Social Stratification and Politics Essay Example

Social Stratification and Politics Essay Name: Instructor: Course: Date: We will write a custom essay sample on Social Stratification and Politics specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Social Stratification and Politics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Social Stratification and Politics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Social Stratification and Politics Introduction Social stratification is a concept that encompasses classifying members of the society into various groups based on common socio-economic status (Owen 3). This sociological concept involves relational sets of inequalities that have political, social, ideological and economical origins. Social stratification is a system that divides society into various hierarchies. This system is based on the principles that view social stratification as a generational inheritance, societal trait and societal belief. Social stratification is also considered not only a universal principle but also a variable principle. There are various system s used in social stratification. These systems are caste, class, slavery and estate systems. The estate system was predominant during the medieval time and consisted of the clergy, serfs and nobility. The slavery system was based on the ownership of individual s by others. The caste system encompassed ascribed status. This was popular in India. The hierarchies were scholars and priests, warriors and nobility, skilled artisans and merchants and finally there were the unskilled labor. The class system is a stratification based on occupational and economic roles. Different theories define different hierarchies in the class system. The concept of social stratification is synonymous to inequality as it segregates members of the society allowing others an easy access to resources. The implication of this is that societal stratification affects the political structures of society. Politics refers to the activities that surround the authoritative distribution of an entity’s resource (Tansey 4). National politics refers to exercising authority over the distribution of a country’s resources. Politics in its self is a study that involves an analysis of the factors that affects an individual’s ability to possess society’s resources and to have control over the ability of others to gain the same resources. It is a power concept. Social stratification is the basis for defining relational power. This is because the actions of man are dictated by their economic and social positions in society. Therefore, social stratification remains to be an important aspect that influences distribution of political power among members of a society. Theories Relating Politics to Social Stratification Theorists who talk about the relationship between social stratification and power are Karl Marx and Max Weber. Both Karl Marx and Max Weber approach the concept of social stratification using the class system. Karl Marx defines class based on the ownership of means of production. The stratification gives rise to class struggle. The basis of the class struggle is the political inequality that exists in society. Weber on the other hand, talks about class from the perspective of economic, political and social status. Karl Marx on Social Stratification Introduction Marx analyses the history of class struggle in his theory of social stratification (Owen 18). In his analysis, he looked at those who own the means of production. He also talks about those who participate in the production process and the relationship between labor and work. Karl Marx also looks at the members of society who not only produce but also control the surplus produce. Control of the society’s resources is what gives rise to political segregation and struggle. The ownership of property allowed particular members of the society to control the distribution of these resources. According to Marx’s theory, political power is allocated based on basis of one’s ranking on the social hierarchy. Theory Karl Marx’s analysis is of a capitalist society and the main classes are the proletariat and bourgeoisie. Other subclasses like the peasants, proletariats, property owners and petty bourgeoisie but they do not have a major impact on the theory. The bourgeoisies are the capitalist who own the means of production. The means of production are land and labor. They possess not only capital, but also power to exploit purchased labor. The surplus value obtained from the produce of the purchased labor is used by the bourgeoisies to expand their capital. The class of bourgeoisie is defined by the ownership of means of production and the use of this capital to exploit members of society and to expand their scope of possession. According to Marx, wealth is not sufficient to get one to the bourgeoisie class. This wealth has to be used to sustain status quo through the continuous manipulation of labor and the expansion of their capital. This has to be a continuous process that has to be sustained by the use of surplus value. In the contemporary society, the bourgeoisies represent the members who possess political power. This power is gained through their social status. Marx brings an economic basis for the stratification of the society. This implies that the political structures are controlled and maintained by the wealthy. They use their wealth to manipulate the structures of society like the judicial system, the electoral process and even the legislative process. This control is used to maintain the status quo and to ensure that the cycle of wealth accumulation is continuous. An implication made by Karl Marx is that members of various states have been socialized to believe that social status is a basis for distribution of political power. Marx takes a deeper analysis of the process of accumulation of wealth among the bourgeoisie. He talks about the historical fight against the feudal system that existed in medieval Europe. The proletariat comprised of mostly merchants, industrialists, craft men, traders and manufactures. They fought against the feudal authorities to gain the liberty to expand their businesses through marketing of their products. This struggle marked the formation of the class. Old feudal and hierarchical systems were undermined and while new structures and orders were put into place. The economical prowess among the bourgeoisies was later sustained through the purchase and manipulation of labor. This was the case in Britain during the nineteenth century when the bourgeoisie maintained ideological and political predominance. The British hired labor that created surplus value maintaining the wealth of their wealth. According to Karl Marx, the other class is that of the proletariat. It comprises the members of the society who own labor power. They dearth of property forces them to depend on the bourgeoisie for survival. This creates an exploitative relationship where the proletariat is hired by a capitalist bourgeoisie. There is a constant recreation and reproduction of this exploitative relationship. The proletariat works for extra hours with low wages. This is done to ensure that the bourgeoisie gets profits. The results are an increase in poverty and wealth for the proletariat and the bourgeoisie respectively. The proletariat’s output during the extra hour is sold. The process prevents the proletariat from gaining wealth and subsequently maintains society’s status quo (Owen 19). According to Marx, he predicted that various political events would occur in the capitalist society. In order to maintain their social status, the bourgeoisie would enact laws that are more repressive. With the increase of oppression, class-consciousness would increase among the proletariats and a subsequent labor movement would be formed. The end of the capitalist era would be marked by a revolution instigated by the movement among the proletariats. This would usher in a communist society. Conclusion A contradictory and antagonistic relationship exists between the proletariat and bourgeoisie. This is because the former is struggling to increase their wages and alleviate their social status while the latter is doing the opposite. The bourgeoisie manipulate labor and work to ensure that the proletariat remains without property. This represents the struggle that is seen in the contemporary society. The struggle is that for power in society. This is because power is the exercise of authority over the various structures in society. This shows that Karl Marx’s theory on social class shows the relationship between social stratification and politics. Max Weber on the Theory of Social Class Introduction Max Weber discusses the concept of social stratification with a view on social classes (Owen 20). He argues that social class is the most influential cause of conflict in the society. He stipulates that the different dimensions of social structure are class, status and honor. He establishes a relationship between the ideological and material aspects of society through status and class. He attributes social action to the both status and class. He argues that the concept of class comprises power, prestige and wealth. Wealth is a representation of the economic structures of the society while prestige is symbolic for the social aspect and power is the representation of political structures of the society. Theory Max Weber describes power as the ability to exercise authority over various resources in society (Owen 20). He argues that it is the ability of individuals to see the realization of their desire even against the will of other members of the society. Societal power encompasses political, economic and social powers. Weber also analyses the concept of domination, which he says is the possession of authority in a particular sphere. Domination can occur because of tradition, rational-legal reasons and charisma. Class, according to Weber, is a component of an individual’s life chances. The life chance results to wealth and economic interests. This wealth is represented in the aspects of market commodity and labor. Possession of property and advantage in the market place increase one’s living standards. Weber argues that those who own property are able to control the methods of wealth creation. This is because of their control over the market. Among the wealth owners, there exists a subdivision based on the means used to create wealth. Among those who do not own property, there exists further stratification based on the services that they provide to the market. There are skilled, unskilled and semi-skilled workers. The grouping is based on the value of one’s labor and the different values produce different standards of living. In his theory, Weber argues societal action will only occur when there is a consciousness on the influence of economic power and the distribution of property on stratification. While discussing the concept of status, Weber defines it as the probability of an individual’s life chances being influenced by prestige and social honor. Prestige is influenced by wealth and social restrictions. These restrictions are like residence and the patterns that are followed during marriage. High status groups enjoy distinct lifestyles and definite patterns of consumption and association. On the other hand, those occupying the low status in the society, have their sense of worth pegged on futuristic hope. Both class and status have an influence on the political aspect of society. Status and class interests define political power. This implies that the interests of a particular influential class are well reflected on the political structures. According to Weber, parties are the definite structures of political power. The main aim of parties is to obtain dominance in the various spheres of influence. Parties are organized based on the interests of various social classes. The influence that the different classes have in the market is well translated to the political sphere. Charismatic dominance occurs among the classes that are exposed to concepts of leadership and governance. This might me among the elite of the society who hail from a family background of leaders. Conclusion Max Weber’s argument is that class and status influences the dominance of an individual in the various spheres of society. This dominance affects the activities of parties in the political avenue. Those in the higher classes at times experience dominance based on the legitimacy that is pegged on traditional authority. Members of prestigious classes dominate over those of the lower classes based on the belief that they have better life chances in the economic, political and social spheres of life. Blackman’s Struggle for Social Equity American treatises published from as early as 1854 spoke of the racial segregation that existed. Conservatives such as Henry Hughes and George Fitzhugh justified the slave system in America (American Sociological Association, 265). Hughes argues that the essentials of slavery should remain unchanged because the practice is civilly and morally right. Fitzhugh expressed his concern in relation to the suggested liberty in America. This liberty was in regards to accommodating the African America community. Fitzhugh felt that this liberty had failed. He opposed democracy and justified the slavery among the black American community. He opposed a free society where every man acted for himself and he attributed the growth of poverty and crime in Europe to concepts like freedom, liberty and equality. He argued that morality could only be maintained in a society that upheld slavery along side Christianity. Fitzhugh and Hughes were proponents of the philosophical justification of slavery. The s ocial atmosphere among the African American community was echoed in other parts of the globe like in South Africa. The fight against apartheid was the black man’s plea for equity in all aspects of the society. Slavery was the basis for the African American struggle for equity. Slavery among the African community is vividly remembered because of its brutality and inhumanity. Although white slaves were used earlier than 1942 in the Mayan Temple, Egyptian pyramids and the Mongolian fighting machine, a lasting legacy of oppression was left by the enslavement of Africans. African slaves were not treated as humans but commodities. They were abused and sold for the main reason of accumulating profits. The abolition of slavery in various countries did not mark the end of the oppression. This is because current economic, social and political structures remind the society of the enslavement of the African community (Vorenberg 154). The end of the American civil war in 1865 was to mark the end of slavery in America. Slaves were freed after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. However, the white American still oppressed the African Americans. Attempts towards granting the African community equality were encouraged by amendments in America’s constitution. These were the Thirteenth to Fifteenth Amendments. The Thirteenth Amendment of 1965 illegalized slavery. This particular amendment passed Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation into law. The congress was granted the liberty to enact laws that abolished slavery. The implication of this law was that slave owners were to incur greater costs in order to have work done. Other slave owners wanted compensation for seceding slaves. In the northern states, the citizens feared that the released slaves would take their jobs. The African Americans were denied good jobs and they were restrained from accessing proper education (Vorenberg 160). After the Thirteenth Amendment, the Andrew Johnson succeeded Abraham Johnson as the American president. He enacted retrogressive laws that segregated the African American community. He stipulated that members of the white race were the only ones who could participate in the legislation of the Southern Constitutions. However, in 1866, the congress tabled a bill that acknowledged African Americans as American citizens. Johnson’s efforts to stop the bill were futile when it was finally passed by the congress. The bill acknowledged the incoherent rights of African Americans, regardless of their race. The bill stipulated that the federal government was to intervene in the event that a state would not comply with this law. The Fourteenth Amendment was enacted in 1868. This amendment stipulated that the freed slaves had to be given their rights. This amendment safeguarded the rights of the American citizens. Such rights were like those of a right to education, the ability to sue othe rs and the right to make political decisions and vote. The citizens in the south still undermined the African Americans and the white population still had more rights. The years 1867 and 1868 saw the congress pass the Reconstruction Act. This act stipulated that the African American community were granted the liberty to participate in political decisions that were involved in creating the Southern State Constitutions. The act distributed political power among the black and white community. The government gave all races in America the liberty to make political decisions. In the South, civil education was carried out among the Africa Americans. However, by 1867 many African American men could not vote because of the threat they received from the white citizens. Women were allowed to participate in other political activities apart from voting. In 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment was introduced in the American Constitution. This was an emphasis on the African American’s right to vote. The law stipulated that the government did not have the ability to refrain any citizen from voting regardless of their color or background as slaves. Black men were given the right to vote. The departure of the Union Soldiers who protected the rights of the black prompted the enactment of laws that made it difficult for black men to vote. The laws were referred to as Black codes. They were oppressive to the black population as some of them demanded that they sign labor contracts to work for full years. Other codes required the unemployed African Americans to be incarcerated and their children be taken up to work as slaves. The employers of the black community were also allowed to whip their workers. The codes required the African Americans to take and pass voting tests before they were allowed to vote. The white population easily passed th ese tests because unlike the black community, they knew how to read and were well educated. The African Americans were threatened by the Ku Klux Klan, a white men’s group that oppressed the black community. Apart from this, they also attacked members of the white community who accommodated the blacks. They carried out cruel punishments to these individuals. Such punishments were like hanging them, torching their homes and beating them. Despite of the enactment of these laws, the rights of the African American community were infringed. They were treated as animals and there was great inequality in the society (Vorenberg 172). Obama and the Politics of Race The year 2008 will remain recorded in American history. This is because, for the first time, a black president had been elected to lead America. Many had never expected the day to arrive because of the racial prejudices that are embedded in the American society. President Obama’s rise to power was met by large opposition that was driven by racial perspectives. Such racial aspects are the evidence of contemporary forms of slavery and discrimination among the African American society. During his 2008 political campaign, president Obama faced opposition from citizens who believed that a black man could not lead the country (Teasley Ikard 10). Racial prejudices prevented citizens from voting the America’s current president. The president’s healthcare reforms were also rejected by some based on racial discrimination. According to a study, more citizens would support a bill by the former president, Bill Clinton. Implicit racial prejudices affect the voting patterns in America. The simple identification of Obama as a ‘black’ candidate during the 2008 campaigns was a sign of social inequalities. This awakens the era of slavery in America. The roots of president Obama trace him to a black father and a white mother; this implies that he is biracial. He is as black as he is white. However, the categorical rejection of him being white due to mixing of the black and white race shows racism in America. Conclusion Politics and social stratification are correlated concepts. This is because the former deals with power struggle in the society while the latter is what determines who is allocated power in this struggle. Power struggle can be ascertained through an analysis of social stratification. This is because man’s actions are influenced by his economic and social position. Interest groups and political organizations are the avenues where interests of similar social groups are promoted. Various philosophers discuss the concept of social stratification in relation to power struggle. Politics becomes a major area of focus in these philosophical studies because it is believed to be teleological in nature. Man is in a constant struggle for power and his social position can act as advantage when it comes to gaining and sustaining this power. Therefore, social stratification will always be viewed in light of its effect on politics. Work Cited American Sociological Review. Washington, D.C: American Sociological Association, 1936. Internet resource. Owen, Carol. Social Stratification. London: Routledge K. Paul, 1968. Print. Tansey, Stephen D. Politics, the Basics. London: Routledge, 2002. Internet resource. Teasley, Martell, and David Ikard. â€Å"Barack Obama and the Politics of Race.† Journal of Black Studies. 40.3 (2010): 411 – 425. Print. Vorenberg, Michael. Final Freedom: The Civil War, the Abolition of Slavery, and the Thirteenth Amendment. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001. Print.

Kelloggs A Michigan Traded Company Essays - Kelloggs, Free Essays

Kelloggs A Michigan Traded Company Essays - Kelloggs, Free Essays Kelloggs A Michigan Traded Company Financial Statement Analysis Executive Summary Objective: Our goal in composing a financial statement is to construct the most comprehensive, thorough document possible, in order to attract investors and to confirm that we have taken the time to explore as many potential issues for your business as may arise. Summary of findings: Our level of cereal marketing investment early in 1998 was not sufficient in the face of extremely competitive market conditions. This situation hurt our volume performance for much of the year and, combined with other issues in markets around the world, led to a decline in both sales and earnings. Nonetheless, we continue to have the utmost confidence in the future of our grain-based businesses, and we are fully committed to return to both top-line and bottom-line growth. Appendix # 1- Market Research Description of firm and its management: Kellogg's products are manufactured in 20 countries on 6 Continents and distributed in more than 160 countries. Mr. Langbo has been employed by the Kellogg's Company since 1956. He was named President and Chief Operating Officer in 1990 and became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 1992. In June of 1998, Mr. Carlos M. Gutierrez was named President and Chief Operating Officer. The competitive environment: The Company has experienced intense competition for sales of all of its principal products in its major markets, both domestically and internationally. The Company's products compete with advertised and branded products of a similar nature as well as unadvertised and private label products, which are typically distributed at lower prices, and generally with other food products with different characteristics. Principal methods and factors for competition include new product introductions, product quality, composition, and nutritional value, price, advertising and promotion. Economic climate and outlook: Although our 1998 business results were below our performance expectation, it was a year in which we put in place key elements of a stronger foundation for future growth. This included investments in new product development and a complete overhaul of our corporate headquarters and North American organizational structure. Should suitable investment opportunities of working capital needs arise that would require additional financing; management believes that the Company's strong credit rating, balance sheet and earnings history provide a base for obtaining additional financial

Critical Analysis of the Trends in Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) in the Term Paper

Critical Analysis of the Trends in Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) in the United States - Term Paper Example The context factors act as Vehicle Mile Travelled (VTM) growth drivers. They include legal/political climate, family structure, social/cultural conditions and technological, economical and institutional structure of the American society. The discussion provided for the impact of the outlined factors is one-sided. Most of factors such as decentralization of companies can have either effect. Travel requirements decreases as a person ages due to the decrease in the activity level and decrease in work related travels. Contrary to the earlier arguments, the aging factor does not increase or reduce the VMT. This is because the decreased levels caused by the aging population are countered by the increasing travel levels caused by the maturing young adults. However, the improved health, wealth and higher licensing rates for the elder women have curtailed the reduction in the rates of mobility for the older generation. The argument on the aging factor overlooked the impact of the economic gro wth on the VMT. This reduces the rate of VMT. Changes in the nature of work will reduce VMT because most of the employment agencies and individuals are applying the use of computer technology to enhance production. Most of the workers can work from home and avoid travelling to their work places. Most institutions of higher learning are also leaning towards introducing online lessons. This will reduce the travel requirements for most students. Decentralization of companies to rural areas can also contribute into the reduction in the VMT because companies may be located near the workforce thus, negating the travel necessity. Finished goods will be brought near retailers and consumers negating the necessity of travelling over long distance to acquire them. The impact of the aging population is reasonable because the travelling tendency of a person is dependent on the activity level. The travel frequency increases as a person matures to middle age. Children may not directly produce VMT but they increase the travel demands for their parents. The middle aged adults would directly increase the VMT as they are in the peak levels of the work related travel. It is notable that the prevalence of dispersed suburban environments and more working parents have made many teenagers rely on auto-travel to and from school. The rise in the fuel prices will generally lead to the reduction in the VMT. However, changes will be insignificant because most people are forced to drive to and from work regardless of the oil prices. Stabilization of workforce participation rates may have either impacts i.e. it can reduce or increase VMT. The increase of women workforce may lead to the increase in the need for travel. However, the rate may still reduce because the involvement of women does not signify an addition in the work force. They just fill the vacancies that would have been filled by anyone, meaning that the number of the workforce is preserved as well as their travel needs. The impa ct of most of the outlined factors is dependent on the changes in other factors. For instance, changes in the increase in the cost of driving may increase VMT in case of the future growth in the economy and income levels (Ewing 2007). Changes in manufacturing and distribution and trends in the cost of real property are the two opposing factors that can lead to increase in VMT. The decentralization of industries due to the enhancement of new

Management of change Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Management of change - Coursework Example The success of this change, thus, can be measured ultimately by the difference in the work performed by the individual employees multiplied by the specific number of employees affected by the change. Without the individual perspective, the change management amounts to the activities performed without the goals or the outcomes being achieved (Reh 2015). The main overarching reason for imposing change management is to accelerate the rate at which individuals move successfully through the entire process of change so that the anticipated benefits are attained faster. Apart from this, there are other benefits coupled with change management. These include allowing users to feel supported and valued by the organization making an investment in them and improving the performances and outcomes of the organizations. Furthermore it generates a higher level of teamwork, involvement, openness and trust among the workforce as well as building a change capacity and capability within the organization leading to the improved ability to respond to new situations quickly. Implementing a change in the organizational culture and employing new processes can be considered as a challenging task. This is mainly because this process requires the transformation of how the people not only interact but also how they work. The organizations usually design certain activities that tend to minimize the resistance demonstrated by the users to the change in the program. There are numerous components of the change management. These include, Communication management, organizational change readiness, change adoption and change impact review. Considering the manner in which change management occurs, it cannot be denied that the change is tough. This is mainly because the people in the organization is to implement the approved plan, get each task performed on the critical path and side by side monitor the progress as well as

The killer inside me by Jim Thompson and Ceremony by leslie marmon Essay

The killer inside me by Jim Thompson and Ceremony by leslie marmon silko - Essay Example They’ll listen to reason.† Persons in authority need to think what they are doing to help the people? For what they will be remembered for! Are they making a difference by making others live better, richer, and happier? Lou Ford must be thinking on similar lines. He must have done his bit to reform a boy by tendering him proper counseling and yet he accepts the compliments with utter humility. When the boy’s father tells him, â€Å"And always he talks about you—what a good man is Deputy Lou Ford,† he replies, â€Å"I didn’t do anything,† I said. â€Å"Just talked to him. Showed him a little interest. Anyone else could have done as much.†(p.4)Normally the suffering (or guilt) that one undergoes leaves an impact on the disposition of the man and his dealing with the people with whom he interacts. Though the people considered Lou a bit slow, it was on account of his sickness when he was younger and many people did not know about it. Lou is a sociopath and he is aware of it. Therefore his conversations are a bit philosophical. He is desperately trying to hide his â€Å"sickness† that he carries since his childhood, now threatening to resurface. So, the above conversations need to be understood in the context that Lou is a psychopath, and he is trying to wear the mask of simplicity on his real face.

Board Busyness: Target, Deviation, and Firm Performance

Board Busyness: Target, Deviation, and Firm Performance Abstract I investigate how firms demand for board services, agency issues, and labor market frictions are associated with board busyness, and reexamine the relation between board busyness and firm performance. My theoretical model predicts the existence of heterogeneous target levels of board busyness, which increase with firms demand for board advisory services and decrease with demand for monitoring services. However, frictions arising from agency issues and director labor market could prevent firms from reaching these target levels. My empirical results suggest that the variation in board busyness explained by firms demand for board services is positively associated with firm performance while the variation predicted by agency issues and labor market frictions is negatively related to firm performance. I also find that firm performance is positively associated with the busyness of audit committee, and negatively with that of nominating committee. Collectively, my results do not support the call for setting one size fit all limits of multiple directorships for all firms. Introduction The composition and effectiveness of the board of directors have been the focus of corporate governance literature for decades. While prior studies primarily focus on monitoring function and board independence, a growing literature investigates the advisory function and other board composition dimensions, such as board busyness, size, and diversity. Due to the increased time commitment needed for directors of public companies in recent years, the overboard concern has gained more attention increasingly. Activists and proxy advisors call for limits on multiple directorships with the belief that overboarded directors can harm firm performance. Firms have been increasingly adopting restrictive policies of multiple directorships. A growing literature has emerged to investigate multiple directorships as well. However, theoretical predictions and empirical findings are still ambiguous as to the impact of multiple directorships on firm performance. Multiple directorships are endogenously determined in the director labor market, in which directors work as the suppliers of board services while the firms play as the consumers (demanders). The director labor market plays an essential role in corporate governance by providing managerial talents with reputational incentives through board seats. It is established in the literature how the supplier side works. Specifically, the labor market recognizes the ability difference of managerial talents through various firm performance metrics and provides different numbers of board seats accordingly. However, our understanding of the consumer (demander) side is relatively limited. The previous literature assumes that firms have homogenous demand. Therefore, it is not clear how firms different preferences for director services and other characteristics play a role when firms provide director positions to the market. My study aims to fill this gap. My primary research question asks how firms preference for advisory services and monitoring services, agency issues, and labor market frictions are associated with the multiple directorships on the firm level. The answer to this question is fundamental to appreciate the relation between multiple directorships and firm performance. I posit that different firms have different target levels of board busyness, which maximize the value added by their boards. However, agency issues and labor market frictions could lead firms to deviate from the target levels. Therefore, the association between the observed levels of board busyness and firm performance depends on the composition of different components of board busyness. To examine this argument, I provide a model in which a firm considers its particular preference for advising services and monitoring services and trades off the different effects of multiple directors on advising quality and monitoring quality in determining the target level of multiple directorships held by its board members. The model shows that there exist heterogeneous and time-varying target levels of multiple directorships, which are positively related to the firms advisory need and negatively with its monitoring need. To empirically test the model, I decompose the level of firms multiple directorships into demand related component, friction related component, and unexplained residual component by regressing multiple directorships on a list of factors driving firms demand for board advisory services, demand for monitoring services, agency issues and labor market frictions. Then I examine the relation between these components and various performance metrics. I find consistent evidence of a positive association between firm performance and the demand related component, and a negative association with the friction related component. My committee level analysis shows that firm performance is positively associated with the multiple directorships of the audit committee, and negatively with the multiple directorships of the nominating committee. Given that audit committees are heavily scrutinized during my sample period, and nominating committees are in charge of nominating directors, this finding could b e related with agency issues and director labor market frictions, which I will investigate further. Hersey Blanchard: Situational Leadership Theory Hersey Blanchard: Situational Leadership Theory Hersey and Blanchard characterized leadership style in terms of the amount of Task Behavior and Relationship Behavior that the leader provides to their followers. They categorized all leadership styles into four behvior types: Telling / Directing is characterized by one-way communication in which the leader defines the roles of the individual or group and provides the what, how, when, and where to do the task Selling / Coaching while the leader is still providing the direction, he or she is now using two-way communication and providing the socioemotional support that will allow the individual or group being influenced to buy into the process. Participating / Supporting this is now shared decision making about aspects of how the task is accomplished and the leader is providing less task behaviors while maintaining high relationship behavior. Delegating / Observing the leaders is still involved in decisions; however, the process and responsibility has been passed to the individual or group. The leader stays involved to monitor progress. Golemans Six Emotional Leadership Styles Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee, in Primal Leadership, describe six styles of leading that have different effects on the emotions of the target followers. These are styles, not types. Any leader can use any style, and a good mix that is customised to the situation is generally the most effective approach. The Visionary Leader The Visionary Leader moves people towards a shared vision, telling them where to go but not how to get there thus motivating them to struggle forwards. They openly share information, hence giving knowledge power to others. They can fail when trying to motivate more experienced experts or peers. This style is best when a new direction is needed. Overall, it has a very strong impact on the climate. The Coaching Leader The Coaching Leader connects wants to organizational goals, holding long conversations that reach beyond the workplace, helping people find strengths and weaknesses and tying these to career aspirations and actions. They are good at delegating challenging assignments, demonstrating faith that demands justification and which leads to high levels of loyalty. It is best used when individuals need to build long-term capabilities. It has a highly positive impact on the climate. The Affiliative Leader The Affiliative Leader creates people connections and thus harmony within the organization. It is a very collaborative style which focuses on emotional needs over work needs. When done badly, it avoids emotionally distressing situations such as negative feedback. Done well, it is often used alongside visionary leadership. It is best used for healing rifts and getting through stressful situations. It has a positive impact on climate. The Democratic Leader The Democratic Leader acts to value inputs and commitment via participation, listening to both the bad and the good news. When done badly, it looks like lots of listening but very little effective action. It is best used to gain buy-in or when simple inputs are needed (when uncertain). It has a positive impact on climate. The Pace-setting Leader The Pace-setting Leader builds challenge and exciting goals for people, expecting excellence and often exemplifying it themselves. They identify poor performers and demand more of them. If necessary, they will roll up their sleeves and rescue the situation themselves. They tend to be low on guidance, expecting people to know what to do. They get short term results but over the long term this style can lead to exhaustion and decline. Done badly, it lacks Emotional Intelligence, especially self-management. A classic problem happens when the star techie gets promoted. It is best used for results from a motivated and competent team. It often has a very negative effect on climate (because it is often poorly done). The Commanding Leader The Commanding Leader soothes fears and gives clear directions by his or her powerful stance, commanding and expecting full compliance (agreement is not needed). They need emotional self-control for success and can seem cold and distant. This approach is best in times of crisis when organization needs unquestioned rapid action and with problem employees who do not respond to other methods. The present autocratic or telling leadership style happens to be the most ineffective one unless a militay base is in action. Follower of this style generally practices low competence, low commitment / unable and unwilling or insecure. Leaders are high task focused and low relationship focused. When the follower cannot do the job and is unwilling or afraid to try, then the leader takes a highly directive role, telling them what to do but without a great deal of concern for the relationship. The leader may also provide a working structure, both for the job and in terms of how the person is controlled. If the leader focused more on the relationship, the follower may become confused about what must be done and what is optional. The leader thus maintains a clear do this position to ensure all required actions are clear. Of these, no single style is considered optimal for all leaders to use all the time. Effective leaders need to be flexible, and must adapt themselves according to the situation. They should prepare a mix strategy to meet the demand of the situation. A clear blend of the above mentioned leadership styles or setting up an opportunity based style may be fruitful in managing a critical situation that Supfit is facing. Task 2: Agreeing appropriate objectives and making effective use of appraisals can improve business performance and help to assess just how well employees are working. Establishing clear, defined objectives helps employees to focus on specific tasks and company goals. A structured appraisal system can help employees feel that their good work is recognised and that they are valued. It can also provide the opportunity to discuss any weaknesses or problems they may have, and to come up with solutions. 1. Benefits of having an appraisals system The purpose of any performance appraisal program is employee development. The value of performance appraisal is in the process of communication between supervisor and employee. Benefits can be defined in broader aspect as under: To increase professional development, skills level, and performance of each employees against defined objectives. Skills and knowledge attained for both personal development and career advancement is the main stream here. It has been described as intensive and collaborative, ideally incorporating an evaluative stage. To strengthen working relationship between supervisor and employee by addressing all problems through a systematic and defined way. Expert Supervisors unique consultation feature gives employees expert advice on how to solve different types of employee behaviour and performance problems. To clarify job duties and responsibilities. The list of activities one is required to perform for any occupation are the job duties and this can be defined and monitored without error is performance appraisal. To establish mutually understood standards for measuring performance and discussing apparent weaknesses. This helps an organization to achieve optimum goal towards the success. To give constructive feedback and to praise staff for their good work that in turn will make them feel valued. A common demand of almost all the employees are to get fair feedback as per their performance and these can be only measured transparently if an effective appraisal system exists. To aid in promotion, retention and salary decisions and define further objectives for the employees. Most of the times employees beer a creeping inside that they are well paid and increments are given unfairly which remains the most de-motivating factors. The best way of mitigating such crisis is to have an appraisal system. 2. Elements those are apprised (Factors of an appraisal System): There are few important factors that are closely monitored and rated during an appraisal process and based on those the performance is measured: Inherited Leadership quality in a staff: This refers to the capabilities of an employee to motivate, counsel and direct an under command or subordinate. The biggest factors that an appraisal system looks for is the existence of the leadership quality in an employee. It is very important for the HR team to find out the potential leaders among the general staffs. Planning Decision making capabilities of an employee: Based on the preparation of administrative unit programs, activities and services by reaching firm, clearly defined decisions can be the most expected factors to be appraised. Capability of Managing Staff: The way how an employee manages employee selection, retention, development and appraisal of the others is also looked for during an appraisal system. The most effective way to achieve organization performance is to manage employees as the efficient workforce. Higher management always try to appraise the same quality within a staff who might the potential manager in future. Fiscal Management: The factor refers to the utilization of resources, safeguarding assets, effective internal controls, software/data security and so on. This is completely based on high technology and that is the integral part of modern HR appraisal process as a factor. Human Relations communications of staff: Interpersonal relations with internal and external constituents both verbal and written are known as another biggest factor. Appraisal system assesses how effectively a staff can maintain and retain human relations and how good he or she is in verbal and written communications. Professional expertise (job knowledge): Job knowledge of an employee is the factors of appraisal process where one is assessed based on the performance of the job description. Most of the time this factors carries the most vital role for future placement. Task 3 HONEY MUMFORDS LEARNING STYLE Honey and Mumford (1982) have built a typology of Learning Styles around this sequence, identifying individual preferences for each stage (Activist, Reflector, Theorist, and Pragmatist respectively). Kolb also has a test instrument (the Learning Style Inventory) but has carried it further by relating the process also to forms of knowledge. Fugure-1: Honey Mumfords Learning Style Knowing the learning style can accelerate our learning as we undertake activities that best fit the preferred style. Knowing the learning style can also help avoid repeating mistakes by undertaking activities that strengthen other styles For example, if we tend to jump in at the deep end, consider spending time reflecting on experiences before taking action. Activitists (Do) Immerse themselves fully in new experiences Enjoy here and now Open minded, enthusiastic, flexible Act first, consider consequences later Seek to centre activity around themselves Reflectors (Review) Stand back and observe Cautious, take a back seat Collect and analyze data about experience and events, slow to reach conclusions Use information from past, present and immediate observations to maintain a big picture perspective. Theorists (Conclude) Think through problems in a logical manner, value rationality and objectivity Assimilate disparate facts into coherent theories Disciplined, aiming to fit things into rational order Keen on basic assumptions, principles, theories, models and systems thinking Pragmatists (Plan) Keen to put ideas, theories and techniques into practice Search new ideas and experiment Act quickly and confidently on ideas, gets straight to the point Are impatient with endless discussion Forms of Knowledge and the Learning Cycle The four quadrants of the cycle are associated with four different forms of knowledge, in Kolbs view. Each of these forms is paired with its diagonal opposite. Figure-2: Learning Cycle KOLB LEARNING STYLES David Kolbs learning styles model and experiential learning theory (ELT) Having developed the model over many years prior, David Kolb published his learning styles model in 1984. The model gave rise to related terms such as Kolbs experiential learning theory (ELT), and Kolbs learning styles inventory (LSI). In his publications notably his 1984 book Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development Kolb acknowledges the early work on experiential learning by others in the 1900s, including Rogers, Jung, and Piaget. In turn, Kolbs learning styles model and experiential learning theory are today acknowledged by academics, teachers, managers and trainers as truly seminal works; fundamental concepts towards our understanding and explaining human learning behaviour, and towards helping others to learn. Kolbs experiential learning theory (learning styles) model Kolbs learning theory sets out four distinct learning styles (or preferences), which are based on a four-stage learning cycle (which might also be interpreted as a training cycle). In this respect Kolbs model is particularly elegant, since it offers both a way to understand individual peoples different learning styles, and also an explanation of a cycle of experiential learning that applies to us all. Kolb includes this cycle of learning as a central principle his experiential learning theory, typically expressed as four-stage cycle of learning, in which immediate or concrete experiences provide a basis for observations and reflections. Kolbs model therefore works on two levels a four-stage cycle: Concrete Experience (CE) Reflective Observation (RO) Abstract Conceptualization (AC) Active Experimentation (AE) and a four-type definition of learning styles, (each representing the combination of two preferred styles, rather like a two-by-two matrix of the four-stage cycle styles, as illustrated below), for which Kolb used the terms: Diverging (CE/RO) Assimilating (AC/RO) Converging (AC/AE) Accommodating (CE/AE) Honey and Mumfords Variation on the Kolb System Various resources (including this one in the past) refer to the terms activist, reflector, theorist, and pragmatist (respectively representing the four key stages or learning steps) in seeking to explain Kolbs model. In fact, activist, reflector, theorist, and pragmatist are from a learning styles model developed by Honey and Mumford, which although based on Kolbs work, is different. Arguably therefore the terms activist, reflector, theorist, and pragmatist effectively belong to the Honey and Mumford theory. In summary here are brief descriptions of the four HM key stages/styles, which incidentally are directly mutually corresponding and overlaid, as distinct from the Kolb model in which the learning styles are a product of combinations of the learning cycle stages. The typical presentation of these HM styles and stages would be respectively at north, east, south and west on a circle or four-stage cyclical flow diagram. Having an Experience (stage 1), and Activists (style 1): here and now, gregarious, seek challenge and immediate experience, open-minded, bored with implementation. Reviewing the Experience (stage 2) and Reflectors (style 2): stand back, gather data, ponder and analyse, delay reaching conclusions, listen before speaking, thoughtful. Concluding from the Experience (stage 3) and Theorists (style 3): think things through in logical steps, assimilate disparate facts into coherent theories, rationally objective, reject subjectivity and flippancy. Planning the next steps (stage 4) and Pragmatists (style 4): seek and try out new ideas, practical, down-to-earth, enjoy problem solving and decision-making quickly, bored with long discussions. There is arguably a strong similarity between the Honey and Mumford styles/stages and the corresponding Kolb learning styles: Activist = Accommodating Reflector = Diverging Theorist = Assimilating Pragmatist = Converging Recommended Style: As per the scenario the existing European workforce has been a bit more problematic to management, demanding more holiday time and consultation than their American counterparts. The founder and CEO has recently decided to implement a more Americanised approach, which has meant less employee and union consultation, and more top down decision-making. As Supfit does invest heavily in company training, and has instigated more of an experiential and participative approach to learning and training, including the use of mentors, we can very well use the combination of Honey and Mumfords learning cycle and Kolbs Learning Style. Initially it may happen that the existing workforce may not be liking the style but as human nature is to get freedom, gradually the work force will be acquainted with the process. Task 4: The flexible firm combines functional, numerical and financial flexibility by operating with workforce consisting of both core and peripheral workers with a number of other workers on a variety of non-standard employment contracts. Some non-core functions are also outsourced or contracted out. Good answers offered examples to illustrate this range of flexible options for organisations. The implications of the flexible firm were less convincingly addressed in answers. Issues that could have been discussed were that organisations can minimise employment costs and become more responsive to change in markets and technology by reorganising their employment systems in this way. In terms of HR, the issues of administering a variety of contracts of employment should have been raised in terms of the organisations commitment to different types of employees (opportunities for training and development, reward etc) Also, the motivation of peripheral employees may differ from that of core employees. As per the Atkinson and Meager the firms sought four kinds of flexibility: Functional Numerical Pay Distancing Functional flexibility or multi-skilling was sought amongst core employees within the firm. Other categories of employment were subject to strategies of peripheralization. This involved various forms of numerical flexibility that included increasing the numbers of part-timers, short-term contractors, trainees and job sharers in order to maximize the fit between a firms perceived labour force needs and its employment practices. They suggested that pay flexibility was also sought, partly to purchase the functional flexibility outlined above and partly as a key to a global transformation of the effort-bargain within such firms. Atkinson and Meagers Model of the Flexible Firm Conjunctional Cases Outcomes Unemployment Weak Trade Unions Numerical Flexibility (part-timers, Short-term contractors, casuals, Greater Competitive Pressure new patterns of hours) Functional Flexibility (variability Greater Volatility Uncertainty of tasks) Distancing (sub-contracting) Technological Change Pay Flexibility Figure-3: Atkinson Meagers Model of the Flexible Firm Basis and Aspects of the Atkinsons Model: Let us discuss the various parameters where the model works on various aspects of flexible firm. 1. Flexible Hours: a. Flexitime: Flexitime allows an employee to select the hours he or she will work. There are usually specified limits set by the employer. Employees on a flexible schedule may work a condensed work week or may work a regular work week. Those working a condensed week may work four ten hour days, rather than five eight hour days. Those who work a five day week may work hours other than the typical nine to five. b. Crà ¨che: The Crà ¨che (from French) in zoology refers to care of anothers offspring, for instance in a colony. This term is used in the study of bird colonies. Many penguins form crà ¨ches, in addition to many other birds such as the Canada Goose, Common Eider and Common Shelduck. Here, the meaning is slightly different as the it means to arrange the stay of the workers/staffs in an area i.e. colony, arranged by the employer. c. Special Shifts: Special shift for married women had been a longstanding feature of employment relations in the human management. These are mostly twilight or evening shifts and especially designed for the benefit of the group of staffs. d. Child Care Arrangements e. Transport to Work 2. Payment Systems: This is actually based on the merit pay and change to the mundane payment system based on various elements to justify the capabilities of the workers i.e. performance and quality based payment system. 3. Part time Workers: 4. Use of other kinds of Peripheral labour a. Agency Workers: Workers engaged through, or by, an employment agency or bureau and supplied to a hiring employer on a temporary basis. Some agencies employ their workers directly and should therefore provide their staff with a contract of employment. Other agencies contract workers to provide a service to the hiring employer. In this case staffs are probably self-employed, though possibly not for tax purposes, and will have a contract for service. b. Short-Term Contractees: In other language they are called Floater who work for a certain short period especially when the work load increase during a certain period of the year. c. Casual Workers: A casual worker was defined in the survey as a temporary worker who only works when their employer asks them to, on an as-needed basis, whose work is typically done in short episodes. A casual worker may be asked to work a shift, for a few days or, less often, for several weeks at a time. Casual workers do not have any guarantee of regular ongoing work. d. Home workers/Out workers Applications of Atkinsons Model in Case of Supfit: The best implications of Atkinsons Model can in case the present organization (Supfit) in the sector of appointing non-permanent staffs. As we are in the context of European Workforce it would the best to have a good ratio of peripheral workers i.e. part time employees, agency workers, short term workers and casual workers with flexible shift, flexible payment term and crà ¨che facilities. This will create a feeling of cohesiveness among the permanent staffs and to fulfil their requirement of leave, personal interest and other facilities. It is very natural that staff would have some personal problems even during the high business hour and management should not forget that a complete life consists of personal and professional activities. Once the permanent staff is unable to attend in a specific time and job requirement the peripheral labours can be placed and get the maximum outcomes. Moreover, it is an expensive issue to have a goof numbers of permanent staffs as it involves overtime facilities, high salary and wages, uniforms, earn leave and other leave coverage, group or health insurance, good amount of bonuses and so on. To avoid we may have limited numbers of supervisory permanent staffs and a good number of peripheral workers who will be kept under the supervision of permanent staffs to get the maximum profit margin for the owner group. Based on the above a planning to be prepared to arrange such a flexible environment where the employees are highly satisfied. While doing so we should not forget to compromise with the organizational performance and profit maximization. It is the basic goal for human resource to create a highly satisfied staffs that leads to the organizational performance. Task 5: According to the Human Resource Development we can use various approaches for on the job learning for the overall development of the staffs as well as the organization. Job Rotations Special Assignments Coaching Mentoring Individual Development Plan Manager as Teacher Learning Groups (Teams) Among all the approaches I have the privilege to discuss on four approaches which are as under: Job Rotation: Job rotation is an approach to management development where an individual is moved through a schedule of assignments designed to give him or her a breadth of exposure to the entire operation. Job rotation is also practiced to allow qualified employees to gain more insights into the processes of a company, and to reduce boredom and increase job satisfaction through job variation. The term job rotation can also mean the scheduled exchange of persons in offices, especially in public offices, prior to the end of incumbency or the legislative period. This has been practiced by the German green party for some time but has been discontinued. At the senior management levels, job rotation frequently referred to as management rotation, is tightly linked with succession planning developing a pool of people capable of stepping into an existing job. Here the goal is to provide learning experiences which facilitate changes in thinking and perspective equivalent to the horizon of the level of the succession planning. For lower management levels job rotation has normally one of two purposes: promotability or skill enhancement. In many cases senior managers seem unwilling to risk instability in their units by moving qualified people from jobs where the lower level manager is being successful and reflecting positively on the actions of the senior manager. Many military jobs use the job rotation strategy to allow the soldiers to develop a wider range of experiences, and an exposure to the different jobs of an occupation. Coaching Coaching is a method of directing, instructing and training a person or group of people, with the aim to achieve some goal or develop specific skills. There are many ways to coach, types of coaching and methods to coaching. Sessions are typically one-on-one either in-person or over the telephone. Direction may include motivational speaking. Training may include seminars, workshops, and supervised practice. At the present days coaching refers to a method of personal development or human resource development (HRD). The field of coaching is becoming a distinct area of practice for individuals and in organizations. Today, coaching is a recognized discipline used by many professionals engaged in human development. However, as a distinct profession, it is relatively new and self-regulating. No independent supervisory board evaluates these programs and they are all privately owned. These bodies all accredit various coaching schools as well as individual coaches, except the IAC and ECI which only certify individuals. According to coach credentialing expert, Dr. Rey Carr, in North America the term accreditation only applies to organizations, and certification applies to individuals; whereas in European countries accreditation can mean either organizations or individuals. Mentoring Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be. Eric Parsloe, The Oxford School of Coaching Mentoring Mentoring is a powerful personal development and empowerment tool. It is an effective way of helping people to progress in their careers and is becoming increasing popular as its potential is realised. It is a partnership between two people (mentor and mentee) normally working in a similar field or sharing similar experiences. It is a helpful relationship based upon mutual trust and respect. A mentor is a guide who can help the mentee to find the right direction and who can help them to develop solutions to career issues. Mentors rely upon having had similar experiences to gain an empathy with the mentee and an understanding of their issues. Mentoring provides the mentee with an opportunity to think about career options and progress. A mentor should help the mentee to believe in herself and boost her confidence. A mentor should ask questions and challenge, while providing guidance and encouragement. Mentoring allows the mentee to explore new ideas in confidence. It is a chance to look more closely at oneself, ones issues, opportunities and what someone want in life. Mentoring is about becoming more self aware, taking responsibility for our life and directing the life in the direction we decide, rather than leaving it to chance. Self Development Self-Development is taking personal responsibility for ones own learning and development through a process of assessment, reflection, and taking action. This is a method of learning style helps to: To continually update skills and to remain marketable in the workplace To determine future career direction Strategies that we may use these skills highly depend of the individuals capability and willingness to take challenges. To do those effectively followings can be adhered: Assessing current skills and interest through paper-and-pencil career tests or through computer programs that analyze skills and interests. Maintain a learning log or diary to help us analyze what we are learning from work experiences. Write a personal vision and mission statement. Develop a personal development plan that identifies learning needs and goals. Find a mentor who can provide with best support, advice, and assistance in career direction. Become involved in professional organizations. Read professional journals and trade magazines to keep current on the latest developments in relevant field. Approach to be adhered by Supfit: It is always expected that employees to adhered the practices of continuous self developments within them which ultimately leads toward the optimal goal. Nevertheless, human nature is to relax (in most of the cases) unless a competitive environment is in place. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the higher management of Supfit to create a blend of the approached judiciously prepared and practiced on trail basis before implementing on the employees. In the given scenario it has been observed that the employee complaints, absenteeism, turnover and complaint to union which is not very good in the long run. A discussion session to be arranged with the union leaders in presence of the all the employees to make them understand by a participative manner that how it will help the individuals in the long run. Mentionable here that in most of the cases the staffs do not like to attend training session in holidays or by hampering their day to activities. This ba

Judicial Activism and The Defense of Civil Rights :: American Government, Courts, Public Policies

Since its first appearance in 1947 in Fortune Magazine, the term Judicial Activism has promoted incandescent debates about the rule of courts in public policy, however to date there is not a consensus of what judicial activism really means. The term may denote a pejorative description of judicial behavior or in other instances the sophisticated elaboration of judicial concepts. (Roosevelt III 2006:1) Since 1947 the term have been used extensively in magazines, newspapers and law reviews, by 1990 was used in average 450 times a year, appeared in 3815 law review articles and several other publications (Kmiec, 2004). After the election of president Obama the term use of the term have been even more extensive, his two Supreme Court nominees have been labeled with the scarlet letter of activism by respected law gazettes like American Bar Association (ABA) journal and the Northwestern University Law Review. Yet the debate about the meaning of the term remains unclear. However the involvement of the courts in policy making is not a recent phenomenon as some media outlets aim to portrait. Since the first use of judicial review by the Supreme Court in Marbuty v Madison (1803) the Supreme Court have exercised judicial review to overthrow 160 federal status and more than a 1000 federal laws (Tarr 2009, p258). Some of the most these cases have important legal implication in the defense of fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, (United States vs Nixon 1973), due process (Brown vs Board of Education 1954) and prisoner’s rights (James v Wallace 1974). Courts are also involved in the defense of civil rights contesting majority ruled decision. Gamble (1997) illustrated this case clearly in her study of court’s rule against referendum mandates affecting minority rights. Gamble stated that between 1959 and 1993 there were 74 ballot measures that clearly targeted minority rights; most of these ballot initiatives deal with issues such as housing segregation, gay rights, school desegregation, English among others. From the 74 measures mentioned by Gambel, 53 (78 percent) generated a form of repression of exclusion against minority groups. Analyzing this results Gamble argued that â€Å"the record show[ed] that American voters readily repeal existing civil rights protections and enthusiastically enact laws that bar their elected representatives from passing new ones. By repeatedly striking down the latter, the judicial system has vigilantly protected the rights of minorities to participate in the political process† (Gambel 1997:262) Judges have been involved in policy making, not just protecting of civil rights, but in filling the gaps overlooked by the law.

Avon Marketing Strategy

Brainstorm for a few moments and come up with a list of five samples you could use in your professional portfolio. For each sample, indicate the skills and abilities that are reflected. Samples that I can add to my professional portfolio are : Certifications, Diplomas, Degrees, Community service, Volunteer work, Academic Record Newspaper or articles relating to your awards or achievements. 2. Lists two of the five visual perception tips discussed in this chapter that you want to keep in mind when you develop your own portfolio. * Title, Headings and Captions * Graphic images 3.What is another source of visual graphics that you use in your portfolio besides standard clip art? Photos, illustrations, maps and charts. 4. What are some advantages of the electronic portfolio? Advantages * It allows employers to look at your material at their convenience. * It allows employers to spend more time reviewing your qualifications outside the interview * It allows employers to conveniently share your portfolios with others. * setting. It is easy to update by deleting, adding, or changing electronic materials or links quickly.Here is when an electronic portfolio Is more flexible than paper based oratorios- changes can be made in minutes. 5. Describe an Interview scenario where you could easily refer to your professional portfolio. * I was called for an interview in a big organization. The of the Interview the human resources manager starts talking to me In his office, and he starts asking me questions and more questions about me and my professional life. At the end of the Interview he ask me if I have a diploma or master degree then that's when I show my professional portfolio where he can easily read In detail all my studies and achievements.

buy custom International Marketing Executive Summary and Competitive Analysis essay

buy custom International Marketing Executive Summary and Competitive Analysis essay Executive summary This paper analyzes in detail New Dawns Light (NDL) Company that is located China, Beijing, dealing with provision of solar panels and other solar-powered alternatives. New Dawn Light Company is among the best firms on the Chinese market, and hence, its intention is to assist the Ethiopian state. The approach is meant to help the Ethiopians from a positive perspective. A research has been undertaken to find out how the Ethiopian market works, and, hence, the rationale for the proposed investment. A SWOT analysis of the Company entails that the Company is applying the right approach, as there is a huge market in Ethiopia interested in solar panels and other solar alternatives. The paper will include a competitive analysis meant to assist the Company counter any possible challenges that might arise while investing in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian market is one of the fastest and the second most populated in the sub Saharan Africa, which is an indication that there is huge market platform for NDL Company. Significantly, using the competitive analysis, the company will be in the position to undertake the needed steps in order to deliver quality services to the Ethiopians. Furthermore, the organization will be able to relate with the Ethiopian citizens and government in a way that benefits both parties. The mutual benefit is expected to be attained through the provision of employment opportunities and offering the products at an affordable price. The indication here is that New Dawn Light Company aims at delivering service that is profitable to both ends. Ethiopia has been chosen as it is seeking alternative ways that can be incorporated to light up the country at a cheap cost. Based on the fact that it uses its traditional ways of lighting, introducing solar panels and other solar products at a cost that is affodable will be upheld and embraced with high esteem. Competitive analysis Ethiopia is among the primary countries in the Sub Saharan region that is developing so rapidly, and, hence, our focus on New Dawn Light is a huge opportunity for us as an international organization. The fact that we intend to focus mainly on solar panels is a good approach as the majority of the developing states are leaning more towards the renewable energy. The fact that the cost of the solar panels has decreased by 80% since 2008; it is our huge advantage (Ethiopia, n.d. ). The advantage implies that we will be able to create solar panels that are within the budget of the government and the citizens, and, as a result, we are in the position to reach our objective in Ethiopia. Based on the fact that most sub Saharan countries like Ethiopia suffer from shortage of electricity, the substitute of solar panels will definitely work in our favor. It is a good approach, but the state is still leaning mostly towards its traditional ways of lighting especially in the rural areas. It is noted that the parts of western and eastern lowlands receive a high density of irradiation, which will be our primary investment market (Abate). The Ethiopian solar market is still at an early development stage of 5 MW, and, hence, we will be able to penetrate the market with ease. The rationale is based on the fact that we intend to offer the solar panels at an affordable price and cost that will be based on occupation and area in concern. Moreover, Ethiopia with a population over 90 million individuals is an indication that we are likely to get the desired market. Furthermore, we are willing to learn their primary language, i.e. Amharic and Oromo languages, which will destroy any possible communication barriers. The outcome will be better interaction that will generate better business understanding. Ethiopia is diversifying its economy expenditures in education sector, unemployment and manufacturing. In education sector, we will be able to offer electrification, especially in the rural areas whereas in manufacturing we will offer alternative means of lighting in cases where electricity is not working (Abate). Furthermore, unemployment will be countered by our assistance in terms of offering the locals employment opportunities from the firm that we intend to build in Ethiopia. Ethiopia being an agricultural country is a good entity from our point of view as we will offer farmers solar panels that will be used to light their homes and farms as well. Significantly, we have a huge competitive advantage as the Ethiopian country is not dominated by a huge number of investors associated with solar panels. Investing in Ethiopia is a good competitive advantage on our part as it is a real market opportunity likely to generate high profit margin as there is a huge population as mentioned in the above paragraphs (Murison 34-39). Furthermore, the Ethiopian market has a cheap cost of labor, which is also an advantage on our part as an international Company. It has been reported that there is a huge spread of African employees who are exploited, thus, we will not undertake the same approach, but we will rather work with them as a family. Significantly, relating with the locals in a friendly way will be appreciated by both the government and the locals as well (Marino). Ethiopians often spend their earning on non-essential products, and, therefore offering them solar panels as an essential perspective will automatically attract them as it acts as a means of development. Fundamentally, it is apparent that we have a huge competitive advantage on our part as an international organization, hence, likely to reach the Ethiopian market from a positive point of view. Buy custom International Marketing Executive Summary and Competitive Analysis essay

Free Essays on The Truman Doctrin

The Truman Doctrine The Truman Doctrine was the impetus for the change in United States foreign policy, from isolationist to internationalists; thus we were drawn into two wars of containment and into world affairs. The Truman Doctrine led to a major change in U.S. foreign policy from its inception - aid to Turkey and Greece - to its indirect influence in Korea and Vietnam. The aftermath of World War II inspired the U.S. to issue a proclamation that would stem Communist influence throughout the world. However, our zeal in that achievement sent our soldiers to die in Vietnam and Korea for a seemingly futile cause. It must be the policy of the U.S. to support free peoples. This is no more than a frank recognitions that totalitarian regimes imposed on free peoples . . .undermine the foundations of . . . peace and security of the United States. The Truman Doctrine would change the foreign policy of the United States and the world. This policy would first go in aid to support the democratic regimes in Turkey and Greece. These nations were being threatened by Soviet-supported rebels seeking to topple the government and install a Communist regime. The Soviets were also making extreme territorial demands especially concerning the Dardanelles. A direct influence of this Doctrine was, of course, the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan was designed to give aid to any European country damaged during World War II. It tremendously helped ravaged European nations such as Italy and France. By helping them economically, the Marshall Plan indirectly helped to stem growing Communist sentiment in these countries. The process whereby the Truman Doctrine came to fruition was a long and arduous one. After World War II, the Soviet Union and the United States stood at the pinnacle of world power. By the late '40's, the U.S.S.R. had caught up to the United States' nuclear weapons programs. In addition, they were very land-hungr... Free Essays on The Truman Doctrin Free Essays on The Truman Doctrin The Truman Doctrine The Truman Doctrine was the impetus for the change in United States foreign policy, from isolationist to internationalists; thus we were drawn into two wars of containment and into world affairs. The Truman Doctrine led to a major change in U.S. foreign policy from its inception - aid to Turkey and Greece - to its indirect influence in Korea and Vietnam. The aftermath of World War II inspired the U.S. to issue a proclamation that would stem Communist influence throughout the world. However, our zeal in that achievement sent our soldiers to die in Vietnam and Korea for a seemingly futile cause. It must be the policy of the U.S. to support free peoples. This is no more than a frank recognitions that totalitarian regimes imposed on free peoples . . .undermine the foundations of . . . peace and security of the United States. The Truman Doctrine would change the foreign policy of the United States and the world. This policy would first go in aid to support the democratic regimes in Turkey and Greece. These nations were being threatened by Soviet-supported rebels seeking to topple the government and install a Communist regime. The Soviets were also making extreme territorial demands especially concerning the Dardanelles. A direct influence of this Doctrine was, of course, the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan was designed to give aid to any European country damaged during World War II. It tremendously helped ravaged European nations such as Italy and France. By helping them economically, the Marshall Plan indirectly helped to stem growing Communist sentiment in these countries. The process whereby the Truman Doctrine came to fruition was a long and arduous one. After World War II, the Soviet Union and the United States stood at the pinnacle of world power. By the late '40's, the U.S.S.R. had caught up to the United States' nuclear weapons programs. In addition, they were very land-hungr...

Authoritarian methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Authoritarian methods - Essay Example This report will also discuss the general advantages of an authoritarian governments approach and ability to command the military in cases of defending the rights of its people. The report suggests that an authoritarian approach is best to address such vices such as terrorism and other related crimes generated because of unregulated democratic systems. One of the principal functions of government is to justify its authority to uphold and preserve its conception of societal order and harmony. How social order is achieved is dependent on the status of the countrys internal political environment at any given time, and this is executed with different levels of control. Different countries have varying levels of government control. Economies that are considered stable with robust constitutional customs are normally typified by measured restraint. Countries that have fragile constitutional customs in most cases demonstrate low levels of restraint (Petersmann, 2008.). There are different types of mode of governance; some are characterized by authoritarian controls by the government, and some are democratic in nature. Numerous arguments have featured prominently arguing the possibility of a moral compatibility between authoritarian modes of governance with democratically formed institutions and principles. A democratic system of governance is characterized by delimitation of state powers. Governing power is vested in the public who govern the country through democratically elected leaders. The public to manage the systems of government as stipulated in the Constitution entrusts the elected leaders. Conversely, the powers of governance emanate from the state as opposed to the democratic systems where the people give authority to their leaders. In this system of governance, the state puts a lot of emphasis on order and law and the prominence of the state authority. It is possible to have elected leaders in authoritarian types of governance. However, they rule for

E Business of Qatar Airways Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

E Business of Qatar Airways - Research Paper Example Since by using the internet every organization in the world becomes a local competitor. However, almost every organization now realizes that the internet is a very supportive technology for better-dealing clients and reaching into the global markets (Summers et al., 2003, p.67; Watson et al., 2000; Rao et al., 1998). This paper presents a detailed analysis of the ‘Qatar Airways’ airline company regarding its current and future use of e-business and internet technologies. The basic aim of this research is to provide a deep insight into the presently working web-based business structure and further enhancements in e-business technologies. This paper will also address the basic idea to develop a novel business model and how Qatar Airways can apply an appropriate web-based business strategy to enhance its business. This research will present the idea regarding the implementation of the new web-based/e-commerce technology for the potential enhancement of the business and mark etplace. In addition, this research will cover Qatar Airways present online business technology, its key benefits, functional specification, and implementation steps for the implementation of the new internet and business technology that can enhance the Qatar Airways business support, offer a better competitive edge, support business operations and provide strength for effective handling of the business operations. This business sector I have selected is the web-based platform for airway’s business. Additionally, the business sector I have selected is new in the field of e-commerce business. At present, a lot of airway companies are offering web-based business support, for instance, web-based booking, online payment and other facilities. However, our research is about a bit different e-commerce based business platform for the Qatar Airways Business.