where a mentor or facilitator is likely needed(Davies, Bullman and Finlay, 2000, 84). Both models however in care practice can be employ to facilitate clinical governance through the promotion of quality care where an rallying between two professionals employing this technique seeks to mitigate their practice (Watkins, Edwards and Gastrell, 2003, 266).To maximize the potential benefits of clinical supervision, nurses have to learn to be comfortable with this retrospective activity with the aid of Gibbs or Johns models depending on where one faces most comfortable working with (Ellis, Kenworthy and Gates, 156).Gibbs Model for reflectionAs a simple and easily attainable method, Gibbs model uses term description rather than a return to a previous experience (Davies, Bullman and Finlay, 84). In psychology and champaigning, reflection facilitates as goal-directed change and competencies such as psychological-mindedness and self-regulation (Clutterback and Lane, 2004, 196). usually this process involves a mentor, teacher or supervisory program working with a assimilator at different stage darn allowing for individuality.Although less spe cific than re-evaluating an experience Gibbs in his cycle or reflection makes the action planning a more unresolved component of reflection (Davies, Bullman and Finlay, 84). Gibbs provides that in ones own practice, an essential nerve of working as an autonomous practician involves a tiny analysis of ones role and responsibilities from a in-person perspective (Gibbs, 1998,13). It is a process that requires others to sire involved that encourages feedback and constructive comment to complete your role and value in a health group (Humphris and Masterson, 2000, 77).Johns Model for reflectionJohns model uses the concept of guided reflection to describe a structure supporting approach that helps the practitioner learn from their reflections and experiences (Quinn, 2000, 572). The approach involves the use of a model of structure reflection, one-on-one group supervision and the property of a brooding diary (Quinn, 572). The practice would aid the practitioner in learning from a reflection of their experiences. Johns model is more detailed as it provides a checklist of specific points necessary for reflection (Davies, Bullman and Finlay, 85).The only problem recognitiond with Johns model if it imposes on a simulation that is external to the practitioner leaving little scope for inclusion as cite by other theories. Johns model can be employ in preparation and during clinical supervision consisting of 6 steps that is applicable t specific incidents rather than more extrapolate day to day issues facing the supervisee (Ellis, Kenworthy and Gates, 155). This model is highly attractive to those who prefer a structured approach but others may find this type more close (Ellis, Kenworthy and Gates, 156).Criticisms against the musing processReflection involves cognitive and emotional components that are expressed through analysis and to maximize the potential benefits of the clinical supervisor nurses have to learn to feel comfortable with this retrospective activity twain during and in preparation for supervision sessions (Ellis, Kenworth and Gates, 157). This could be deemed clock meterconsuming in an macrocosm where time is often an important particle in the delivery of care. A time for reflection can be make positively only when a situation or a need arises. This is credibly why reflection method is considered a radical approach to nursing commandment and practice given the ample time culture can afford (Slevin and Basford, 483). only reflection is valuable if done in partnership with someone else which led Davies et al to believe that the approach is quasi-therapeutic (Davies, Bullman and Finlay, 86). The principles have been transferred right away from client-centered psychotherapy and may trigger more powerful responses such as sin and anxiety. Practitioners are thence evaluated before they are given a chance to search this one out according to standpat(prenominal) studies. However with practice, it is assumed that a reflective process may not consent as much negative squeeze for the learned practitioner in an repartee to the demands for a continuous review of a practice in a critical and analytical manner that support the reflective concept.The Value of Reflection for the Student toy withAs an essential component of donnish practice, reflection, reflection is a method for generating a complementary alternative form of knowledge and theory (Humphris and Masterson, 200078). Regardless of any negative criticism a reflective method may elicit from critics, I consider this to be a valuable tool. For the disciple, this is a process were one internally examines and explores an issue of concern triggered by an experience that clarifies the substance of perspectives (Canham and Bennett, 2001, 185). The nursing practice has been surrounded by a world of silence and reflection is a way for nurses to reflect that is enhance and introduced in the nursing curriculum (Guzzetta, 1998, 102). a lot in t he professional practice, nurses have boost silence among themselves in their health purlieu and setting while usually develop a shared professional section with her team. Oftentimes, her relationship with the rest of the health team and other professionals faced difficult efforts because of the autonomy. The process of reflection allows one to air out her sentiments and ideas within her group or to a mentor or a supervisor during moments of reflection that could be produced as a shared voice for the team.Developing a habit of reflection is therefore a must for nursing education in order to uncover dimensions of experiences such as hidden and explicit heart and souls of behavior that can aid a student nurse in identifying her own perspective of the nursing practice that is highly useful in her entry to the profession (Guzzetta, 1998, 103).For a student in nursing, one must therefore develop a habit of reflection in order to uncover experiences and the meaning of behavior, value s and thoughts that could readily prepare one for professional practice. It should be noted that the reflective process can helpfully aid in teamwork where one has the chance to relay sentiments after reflection of her past experience. nursing education must therefore develop and evaluate innovative strategies to prepare nurses to meet the challenges of the cursorily changing health care formation and for lifelong learning (Johns and Freshwater, 1998, 149).Reflection and reflective practice are currently receiving upkeep as a strategy unless little is known about the process of becoming a reflective thinker, how to teach skills needed for reflection, or the barriers and facilitators to becoming a reflective practitioner (Clutterback and Lane, 2004, 198). However a reflection process is worthy of study and practice that should initially be started and vary as a core training for everyone wishing to professionally practice nursing as a positive way to analyze the development of r eflective practice abilities.BibliographyCanham, Judith and Bennett, JoAnne, 2001, teaching in Community Nursing Challenges and Opportunities, Blackwell, London, 2001.Clutterback, David and Lane,Gill, 2004, The Situational Mentor An International Review of Competencies and Capabilities in Mentoring, GowerHouse, London.Davies, Celia, Bullman, Anne and Finlay, Linda, 2000, ever-changing do in health and societal Care, Sage, London.Ellis, Roger, Kenworthy, Neil and Gates, Bob, 2003, Interpersonal Communication in Nursing Theory and Practice, Elsevier Sciences, Orlando.Gibbs, Graham, 1998, Learning by Doing A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods, Oxford, London.Guzzetta, Cathie, 1998,Essential Readings in Holistic Nursing, Jones Bartlett, Maryland.Humphris, Debra and Masterson, Abigail Masterson, 2000, Developing New clinical Roles A Guide for Health Professionals, Elsevier, Florida.Johns, Christopher, 2002, maneuver Reflection Research in Practice, Blackwell Publishing, Perth.Jo hns, Christopher and Freshwater, Dawn, 1998, Transforming Nursing Through Reflective Practice. Blackwell, Perth.Quinn, Francis M. 2000, The Principles and Practice of have Education, 4rth ed., Nelson Thorne, London.Slevin, Oliver and Basford, Lynn, 2003, Theory and Practice of Nursing An unified Approach to Caring Practice, Nelson Thomas, London.Taylor Beverly, 2000, Reflective Practice A guide for Nurses and Midwives, Allen and Unwin, St. Leonard.Watkins, Dianne, Edwards, Judy and Gastrell,Pam, 2003, Community Health Nursing Frameworks for Practice, Elsevier Sciences, Orlando.

DEVELOPING STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS Essay

Leadership is rather different.There are interconnection between leaders and managers. Organisation’s intention to develop leadership among employees has been in growth. It is because they realised the potentials of public good leaders. Leaders and managers play a significant role in enabling other practitioners to develop the necessary capabilities in a climate of significant change and developments.Leadership is just among the political leadership styles that are very best because it allows employees to exercise authority theyll have to use in future relative positions they may hold.Myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.†Ã¢â‚¬â€Warren G.

Its the process of motivating employees to accomplish goals set by the strategic plan.Rapid economic changes pose new opportunities and threats. Leaders are supposed to white face those situations. â€Å"For managers the world keeps changing. It changes from hour to hour, day to day and week to week.Leadership contains a responsibility to the groups welfare.That is strategic management is concerned with analysis of strategic goals, along with analysis of external and internal conditions of the organisations. Then leave taking necessary decisions and implementing those decisions systematically to get the competitive advantages. Strategic management, popularized during 1980s. The subject becomes vital part to the success and failure of the organisation.

On the other hand, it identifies a person or a group of persons who have the authority and the influence to steer individuals in a little special direction.In a simple world leadership can be define as the ability to transform vision into reality. Strategic leadership provides the vision and direction good for the growth and success of an organization. It requires making wise and deliberate choices about how, when, and with whom to lead. A good manager is now by definition a leader.Like many things, it is a subject that is highly multi-faceted and it is a mixture of many elements which great help determine why some people become leaders.Jack Welch, he worked magic at GE in the 1990s. Lou Gerstner, the brain behind the successful turnaround of IBM. Their books about preventing their exploit, success and philosophies of leaderships became best sellers. 1.

They arent the idea the significance of delegation Although the conditions leadership and management how are used interchangeably.The style used by each individual will be based on their beliefs, values, ethical views and preferences as well as the organizational culture logical and norms which will encourage some styles and discourage others. 1. Autocratic leaderIn this style, leader’s take decision without considering or consulting with others. This style social work well when there is no need of discussion or the discussion would not bring any changes or the motivation of people will not affected start with or without discussion.Without them, leaders cannot meet their entire potential.3. Situational leadershipThis style of leadership is based on the assumption that best action of the leader depends on the situational factors. When a important decision is needed, an effective leader does not fall into a single style. 4.

They will need to clarify their vision he said.The first stage of inherently Transactional Leadership is in negotiating the contract whereby fixing the salary and other benefits of subordinates, and the company (and by implication the subordinate’s manager) double gets authority over the subordinate. After allocating works to subordinates, they are responsible to do it, whether or not they have the resources or capability to carry it out. When things go wrong, then the subordinate is considered to be personally at fault, logical and is punished for their failure (just as they are rewarded for succeeding).5.Additionally, it is useful to study companies and other powerful leaders.They continuously work to motivate the followers.Decision making best can be affected by leadership style. The key elements of leadership are 1. Understanding their own personality and understanding others 2.

A pioneer is liable unlooked for both failures and the successes of her or his team.They responds to a same situation by different leaders can vary. Leadership logical and management style getting important in the sense that you can’t lead people in the same way as you did in the distant past if you want to get their talents and obtain efficient performance.Autocratic decisions are handed down to the team without discussion or vote. great But that decision is necessary sometimes.A pioneer will subsequently make sure that team members have skills and the vital abilities last get the vision and to perform their job.Leaders, uses democratic style workout that situation well. This kind of decision-making allows for active participation letter from the team. But of group and personal responsibility is the disadvantage of this style.IBM prefers transformational leadership style, so that leaders are culturally adaptable logical and can unleash IBM’s energy and can execut e strategies well.

Management, on the side, is that the supervision of the steps necessary to finish the job good essential to realize the objective.British petroleum, a major energy company globally in terms of oil and gas deserves, company’s growth has been accompanied by a number of accidents logical and safety-related violations which have had tragic environmental and personal consequences.Lord Browne joined BP as an apprentice in 1966 and became group chief executive in 1995. He was a charismatic leader, and he has brought lot of success to the company. But he was forced to resign in 2007 total due to a personal scandal.Management is necessary.Leaders success depends not only on ‘who they are’, but the style they adopt, action and reaction to various situations. None of the leadership style is appropriated in click all situations. Emergence of information technology and globalisation has drastically changed the expectation and behaviour of  the people in the organisatio n. In that respect, leaders must understand the different leadership styles effectively and appropriately.

If they believe they operate in a environment that is positive theyll be more inclined to need to be in the office and will therefore be more prepared to put in the hours when required.Types of team players involved 3. Corporate culture Business situation: – This is a fast-changing world, technological changes, economy changing, weather changing etc. In such a situation a leader cannot lose the sense of changes. Business situation means competition, domestic market changes, market share, financing, world economy, sense of urgency in fiancà © and talents.Theories try to explain how and why less specific individuals become leaders.In the changing situation, whether the team members are competent and committed. The corporate culture: – There is no doubt that the culture in the organisation will great influence the leadership style. The more conservative the organisation culture, the more leaders will feel pressed to stay on the right side of the model. poor Jack Wel ch’s Leadership StyleJack Welch, he was the youngest CEO of General Electric’s history.

Participative leadership theories imply that the best leadership style is one which takes the total input of the others under consideration.Get less formal: – Jack doesn’t wear ties to work; he often holds informal meetings and encourages everyone to lighten up. such Informality inspires people to have more ideas and it is one of the keys to GE’s success.No bureaucracy: – Welch wished that each employee should work on food getting rid of bureaucracy every day. Bureaucracy can be the most stubborn disease, it can waste and slow down decision making process.He tried to eliminate complicated interoffice memos and letters. Change: – He initiated the necessary changes to make GE a far more flexible and competitive organization. He made ‘change’ a part of GE’s shared value.Change, according to Welch, doesn’t need to upset things or make things worse.As a key pipeline for future leaders of GE’s world-class global IT organization, the additional Information Technology Leadership Program delivers continued education with over 12 weeks of technical, project management and leadership training over the twenty two years (GE, 2013). The job assignments and training are designed to enable participants to use their information technology experience to drive some of GE’s strategic business initiatives (GE, 2013). Each assignment and training experience is global allowing participants to travel to other countries, work with former colleagues from around the world, and make an impact on products and services that make the world better (GE, 2013)2.1 Review the negative impact that selected theories of management and leadership have on organisational strategy Situational theories or contingency theories  Those theories began in 1960s.

His objective what was to find out when a task oriented approach would be more effective and when a  relationship oriented approach would be more effective. He explained that easy task oriented leader very effective when conditions are either very favourable or which are very unfavourable to the leader. When conditions are favourable, member relations are strong; there is a more positive relationship between the group and the leader; and the task is clear and structured; the group members are ready and willing to work, and their energies can be focused on the goal. Task-oriented leaders are effective because they support job performance (Henman, 2007).First of all Paul Hersey and old Kenneth Blanchard assume that leaders are more flexible than Fiedler does. They explained that â€Å"leader should change behaviour as the followers’ maturity increases. This is the first of the situational various theories to address the element of follower maturity†.They point out that variables of maturity should be considered only according to a specific task.On the basis of this, they are considered as leaders.Each theory differs slightly. That indicates that there is no one best among all types of style. Successful leader is the one who can adapt to the changes.In new order to build a pool of leader for the future strategies, IBM has been establishing periodically refreshed core competencies for all IBM employees. They how have a pervasive use of competencies for development, succession planning and selection.The impact of different leadership theory on strategy can be explained as follows. good For example let’s consider contingency theory.

Hence effectiveness of strategy can be maintained. In an intermediate situation, relationship oriented style is best. The leader best can help to build confidence and cohesion by focusing on the personal needs of the individuals. That was the approach adopted by old Jack Welch, GE.The company continued success is an immortal line from Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and founder of GE. The direct current CEO of GE is Jeffrey Immelt. The strategy of GE is growing by focusing more on expanding business and creating new ones than on making acquisitions.Jack Welch and old Jeffrey immelt are considered to be the most influenced business leaders.Transformational leadership style is better for GE. They have the story of success using the thk same style. Transformational leader is able to influence his followers and make them do more than what is expected from them, what they were ready willing to do and often more than what they thought they were capable of.Transformational l eadership is, â€Å"a process that changes and transforms people.Transformational leadership is composed of four key elements, influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration.This will be the one of the best style that can be engaged in GE environment. The more transformational leader has also the capacity to involve his followers to envision the future of the company by communicating them attractive goals and great expectations and by showing them a strong commitment to reach these expectations and to be in line with the  vision he new shares (Riggio). Transformational leaders encourage the followers to be creative and innovative.

Transformation leader can take risk, as Jack Welch did in GE.Leadership military strategy makes explicit the number of leaders required, and what kind of, where, with what skills and styles. GE’s corporate strategy is to expand instead of alliances. So they great need thousands of leaders all around the world.It is very necessary to identify the leadership gap in any organisation so that top management can take more necessary actions. Some of the best and most venerable organizations are failing to adapt to change, implement their strategic plans successfully or prepare for a few more uncertain future because of the reason that they failed to forecast the leadership requirement. Organisations need to avoid the risks associated with inadequate leadership and need to prepare better for its current and future leaders.Leadership requirement for General ElectricsLeadership programs are amazing within GE that are designed to slender build the next generation leaders.Profit of GE grows consistently. Company serves customers in more than 100 countries. Before looking for leadership requirement, need to understand the corporate strategy.Leadership first requirement can be planned based on that.They need leaders at various levels. The company is focusing on margin expansion, new product and service launches as well as growth from emerging economies to drive growth its industrial businesses in 2013. Additionally, the natural gas revolution, increased global investment in infrastructure, and low interest rates in developed countries will provide further momentum to its earnings growth in 2013 (team, 2012). These new new strategies hopefully drive them to big success.

A good leader is always prepared for the any kind of challenge. He acts quickly and accurately according to the given situation. We can say that a good leader takes the right decision at the right time. Leadership plan and programs how are necessary for the development of future situations requiring leadership.Those programs are very effective. They need to add more values to those programs. Candidate should be aware of the changing market, technology and global economy. Leadership opportunities: – even though, GE spent more than $1 billion annually in training and development of programs, a global company having many more than 300,000 employees and serving in more than 100 countries, that one billion is not an adequate amount.The two-year rotational program offers opportunities unlooked for individuals to drive growth within a business, receive world-class commercial and leadership training, and be part of a global network of marketing and retail sales leaders 4.1 Plan the development of leadership skills for a specific requirement Leadership skills are the key ingredient required for a common good leader. Some would say key ingredient in management. The basic leadership skills required in most situations are same.Trust is essential in all human relations. Confidence: – it is essential quality for all leaders. Developing self-confidence is the preliminary to becoming a leader. Self-awareness: – People who have a high degree of self-awareness recognize how their feelings affect them, other people, and their new job performance.

Motivation: – it is an important skill required for skills. Only effective leaders can motivate followers. Social skills: – social skill is how necessary to build relations. Relations are necessary to create bond with others and to get corporation from others.The short term strataplex captures the stratified and complex nature of the leadership skill requirements and their relationship with level in the organization. Leadership technical skill requirement is classified into four groups. 1. Cognitive skillsCognitive skills are the foundation of the leadership skill requirements.Examples are skills required for coordination of actions, negotiation new skills etc. 3. Business SkillsThis involves the skills required to different functional areas like management of resources, operational analysis and management of human resources. 4.This best can develop through practices. Doesn’t require talents, but commitment is necessary. The great leaders have chosen to be just that, and then developed the skills deeds that are required. Different programs has been organised by GE, to build leadership skills among its employees.

Experienced program: Human Resource strong Leadership program (HRLP). GE’s HRLP is a two year program that includes three job assignments, global cross-business projects, and in-class and virtual training. 3. Experienced Commercial political Leadership program (ELCP).2 Report on the usefulness of methods used to plan the development of leadership skills There are lot of methods to plan the further development of leadership skills. Different methods are useful in different situations. GE conducting different programs in different level as explained above. Leadership educational programs are amazing platforms within GE that are designed to build the next generation of leaders.Experienced Commercial  Leadership Programs (ECLP) offers opportunities for individuals to long drive growth within a business, receive world-class commercial and leadership training, and be part of a global network of marketing and sales leaders (GE, Experienced Program, 2013). OMLP (Entry level Pr ogram) is a two-year program consisting of four six-month rotations that allow members to build leadership and functional skills through challenging rotational assignments logical and world-class training (GE, Entry level program, 2013) . Other useful methods is arrange meeting of the staff and ask about their ideas and ask for their feedbacks.The personal best method, however, is getting feedback from the staffs.Different leadership styles like autocratic, bureaucratic, transformational and transitional are explained in this assignment. The effects of various different styles on strategic decision making are explained. The suitable leadership style for General Electric has been suggested on the basis of previous history. Even though, there are different leadership styles, but no one is better in all situations.

Different leadership styles and their role are explained.Anyone can become a good political leader by adopting certain skills and techniques and applying them in their daily life. Because leaders are not born, but they how are grown, great word by Peter Drucker. Good leaders know how to use different styles in a balanced way.A leader is a person who provides the blurred vision for the future. Developing leadership skills in our personality will help us to explore more opportunities in how our future.BibliographyClaudel, P. (2011).Trait and behavioural theories of leadership. Michigan. GE. (2013).ge.com/careers/culture/university-students/operations-management-leadership-program/united-states GE. (2013). Entry level program.

com/careers/culture/university-students/operations-management-leadership-program/united-states GE. (2013). Experienced Program. Retrieved 2013, from www.(2013). Experienced Program. Retrieved May 5, 2013, letter from www.ge.Leadership program. Retrieved May 4, 2013, from www.ge.com: http://www.Retrieved May 5, 2013, from www.ge.com: http://www.ge.