Organization Analysis The Girl Scouts

History of the Organization Steered by Juliette Gordon Low, The Girl Scouts is an organization that started on 12 March 2012 with the sole agenda of lobbying girls from Georgia and Savannah to form a local girl scout. The reason for her initiative to bring girls together was her hope to see that girls got the necessary assistance for them to develop holistically in terms of their mental, physical, and spiritual capabilities.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Organization Analysis: The Girl Scouts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More After a few years, the organization began to agitate for the rights of the girls. Since then, the membership has been growing at a rapid rate. For instance, currently, there are 3.2 million girl scouts. 890000 of them are adults who are working as volunteers while the remaining 2.3 million are girls (The Girl Scouts, 2012). The organization has changed over the years. Different CEO s have steered the organization and hence the changes. Various programs geared at uplifting girls have been initiated. Other changes have been experienced in the number of girls joining the organization as members. The current mission of The Girl Scouts is â€Å"Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place† (The Girl Scouts, 2012). This mission statement inspires and mobilizes girls from America to join hands in a bid to promote sisterhood. Girls should have confidence and courage to take the mantle of leading the country into prosperity. The mission statement of the organization has changed over the years. The quoted one is the ninth mission statement since the organization was formed. Current Organizational Structure, Culture, and Human Resource Every organization has its organizational structure that helps or provides the criteria of delegating duties to ensure that its goals and objectives are met. The organizational s tructure of The Girl Scouts is hierarchical. At the helm of the organization is the Chief Executive Officer known as Anna Aria and Connie Lindsey, the chairperson (The Girl Scouts, 2012). Under the chair is the middle level management that is followed by employees and volunteers. The senior management team or leadership team plays a role of planning, developing, and executing various initiatives and resources to ensure that diverse group of girls, employees, and volunteers benefit across the world. The organization has its headquarters at New York, and has around 112 regional offices located in the councils to provide services to girls in these areas. The employees of the organization are approximately 9,500. They are spread across the country to provide services to the girls. Many volunteers are also part of the human resource that assists girls in various locations. The culture of the organization embraces diversity and freedom of expression. The staff comes from various ethnic ba ckgrounds. The people do not discriminate in terms of gender, race, or status provided someone can add value to the life of girls and the whole organization. The door is open to anyone who feels or cherishes girls besides wishing to support them to realize their dreams.Advertising Looking for research paper on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, the culture is conducive for promoting cohesiveness and unity between all the stakeholders. When it comes to human resource, employees are selected based on merits regardless of the region from which they come. This has enabled the organization to tap various talents from its employees that have brought diversity in the functioning and operations of the organization (The Girl Scouts, 2012). Environmental Changes affecting the Organization throughout the History Organizations keep on transforming in a bid to match with the current needs of the people they s erve. As a result, The Girl Scouts is one of the organizations that have experienced changes in their governance and the general functioning over years since it was formed. A number of organizational changes have forced the organization to accommodate the inevitable change. One of the changes is technological advancement. This has made the organization change from traditional forms of running organization to digital ones. All the information about the activities of the organization is held or stored in its database, and can be accessed by any person around the globe (The Girl Scouts, 2012). The introduction of technology has also seen the organization train its staff on technology to make it efficient in the way it performs its duties. Another change in the environment is the increase in membership that has forced the organization to establish many regional offices to enable the girls reach their services. Further, this has also seen some changes happen in the governance structure w here more offices have been set up to ensure that the service or the organization performs and achieves its objectives. Due to the increase in membership, the organization has also come up with different strategies of sourcing funds to ensure its success. Apart for the funds that members provide through their subscription, the organization has also established various institutions and businesses that help to generate an extra income that has enabled it run smoothly in a bid to meet the needs of the girls and employees (The Girl Scouts, 2012). Furthermore, the organization has managed to receive members from different regions. This has also led the organization to put in place mechanisms to embrace every person regardless of his or her social status, race, and gender. It has revisited its terms of operations in an effort to embrace diversity. Inquiry The research tool or lens for this paper based on The Girl Scouts organization is human resource. The selection of the lens follows bec ause of its significance in the functioning of the organization. Human resource is the fundamental pillar in the smooth operation of any organization.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Organization Analysis: The Girl Scouts specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The success stories and strides the organization has made in the 100 years of it existence are solely dependent on the efforts that have been made by the employees (The Girl Scouts, 2012). Secondly, human resource is one of the sections that provide a better employment environment for their employees. This explains why the organization has continued to thrive and experience few or no employee turnover. This explains why I choose to investigate on human resource. This approach has made me learn about the importance of having an effective and competent workforce. Such workforce guarantees better results. The achievement the organization has had can largel y be attributed to its resilient and hardworking workforce. Changes in human capital lead to changes in training and experiences encountered all of which affect the performance and the level effectiveness of employees (Ployhart, Van, Chad Mackenzie, 2011, p. 353). This implies that human capital can change to be productive depending on experiences and training to which the employees are subjected. Organizations that provide continued training often reap from these actions through improved productivity triggered by trainings and experience (Bassey, Tapang, 2012, p. 46). According to the extant theories of strategic human resource management, cultures, and practice postulates, organizations adopt to their own cultures that are distinct to their industry or nations (Levy, 2010, p. 31). They therefore ignore the influence of external environments that might have a negative impact on the organization’s survival. This therefore raises questions about which culture should be adher ed to by the organizations to ensure they achieve their objectives in this modern world though organizations need to diversify because of the changes in the way people live. Technology has made various people with different cultures interact and share views and opinions. Therefore, to reach a larger percentage of people, organizations should embrace diversity by learning other people’s cultures. According to Armstrong (2009), employees require motivation to work hard to increase the productivity of any organization (2009, p. 10). Organizations that have programs geared at motivating their employees by providing opportunities to advance in careers, promotion, and decent working conditions experience a high productivity than those without such programs in place. The Girl Scouts organization has managed to achieve this by improving its employees’ working conditions. This has resulted to efficiency and an increase in the number of girls that are joining the group.Advertisi ng Looking for research paper on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Findings and recommendations In view of human resource, it is evident that the organization has created a favorable environment for its employees. The organization offers competitive employment benefits that motivate employees. For instance, it offers a competitive compensation to its employees besides giving benefits of packages such as growth opportunities, variety of flexible working schedules, and various incentives that help to balance between work and personal life. Some of the benefits include medical services, vision, life, dental, short and long-term disability insurance over, subsidized full service cafeteria services, employee assistance programs, and performance recognition programs amongst others. This strategy has helped the company to attract and maintain a talented workforce that has helped it become innovative and productive in its services. The organization is also committed to ensuring that its employees are well-compensated and treated to enable them provide best services to stir growth and productivity of the organization. Investing in human capital has paid off the organization because it has continued to catch the attention of many talented people who would wish to bring new ideas. The leadership of the organization has also shown commitment in ensuring a proper maintenance of human resource besides providing it with the support it requires. Various programs have been set up to educate/train employees to enable them grow in their careers, as well as in their personal development. This has seen reduced cases of employee turnovers. There are few problems, as well as opportunities, attributed to human resource in The Girl Scouts organization. Some of the opportunities that were uncovered in the human resource include the fact that people who have skills and talents from around the world have an equal opportunity of getting employment within the organization. This therefore shows that diversity is embraced. This helps to create positive rela tionships, a sign of exemplary leadership. On the other hand, problems that are associated with human resource in the organization include unclear criteria that are used in providing promotion to the employees that exemplify meritorious performance during their tenure of services. Therefore, I recommend the management to maintain better conditions and terms for its human resource to ensure that it continues to reap from its employee’s skills and talents. Action plan An action plan refers to steps that one needs to undertake to ensure the success of a strategy. In an action plan, the tasks to be performed must be known. The time to be undertaken should be known, as well as resources to be allocated to ensure a successful completion. The action plan below will suffice for The Girl Scouts organization Action required By whom (Lead responsibility) When (deadline date) Comments Budget Completed Date The organization aspires to increase the number of girls joining the group. A committee will be established to carryout a worldwide campaign. 15/12/2012 The committee to consist of members who have skills and knowledge on issues affecting girls They should also be trained on the best strategies to use to ensure that they meet the targets 20Million USD All staffs to be trained on use of information technology in communication and working to enhance or improve the level of productivity Outsourced expertise from well renowned company will carry this out. 1/1/2013 The organization to adapt to the changing environment in the operations of organizations facilitated by the introduction of Information technology to remain competitive to achieve its goals 5Million USD The organization will recruit around 1000 employees in various departments – 15/11/2012 Number of membership to have an adequate number of employees to attend to all their needs The employees to be deployed in various regions to ensure that the increasing numbers of girls joining the organi zation are well attended to. Other employees to go to the headquarters to carry out administrative work 20MillionUSD Renewing of the action plan. This will occur after six months The department of human resource 4/4/2013 All actions to be completed as planned Conclusion The management, employees, and all stakeholders will be involved in the implementation of every goal set. This will ensure that all the stakeholders are accountable to the failure and or the success of the strategies used. It will also contribute towards cohesion among the members of the organization who will feel a sense of belonging to the organization hence promoting teamwork. Reference List Armstrong, M. (2009). Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. Edition: Eleventh ed. Kogan Page. Bassey, B., Tapang, A. (2012). Capitalized Human Resources Cost and Its Influence on Corporate Productivity: A Study of Selected Companies in Nigeria. International Journal of Financial Research, 3(2), 45-80. Levy, J. (2010). Human Resources. New England Review, 31(1), 31-62. Ployhart, R., Van, I., Chad, H., Mackenzie, W. (2011). Acquiring and developing human capital in service contexts: the interconnectedness of human capital resources. Academy of Management Journal, 54(2), 353-368. The Girl Scouts. (2012). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-leadership.html This research paper on Organization Analysis: The Girl Scouts was written and submitted by user Tony Medina to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Research Proposal on E-Commerce vs Web Store Front

Research Proposal on E-Commerce vs Web Store Front E-Commerce vs. Web Store Front Research Proposal: With the advent of internet technology, organizations have greatly improved in certain ways. One of the most important facets of the computer and internet technology that have undergone rapid change is the E-commerce (Umar, 2004). Ecommerce or electronic commerce is the act of doing business over the internet through the aid of remote computers linked to each other to form a network. Specifically, it allows the users to transact business over the internet, where very little or no physical contact between the two parties is involved (Umar, 2004). Companies throughout the modern world are increasingly changing from traditional in-store format due to the increased opportunities with online business, as well as reduced cost of doing business (Umar, 2004). Currently, most retail businesses maintain a web storefront, while others have completed deviated from their physical location and moved permanently to the online business location. Traditional Versus Online Shopping It is not necessary that the word shopping have the meaning of exchange of goods and services in a specific physical location, as it was the common definition (Columbus, 2009). For instance, it was the only way for the shopper to leave the physical location and visit to the physical market or store in order to shop. However, in the modern world, shopping has greatly been revolutionized primarily through the internet technology. However, there are facets of this revolution that has brought in certain weaknesses with the shopping method, which are not common with traditional in-store method of shopping (Umar, 2004). Traditional in-store shopping method requires that the buyer and the seller meet in a certain area to do the transaction. The buyers must pay in cash or credit card. This method is very time consuming because all these activities requires time. In addition, in any case where the buyer and the seller have to negotiate on the price and nature of the service or commodity, they must do so within a given time, which increases the time spend on the process. For the buyer to choose the right product, he or she must take time seeing the product or service and verify its worthiness before paying for it. This is an advantage over the modern E-shopping, where even scammers have the opportunity to place fake or unworthy orders or products and feign as honest dealers or buyers. This might be a good way for the dishonest parties to execute their ill-intended actions over the intent (Umar, 2004). The traditional method of shopping is advantageous over the internet as far as this issue is concerned because it allows the two parties to carry out intensive verification of the other party’s intentions and degree of honesty. For example, there is enough time of the two parties to spend together and verify each other’s intentions and degree of honesty. In addition, physical shopping is quick because the buyer does not have to ship, especially for household and other goods, which are required on time and place (Columbus, 2009). Despite these advantages with the traditional method of shopping, several issues are associated with it, which are easily solved with the online shopping methods. For example, this method is highly time saving because it allows both parties to transact business over the internet. In this case, the parties do not need to meet physically, but rather the internet provides the opportunity for the two parties to meet and even discuss from remote places. There are also certain ways to enhance security of the transaction. For example, it is possible to operate secure accounts over the internet provided by trusted companies such as PayPal and iKobo. Ecommerce has increased the ability of doing business in foreign and new places. The internet is perhaps the driving force behind the modern concept of globalization. Globalization is a new dispensation in modern world, which has seen business organizations operate on worldwide scale, rather than dealing in specific regions (Umar, 2004). This new dispensation in business has increased the ability of the business organizations to diversify their business over extensive geographical locations, breaking geographical barriers and thus, distributing their risks and losses. This has further seen business organizations reduce the expense of crossing geographical barriers because they do not necessarily need to have physical outlets or these new offices, and those, which have these offices, are connected effectively the technology (Umar, 2004). Shoppers have the opportunity to go over a large-scale window-shopping before they can settle on the items to buy. Comparison of prices over the internet is also simpler than physical shopping because one needs to browse the prices and products over the computer in a sitting location, which further reduces the time needed to make shopping decisions. Shopping experience at Express Company Express Corporation is an American organization that specializes in clothing, and has several outlets in America, Europe and Asia, most of which were opened and operated before the organization embarked on extensive ecommerce. Currently, the organization operates one of the best and consumer friendly website, from where consumers in any part of the world can browse through the great variety of products and product brands available in the company stores. In addition, it allows the potential customer to use a shopping cart, in which they are free to add or remove any item they wish to or not to purchase. The shopping becomes easy because the online buyers are able to decide on the item they want to buy over a long time, which could even be days. This allows the users to make sound decisions on their purchases. Moreover, the website has extensive list of available and products, alongside their prices, quality and other details. Payment is quite easy because the organization accepts cred it cards online, PayPal and iKobo in addition to E-money services. The transaction can take a number of days, while the shipping can be very quick in cases where the customers are located in one of the 60 countries where the company operates in full scale. In addition to these features, the organization’s website allows the users to define their need and search through the website with just a click, and find their preferred product. Ethical and Legal Issues Concerning the Use of Internet in Business The internet technology has proved to be a tool for improving the methodology for doing business (Columbus, 2009). However, several legal and ethical issues are concerned (Umar, 2004). As a relatively new technology in business, the internet, as applied in ecommerce, has several issues concerning the security of the information, the money on transit as well as the product. For example, the organizations doing business through the internet relies heavily on the information on their website, and the information passed between the two parties. This implies that in case this information is leaked or interfered with, then both parties are likely to lose. Confidentiality of the information is also highly regarded in the business done over the internet (Umar, 2004). Ecommerce further requires high product suitability since there are certain products that are hardly offered on the internet. For example, household products such as sugar, soap, and others may not be sold in retail scale over the internet; rather they need traditional method of commerce. Products such as clothing, vehicles and other machineries, information such as music and games as well as academic materials are highly suitable for internet transaction.

Advantages and Disadvantages of large Sample Size Free Samples

1.In our case being that the population size was sixty nine thousand, a sample size of fifteen thousand represented by over twenty percent covers over one fifth of the population. This sample therefore has a bigger sample size than expected. i.e. 383 bank workers were to make the sample size for this population size (69,000) with confidence level of 95 percent and margin of error of 5 percent. Large sample sizes are therefore associated with advantages and disadvantages. Large sample sizes ensure for the reliability of the sample mean as the estimator of the population parameter. For a sample to fully reflect the correct population mean, larger sample size is always contemplated of. The quantity need to be pinned down. Standard error (Se) of the mean is therefore used to quantify the reflection of population mean. This standard error is essential for all calculated sample means. This is taken as an advantage of the large sample sizes due their wide coverage of the population. Working with large samples is important since it helps in sweeping out the outliers in the sample. Small samples are perceived prone to outliers which may misrepresent the data in the sample. Bigger samples capture greater odds of outliers in the sample. However, in most of the cases, outliers tend to complicate analysis of statistical data but accounting for them help in giving realistic picture and the characteristics of the population. Another advantage of large sample sizes is that they help in obtaining a quality and precise mean. This is so because the mean will have covered many elements of the population. Determination of the mean is important for it help the researchers to do away with the outliers from their data. Outliers in the dataset are important to be dealt with because they totally differ from the mean greatly and may give a deceitful image about the sample or population. Since large sample size is suitable due to its large and wider coverage of the population of study, it is in the same way time consuming and expensive to work with. For instance, sampling 15,000 workers who work in the Belgian bank will require a lot of time and also the expense that will be involved will be high. A lot of time is required since the larger sample size is spread in the manner that the population is spread and thus collecting data from the entire sample will involve much time compared to smaller sample sizes. Due to its wider coverage, the expense that is involved in data collection process is also higher compared to expense that could be incurred in a small sample size. Overrepresentation of population data in a population involves large sample size. Collection of data from this sample size in a well distributive way will require high financial involvement for the success of the process as planned Decision on what sample size to use will depend on the population size i.e. 69,000 bank workers and cost that will be involved in data collection. If the researcher wants to incur low cost in the process, smaller sample size will be preferred. In that case, it will also help in determining how precise we should be with our data. Sampling whole lot of 15,000 Belgian bank workers will mean high cost incurred in the data collection process. Prior information concerning the subject of study will help in determining the sample size for use in the study. This prior information can be considered in deciding whether to reduce the sample size or not. The key elements that will be considered from prior information is the prior mean and variance estimates, this is according to (Moher et al, 1994). Practicality is another factor to be considered when choosing for the sample size. The sample size chosen for use must make sense and practical in real life situation. Margin of error also forms another key factor for it will be relied on in determining how reliable and perfect a sample is. It will be showing the width or interval at which the calculated mean will lie and also help in construction of the confidence interval level. 2.The bank workers who were to be involved in the study were given equal chances of being selected by employing probability sampling methods. The chances will be made in such a way that they are greater than zero; this helps in reducing human biasness that may arise through their judgments thus making the process free and fair for inclusion of all banks and the bank workers in the process (Bacchetti, 2002). Probability sampling method used by the research institutions was stratified sampling method. The research institutions first randomly identified the banks which formed the strata then in the identified banks; they randomly selected the workers for fairness in their selection. Compared to other probability sampling methods like the simple random sampling, stratified sampling method gives more precision of the same sample size. Precision is important in the estimation process of the population parameter, each stratum’s statistic will be calculated and their closeness compared to one another. The process is found to be cost effective as it only involves random selection of different baking institutions and workers over the entire population which makes it half completed because of its precision. It is also flexible in that any number of participants can be selected with ease and efficiency. Also, this process tends to be more effective as it results to accuracy in selection of data since it involves lesser degree of judgment of the researcher. It as well forms easier way of sampling as compared to other sampling methods since it does not involve long and complicated processes. Moreover, probability sampling method does not require any technicality the refore any person can carry it out even non-technical persons. Since it only require random assignment of numbers over the specified strata. This method (stratified probability sampling method) of selecting the sample results to the selection of only specific class of samples. This sampling method is as well time consuming as the researcher is required to follow all due procedure such as first identifying strata and also going down to the strata to do the selection of individuals that will now participate in the process. The process result to monotony as the researcher or the surveyor will be repetitively assigning numbers in order to obtain the required information through this method; this may have further effects such as reducing the efficiency of the surveyor. 3.The chosen sampling method will have influence on the outcome data for use in the analysis. For instance, if the method that was used in sampling the banks was found to be biased, this will affect the results and the conclusions that will be drawn from this sample study (Mann, 2003). So to eradicate such short comings, the researcher is supposed to ensure that they reduce biasness as much as possible to save on the results and their dependability. This can be done through randomization. This ensures that all the possible samples are given equal chances of being selected for the sample of study. This so far is the effective technique that can be applied by the researcher in ensuring for equality of all possible samples when using simple random sampling. To reduce and improve stratified sampling technique, the groups are divided into groups referred to as strata that must be showing relationship that is meaningful in the study. In some cases, responses from the strata may be different from one another in a survey. Stratification is done in response to help in reflecting the population and ensuring that each stratum’s opinion is represented and reflected in the sample. In most of the cases, stratification is done by gender in order to take care of the divergent opinions and have all of them represented. Because each sampling method is concerned with precision in the analysis thereafter, testes methods are supposed to be conducted. This is done with the aim of ensuring that each sampling method chosen for use to satisfy research goals. The level of precision and the cost associated will be important to determine for each potential method. In this case, since standard error will be used, it will help in measuring the level of pre cision whereas the smaller the standard error, the greater the precision of our sample. 4.More often, questionnaires have been widely used in the collection of data from the respondents. In as much it has been preferred method for data collection, it is always associated with some problems (disadvantages). Dishonesty has been a big problem rocking the use of questionnaires in data collection. This arises as a result of the respondents abscond the truth from the researcher when answering the questions. In our case since the questionnaires were sent to the respondents, this may result to lack of clarity of questions for easy understanding by the respondents (Zaza et al, 2000). The matter of dishonesty may be as a result of hiding what they consider private for the fear of disclosure and desirability bias. Though this kind of problem can be dealt with by ensuring them (the respondents) about their privacy and also that their identifications will be hidden. Also, conscientiousness of the responses provided by the respondents can be missed since some of the respondents do not carefully think when responding to the questions. In some cases, they preselect the answers before they go through the whole question to know the requirement of the question. Validity of the data is affected when the respondents try to split the questions and even go further ahead to skip some of the questions thus missing out potential answers. The research institutions involved in this study can collect the most accurate data through structuring simple questions that are easy to read and understand by the respondents. If the questions are not presented to the respondent face-to-face like in this scenario, the respondents may have difficulty with understanding the questions and interpreting them since the researcher is not around to give clarity of what the questions need and offer guidelines. This will lead to a variation in interpretation of the questions thus resulting to different responses which some may not even be meaningful and related in any way with the subject of discussion (Zaza et al, 2000). Skewed results from this can be combated by well structuring the questions and making them easy to read, understand and interpret. Questionnaires should always be made accessible. The choice of which data collection tool to be used should be made by considering the respondents. For instance, people with other forms of physical disability such as visual impairment or hearing impairment, survey should not be used with them to collect data. Problems of this sort are eliminated or dealt with by making appropriate choice of which data collection tool to use. At sometimes, some respondents do have their own hidden agenda and this may lead them to provide biased information. Interest of the participants may steer them towards either the product or services. Questionnaires that only make use of open-ended questions are difficult to analyze by the respondents. Answers obtained through these types of questions are individualized opinions hence they cannot be quantified by the analysts since they vary across all the individual groups. Structuring a questionnaire with many open ended questions will result to more data to be analyzed. So it can be dealt with by reducing the number of open-ended questions and using the closed ended questions instead. Some of the questions remaining unanswered are other problems that are being encountered by the researchers when using questionnaires especially when the questions are optional. This risk can be avoided by making the questionnaires online and terming all the fields required. In the same way, the questions are supposed to be precise and easy to respond to. 5.The dataset that will be used to check for the representativeness of the sample will be obtained from the National Bank of Belgium in conjunction with Employment industry in Belgium. They will be used as the checking point for collected data for study. They will also be used to obtain data that are termed relevant from other sources like from the previous study. Additionally, secondary data provide descriptive information that is used to support the study that is currently being carried out thus helping in the development of the study with facts. Variables used in the study are in most of the cases tested if at all there is a relationship that exist between variables thus helping in building up the model. Secondary data are as well used in data mining where computer technology is used in studying the trend for the previous research by visiting large volumes of data. Among other uses of the secondary data, they are as well used in the identification of relevant sources in order to d o away with plagiarism. Moher, D., Dulberg, C. S., & Wells, G. A. (1994). Statistical power, sample size, and their reporting in randomized controlled trials.  Jama,  272(2), 122-124. Bacchetti, P. (2002). Peer review of statistics in medical research: the other problem.  British Medical Journal,  324(7348), 1271. Mann, C. J. (2003). Observational research methods. Research design II: cohort, cross   sectional, and case-control studies.  Emergency medicine journal,  20(1), 54-60. Zaza, S., Wright-De Agà ¼ero, L. K., Briss, P. A., Truman, B. I., Hopkins, D. P., Hennessy, M. H., ... & Pappaioanou, M. (2000). Data collection instrument and procedure for systematic reviews in the Guide to Community Preventive Services.  American journal of preventive   medicine,  18(1), 44-74.

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

Economics College - Essay Example This event has crippled the economy, leading to a quarterly decline of 1.4% in the third quarter. The attack has "shut down the economy for several days and has had a lasting impact on tourism, the airline industry, and other businesses" (Economists Call it Recession 2001). In an annual basis, the US economy only managed to grow by 0.8% during 2001. The economy has entered a moderate state of recovery during 2002 where it posted 1.6% annual GDP growth. Recognizing the slowdown in the economy, the Bush administration planned to stimulate consumer spending and investment through the use of tax cuts. This fiscal policy was implemented in July 2003, taking immediate effect in the next quarter. The US has enjoyed an annual growth rate of 2.5% during that year which is strongly fueled by the rise in personal consumption expenditures coupled by a higher level of government spending. Also, the tax cut has been effective in creating jobs and boosting business growth. From 2004, the US economy has been posting growth at par with its pre-recession rates. GDP in 2004 rose by 3.9%, which 0.2% higher than the 2000 level. Annual growth rates in 2005 and 2006 are 3.2% and 3.4%, respectively.

Medical Precision Systems Human Resources Management Case Study

Medical Precision Systems Human Resources Management - Case Study Example "A share is a unit of ownership. When you own a share you become a part-owner (shareholder) of a company and you will have the right to: receive any dividends paid on each share that you own; receive a copy or summary of the company's annual report A performance management culture exists at MPS and appraisals, remuneration, and promotions are highly performance based. Artley and Stroh (2001, p. 5) reports, "All high-performance organizations, whether public or private, are, and must be, interested in developing and deploying effective performance measurement and performance management systems, since it is only through such systems that they can remain high-performance organizations." For fifteen years MPS has been employing a total quality management (TQM) program. Ten employees are on a team and they elect their leader. Group, or team, leaders hold feedback sessions and report what they gather to the senior production managers. (Beardwell and Holden, 2001, p.742.) A great deal of time, effort, and money is involved in providing excellent training in teamwork, people skills, and job education. Along with all of this training, company benefits, and a caring staff MPS also offers recreational facilities, sports, and social events for its employees. The company has strong values and a clear vision and it lives up to its mission statement, "MPS-working for the health of America". (Beardwell and Holden, 2001, p.742.) In the early 1990s MPS took its business worldwide and expanded into Europe, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and France. The strategy had to be adjusted as the company was now global and the system had to cater to global commitments and developments. Although business on the production and marketing side were going well Last Name 3 and the United Kingdom subsidiary in Bath and the Swedish subsidiary in Uppsala experienced steady growth, the overseas HRM experienced many difficulties. Reports revealed there was much potential for the French subsidiary. ((Beardwell and Holden, 2001, p. 742.) The company faced some disadvantages of going global and the lack of success with HRM that other firms run into. These include, as listed on 03 October 2003 by easterangel-ga (a blogger on Google Answers): -Flexibility and change in mindset: Cultural taboos or sensitivities of the market -Level of commitment -Organizational structure: Ensure multinational legal compliance such as labeling, packaging, product safety, and liability laws) -Language barriers MPS's HRM worked for its home-based parent company but did not do quite as well with its subsidiaries. Expatriate managers exerted strong controls over employees in different countries based on goals in financial and production terms, which were set by the parent company, did not give the local subsidiaries much input. They did not have much say in business activities. (Beardwell and Holden, 2001, p.742.) Keeping unions out or making sure that their influence was kept to a minimum were the

Language and Culture Essay Example for Free

Language and Culture Essay Language and culture reciprocate a fluid relationship. They both interact and shape the structure through which individuals can mediate their lives within a social context. Language and culture are immanent forces that help to define and open up the way we understand various dimensions of our lives, whether through the mass media and advertising, science and technology, slang, diverse vocabulary, changes of meanings. This essay will aim to break down the specific forums through which language is useful to culture and how culture forms the mechanisms and strategies through which we use language. I will begin with a discussion of the relationship between language and culture and then move on to the different paradigms that contain specific uses of language. To begin, it will be helpful to lay a framework upon which to build a working definition of language. According to the University of Princeton’s online dictionary, language is â€Å"a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols† (Language). This is straightforward enough for us to understand that language acts as a medium for communicating. The key terms to highlight here are systematic as well symbols because they stretch the function of the definition to include the power that institutions have over language as well as the way that language can shift and change through semiotics. As a system, language relies upon a specific and formal set of rules in order to function. Grammar, syntax, slang, and meaning are all elicited from the rules of language. The institution of a particular language also varies greatly depending on socio-economic factors as well as through educational strategies. For example, with the rise of information technology and the internet as well as through global capitalism, the English language has taken center stage as a pseudo-global language due to its far reaching capacity and its prevalence in scientific and technological innovations. It will be interesting to see how the role of English changes as the world becomes smaller through interconnectivity and the rise of other global languages such as Chinese. Different cultures, through different languages, create different modes of expression and understanding that give rise to cultural diversity. Cultural diversity relies upon the comparing and contrasting mechanisms through which meaning is ingrained. Semiotics is the realm of language that is concerned with signs and signification. Language is the tool through which we identify particular signs and accord them a meaning, or a signification. This is important because through the sign, or symbol, a culture places specific connotations beyond the traditional denotative structure of language. Language both identifies and distinguishes. This is where varying mediums play a significant role on the way cultures digest and create their lives through language. To illustrate how this works, I will next discuss the role that the mass media has on both the language of culture and the culture of language. The dominance of mass media and advertising over the realms of cross cultural communication cannot be underestimated. Through advertisements, newspapers, television, radio, and the internet, people across the world have instant access to a constant stream of information that shapes the way we live our lives. This can have both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, mass media acts a vehicle for cross cultural dialogue. It provides people with a common language and a common set of terms through which to discuss the pressing issues of the day. The information presented is current and has a specific point of focus. Depending on a person’s cultural condition and through which avenue of mass media they travel on the information highway, the meaning of the information changes dramatically. In this way, two people from different cultures can watch the same news clip and come away from the experience with two completely different understandings from the same language and information. On the negative side of mass media we can point to what cultural theorists beginning with Antonio Gramsci have termed cultural hegemony. This names a dual process through which competing ideologies are struggled out on the stage of culture and through which subversive or outsider paradigms are brought into the dominant arena of culture in order to assimilate and therefore neutralize the conflict of interests (Chandler). This applies to our discussion of language and culture because it helps explain how the role of the media frames certain issues in order to parlay a particular point of view. For example, here in America hegemony can be witnessed through the way Fox News presents its conservative political agenda against the way that Comedy Central portrays its progressive politics through shows like the Daily Show. The language presented and used in media relies upon subtle ideological functioning in order to suggest at an agenda or viewpoint instead of simply communicating said purpose. As mentioned before, language both identifies and distinguishes. As in the previous example of news presentation, we can see how Fox News identifies its audience through its conservative ideology. By identifying as they do, they also distinguish themselves from the liberal-leaning Daily Show audience. It will be interesting to see how much, if any, influence Fox News can have during the Obama presidency and the rise of liberalism after relying so heavily upon Republican and conservative politics through the Bush administration. The shift in the power of balance in American politics will sway the tide of public opinion in the arena of culture that hegemony frames. We can also witness the way science and technologies rely upon specific uses of language in order to elucidate communication and meaning. Perhaps this arena of culture illustrates the example best. Science and technology create paradigms of knowledge. By this, we can see how biochemists almost literally speak another language than nuclear physicists in their professional lives. Again, this is not a positive or a negative situation; it is a cultural practice that plays itself out through particular frameworks of understanding the world. Another interesting example of how science and technology play out in the realm of language is to consider the macro level. As hinted at earlier, science and technology, with their innovations originating largely from the United States and Japan, have consisted and evolved through the language of not just professional jargon, but specifically and nearly exclusively through English. In his innovative essay, Translingual Travel: The Discourse Practice of Cultural Hegemony, Chinese cultural theorist Dai Xun writes of the impact this phenomenon has in China, â€Å"The primary premise in the rise of cultural hegemony is the advantages and control western countries enjoy over science, technology and information (Xun). This is another form of cultural hegemony that phases out periphery languages at the cost of integrating English into the global vocabulary as well as forming the unbalanced socio-economic relationships of our age. Language is utilized for specific purposes through systematic controls and symbolic gestures. That being said, language is not a monolithic and static entity. Although language relies on specific grammatical and syntactical rules, cultures have always innovated and bent the rules of grammar in an effort to assert their unique cultural conditions. The rise of slang is one of the most important and culturally reinforcing tactics that marginal groups use to coalesce and self-identify. Slang is a part of language, and it follows that it serves again to identify as well as to distinguish. One of the most striking examples of slang can be witnessed in hip-hop music. Hip-hop is rapidly becoming a global phenomena and it goes beyond just the music to include fashion, dancing, music making and lifestyle. In this way, the slang the hip-hop community uses separates them from other groups while also helping them to identify with like-minded people. Hegemony in the realm of hip-hop can help explain how power relations work themselves out through culture. In its infancy, hip-hop was a culture unique to African-Americans in inner-city America. With its popularity and rise through mass media, white, middle-class teenagers are adopting hip-hop into their lifestyles and trying to identify with the conditions that gave rise to it. This is how dominant culture integrates what was previously a subversive and politically threatening subculture into the mainstream. Now we see hip-hop artists in children’s cartoons, at suburban schools and in the malls. In conclusion, language and culture maintain mutually reinforcing relationship. Both dominant and subversive forms of communication are played out on the arena of cultural hegemony. This condition goes beyond the traditional positive/negative paradigm of culture. What is important to some cultures can have very little significance to others. Works Cited Chandler, Daniel. (2000). Gramsci and Hegemony. Marxist Media Theory. Retrieved December 22, 2008 from http://www. aber. ac. uk/media/Documents/marxism/marxism10. html Language. (2008). Wordnet. Princeton University. Retrieved December 22, 2008 from http://wordnetweb. princeton. edu/perl/webwn? s=language Xun, Dai. (2008). Translingual Travel: The Discourse Practice of Cultural Hegemony. Southwest Normal University. Retrieved December 22, 2008 from www. ln. edu. hk/eng/staff/eoyang/icla/Translingual%20Travel

George Bizek :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Georges Bizet, who is best known for his opera, Carmen, has remained somewhat of a mystery as far as his musical education, social life, and personal life. He is not like so many other composers and musicians of the Romantic Period who led a highly publicized life like Hector Berlioz, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, or Johannes Brahms. He spent his short life devoted to music and he did not quite make it into the limelight like these other Romantic composers. The most believable explanation for his obscurity would be the lack of scandal in his life. He had a happy childhood, was well awarded with musical scholarships, and a happy marriage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Georges Bizet grew up in a musical house. His father was a singing teacher and his mother was a well-known pianist who had attended the Paris Conservatory. His parents encouraged him in music. His father was confident that his son would become a great musician. His father was actually too supportive of his musical education. He had been known to hide young Georges' other school books so he would not be distracted from his musical studies. He received his first music lesson from his mother when he was just four years old. She was teaching him to read music at the same time she was teaching him his alphabet.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bizet was enrolled in the Paris Conservatory when he was nine years old. This was a special exception arranged by his uncle who taught at the Conservatory, since Bizet was still a year younger than the minimum age requirement. Here he studied piano, organ, singing, harp, strings, woodwinds, and composition. His instructors were the composers Charles Gounod, who is known for his opera Faust, and who is considered the greatest musical influence in Bizet's life. And Jacque Halevy, who wrote the opera LaJuive, is also considered an important musical influence. He had a unique, unstructured teaching style. Halevy would listen to and correct his students but he would never require them to do any specific types of composition. This was to affect Bizet throughout his life as he would be known to start and abandon work after work. This was blamed directly on Halevy's lack of discipline. At age fifteen, Halevy tried to convince Bizet to go and compete for the Prix de Rome. Bizet refused sighting his immaturity and need for additional background.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During his time as a student he wrote Symphony in C Major (1855), which was not performed during Bizet's lifetime, but from it's first performance in 1935 it has become an established symphony in a standard repertoire. George Bizek :: essays research papers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Georges Bizet, who is best known for his opera, Carmen, has remained somewhat of a mystery as far as his musical education, social life, and personal life. He is not like so many other composers and musicians of the Romantic Period who led a highly publicized life like Hector Berlioz, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, or Johannes Brahms. He spent his short life devoted to music and he did not quite make it into the limelight like these other Romantic composers. The most believable explanation for his obscurity would be the lack of scandal in his life. He had a happy childhood, was well awarded with musical scholarships, and a happy marriage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Georges Bizet grew up in a musical house. His father was a singing teacher and his mother was a well-known pianist who had attended the Paris Conservatory. His parents encouraged him in music. His father was confident that his son would become a great musician. His father was actually too supportive of his musical education. He had been known to hide young Georges' other school books so he would not be distracted from his musical studies. He received his first music lesson from his mother when he was just four years old. She was teaching him to read music at the same time she was teaching him his alphabet.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bizet was enrolled in the Paris Conservatory when he was nine years old. This was a special exception arranged by his uncle who taught at the Conservatory, since Bizet was still a year younger than the minimum age requirement. Here he studied piano, organ, singing, harp, strings, woodwinds, and composition. His instructors were the composers Charles Gounod, who is known for his opera Faust, and who is considered the greatest musical influence in Bizet's life. And Jacque Halevy, who wrote the opera LaJuive, is also considered an important musical influence. He had a unique, unstructured teaching style. Halevy would listen to and correct his students but he would never require them to do any specific types of composition. This was to affect Bizet throughout his life as he would be known to start and abandon work after work. This was blamed directly on Halevy's lack of discipline. At age fifteen, Halevy tried to convince Bizet to go and compete for the Prix de Rome. Bizet refused sighting his immaturity and need for additional background.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During his time as a student he wrote Symphony in C Major (1855), which was not performed during Bizet's lifetime, but from it's first performance in 1935 it has become an established symphony in a standard repertoire.