Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Social institution - health-care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Social institution - health-care - Essay Example the theory also views that the study of the social world can be free of value because the investigators value will not interfere with the impartial search for social laws that oversee the behavior pattern of a social system. The theory of functionalism is closely associated with the ideas of Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist who is among the pioneers who used scientific as well as statistic research in sociological researches (FUNCTIONALISM). The second theory of social conflict is dependent on the ideas of Karl Marx. It gives importance to a materialistic interpretation of the history as well as includes a dialectical method used for analysis, a critical approach towards existing social commitments, and the last but not the least, a political program that may lead to revolution. The materialistic viewpoint of history is based on the assumption that the most important aspect of social life is work that people do. This is the work that is related for satisfying the basic necessities of life that includes food, shelter and clothing. According to Marx, work is always socially organized and the technology that is used in the production process will have a strong impact on each and every aspect of the society. Everything that has a value in the society is a result of human labor. Working men and women are making the society for their own existence (CONFLICT THEORY). The theory of interactionism was further developed by Karp and Yoels. This theory can be applied to every area of sociology. This theory clearly states that people make social constructions of reality. These are just interpretations of what actually happens in a society. According to symbolic interaction theory, interaction requires shared meanings of social conditions. When people make interpretation about events and contexts, they confer the actual meaning of their situations and react according to those interpretations. Interpretation made here is based on verbal and non verbal signals. The

Monday, October 28, 2019

Change Management Of Starbucks

Change Management Of Starbucks The current international situation for Starbucks seems to be part of their business and the reorganization of an emerging proved by become so his goal of becoming a world leader in a difference in peoples lives makes the whole world. This is achieved very close to as evidenced by Starbucks in international current markets and the success of these companies. However, net revenue roce 3 percent to $ 2.5 billion for the quarter the fourth 2011 compared to $ 2.4 billion in the fourth quarter 2007th quarter of Close 28 13-week period September 2011 reports, Starbucks recorded a net profit of $ 5.4 million to $ 105.1million in restructuring charges and other processing costs of the strategy included. Net income was $ 158.5 million for the same period a year Mr. Go re blast actions announced in July 2011, to close at approximately600 stores in the U.S. and 61 operated stores companies in Australia, and reduce by about 1000 and opened in filled positions leadership structure and non-store o rganization The Porter Five Forces Analysis and SWOT matrix (see appendix) shows that besides the basic strategies of Starbucks, the external environment and internal characteristics of the organization Starbucks offer a favorable condition for growth to be used. The only significant threat of competition from the entry of new competitors. Porter has already recognized that the rivalry is intense in a particular area, at least reduce the rate of profit for the company or industry players (1998). Therefore, Starbucks profits dropped last year because of the increasing intensity of competition in the industry. Outside the competition has exacerbated the economic crisis, the situation so that customers spend less and reduce the number of times they visit a Starbucks that store sales decline in Starbucks stores. However, because of its long experience and reputation of the brand, Starbucks is still the dominant player in the specialty coffee sector. This allows the company to use that position to ta ke advantage of himself and the pressure on its competitors. But the question is, and Why now is the lack of Starbucks? Despite its remains the dominant player in this sector, what happened to his companys strategy? These questions have been answered already made in the analysis of the value chain in the past. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate strategies to implement a shift in business model and business processes. Recommended strategies and actions After determining the causes of the current decline of Starbucks, it is necessary to formulate a plan to address these problems. change can not, without specifying the actions undertaken to achieve. As important issues have already been identified, strategies to mitigate these problems to make. Proctor (2000) states.Thus, based on the above assessments, is the following recommendations. Formulate marketing marketing is an important factor in any society. As noted above, the Company not yet established a marketing plan to attract a gap in the supply chain (see Appendix ), which resulted in a significant deterioration in the company history, brand image / reputation. The company must have a direction in the field of marketing to improve their image and reputation. Marketing is not only super positions of advertising activity. marketing planning is a process by which organizations seek to understand market conditions and the needs and preferences of customers, while taking account of other organizations that compete on the market (Bradley 2003). It is to satisfy the customer wants and needs, and managing relationships with stakeholders (Proctor, 2000). Printers (1954) also noted that a company only two functions, which one is the marketing and the other is innovation. The goal of marketing is to create new customers and communicate with all its stakeholders (customers, shareholders and employees). A company can not set effectively implement any action, if no communication was made with all stakeholders. It is t he role of marketing. In the case of Starbucks, it makes little reference to marketing, as evidenced by the small part of the budget allocation for the so-called value-added activities. It seems that the company is its strong operational skills more in the way marketing has been placed in the lateral line dependent. Although they have already worked to justify the change of conditions market should begin to focus the company and marketing. Competitive advantage can be obtained and maintained with the help of marketing. Proctor (2000) argues that competitive advantage should be guided by the market. Printers (1954) found that marketing is the distinction, the function of a single company. We must focus on Starbucks a significant amount of resources in improving its marketing activities. To gain competitive advantage, a company must first define their strategy. An authority in the creation of strategies to gain competitive advantage, Michael Porter. The author defines as a strategy to create a unique and valuable position, involving a different set of activities (Porter 1998b, p. 55). The marketing strategy is to formulate a different set of activities that are a unique and valuable position to be created in the market. The strategy includes the creation of a plan to identify the market conditions and to identify which market segment, the company will focus on. The objectives should be to provide guidance in the implementation of marketing strategy. He is above that Starbucks is a generic strategy of transactions discussion with emphasis on differentiation have been identified. T his strategy can, however, must now be reviewed and adapted. Starbucks now has to communicate with its customers. Starbucks needs to create new customers and new markets in order to avoid saturation of the current market segment. Its marketing goal should focus on creating new markets and, if necessary, to accommodate new products or product lines to new customers. The company can create new products that appeal to the lower market segment, a segment that the company had not yet fully exploited. Its pricing strategy may vary with the creation of these new products to generate new customers in the lower end of the target market. The company currently markets communications and management practices of the customer relationship must also be changed. As evidenced by the survey online, the customer does not feel a significant improvement in Starbucks. If ever there are improvements that the company has done in recent years, these changes are not effective in communicating to its customer s. These improvements in retail sales or customer / relationship must be communicated with his clients to realize that Starbucks is to improve the Starbucks experience that his clients have disappeared in the company to maintain. On the issue of exclusivity, the company needs to develop its modern luxury to be improved. Although it was recommended earlier that the company to new customers or market segments to create new, its not necessarily a negative effect on the reputation of the brand. What businesses need is a system of rewards and exclusive privileges of membership for its regular customers, especially high-end segment of the market and students who create for the companys traditional customers. Exclusive privileges and rewards for customers, either individually or in groups, can apply to become a regular member in society, such as complimentary wireless and unlimited and / or free coffee or other products times a week can be made. The company is also a function room in a ret ail store that cardholders can use exclusive members. These permissions can help improve brand image and reputation of exclusivity. Apart from that, the fees collected from annual membership fees to obtain a company registration. Improve the management of operations In addition to improving their marketing skills, to improve its management as Starbucks store. Operational efficiency: performing similar activities better than rivals perform them (Porter 1998b). However, operational efficiency is not enough to gain or maintain competitive advantage. Porter (1998b) states that a company exceeds its competitors when it provides greater value for customers or can comparable value at lower cost, or the company must do both. It was also higher than the company has identified gaps in the supply chain with their work. The company is rapidly expanding our business, but the quality of its services or its brand reputation has been sacrificed, which in its descent into or to be similar to a chain of fast food is not perceived as a luxury coffee spout. Starbucks has not been able to offer more value to create the same overpriced coffee. The company needs to store its management by improving the appearance of improving each outing. The company may also be necessary to further improve its customer service and improvements to customer knowledge, as already mentioned. Adding or upgrading facilities and shops ornaments are a new look to retailers. Adding a function room, as indicated above, for its exclusive card carrying members will increase even more the experience of exclusivity and luxury of all the houses of Starbucks Coffee. Also notable in the online survey, the attention of Starbucks customers, where, as a business friendly environment. Thats why the company needs to improve performance by more environmentally friendly. It also has a special focus on fair trade materials, since this practice calls for own customers. The company has aligned its resources to these improvem ents in order to maintain its current position in the market and attract more customers and gain competitive advantages and competitiveness. Improve the market to improve its trading standing order, Starbucks must show that the company is profitable. This is only possible if the company continues to show that it has a lasting order of brand / reputation and image recognition. It has significantly curb the current trend of declining sales and profits. But to do so, the company is to initiate and implement changes within the organization, as recommended above. The stock analysts observe the performance of the shares of Starbucks and profitability. Therefore, the company built its reputation on the significant and important improvement in their marketing and operational activities to show that society is at the head of its future and they continue to improve their current leadership in the industry specialty coffee. Apart from that, the company can demonstrate it has the ability to get into new markets has. In this way, analysts are quick to the high valuation of the company, and investors will not be considered for their money in shares of Starbucks. Improving leadership necessary, especially changes that Starbucks, its leadership must be changed. Not that the manager will be deleted, but their abilities, skills and attitudes need to be improved. No organizational transformation will be complete when the leaders are not likely to change. Organizational change can only occur if the right processes are implemented and leaders have been at the forefront of these activities. Lead the organization / change is not an easy task for a manager or director of a company. This was an attempt that failed due to the supervision of leaders. While Starbucks does not seem to have failed leader, it is necessary that its leaders must know exactly what to avoid when running to changes in the organization. Kotter (2007) identified eight major errors committed by organizations. They are as follows: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Not a big enough sense of urgency; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Do not create a powerful enough guiding coalition; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Without a vision; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Through the mediation of vision by a factor of ten; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Do not remove obstacles to the new vision; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Not systematically planning and creating short-term gains; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Declaring victory too soon, and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Not anchoring changes in corporate culture. Starbucks employees should avoid the above error. Above or below average implementation of the above may also lead to failure. Therefore, the implementation of recommended changes should be heads of state and government, what exactly is needed, ie the implementation of plans, as they are formulated. Although in some cases, learning from a transformative experience as a melting pot known effective in creating a leader (Bennis and Thomas, 2002), such events are rare. It is therefore relevant for a guide to education and training to create. A leader of Level 5 is the one with the highest skills in the management hierarchy (Collins 2005). Level 5 leaders are not born, they are created. What is needed is a leader of level 5 is to be a large amount of political will and a useful property of humility (Collins 2005). This property can not necessarily be owned by Starbucks executives to effectively implement changes in the organization and to persuade all the members in action. Manz and Hosta ger Bastien (1991) in their study, a framework that managers can be bi-cycle model to adopt in order to involve members of the organization in change. The first cycle includes the participatory cycle in which employees of State and Government on participation and, while seeking to improve employee development and self-direction. The second round of the connotations of the transaction cycle, that incentives make it easier for a contribution through a process of exchange, in which participants will be met at the personalized vision in exchange for various services. The bicycle model can be used in conjunction with strong political leaders. Starbucks in the organization, which could be effective in implementing the changes recommended above. However, managers, and not all tasks. There is a need to plan some organizational changes and balanced measures to implement this plan. Duck (1993) proposes a system of delegation of tasks within a team. A team model of organizational change is nee ded to complete the organizational transformation. The Director may form a team that is responsible for implementing the changes. The team must also balance their responsibilities by carefully selecting the information to all members of the organization and what they may be denied until the actual implementation, as well as others that are just simply reluctant to change to prevent the creation of steps that would prevent the implementation of changes. As Davison (2003), in any organization, particularly important mentioned, there are always differences between members, whether differences of opinion, perspective, or action. As such, a leader in the art must have the ability to take advantage of these differences. The properties mentioned above or the characteristics of heads of state must be owned by the current direction of Starbucks. The recommended changes in the organization of business processes and models are not easy. These recommendations include a radical change in the org anization requires all members to act. Thus, if the leaders of society to the forefront of this change to be. You must have the necessary qualities of a leader, as described above so that organizational change takes effect. Conclusion and recommendations Change management is the demand of the day for Starbucks. Maybe its time that society needs their existing business models, practices and strategies to see if these models are still adjusting to market conditions. The company in the industry for two decades, and is undoubtedly the industry leader for almost the same time. However, as market conditions change, as evidenced by current events and the continued globalization of markets, the company may need to reform its strategy. Starbucks may have already saturated the market with its current strategy or in a different direction, be the one who walked away from the objective position in the market. As such, the company must implement a change. Management practices may need to be revised. As a printer (1954, p.37) said: It is the client, what a business is determined. In this sense, Starbucks identify what the customer wants, what they need and what they prefer otherwise. As part of its practice in previous years, Starbucks seems to be contained in the expansion alone, unaware of the communication with customers, who have their preferences. Note that the customer changes the taste and preferences are themselves constantly. Therefore, changes in market conditions as well. In this context, Starbucks could monitor changes in customer behavior and market conditions. Thus, in recent months, the performance of Starbucks will continue on a downward trend. It is imperative that the causes of this decline must be identified and measures must be taken. The remedy, however, must be long term, a term that is not short. Although short-term measures are needed to reflect changes in tactics, it is important to set a goal, or that correspond to revise, if necessary, the current goal, the realities of todays business and the future of the company. It was recommended that Starbucks should focus on marketing and improving operational efficiency. Marketing is the missing element in a Starbucks practice in recent years. It is therefor e significant weight given to this area. Apart from that, have the leadership of the company and be transformed. It was recommended that if the leadership of the organization of a certain behavior, characteristics or skills that are necessary to implement the changes that are successful in the organization to accept. Several practices and principles have been described in this document will serve as a guide or reference guide in the practices of leaders and managers of Starbucks. These principles are defined as a product of studies by academics and practitioners in the field of area management, marketing and other economic. It is strongly recommended that Starbucks should implement the change within the organization to maintain the current level of industry and to achieve competitiveness. Reference Abrahamson, E. 2000, Change Without Pain, Harvard Business Review, Reprint, July- August. Bennis, W. and Thomas R. 2002, Crucibles of Leadership, Harvard Business Review, Reprint, September 2002.. Braganza, A. 2001, Radical Process Change: A Best Practice Blueprint, John Wiley Sons, New York. Clark, T. 2007, Starbucked: A Double Tall Tale of Caffeine, Commerce and Culture, Little, Brown and Company, New York. Collins, J. 2005, Level 5 Leadership: The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve, Harvard Business Review, Reprint, July-August. Davidson, M. 2003, The Path to Leveraging Difference: Seeing, Understanding and Valuing Difference, Paper Presented to the Darden Graduate School ofBusiness Administration, University of Virginia Darden School Foundation, Charlottesville, VA. Drejer, A. 2002, Management and Core Competencies: Theory and Application, Quorum Books, Westport, CT. Drucker P. 1954, The Practice of Management, Harper Row, New York. Duck, J. D. 1993, Managing Change: The Art of Balancing, Harvard Business Review, Reprint, November-December. Humphries, E. and Senden, B. 2000, Leadership and Change: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice, Australian Journal of Early Childhood, vol. 25, no. 1. p. 26. Kotter, J. 2007, Leading Change: Why Transformation Efforts Fail, Harvard Business Review, January. Larson, R. 2011, Starbucks a Analysis: Past Decisions Future Options, Brown University Economics Department, Providence, RI. Manz, C., Bastien, D. and Hostager, T. 1991, Executive Leadership During Organizational Change: A Bi-Cycle Model, Human Resource Planning, vol. 14, no. 4. p. 275+. Moore, A. 2007, Starbucks Cut to Sell on Slow Growth, Higher Costs, Market Watch [Online] Available at: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/starbucks-downgradedto- sell-shares-slip?siteid=yhoof [Accessed on july 18, 2012]. Motley, L.B. 2007, Learning About Customer Satisfaction from Starbucks, ABA Bank Marketing, December, p. 43.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Business: Mega-Mergers :: Business, Foreign Firms, Corporations, Capitalism

Mega-mergers is a combination of two are more major companies joining together according to Eitzen (365) in 2006 Mergers and acquisitions in the united states alone were worth 1.45 trillion. There are thousands of mergers each year that makes giant corporation become more bigger. For example Time, Inc., and AOL joining with Warner Communications, Texaco buying out Getty Oil, and other mergers that combined with foreign firms like British Petroleum with Amoco and Daimler with Chrysler. There are nsix negative consequences of mega mergers are: (1) It increases the centralization of capital, which causes a reduction competition also raises prices for consumers; (2) It increases the power of huge corporations over its workers, unions, and its governments; (3) The benefits of local communities are diminished; (4) It reduces the number of jobs; (5) It increases corporate debt; and (6) It is non-productive. Corporation rather create profits for their lawyers, accountants, brokers, bankers and big investors than to create and help communities bloom by building new plants or facilities, products or most importantly new jobs. Interlocking directorates is the linkage between corporation that results when an individual serves on the board of directors of two companies (a direct interlock) or when two companies each have a director on the board of a third company (an indirect interlock) (Eitzen 365) Interlocking directorates lowers competition by the sharing of information and the coordination of their policies. The Clayton Act was passed in 1914 which made it illegal for one individual to be part of the corporate board of two companies that were in direct competition to one each other. Transnational Corporation is any corporation that operates in more than one country, which provides the larger companies with enormous economic and political power according to Eitzen (366) 1 Most business and corporation are shifting overseas is for profit, profits higher overseas and manufactures and production are cheaper as well. Work is a universal activity (Eitzen, 368) The system organize work in order to produce good and other types of services for the people like foods, clothing, shelters, education and ETC, the work force gives individuals a social identity, economic resource and a social location. Although the system organize unsafe working environment for its workers in some cases where some worker feel alienated, exploit and often dehumanized. Workers start to feel bored with the job because of the everyday task, doing the same thing over and over again.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Editorial Analysis Essay

â€Å"We are all equal; it is not birth but virtue alone that makes the difference.† This insightful quote from the famous French philosopher and historian â€Å"Voltaire† seems to accurately represent the beliefs of the factions of American citizens pushing to allow women to fight in combat positions within the US Armed Forces. Though the topic has just recently been boosted into the media and congressional politics, it has been long debated. A rather current editorial from USA Today titled: â€Å"Open Combat Positions to Women† outlines the recent developments in the status of a much disputed and controversial issue facing the nation today. Though somewhat less in-depth than some opposing opinions, the USA Today article establishes credible and provoking arguments with specific evidence that incites some hesitation on behalf of the naysayers contradictory reports and dissents; all the while, creating a valid representation of the views offered by the supporters . In the article mentioned above, there are many components to the argument and evidence presented. As far as tone and stylistic approach, the author remains very serious, stern, and unyielding throughout and presents the opposing viewpoint as â€Å"clouded in fiction† and â€Å"removed from reality†. Though the opposition isn’t represented as ignorant, the author is very firm in their opinions and believes that anyone who disagrees is simply in denial or has some personal stake that would negatively affect them if women were to enter into combat in the armed forces. In the beginning of the USA Today editorial, two specific examples of women who have placed their lives on the line or been injured by participating in extremely dangerous missions are given. The author appeals to the reader’s emotions with these examples and gives accurate evidence of women who already risk their lives but don’t receive recognition for it. Statistics are also presented that evaluate the many women who have lost their lives and been injured while serving in the armed forces and participating in missions whose â€Å"main purpose wasn’t direct combat on the ground.† The author goes on to explain that while women are fighting and risking their lives on the battlefield, the government refuses to acknowledge their sacrifices and give them equal rights to serve their country. Also in the beginning of the editorial, the author refers back to the two women who fought on the front lines. Those women as well as two other servicewomen filed suit in attempt to overturn the law established in 1994 which states as follows: †Rule: Service members are eligible to be assigned to all positions for which they are qualified, except that women shall be excluded from assignment to units below the brigade level whose primary mission is to engage in direct combat on the ground, as defined below. Definition: Direct ground combat is engaging an enemy on the ground with individual or crew served weapons, while being exposed to hostile fire and to a high probability of direct physical contact with the hostile forces personnel. Direct combat take s place well forward on the battlefield while locating an closing with the enemy to defeat then by fire, maneuver or shock effect.† The author goes on to state that, despite what happens in court with the lawsuit filed by the four servicewomen, the issue should never have to go to court in order to be acted upon. The author seems to think that it is simply a matter of logical thinking. Some other supporting evidence in the editorial is the Author’s use of a Gallup Pole to prove that Americans no longer oppose the idea of women on the front lines. Also specific quotes are used from a well-know male armor officer who attests to women already risking their lives in the line of fire but not being recognized for it because the government has contorted the laws and definitions. At the end of the editorial, the author goes into some details about the physical requirements for those serving in combat positions, how the solution is simple, and how the armed forces should strive for equality and concludes that congress is taking small steps in the right direction. From an analytical point of view, the editorial from USA Today immediately established credibility with the first evidence and supporting examples. There is an abundance of evidence for the short two-page window that the author has to offer it. The author doesn’t use any jargon or political terms meant to confuse or mislead the reader. Also, the author does a very satisfactory job of explaining the facts surrounding the argument without being biased or one-sided. Though there is room for much improvement, overall the editorial is a firm and testable argument and serves its purpose well. As in most any written argument, the author wants to present their opinions in the most positive and factual light. Usually only supporting evidence is given for the reader to comprehend and digest. This includes: specific accounts with concurring viewpoints and validating examples. While the author will oftentimes address or evaluate the opposition, it would be counteractive to the whole foundation and motive of the argument to agree with, or present facts in favor of, the opposite side. The article previously discussed and critiqued mostly follows this schema. Though there are some hidden premises, the author does briefly address some of the opposing viewpoints. The editorial only very briefly mentions the opposing argument that: â€Å"a change in policy may cost lives† but offers no retort to the claim. Also, the fact that â€Å"†¦some infantrymen would be unable to take orders from a female combat leader†¦Ã¢â‚¬  is brought up and the author offers a seemingly simple solution to this complex counterargument. The final recognition of opposing opinion by the author is in the statement claiming: †Many of the objections trotted out by opponents simply don’t hold up to scrutiny.† Again, the author fails to prove this statement with in-depth evidence and goes on to only address one specific â€Å"objection trotted out by opponents.† The issue featured in the USA Today editorial â€Å"Open Combat Jobs to Women† is difficult to resolve for many possible reasons. First, there are no previous precedents in the situation of women in the armed forces that can help legislation to predict the possible gain or loss they will receive. There doesn’t seem to be a way to calculate what the reaction will be to letting women serve in combat until legislation allows it. In reference to the lawsuit by the four servicewomen, the Supreme Court must also set a new precedent. As with any issue involving women’s rights or equal rights in general, the Constitution is always brought into discussion. Problems encountered in our society that call for an interpretation of the Constitution are often met with an incredible amount of hesitation, deliberation and conflict among citizens, social groups, minorities and legislators. USA Today’s Editorial creates a valid representation of the supporting viewpoints for women in combat positions while also establishing credibility with provoking arguments that incite hesitation for opposition. To review somewhat, although the author does an adequate job in arguing their point, there is some room for improvement both structurally and logistically. However, from a reader’s point of view, the editorial has a reasonably strong argument that at least provokes the reader to question their current beliefs and views on the topic discussed.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Consultancy Report Essay

As a subsidiary of one of the largest cosmetics organizations in the world, you are in a position to dramatically increase your potential and further capitalize on your brands recognition. My hope is that you will establish and maintain a broader, more diverse customer base and increase your overall profitability. Based on an in-depth analysis and research conducted on your organizations behalf, I have identified several problematic areas in need of immediate attention. The following document will serve to provide valuable information to address these issues accordingly. One such issue and perhaps one of the most crucial is that of the organization’s brand awareness levels in the United Kingdom. This is due in part to the fact that Mary Kay U.K. is not as widely recognized in the United Kingdom as it is in the Americas. I recommend increasing your presence to reach potential customers who would otherwise be unaware of your organization. We will seek to address the significant growth of new potential competitors while developing a means of competing effectively against already established competitors. You will learn of new methods in which to remain relevant and a viable global contender in the cosmetics industry. New products will serve to provide your organization with a competitive edge and differentiate your organization from all its competitors. New policies and changes in the organization’s infrastructure will increase employee satisfaction an important factor for employee retention. These enhancements to the organization’s current dealings can ultimately increase profitability, improve customer satisfaction levels, and increase employee productivity. As Mary Kay U.K. adopts these changes and once in effect, there will be a need to take on additional employees to tend to the day-to-day operations and supplementary qualified/experienced executive-level professionals, allowing for a more focused approach on the management aspects of the organization. Effective documentation of the organization’s financials will allow for more educated and informed decision-making procedures. Adequate fiscal records serve as effective management tool for predicting future success, identify problem areas and to make decisions that will assist in the organization’s overall effectiveness. In addition to significantly changing the inner workings of the organization in the United Kingdom, substantial changes to the organizations image and frontend interfaces may be required to assist with the issue of brand awareness. The organization must become a well-oiled machine internally as well as an aesthetically pleasing entity for potential customers, future investors and for those considering strategic business alliances. Creating a more convivial atmosphere with which your organization would then be associated will give these interested parties a respectable first impression. It is apparent that lacking presentation and unfocused management gives rise to the decrease or stagnation of profitability and employee retention. Changes to policy, organizational image, and infrastructure will not only prove beneficial but may in fact be necessary for the success of the organization and its future viability within the United Kingdom. In addition, there must be changes in customer behavior to increase the probability of the organization’s adoption. The organization needs to appeal to a broader customer base after shifting consumer views of cosmetics to match that of American consumers. Thus, by implementing novel, eye-catching, and feeling invoking imagery or advertisements, people will in turn be more inclined to purchase Mary Kay products. In order to be more successful, I recommend the transformation of current marketing strategies. Implementation of a marketing plan that encompasses the arguably successful word-of-mouth strategy in addition to overt and persistent adverts by way of social media will benefit the organization’s image. Because a constant stream of information pertaining to the actual products will allow the consumer to easily recall the information and develop a need for the product as presented by the advertisement. In addition, there must be a vested interest in appealing to the variety of potential consumers within the United Kingdom. Mary Kay U.K. would be wise to capitalize on United Kingdom’s ever-growing and diverse population, via the translation and representation of the multitude of languages spoken within the target areas of operation. This will allow for a more comfortable customer experience and personalized identification with the Mary Kay brand. Brand Awareness is at an all-time low as target populations fail to recognize the Mary Kay Brand. The organization must increase its visibility in the growing cosmetics market in the United Kingdom. This is possible with improved advertising and re-imagined brand association. Increased brand recognition will assist with declining profits. The proposals presented in this consultancy report, should Mary Kay U.K. opt to adopt them will serve to promote the organization’s business aptitude and increase overall profitability and effectiveness. My hope is that this educated and informed counsel will effectively navigate the organization into a state of increased viability and the optimization and growth of Mary Kay U.K. business operations and clientele. INTRODUCTION This consultancy report will serve to provide the Mary Kay U.K. Ltd. Subsidiary of Mary Kay Cosmetics with informed suggestions to increase the organization’s revenues and improving the day-to-day dealings of the organization from a management perspective. Following extensive research of the organization’s operations, I have prepared a comprehensive examination of the organization in its entirety. This research has been comprised of a thorough analysis of the organization’s fiscal and promotion facets. This report also takes into account the consumer aspect of the organization, and the organization’s image as viewed by the public. In addition, it will serve to demonstrate the manner in which the target audience does or fails to accept this image. Crucial organizational issues have been identified and addressed accordingly, supplemented with recommendations for minimizing or eliminating potentially negative effects. These suggestions may prove insightful for the achievement of further profitability and consumer satisfaction should the organization choose to implement any or all of the changes proposed in this report. The information provided in this report comes via thorough research and analytical dismantling of data and industry trends and its reassembling in the form of a well-formulated business plan. Suggestions provided will seek to address Mary Kay U.K.’s organizational structure, the organization’s inclination to incorporate a corporate social responsibility element, consumer satisfaction, employee turn-over rates, decreasing or non-existent profits, brand recognition and awareness among target consumers and product quality, to name the most imperative of organization’s issues. In all, if implemented, these changes could ensure a significant turnaround for the Mary Kay U.K. entity. Numbers will rise to the status of or potentially rival those of its American contemporary. The organization would hold a strong position before its global competitors and open the door for future business strategic affiliations. The organizational redesign will prove beneficial for Mary Kay’s United Kingdom division as an organization, for the consumers now receiving increased quality services, and for the leveling of the cosmetics industry in the United Kingdom. ANALYSIS OF CLIENT BUSINESS Company Description and History Mary Kay Inc. is one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world to date. Headquartered in Addison, Texas at 16251 Dallas Parkway Addison, TX 75001 in the United States, it has manufacturing plants located in Dallas, Texas, Hangzhou, China and La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland for its European market. Mary Kay Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Mary Kay Holding Corporation. Founded by Mary Kay Ash in 1963 and based on personally established values that guided her everyday life she sought to help women live the life of their dreams. Company values include integrity, honesty and a belief in the Golden Rule; â€Å"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.† The mission, to assist and provide the vehicle that would allow prospective independent beauty consultants to have their respective dreams come true via the distribution, promotion, and retailing of a handful of products. Mary Kay Inc. identifies itself as a â€Å"Generation Everything† organization, meaning it serves everyone from all walks of life and of all ages. The organization recently posted that its revenues are up to 3 billion due to sales in its 35 + markets globally. All made possible by its 25 million global independent sales force.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

How Teflon Sticks to Nonstick Pans

How Teflon Sticks to Nonstick Pans Teflon is DuPonts brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, a fluoropolymer in which the fluorine atoms are so tightly bonded to the carbon atom that everything else slips right off. Its a miracle of modern chemistry that you encounter whenever you use non-stick cookware. But... if Teflon is non-stick, then how do they get it to stick to pans in the first place? How Teflon Sticks to Pans You might guess Teflon somehow sticks to metal better than it does to eggs, but in reality, the polymer slides right off of metallic surfaces, too. In order to get Teflon to stick to a pan, the metal is sandblasted. A primer coat of Teflon seeps into the tiny holes and cracks. The Teflon is baked into the pan. It doesnt stick to the metal, but the plastic has a hard time working its way out of the nooks and crannies. A finishing layer of Teflon is applied and baked onto the primed surface. Teflon has no trouble polymerizing with itself, so this layer bonds to the prepared pan without any problem. Keeping the Teflon in Place You can ruin your Teflon-coated pan two ways. You can damage the Teflon coating or scratch beneath it if you use metal utensils or too much force stirring or scraping food. The other way to ruin the pan is by applying too much heat, which can happen if you burn your food or heat the pan without any food in it. When too much heat is applied, the carbon bonds break, releasing fluorocarbons into the air. This isnt great for either the pan or your health, so non-stick cookware shouldnt be subjected to extremely high heat. What Is Plastic? | Make Plastic from Dairy

Monday, October 21, 2019

Ragged Dick essays

Ragged Dick essays In the book Ragged Dick by Horatio Alger there are three main necessities for success: luck, pluck, and decency. In todays world you can also add an education in your profession and a grasp of technology. In the story there are many points in which these qualities are exhibited. One of Horatio Algers points of what is essential to flourish in life is luck. In the story Ragged Dick received a tip after he was wrongfully accused of trying to get change from a counterfeit bill. His patron said to him, I must pay you something extra for your trouble. Heres fifty cents. (53/54). After showing a non-resident around town for a few hours, Dick unexpectedly received a tip for his efforts. This was very lucky for him since earlier that day he had obtained a suit, worn but newer than his own, from the same people. Here is an excerpt from their conversation I dont like to take it... Perhaps not, said Mr. Whitney, but I give it to you because I remember my own friendless youth.(111). Dick didnt always unexpectedly receive rewards. Sometimes he did something that should be rewarded, such as when he saved the boy from the river and got a new suit. The father of the boy left a note near Dick, and in it, it stated, Please accept this outfit as the first installment of a debt I can never repay.(211). All through the story are more instances in which show dick as being a lucky guy. An additional quality of a person on their way to triumphing the business world is pluck. Successful people often get an early start on the day. Ragged Dick is also a person who likes to get a punctual start on his day. What time is it? asked Dick. Seven oclock.... I oughterve been up an hour ago. (39). Along with pluck comes determination, and Dick shows this through his willingness to le...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Best Review Books for the SSAT and ISEE

The Best Review Books for the SSAT and ISEE Students applying to private school for admission into grades five through twelve and the postgraduate year must take private school admissions tests such as the ISEE and SSAT. Each year, more than 60,000 students take the SSAT alone. These tests are considered to be a crucial part of the admission process, and schools consider a students performance on the test as an indicator of potential success. As such, its important to prepare for the tests and do your best.   The ISEE and SSAT are slightly different tests. The SSAT contains sections that ask students analogies, synonyms, reading comprehension, and math questions, and the ISEE includes synonyms, fill-in-the-sentence-blanks, reading comprehension, and math sections, and both tests include an essay, which is not graded but is sent to the schools to which the students are applying. Students can prepare for these exams by using one of the review guides on the market. Here are some of the guides and what they offer to prepare students for these tests: Barron's SSAT/ISEE This book includes review sections and practice tests. The section on word roots is particularly helpful, as it introduces students to common word roots that they can use to build their vocabulary. The end of the book includes two practice SSAT tests and two practice ISEE tests. The only drawback is that the practice tests are only for students taking the middle- or upper-level tests, meaning that students taking the lower-level tests (students who are currently in grades 4 and 5 for the ISEE and students who are currently in grades 5-7 for the SSAT) should use a different review guide that includes lower-level tests. Some test-takers have reported that the math problems on the practice tests in Barrons book are harder than those on the actual test. McGraw-Hill's SSAT and ISEE McGraw-Hills book includes a review of the content on the ISEE and SSAT, strategies for test-taking, and six practice tests. The practice tests for the ISEE include lower-level, middle-level, and upper-level tests, meaning that students can get more specific practice for the test they will be taking. The strategies for the essay section are particularly helpful, as they explain to students the process of writing the essay and provide samples of written and revised essays. Cracking the SSAT and ISEE Written by the Princeton Review, this study guide includes updated practice materials and a review of the content on both tests. Their hit parade of the most commonly occurring vocabulary words is helpful, and the book offers five practice tests, two for the SSAT and one for each level of the ISEE (lower-, middle-, and upper-level). The Kaplan SSAT and ISEE Kaplans resource offers students a review of the content on each section of the test, as well as practice questions and strategies for test-taking. The book contains three practice tests for the SSAT and three practice tests for the ISEE, covering the lower-, middle-, and upper-level exams. The exercises in the book provide a great deal of practice for potential test-takers. This book is especially good for lower-level ISEE test-takers, as it provides practice tests geared to their level. The best way students can use these books is to review unfamiliar content and to then take practice tests under timed conditions. Students should be sure to look at not only the content of the tests but also the strategies for each section, and they should also follow sound test-taking strategies. For example, they should not get stuck on any one question, and they should use their time wisely. Students should start practicing several months in advance so they are prepared for the test. Students and parents can also learn more about the way the tests are scored  so they can prepare for their results. Different schools require different tests, so be sure to check with the school you are applying to about which tests they require. Many private schools will accept either test, but the SSAT seems to be the more preferred option for schools. Students applying as juniors or older often have the option to submit PSAT or SAT scores instead of the SSAT. Ask the admission office if that is acceptable though.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

International and Comparative Human Resource Management Essay - 1

International and Comparative Human Resource Management - Essay Example This essay â€Å"International and Comparative Human Resource Management† analyses potential strategic problems facing Human Resource Managers operating in multi-national companies, by focusing on the Morale Welfare and Recreation, abbreviated as MWR. Management is a form of work which deals with the way an organization organizes its resources and departments in order to provide services or produce goods. Some of the resources used by a company are its employees, money and other equipment. Management will thus require managers to get involved in some of the basic activities that call for getting the best out of the company. These activities include organizing, planning, staffing, leading, and controlling. Management can sometimes turn out to be complex if all the essential rules are not followed to the letter. This is because management calls for making the best decision, communicating well with people that matter in the management process, giving work assignments, delegating, training people, and appraising the employees, based on the job they are doing. When it comes to management, the diversity aspect is always inevitable. In a workplace setting of any company, the aspect of diversity will always be seen in respect to age, gender, race, religion, and other factors. Diversity management is thus a strategy intended to promote a positive environment in the workplace. In most cases, diversity management would be initiated by human resource management professionals and managed by the head of departments and supervisors. MWR, being a program that is intended to serve everybody eligible, irrespective of the differences that may abound, has to include diversity management in its management process. In MWR, the diversity management aspect is based on the idea that diversity is a way that shows the alternative ways of thinking, perceiving, and acting, thus enriching the overall life of the military community and their families (MWR). Diversity in this organizat ion will thus be seen as a way of getting creativity and innovation to the next level. This will act as a way through which the whole aspect of competitive advantage can be achieved, helping in the future developments. The military is made up of individuals of various religious

Friday, October 18, 2019

Reporting Forensic Evidence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reporting Forensic Evidence - Research Paper Example Therefore, the report ought to be more formal for clear presentation. For instance, in the report of the investigation that involves a group of criminal enterprise, a comprehensive report is to be produced. Therefore, the forensic investigators can apply the use of a computer to carry out the forensic procedures. Computer forensic is thus the utilization of the computer applications and also analysis for the discovery of any legal evidence involved in the field of forensics. The use of the computer to practice the forensic investigations enables a quick identification and capture of the potential criminal through the use of vital data in the computer (Stauffer & Bonfanti, 2006). During the forensic investigation process, some of the things that were accomplished are the process of gathering the critical details of the potential suspects. This can only be achieved when the forensic investigators are rightly granted a warrant. This warrant allows them to carry out the forensic investig ation procedures without any limits. Therefore, the investigators first must obtain a legal warrant from the authority to enable them access any form of information from individuals. Furthermore, the evidence obtained by the investigator must not be interfered with. For instance, in the computer forensic investigation, the computers must not be touched or even moved once the incidence has occurred. The investigators must further protect the data and the system and its components so as to be used for the prosecution in the court. Moreover, a continued chain of custody is maintained. Eventually, during the retrieval of the data of the suspects, the investigator ought to be extremely careful so as to avoid any distortion of data contained in the computer. Consequently, the evidence collected by the forensic investigator ought to meet some set requirements. These includes that the evidence ought to be produced then also be professionally authenticated and furthermore be of the best evid ence available (Stauffer & Bonfanti, 2006). There are numerous types of systems that are employed during the examination procedures of the forensic investigation. The evidence gathered by the investigator varies widely. Some of these evidences are obtained from the computer includes theft of the intellectual property; there is also theft of the trade secrets. For instance, the investigators can employ the manual form of collecting forensic evidence or they can employ the computer technology method in the collection of the forensic evidences. The computer method used in the collecting evidences of any form of crime is the latest developed procedure. This technique is quick and also among the most effective procedure to be utilized. The forensic investigators utilize the computer forensic to gather any forensic evidences to be utilized in court. For instance, the evidence obtained for criminals, theft, deaths, and all forms of suicides (Anastasi, 2003). Additionally, a variety of tool s are employed by the forensic investigator during the investigation process. Thus for an effective process in the forensic investigation, a smarty decision ought to be made on the best and most valuable tools to be utilized. This is to enable the investigator have an accurate analysis of the evidences obtained. These tools employed by the investigators can also be created by individuals who are experienced. Unfortunately, this idea is not embraced by many because it is hard to

Safety and Risk Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Safety and Risk Management - Essay Example It employs over 10Â  000 people worldwide with a number of modern development and manufacturing facilities. All these facilities, along with the extensive network of trading and marketing units have enabled the Company to effectively penetrate the world’s pharmaceutical market, as well as to offer one of the broadest product portfolios, including over 1200 products either in the market, or under development stage and pending registration (Actavis Group, 2008). The Company’s branch, which is object of the audit, is comprised of two manufacturing facilities at the cutting edge of pharmaceutical production, storages and administrative offices. For several years, the Company has been conducting Corporate EHS audits similar to ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards, and recently acquired an OHSAS 18001 certificate. OHSAS 18001 Overview and Company’s Assessment OHSAS 18001 is an international occupational health and safety specification intended to help with the control over occupational hazards and risks, and covers all organisation’s employee – both full- and part-time, subcontractors and suppliers, visitors, organisation’s own facilities and equipment, as well as rented or borrowed facilities and equipment (Eighty 20 Consulting, n.d.). ... The degree of compliance with OHSAS 18001 requirements, in this particular case, is being assessed using a scale of 0 to 1, namely 0, 0.5, and 1 as a top grade (SGS Bulgaria ltd, 2007). After assessments of seven issues referring to OHSAS 18001’s Clause 4.2, which deals with the policy compliance, the following findings are available (DNV Certification Inc., 2008): The Company’s branch policy is in line with the corporate policy, which is placed on the intranet and communicated to all managers. The commitment to continual improvement is contained in Company’s EHS Policy. The commitment required to comply at least with current applicable Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) legislation is being stated that it will be in accordance with the local regulations. The Company’s policy is documented and implemented but not document-controlled. It has been stated within an uncontrolled document, as well as in part on intranet and posted in canteen. EHS brief is bein g conducted. The policy is available to all interested parties via HR&PR Manager. There is no document control found in regard to the requirement for periodic review of the policy (BSI Management Systems, n.d.). The overall score attained according to the abovementioned scale of assessment is 4 out of the maximum possible 7, which is 57.1 % compliance. Several recommendations appear useful in order to be reached a higher level of compliance: the policy must be a controlled document and an agreement should be made on whether the corporate or site policy is to be used or issued; the policy should be clarified within the corporate and site policy structure and all employees should be provided with a copy of that policy, whether at recruitment or amendment stage. The

Midterm 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Midterm 2 - Essay Example For a country to increase its species, it had to export more than its imports. Since manufactured goods were highly expensive compared to agricultural products, nation’s importing manufactured goods were richer. Mercantilism recommended Britain to import agricultural products from its colonies such as America and sell them manufactured goods. After independence, America intended to manufacture  it citizens’ expertise to limit their dependence Jefferson, however did not consent to  the decision. When answering a French diplomat, Marbois, on the state of manufacturing, commerce, and interior trade, Jefferson recommended that the county should not focus on manufacturing but rather concentrate on agricultural production. He recommends that the county Virginia should focus on agricultural production and let the British manufacture what he see as a partnership. He believed that small sufficient farmers were the best citizens and that God chose the labours in earth. This is because they were hard working, more trustworthy and more moral. Alexander Hamilton, in 1791, proposed an economic program aid for the national infant industries, through high tariffs (Hamilton 5). Economic program aid aimed at protecting American companies from foreign competition government subsidies and improvement of internal transport, which could make transport cheap for American industrial use. The intension was to clear the British manufacturing hood in America. He argues that manufacturing does not only earn revenue but also render the produce of greater importance. Unlike Jefferson, he was determined to make the nation self-dependent by fully producing products that its citizen may depend. Finally, he gives it an economical view that the country can export its products to earn it more income, unlike Jefferson’s partnership view Both the declaration and common sense enlightened Americans to advocate their rights to equality and freedom from

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Financial Statement summary of your analysis Essay

Financial Statement summary of your analysis - Essay Example These ratios reveal the bottom line of the company and the returns it offers to its investors (Kieso et al. 2011). Profitability ratios show the general efficiency and performance of the company. Net profit ratios increased from 9.48% in 2012 to 9.76% in 2013 indicating an increase in profitability. It decreased from 9.76% in 2013 to 9369% in 2014 indicating a reduction in performance of the company. Generally, the company’s performance and efficiency,  its operations have fluctuated throughout the period. Compared to the industry, Nike is less profitable because its ratios are lower than those of the competitors. This category of ratios shows how well a company is managing its liabilities. They also show how effectively a company is using its assets to generate revenues (Wahlen et al. 2010). The days sales outstanding decreased from 49days in 2012 to 44.9 days in 2012. This implies that Nike is profitable to convert its sales into cash quickly. In 2014, it increased to 45.1days from 44.9 days in 2013, implying a reduction in profitability due to slow conversion of sales into cash. Inventory turnover increased to 7.72 in 2013 from 7.24 in 2012 meaning it used fewer inventories to generate more revenue. In 2014, it used more inventories to generate less revenue since inventory turnover reduced from 7.27 in 2013 to 7.04. Total asset turnover decreased in 2013 to 1.44 from 1.50 in 2012 and increased to 1.49 in 2014 from 1.44 in 2013. Nike is more efficient in its operations than the industry average; it uses fewer assets and inventories to generate more revenues unlike other firms in the industry. It also collects its receivable more quickly than the competitors (Kapil, 2011). Debt ratios determine the long-term solvency of the company (Warren & Reeve, 2009).   The debt to equity ratio increased from 0.48 in 2012 to 0.58 in

Investment Strategy Business Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Investment Strategy Business - Research Paper Example Graham’s investment strategy, as established in his now seminal text the ‘Intelligent Investor’, encourages a steady and conservative approach referred to as ‘defensive investing’. This strategy is contrasted with ‘speculative investing,’ an approach more closely linked to gambling. Graham’s strategy has lasted the test of time and drawn positive attention from billionaire investor Warren Buffet who claims it is the best investing text ever written. This essay examines Graham’s strategy in this text through an analysis of investment objectives, asset allocation, security selection process, and whether I would implement this strategy. Objectives The strategies articulated in the ‘Intelligent Investor’ are such that any sort of investor including an individual, hedge fund, or pension plan can adopt them. This is due to Graham’s deep understanding of market vicissitudes that make this strategy not simply a s trategic angle on the market, but virtually the only safe approach to investment. In these regards, the only investors that this approach is not targeted for are what Graham terms ‘speculative investors’. Graham states, â€Å"every nonprofessional who operates on margin should recognize ipso facto that he is speculating†¦everyone who buys a so-called â€Å"hot† common-stock issue†¦is either speculating or gambling† (Graham, pg. 21). ... Instead Graham’s encourages a steady and conservative approach, the returns of which will be determined by the specific market conditions of the era. Graham indicates that strategic approaches that guarantee a specific return may be successful for a period, but in the long run have consistently proved ineffective. In terms of risk, Graham indicates that risk should be determined by the investor’s specific goals. For Graham risk is largely measured in the allocation of common stocks vs. bonds. Rather than implementing a time limit, Graham instead considers that risk and return are most concentrated in common stocks and as such they necessitate longer time horizons. One such example Graham gives is that a couple that are saving to buy a home would be better served consolidating their portfolio in bonds as this are safe and easily accessible; conversely, an individual with a longer time horizon should have a higher percentage of common stock. Asset Allocation Grahamâ€℠¢s strategy as articulated in the ‘Intelligent Investor’ functions as a comprehensive approach to portfolio management. Indeed, intrinsic to Graham’s strategy is the mitigation of risk through the successful allocation of bonds and common stocks. There are a number of considerations within this mode of understanding. In regards to precious metals, Graham recommends a relatively small allocation of such securities, indicating 2-3% of a portfolio should be dedicated to them. In terms of determining the percentage of bonds vs. stocks in the portfolio Graham provides a variety of options. Graham begins in considering a base percentage differential of 50% bonds and 50% stocks.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Financial Statement summary of your analysis Essay

Financial Statement summary of your analysis - Essay Example These ratios reveal the bottom line of the company and the returns it offers to its investors (Kieso et al. 2011). Profitability ratios show the general efficiency and performance of the company. Net profit ratios increased from 9.48% in 2012 to 9.76% in 2013 indicating an increase in profitability. It decreased from 9.76% in 2013 to 9369% in 2014 indicating a reduction in performance of the company. Generally, the company’s performance and efficiency,  its operations have fluctuated throughout the period. Compared to the industry, Nike is less profitable because its ratios are lower than those of the competitors. This category of ratios shows how well a company is managing its liabilities. They also show how effectively a company is using its assets to generate revenues (Wahlen et al. 2010). The days sales outstanding decreased from 49days in 2012 to 44.9 days in 2012. This implies that Nike is profitable to convert its sales into cash quickly. In 2014, it increased to 45.1days from 44.9 days in 2013, implying a reduction in profitability due to slow conversion of sales into cash. Inventory turnover increased to 7.72 in 2013 from 7.24 in 2012 meaning it used fewer inventories to generate more revenue. In 2014, it used more inventories to generate less revenue since inventory turnover reduced from 7.27 in 2013 to 7.04. Total asset turnover decreased in 2013 to 1.44 from 1.50 in 2012 and increased to 1.49 in 2014 from 1.44 in 2013. Nike is more efficient in its operations than the industry average; it uses fewer assets and inventories to generate more revenues unlike other firms in the industry. It also collects its receivable more quickly than the competitors (Kapil, 2011). Debt ratios determine the long-term solvency of the company (Warren & Reeve, 2009).   The debt to equity ratio increased from 0.48 in 2012 to 0.58 in

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Language of Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

The Language of Leadership - Essay Example There are five appropriate methods of ensuring that the organization’s workforce harmoniously undertakes the tasks in accordance to the set rules and regulations, and in the absence of coercion. Modern leaders should serve as the center nerve of distributing favorable prepositions to the entire organization. Through the sharing of objectives, leaders set an equated and united organizations as the subjects realize their equated importance and choose to work in teamwork (Kadalie, 2006). Therefore, leaders may apply the collaboration and sharing techniques to ensure teamwork and united performances of tasks in a friendly environment. These variables shall eventually serve to ensure that all performances interrelate directly to the leader’s vision of the organization (Schmid, 2009). Other factors that leaders may use in ensuring that leaders may use to recognize talents of the others include democratic, and dispersed approaches whereby the subjects are able to express their feelings and propose the various methods that they feel as appropriate in undertaking specific tasks. Lastly, leaders may use the dispersion techniques to stimulate integration and the realization of talents amongst his subjects in the organization (Halpern, & Lubar, 2003). Mainly, a leader serves as integral in stimulating performances to excellence and ensuring that all their

Monday, October 14, 2019

Shawshank Redemption | Organizational Behaviour

Shawshank Redemption | Organizational Behaviour The movie I have chose in doing this assignment is Shawshank Redemption. This is a movie based on hope, friendship and strength. The Shawshank Redemption stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, he is the lead character and Morgan Freeman as Red. The original story is based on the book Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption written by Stephen King . Frank Darabont wrote the screenplay and directed the movie in 1994. This movie was released on September 1994. The purpose of doing this assignment is to relate the movie Shawshank Redemption and apply it in the field of study which is Organizational Behavior. In doing this assignment, we have to examine the main characters and their differences, personality type and attitude. We also need to observe their emotions and mood portrayed. Apart from that, we need to identify if there is any perceptual bias in this movie and whether or not they are using the decision making process model when there is a need for important decision making. Motivational theories application, teamwork effectiveness, leadership style and power tactics are also crucial subtopics in relating it with the movie. The last two part of this assignment is to study if there is any conflict in this movie and the last part is about the change tactics implemented. Analysis of Movie The director of the movie Shawshank Redemption has establish a specific quality of his work as evident in the movie. The genre of this movie as stated in internet movie database is a combination of both drama and crime thriller. This is because the movie is based on prison life and how the hero adapt to the new situation which is in the prison life after been accused of murdering his wife and her lover and this is also classified as crime thriller because the storyline of this movie centered about criminal behavior of not only the inmates but the misconduct of guards and warden as well. The Shawshank Redemption was directed by Frank Darabont based on the nove Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by author Stephan King. This movie was made in 1994 and this movie was a 1994 motion picture adapted. This movie use a formlistic style which focused on the formal, or technical, elements of a film: i.e., the lighting, scoring, sound and set design, use of color, shot composition, and editing. The director of this movie try to make audience slowly and gradually noticed each personality or traits of each character in this movie instead of aggressively show to audience their distinct traits. The position of the camera or the angle chosen in this movie was not from a usual perspective or angle. Shawshank Redemption is one example of classical films. The cinematography of this movie is by Roger Deakin. The movie had create a dramatic impact towards the audience by their options of color filter, the color chosen for example like the scenery outside the prison covered with walls and brick enhance the colour brown and when they are in the prison cell wearing their blue uniform, the color blue appeals more attractive. This movie plays a lot with darkness and shadow. This is especially the scene when there is a violence involved for example the scene when the guards beats up the prisoners, though we cant really see it because of the low light, we can still sense the presence of violence. When the guards walks or passed by the shadows followed, this reflects their dark side characters which is violent, harsh and have no mercy. The climax of this movie does not give direct understanding to audience until the later scene, It gives audience the sense of suspend ,and the final part of this movie gives audience a feeling of surprise and excitement, after Andy had successfully escaped from the prison. Lesson Learnt from the Movie Shawshank Redemption Persistence Andy is someone who is persistent and patience in reaching a specific aim or goal. Unlike many others, Andy do not easily give up even if there is a small obstacle stopping him. Andy keeps on trying and without fail to follow up with the authorities whom he asked for the fund to expand the library until it got approved. He wrote a letter a week for many years. He tried despite the fact that the warden told him they might not give him any money and finally Andy request was granted. Another good example that can be shown from this movie is when Andy requested a rock hammer in which he intend to make a hole at his cell wall to escape through the sewage tunnel. Even though he knows it might take years or maybe decade to accomplish it he determinedly and persistently commit to it because that is the only way he could escaped and he had ,managed to do so without anybody suspicions. This is to say patience has a virtue. Look out for Opportunities make the best out of situation In this movie, Andy had used his experience as a banker to gain trust from the guards and warden so it will be easier for him to get his plan accomplished if he had already established a basic foundation which is trust from them. In one of the scene, Andy overhears the captain guards complaining to his colleague about taxes that he has to pay for upcoming inheritance that he will get. Andy then takes opportunity from this situation by offering him advice about managing the taxes so he can avoid paying the tax for the inheritance. Later on, all the guards in the prison look up for him for advice. This situation gives him advantage as he is assigned to a special task when everybody came to see him to seek advice. Andy also gain warden trust in dealing with his illegal financial matters. This gives Andy advantage as it is easier to execute his freedom plan The lesson that can be learned from here is we must look for opportunity in any difficult situation. Even in very bad circumstances, there is a way to get out of it by looking up for the options available to make the best out of the bad situation. Hope and faith Andy did not lose faith even when he was accused of murdering his and her lover and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He knew there is still hope for him that he would get out from the prison even if it took decades. Andy spent his time mostly hoping for a better future;to be free, escape from jail. He has his vision clear in mind and had planned it thoroughly. Andy starts working towards his vision the moment he first step into the prison. Andy has faith in what he is doing, this can be seen when he commits in executing the plan without anyone suspecting him. Andy also sparks hopes for Red. This is because before Red met Andy, Red has lost his hope accepting that he will never see freedom again however Andy has change Red and that he then he now have some light of hope and the sense of possibility for him to be free. Andy does not only have faith in himself but also with Tommy. Tommy is the new con that just gets in to Reds group. Tommy approaches Andy because he wants to get his GED and have heard that Andy had helped few inmates before. Andy then spends a lot of time teaching Tommy because Tommy doesnt even know how to read. It can seen clearly from this situation that Andy have faith in Tommy otherwise he wouldnt teach him and Andy hopes the best for Tommy in taking the test and at the end Tommy did pass the test with C+ though at first Tommy feels he will not pass the test and that has let Andy down after all the hard work. Hope is a fundamental basis for all future plans and dreams. Without hope, one can never believe that life can change better. Hopeful people will not easily gave up on their mission to improve the life circumstances even when there is an obstacle. Andy has also mentioned in letter he wrote to Red Remember, Red. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. I will be hoping that this letter finds you, and finds you well. Your friend, Andy Dufresne. Success is a reward for hardship Andy is rewarded with freedom after decades of hardship. Andy had spent 19 years digging a tunnel every night to escape prison. He had carve a chess piece from the rock and the Andy hides the residual rocks in his pants and safely dispose then on the prison ground during outdoor activity. Andy quest for freedom had made him determined in doing the task given to him with hope that he get to take advantage out of every situation. When Andy had escaped from the it is like a payback for all the hardship he went through in the prison, the excitement that only a free man can feel after a long journey in which the outcome is not certain. Islamic Perspective In the movie Shawshank Redemption, we could see that there a number of Islamic values that is upheld especially by the main character Andy Dufresne. We could also see some opposing values that is highlighted in this movie. From Islamic perspective, the Islamic values that is visible are we must help those who is need and patience has a virtue. The discouraging act in this movie on the other hand is in a total disagreement with the Islamic values and principle, for example, we should not give up in life by committing suicide, we must not get involve in corruption, bribe or swindling money, we should not take someones else life on purpose. Values that is accordance to Islam in this movie ; We must help those who is in need In Islamic perspective, Allah wants us to be kind and help those who is in need without expecting any return from them. In this movie, Andy had willing to teach Tommy who is illiterate until he passes his exam. Andy is someone who is kind hearted and willing to help his friend. Patience has a virtue Patience is to be said as a condition for success and prosperity. It is shown from this movie that Andy patience is rewarded with freedom. This shows the importance of being patient and how patience can make us be a better person. Andy is patient and even in a bad situation, he remains calm. We should not give up in life by committing suicide In this movie Brooks gone crazy after known that he will be set free soon. This is because he had institutionalized. After few days out from the prison Brook had commit suicide by hanging himself with a rope because he couldnt handle freedom and think there is no life for him out there because he was in prison almost all his life. From Islamic point of view, suicide is forbidden and we must not give up in life and must have faith everything has a way out. We must pray to Allah and zikir so can find peace in our self and that can lead us in rational state or mind We must not involve in corruption Allah had forbid us from practicing bribery and swindle money. The practice of bribery involves power abuse or profit gaining which contradicts to human law and moral. In this movie, the warden is corrupt and takes bribes. The Warden makes a plan to send the prisoners out on a community service program. The warden then takes bribes from other construction companies because the inmates are taking job away from these companies. He then asked Andy to launder money for the warden by setting up many account in different banks using a false identity he create. From Islamic point of view accept a bribe in any form and in any circumstances is forbidden. It is also haram to give a bribe to someone else as this is to get something which is the right of someone else. Therefore it is our interest to avoid involving in corruption Do not involve in killing or murder It is not allowed to murder anyone who is innocent of any crime. In Islam if we kill someone who ids innocent we are committing a huge sin. In this movie, the warden had killed Tommy because Tommy is a key escape for Andy as he knows the real person who actually murders Andys wife and her lover. Tommy had heart his previous cellmate told him about shooting a couple in a club house and later on his husband gets blamed. Andy than told the warden what he just knew , warden then had Tommy shot to death and tell everyone he got shot when he was trying to escape. The rationale behind his action is he dont want Andy to release and tell the authority about the money laundering and murder in the prison. The main storyline about this Shawshank Redemption The story is about a banker named Andy Dufresne that works in Maine. He has been convicted of murdering his wife and her professional golfer lover. He was announced guilty and sent to the dangerous Shawshank Prison. He feels lonely and isolated at first. He then befriends a fellow inmate that had been convicted for a long time named Red. Red befriend with him because Red can sense there is something in Andy. Red has the capability to smuggle in things into the prison. Andys first request made to Red is a rock hammer and he said that he like to collect rocks and sculpting as a hobby but Red thinks that Andy will use the rock hammer as a tool to escape from the prison. Next, he requests a poster. Overtime, Andy befriend prison guards and give them his skill in financial as an advisor to them. One particular guard has an eye for him to use Andy for his benefit which is to use Andy bookkeeping skill in order to organize a money laundering scheme for him, so that he can use the laundered money after he retires. Andy takes up project expand the prison library by writing letters to Maine state senate for funds. When the library has more resources and materials, he also helps the other fellow inmates to get their high school diplomas. One day, a new and young inmate, Tommy, arrived at Shawshank. He tells Andy that in other prison he overhears that there is one prisoner has killed a bankers wife and her professional golfer lover. Then the murder was framed on Andy. Andy tells the warden about the new information but the warden is having a doubt about it. Norton Warden shot Tommy to death because he afraid that Andy will reveal the laundering scheme that he and Andy are doing together. Since Andy does not have a new witnessed for his new trial, he does not want to help Norton Warden with his scam anymore but the he is trying to threaten Andy by destroying the prison library. Next thing, Andy is gone from Shawshank prison. He had escaped by digging his way out of the wall using his rock hammer and the escape hole has been hidden behind a poster. Andys escape took around 20 years for him to be free from the prison. Then, Andy takes money from Warden Nortons scam under the named registered for Randall Stephens and leaves the town. Norton Warden commits suicide by pulling a trigger up to his chin after he found out that Andy used him. Red received an empty postcard from Fort Hancock, Texas and Red interpret it is from Andy that has made it into Mexico and gain his freedom. Furthermore, red passes his parole board and he works at a grocery store and lives in a halfway house. One day, he bought a compass from a pawn shop and follows Andys instructions for him to find a small box under a large black stone. The box contains a huge amount of money and direction to find Andys current location. Red bailed his parole and leaves the halfway house and he takes a bus to Fort Hancock, crosses Mexico and reunited with his friend, Andy again. The main character of the Shawshank Redemption The main characters for this movie are Andy Dufresne and Ellis Boyd Redding or also to be known as Red. The differences among the main characters of this movie All of the two main characters are male as portrayed in the movie and they are all having different character. Andy Dufresne is white people and Red is black or African American. There are no statements in the movie that show each of the character age. The descriptions of each character are as follows. Firstly, Andy Dufresne possessed the banking skills since he works in a bank at Maine. It has been shown at the beginning of the movie. Since he has the skill in the banking field, he also helps the prison guards by giving financial advice to them. He also is being in charge to get the fund for the expansion of the prison library by writing the letter to the Maine state senate. Besides that, he does not mind to lend a helping hand and it can be shown when Andy helps one of the guards, Warden Norton in laundering Nortons money. Furthermore, he helps fellow inmates to gain their high school diplomas. It can be seen that Andy has a kind heart when it comes to help others. Moreover, Andy is a creative person. It is because he uses only the hammer rock that usually used by the geologist for collecting rocks and sculpting as his escape to freedom tool. He also hid his escape hole using the poster that he request from Red. So, it is one of his creative ways to escape that he kept it for himself. Secondly, Red is the second main character in this movie. Red is seen to be gaining some respect by others because he has the capability to smuggle thing into the prison. He is also one of the first Andys friends in the prison because he sees something in Andy when he first meets him. Besides that, when Andy escaped from the prison, he misses Andy. It shows that he values the friendship that he has with Andy. He is a secret keeper for Andy as an example, Andy launders money for Warden Norton by creating a fraud account under the name Randall Stephens and Andy only shares this information with Andy alone. What are attitudes can you identify in the main characters? Andy Strong minded Andy is said to have a strong minded because he has his plan in mind and stick to it until the end. He knows that any action or plan he makes have a consequences and he is willing to take the risk. It also means here that Andy is a determined person. He is determined to escape from the prison and have had plan everything for it, waiting only for the execution. Self control Self control is when someone can control his emotions, attitudes and behavior .Andy has a high level of self control. Though he was convicted for crime he did not commit, he did not portray any attitudes or behavior that is rebellious. He only obeys to what he is commanded to do and show no sign to opposing it. One example , is when Andy first night at Shawshank, he did even make a sound, means, he does break into tears despite knowing the fact that he will be spending his life as prisoners. Caring and empathetic Andy is someone who is kind and concern for others well being. Andy cares for the people around him including Red and Brooks. When Red was rejected for parol, Andy gave him a harmonica as a present for him and to encourage him not to lose hope. This shows that he cares about Red and wants him to have a sense of hope to be freed. He also cares for Brooks when Brooks go crazy after knowing he will be released from Shawshank, he calm Brookds down when Brooks was so down. This shows Andy concern for Optimistic Andy is an optimistic person. He is hopeful and has faith in his future. Andy not only instills this hope to himself but to others around him as well, especially Red. He is confident that he will have a better future by escaping the prison and he is optimist that his plan will succeed. Kind Andy is warm and kind hearted person. He helps out the new inmates named Tommy to go through a exam. Andy is willing to spend his time teaching Tommy how to read. Determined Andy is a very determined person. We can see his determination throughout the entire movie. First he is determined to escape from the prison with the plan he already have on mind. Secondly, he is so determined, that he actually, digs out tiny piece of wall every night. Andy did not gave up when he tried to ask for donations and fund for the library even it was rejected many time, he persistently, wrote a letter to the authority until it was approved. Red Friendly Red is seen as a friendly person, as he has a bunch of friends whom he always hangs out with and he also approaches Andy, Red and Andy slowly become friends. Red is also the one who knows most of the inmates there though he may not necessarily befriend with them. One example is when Red they labeled Red as a man who can gets anything from anybody. This indicates that he has many connections and friends inside Shawshank Helpful Red is a helpful person as he often helps Andy whenever Andy needs something such as when he needs rock hammer and poster of Rita Hayworth. Andy does sometimes seek opinion and advice from him. Red too often helps Andy in whatever Andy is doing, such as when they renovate the library and when Andy provide financial assistant to the guards, Red was his assistant. This shows that Red is a very helpful person. Loyal Red is a loyal friend and supporter of Andy. Red is always there for Andy to shares stories, talk about their past and future. Red has become Andy friend throughout Andys life in prison. Towards the end of the movie, one evident shows that Red is loyal is when he went to the place mentioned by Andy to collect what is left by Andy, he then visit Andy in Zihuatanejo . They then happily reunited. Humour Red can be considered as a person who has a sense of humor. When they gather among them, there will be laughter and giggling. This is an important trait as it will reduce boredom and tense among one another. What emotions and mood can be portrayed in the movie? Were the emotions and mood easily to see or did you have to guess from the evidence from the scene? Explain your answer. There are few emotions and moods portrayed in this movie. Some of the emotions can be detected easily while some have requires an interpretation and deep understanding. There are emotions portrayed in this movie have high negative affect such as tense, and nervous. The first emotion that I would like to highlight first is tense. There were quiet a number of scene of beating violently. The first scene is when the new inmates broke into tears and plead to release him, the guards, drag him out of his cell and beats him till he dies. This scene is very emotional. There is also a scene where a man gets shot by the warden. This emotion was not so easy to perceived, as when the new inmates got beaten, the others can feel the sense of tense hearing him screaming for his life, though it does not show their expression directly, we know they acknowledge presence of tense by the look in their eyes. Emotion such as worry and suspend can also be found in this movie. The scene when the warden did a spot check in every cell to check if there is any illegal item they keep, when it was Andy turns, though he does not show it obviously, there is a presence of worry in him, worry that his illegal item will be found by the warden, the climax of this part is when the warden asked him for the book he holds, Andy then passed the book to warden, this is when Andy looks worried, because he may have hid his rock hammer inside the book, which he actually did, shown towards the end part of the movie. Upset is another example of high positive affect. Andy was very upset when Tommy was killed, because that is the only chance he could get escaped but the warden killed Tommy so Andy will have no chance to be released. Andy frustration can also be easily detected when he expressed it in his face. Low negative affect emotions such as relaxed can also be found in this movie. The emotions relaxed is when Andy and his friend get to drink cold beer at the roof top given by the warden as a compensation for the advice Andy gave to him. This emotion of relaxed and calm can easily be seen by their action and behavior which is laid back, chilling and relaxed enjoying their free beer. Low positive affect emotion is also visible such as depressed. This can also be easily seen when Andy got lock up in the isolated and dark cell for weeks. When he was in there he look depressed. This depression can easily be perceived. What sort of personality type can you identify from the character in the movie? Andy personality type in the movie Shawshank Redemption can be classified into Introverted, Intuitive, thinking and judging (INTJ). Andy is an introverted person. Andy is a a private and quiet person. Andy is someone who is concerned of the inner world of his mind. He does a lot of thinking, exploring his own thought and emotions. Moreover, he is not really a outgoing person, he is often around his group of friends and especially with Red. Andy is an intuitive person. Andy focus is on the big picture. For example, Andy believes that will get out from the Shawshank prison even without having any reason or evidence for that belief. This shows that Andy rely on his intuitions. Andy is also a thinking type of person. We can see that he often analyze the situation before executing any of his plans. Andy is often cool, strong minded and analytical, this attitude is consistent with his thinking personality type. Judging. Andy preferred to have a control of things that is going on around him . Based on these personality types we can say that Andy is independent and brilliant. He is often innovative and creative. The dark side of this type of personality is INTJ person are a very private person and less likely to share ideas to other. This exactly reflects Andy Dufresne character. Red personality type is total opposite from Andy which is extroverted, sensing, feeling and perceiving (ESFP). Red is an extroverted person. He is friendly and can easily make friends. He has a lot of friends in Shawshank. As evident from the movie, he is the one who first approach Andy. Red is someone who only cares or concern about what is going on at present. Therefore we can say that Red is sensing type of person. Sensing is a type of person who prefers routine and order. In the movie Shawshank Redemption we can see that Red is comfortable with the routine activities he did every day. Red is also a feeling type of person. Red is a person who makes decision based on what he thinks people care about. For example, in Red parole interview he often answers to the interviewer based on what he thinks the interviewers wants to hear. Red is a perceiving .He is flexible and spontaneous. Based on Red personality type we can conclude that Red is a person who is fun to be with, friendly, warm and love to make others happy. Perceptual bias Yes they were perceptual biases in this movie Availability Bias Availability Bias is a tendency for people to based judgment on information that is readily available to them. In the movie Shawshank Redemption, the availability bias scenario is when Red visit the authorities of the prison for a parole interview. When he was asked by one of them whether he already feel rehabilitated Red answered to them Yes, I am honestly feeling a changed man, I am no danger to society, and thats Gods honest truth and I am absolutely rehabilitated. However his parole was rejected twice by the officer. This indicates that the authorities interview Red was making decision based on availability bias, they make decision based on what is readily available at that time which is in this case how Red answered their question. The authorities do not consider the fact that he has been doing good and well behaved in prison all this while. Decision making process In the movie Shawshank Redemption, they are some important decision were made but the decision was not made based on the decision making process primarily based on Intuition. Intuition is instinctive and unconscious knowing without reasoning. In the movie Shawshank Redemption, there are few scene showing how Andy make instant or unconscious decision based on his guts feeling, for example in the scene when Andy was trying to carve his name on the cell wall, and later large piece of wall breaks off and fell and at that tim Andy start formulating his plan to escape. When Andy gave an advice to the guards Captain named Hadley, later on Hadley noticed that Andy was good in numbers and that will benefit all the other guards. Andy might not know this would be a good opportunity for him to execute his plan without suspicions. It is based on Andys own gut feeling or intuition for seeking out opportunities, even though he does not know where his plan is going to lead. Andy does what he needs t o do and are not afraid of taking risk in everything he does. Motivational theories Self-determination Theory Self-determination Theory is a theory concerned with beneficial effect of intrinsic motivation and harmful effects of extrinsic motivation. Self-determination theories propose that people prefer to feel they have control over their action. In the movie Shawshank Redemption we can see that Andy is portraying a character of a self determined person, however Andy in this movie is motivated by both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Intrinsic rewards is when a person enjoy in doing what he is doing and does not concern about praising or rewards. Evident from this movie that shows Andy is motivated by intrinsic effects is when he help the guards by giving them advise, we can see that he clearly sincere in doing it because it is his expertise though we know Andy have hidden intention behind. Evident based on extrinsic rewards is when he become the accountant for the warden and he help warden in swindling money by creating account with different names, he did this for extrinsic rewards that i s his hidden intention to reveal the warden practice of corruption when he escape from the jail later, by obeying to warden order, he knew he will gain trust from the warden which will benefit in executing his plan. x. Was teamwork applied in the movie? If no, why do you say that? If yes, do you think the team was effective? Yes, we can see that they had applied teamwork in this movie. The teamwork can be seen clearly when they are trying to smuggle illegal item from outside. Moreover, in this movie, their teamwork very effective and efficient because they do not get caught when smuggling illegal item from outside into the prison. However, Ellis Red Reddings who is the leader of smuggler have good relationship with the officer and have friends who is cooperate with him very well. We can conclude it as the successful team when the teams are assertive and a trust among them. This team also shows individual with technical expertise as well as most of them are conscientiousness and openness. When they are trying to smuggle the illegal item, they have members who fill the role and prefer to be part of their group. They are able to complete the task without get caught or knowing of the warden. Apparently, when Andy Dufresne asking about the photo of one of popular artist, Ellis Red Reddings trying hard to smug gle the photo and pass through the one of their friends who do the books keeper every week. Clearly, they have developed a good team and effective. It gives exciting and satisfying also trust for the each member of the teamwork. On the other hand, there is one thing that Andy Dufresne wants to bring different in the prisoner. He tries to renovate bookstore into library which is first and foremost library in the prisoner. They cooperates each other and the team work efficiently and successfully build a new mini library as they believe they can succeed. However, they are facing many difficulties to build the library. All the teams contribute their physical and technical expertise to make it work. When all of them succeed to make a mini library with their effort, they have opportunity for personal development of itself and there are very satisfying and get rewarding experience. From Islamic perspective, depending upon their teamwork, clearly they are practicing good moral valu How Effective is Metadata? How Effective is Metadata? ABSTRACT: In a highly growing technological world, large organizations deal with huge amount of information. With this rapid growth the retrieval of historical information has become a compulsory task for the decision makers. Here is where data warehouse comes into play. Data warehouse is a collection of integrated databases designed to support managerial decision making and problem solving functions. Metadata is one of the most important feature available in data warehouse. In this paper we are going to explain how effective is metadata in data warehouse and how it helps in improvising the performance measures of the data warehouse making it highly efficient. INTRODUCTION: Retrieving the required information from data warehouse without metadata will be a daunting task. metadata is a small piece of data which tells the decision making analysts what kind of data is it and where it is stored. Thus making the task easy and time saving. Metadata has a significant role in data warehouse. There are of two parts front room and back room metadata. The back room metadata helps in extraction, cleaning and loading. the front room metadata is descriptive type helping in smooth functioning. While creating the data warehouse for large organizations one or more meta data has to be stored, for this meta model is been created. Meta model is a conceptual model for metadata database where meta data of a warehouse are stored. It renders detailed description of metadata units and their relationship existing between them. The metadata type and their abstraction level has a direct impact on building a meta model. Meta data management system mostly follows the federal structur e (i.e.) combining the advantages of both centralized and distributed structures enabling a variety of meta database for storage. Meta model should be highly scalable so that when the application requirements change the users can customize the application specific component of metadata. EFFECTS OF METADATA ON DATA WAREHOUSE: Metadata and its management play a very important role in data warehouse system. When a user needs to access a data in data warehouse, he first looks into the metadata for where it is located in that cluster of information. What if the metadata is not present, the user has to skim through the whole information to find out his required information which is practically an impossible task. Thus metadata showing up to be highly efficient in data warehouse. In context with data warehouse, metadata is majorly classified as business, technical and operational meta data. Business metadata explains about business definition, policies and others. Technical metadata has all technical information such as db. system names, tables, columns names, data types and values. Whereas operational metadata shows the currency of data. Meta data also ensures code reusability, accuracy, consistency and integrity of the system. It highly supports the development, maintenance and upgradation of Data warehouse. LIMITATIONS: When different layers of metadata fail to communicate and update successfully, the users will land up in wrong search of data. SOLUTION: A proper maintenance should be done on a timely basis and a notification mechanism should be initiated whenever such updating does not take place to ensure that metadata has updated and works fine. A good quality data warehouse should ensure good performance measures such as quality control, confidentiality of data, integrity, availability etc. Here we are going to see how metadata is playing a vital role in improvising the performance measures of data warehouse. QUALITY CONTROL BY METADATA: Implementation of data warehouse is a most efficient solution for decision makers. In some cases, data warehouse fails to meet the requirements due to lack of data quality. The major area where the data quality fails is while integrating the input sources. In a metadata quality control system, initially the demands for quality are gathered from the user and then convert these requirements into specifications. These specifications are added to metadata. Along with this metadata, total data warehouse architecture is combined so the data is examined along the dataflow. This security mechanism is implemented in metadata since the metadata repository is responsible for each and every characteristic of data present in the warehouse. Hence applying quality demands in metadata helps to rectify the quality issues in data warehouse. ADVANTAGES: The quality demands of the user are satisfied, efficiency is improved, performance measure is boosted. LIMITATION: Firstly, though the quality control measure is applied in the initial stage, the data after stored in the warehouse do not guarantee the same quality. secondly, there is a slight modification in the warehouse architecture in accordance to the quality control model which may affect the performance of the warehouse. SOLUTION: A proper quality check should be carried out even after the data is stored in warehouse by involving quality maintenances in warehouse and also before involving modification in warehouse architecture the performance measure is to be checked so that it does not affect the efficiency. SECURITY MEASURES BY METADATA: A high quality data warehouse should have highly confidential storage system. Security is more important in this competitive world where hacking of information no more a big deal. Data warehouse is an inaccessible system providing huge of amount of data easily available for users. Security aspects are considered before building the data warehouse and inserted in the metadata in the architecture.so the user will be restricted to only a particular area where the access is provided, the rest data cannot be accessed unless proper authentication is provided. Inserting security measures after developing data warehouse will not be that effective and cost efficient. We apply security measure in metadata since applying it to the other parts will affect the performance of data warehouse and also it wont end up in an efficient way. ADVANTAGES: Confidentiality of the data is maintained, illegal authentication is prohibited, increases the performance. LIMITATION: This security model is advantageous for those kind of data whose content is described by metadata and also it restricts the access to users, so the users end up making decision with the available decision thus indirectly affecting the performance of data warehouse. SOLUTION: Rather than giving authentication to a area, security system should be designed in such a way that only highly trusted users are let in the warehouse and are allowed to migrate throughout the system and make the better decision by considering all the available data. CRITICAL REASONING: For large organizations, metadata management is of great importance and great potential. Metadata not only provide information about the data in warehouse but also, helps in boosting various performance measures by which the user requirements are satisfied. By improving the quality of the data, consistency and efficiency is maintained in warehouse. By providing a secured data to the users as per their demands increases the performance of the warehouse. Other security measures and quality control measures involves more complexity than that of one involving metadata. So, using metadata would be a simple and prudent choice. CONCLUSION: In this goal, driven business environment, it is important to serve the demands of the user rather than giving them a comprehensive result. Metadata is a small part in data warehouse architecture but in turn provides huge effects in functioning. Meta data gives meaning to data and adds clarity to the users. hereby we summarize the effects of metadata in data warehouse and how it helps in improving the performance measures of warehouse. This performance improvement techniques using metadata is not widely followed because of lack of understanding of importance of metadata and, the metadata management has higher degree of complexity. So, by this we get to know that metadata is essential and highly effective in data warehousing.