Negotiation and Conflict Management Final Report Essay

â€Å"It’s time to go to the next level of my career,† I told myself a few months ago. Life and life experiences have put me in the right place at the right time to make my daydream a reality. As a natural born citizen of another country and as a newly-married person, I have a unique perspective as well as a set of obstacles and opportunities on the road ahead as I pursue my Executive MBA while being in transition. GOALS My current short-term goal professionally is to find a job that not only fulfills my current ambition of being technical leader but also a management leader in the IT world, where as my long-term goal is to start my own business (Repurposing and creatively painting old leather products into house decor) along with my life-partner in the next 3-4 years. My personal goal is to again relive my artistic side, paint and be creative and get my spouse involved in the artistic world that I like. I am at a juncture of my career where in both my personal goal of working with my life-partner coincides with my ambition of starting up a new business and apply whatever knowledge I gathered during class. My goal as far as EMBA classes is to actually be able to not only learn Finance and Accounting but actually try to master it is as much as possible because when my goal of opening up my business becomes a reality, I want to make sure I have command over that. NEGOTIATIONS In my previous company, I had the opportunity to be a part of some important negotiations which helped me as well as the project understand the various aspects that we had predominantly neglected at the start of some of these negotiation. One such negotiation was when a rival vendor was trying to sell their new software to our client which they claimed would be doing the same kind of work that we were doing for past few years. When the time came to negotiate the new contract for our project, the clients asked us to come up with a plan as to why they should consider our software v/s the rival vendor’s proposed software. When I tried to analyze the whole negotiation process that we went with the end clients and even though we managed to extend the contract, there were a lot of issues that were not par with the 3D negotiation which are as follows: We didn’t set up the right negotiation  as the right party and right interests were not set up. We never considered the No-De al option. Never paid attention to the six basic interpersonal skills that are essential for negotiation. My short term goal of being a technical as well as managerial leader in IT would require me to be a part of similar negotiations that I mentioned above. Right from extending contracts, to getting funding for maintenance and development of software, getting more business from different set of end clients which might be interested in similar software. Here are some of the important factors that needs to be considered while making these kind of negotiations. My long-term goal of opening my own business with my spouse is something that would require a lot of negotiations that needs to be done be it with the bankers or venture capitalists who might be interested in funding it, real-estate people who might be interested in selling or renting their property and the end clients/customers who would be interested in buying my end products. These are the three key area of people that I have to get involved with in-order to start my business successfully. While dealing with the Bankers/VC, one thing that we need to keep in mind is that we might have issues with one of them, so we need to keep more options and try to find the right new parties who might be interested (right players). With the Real-Estate people, you need to address the Twin tasks, namely, Learn about the true ZOPA and Shape your counterpart’s ZOPA perceptions to your advantage. New customers are more interested in creating and claiming value like discounted cash flows, creating relationships, reputation and being fair. We need to think long term for creating and claiming value as none of the parties should feel that they have been exploited or dealt with unfairly as the reputation would be at stake. All conflict management processes i.e. consensual negotiations, are based on information sharing and learning. In the process of sharing information, a party seeks to alter the knowledge, attitudes, preferences and strategies of its opponents. There are some conflict s that I might have to overcome during my business negotiations that can be summed up as: APPRAISAL As a successful negotiator the six basic interpersonal skills are utmost important but initially when I started negotiating in my previous company, I never paid real attention to some of those skills. The contract extension negotiation example above was finally approved but we had a lot of things that were not correct and that almost cost us the deal. Here are some of the key aspects of that deal: a) My company had this contract for past 9 years without any competition and hence I never expected a rival vendor to just come up with another proposal with the end client. b) I never really dealt with the topic of creating and claiming value as part of the negotiation. c) Had an incomplete/blurry information on the rival vendor and their product hence before proposing the deal, we never dug deep to rectify it. d) Never pressed on the issue of Your Interests / Their Interests. As this was a contract that was being extended every single year, this thing never came to my mind. The reason we got the extension on the contract was due to some of equally compelling strength that as a negotiator we had and they were as follows: a) Our ability to make sure the end clients understand their No-Deal option. Even though we weren’t aware that it was called the No-Deal option, we certainly went that route when we presented our merits in front of them and made sure they understood what they were losing in-case the contract was not extended. b) Even though we didn’t do our homework on the rival contractor, we made sure that we had all our facts and data right once we were in front on the clients. The data showed all the current savings that we were providing to the end clients and this was a major factor that earned us the good point. My Strengths Reasoning The quality and extent of my preparation The better you understand your interests (why you want what you want); and the better you understand the interests of other parties (why they want what they want), the greater the chance you will be able to reach an elegant solution which leaves the parties feeling as if each has achieved the major portion of their goals People walk away thinking they would be pleased to  negotiate again with me A negotiator’s relative strength can be measured by whether people walk away thinking they would be pleased to negotiate again with him/her. If people leave a negotiation with you thinking they never want to see you again, then you are a poor negotiator Good communication to other parties so they understand my top priority A negotiator needs to understand that different issues should be treated as having different priorities in different negotiations. Sometimes the relationship is most important; other times creativity is the measure of how well one negotiates; and it is always true that good communication is a fundamental measure of a negotiator’s strength. A good negotiator makes her/his points clearly understood by other parties. A better negotiator makes understanding other parties her/his top priority. In Moms.com case study, I was Terry Schiller and as my role was to sell the program, I made sure that for my preparation for the case, whether finding the right balance between the no. of re-runs v/s the licensing rate and making sure that this balance would give me as well as other party the max value. I had already calculated this before the negotiation started so that I knew what value would affect me as well as the other party. In Viking Investments case study, I was the person that run Viking investments and even though bankruptcy was the option for the other party, I not only made sure that it won’t happen but provided the other party with 3 different options and gave her the choice to choose which ever suited her bill. I believe in maintaining relationships and making sure that the other party feels the same way, hence when the other party walks away after the negotiation, they would want to do more business with me going forward. In Biopharm-Seltek case study, I repres ented Biopharm and my main goal was to make sure that the other party understood that I was not only interested in their company but was not interested in buying their patent. My Weakness Reasoning Dealing with negative emotions from the other side of the table Are my standards of fairness being violated? Is the common bias operating about my being cooperative and fair while the other party is hostile and competitive?  What rule or assumption that I hold is being violated by the other’s behavior? Controlling your emotions — commanding reasonable authority, managing your temper, etc. Has something been raised that questions what I tell myself I am or hope to be, such as Am I competent? Am I fair? Am I a good person? Knowing when to step away from the negotiation table — and being able to really do it No negotiator wants to enter into a poor agreement. But similarly, every negotiator should want to walk away from an unsatisfactory agreement towards a clearly defined, satisfactory BATNA In Viking Investments case study, there were times I couldn’t control my emotion because as per my own belief I was trying to go all the way out to help the other side not file for bankruptcy but in the middle I thought that I was fighting the battle alone. I was emotionally drained out to make the other understand the consequence of bankruptcy and helping them more than I should as a result of which I questioned my own self whether I am competent enough. This to me is a sign of weakness because I let my emotion take over the negotiation process. In Biopharm-Seltek case study, I was overwhelmed by the negative emotion from the other side as they were not ready to part away with the company without me buying the patent. It was their major walk away reason for them which I was not able to understand as they were being very hostile without being reasonable. I saw a very different take on this which was against my own personality and it was something I couldn’t overcome and need to work upon that. I still have a hard time to understand that you should never accept a proposal that is worse than your BATNA. Hence I couldn’t understand when to step away in case it didn’t work out. In the Moms.com, I didn’t get the proposal that I prepared so confidently before the negotiation started and I couldn’t find the courage to walk away from the table even though I knew the value created was not as much as what I had initially proposed. PLAN Here are the negotiation skills that I plan on improving and dealing with short term as well as my long term goals: 1. Do your research. Clarify your own objectives and make sure you understand what your opposite number wants from the deal. For example, by doing some basic research into a potential supplier, you can work out how valuable your custom is to them. 2. Plan your strategy in writing and decide what approach you will adopt before beginning negotiations. Be clear about the type of deal you want, set clear goals and work out where you will draw the line and walk away from the deal. 3. Ask questions and listen closely to answers. Asking questions will help you understand what your opposite number wants to achieve. You may be able to get them to reveal how flexible they are on certain issues. 4. Decide what is negotiable. Before you start to negotiate, draw up a list of factors that are most important to you. Decide what you are (and aren’t) prepared to compromise on. Key factors might include price, payment terms, volume or delivery dates. The key is to establish your preferred outcome, but remain realistic, because if you’re not prepared to compromise some negotiations won’t last long. 5. Don’t reveal your negotiating position and avoid making unnecessary concessions. If you have to make concessions – look for reciprocation. Concessions should only be made to help you get the things you value. You should also avoid appearing too keen to do a deal. Consider what offer the other party in the negotiations is likely to make and how you’ll respond. 6. Select the best team. Once you’ve decided on your strategy it is essential that you get your negotiating team right. Make sure it has skills in all the required areas and, where necessary, use a specialist to negotiate in areas outside your expertise 7. Drawing up a contract. Once all the points have been negotiated and a deal has been agreed, it’s best t o get a written contract drawn up and signed by both parties. While verbal contracts are legally binding – they are difficult to prove in court. 8. Choose the right time and place for negotiation. Ideally select a time and place where you are not under pressure to close the deal. My plan of being successful in negotiations Mapping the parties I would like to start with private talks with various individual parties  (bankers, customers, etc.) before bringing everyone together for public negotiations, or it may be better to immediately begin negotiation with all stakeholders. When developing the process, it is important to consider the role of third parties, special procedures and specific negotiation systems. This will likely require an understanding of the cultural norms and individual personalities of the parties involved. Further important considerations relevant to the process include how the process is to be determined and how it could be modified. The set up essentially ensures that the scope, sequence and process of a negotiation is consistent with my desired outcome for the negotiation. I need to ensure that the right parties have been involved, in the right sequence, to deal with the right issues that engage the right set of interests, at the right table or tables, at the right time, under the right expectations , facing the right consequences of walking away if there is no deal.

John Forbes Nash Jr.

John Forbes Nash Jr. is a math prodigy and one of the recipients of the prestigious Carnegie Prize for Mathematics at Princeton University.   While taking his graduate studies, he met his roommate Charles Herman, a literature student who became his best friend.   His eccentric behavior made it difficult for other people to understand and relate to him.   Nash’s obsession in searching for an original idea for his thesis and a place in the student social hierarchy led him to skip classes which nearly cost his failure.Fortunately, he was saved by his original research study where he was able to formulate a theory in mathematical economics known as the concept of governing dynamics.   After his graduate studies, he worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and selected his friends Sol and Bender to work with him.While teaching a class on Calculus, he met Alicia, a student who later became his wife.   While at Princeton, Nash behaved erratically and became paranoid.   This compelled Alicia to call a psychiatrist who forcibly took him to a psychiatric facility.   While confined in the facility, Alicia showed Nash the unopened classified documents that he delivered in a drop box.   This convinced Nash that he has been hallucinating and his classified work to decode Soviet messages was a delusion.William Parcher, a mysterious Department of Defense agent, Charles and Charles’ niece, Marcee were products of his mind.   Nash was diagnosed to have paranoid schizophrenia and was treated with a series of insulin shock therapy for ten weeks.   He was given daily antipsychotic medications that affected his intellect and his relationship with Alicia.   Nash became frustrated and secretly discontinued his medications. This triggered a relapse but he came to realize his psychosis when he saw that Marcee remained at the same age for many years.Nash learned to live with his schizophrenia and ignored his hallucinations.   With th e permission of Martin Hansen, his old friend and intellectual rival who became the head of mathematics department in Princeton, Nash was given a space in the library to talk to students and audit classes.   Eventually, he was able to teach again and was honored in a pen ceremony by his colleagues for his achievement and contribution in the field of Mathematics.   He was also awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics in Stockholm for his work on game theory.1. Why did you pick this film?I chose the film â€Å"A Beautiful Mind† not on the basis of knowing anyone who has a similar problem or on my capacity to relate to the psychological issues on a personal experience.   I chose this movie because there are some scenes in the film which I find very intriguing and influential.   First, there was no family involvement and presence in his wedding, academic achievements and illness of John Nash.   Second, persons with mental disorder endure a stigma during the early y ears but John Nash’s struggle to be reintegrated in Princeton and in his community was remarkable.   Third, his superior achievement despite his mental illness is inspiring.   Lastly, the movie was powerful enough to awaken the consciousness of people towards understanding the plight of people living schizophrenia.2. What psychological issues are portrayed in this film?The story showed the eccentric behavior of John Nash.   He was unconcern by society’s disapproval of his awkward habits and behavior.   His manner of walking and his constant habit of touching his forehead became the focus of attention by some students in Princeton.Nash was obsessed with his research work and his standing in the student social hierarchy.   He brings his books and paper work while he was at a local bar with his friends.   Although he has few friends at Princeton, he has a strong preference to be alone and often preoccupied with his own thoughts which is a personality trait of an introvert.   Nash also exhibited a type A personality pattern by being achievement oriented, over involved with work, having a sense of time urgency, being impatient and angry when confronted with delays or with people whom they view as incompetent.In the movie, Nash manifested visual and auditory hallucinations and paranoia which frightened his wife and affected his function at work.   He thinks that he is working for the US National Defense Department and there are Russian spies following him.   He interacts with people who only exist in his mind such as his roommate and best friend Charles Herman, US Department of Defense agent William Parcher and Charles young niece Marcee.3. What diagnosis (if any) does the main character portray?Dr. Rosen diagnosed John Nash to be afflicted with paranoid schizophrenia due to his visual and auditory hallucinations, delusion and paranoia.   The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TR defined schizophrenia as a diso rder that last for at least 6 months and includes at least 1 month of active-phase symptoms, i.e. two or more of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychological Association, 2000).Only one symptom in Criterion A is required if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of two or more voices conversing with one another or voices maintaining a running commentary on the person’s behavior or thoughts (ibid.).   The continuous signs of his disturbance persisted since he took his Masters degree and it continued until he worked at MIT.4. What psychological theory best explains the behavior of the major characters in the film?Incentives are environmental factors such as external stimuli or rewards which motivate our behavior (Skinner, 1953).   The theory of motivation, specifically the incentive theory best describe the behavior of John Nash (Westmont College, 2008).   Nash was highly motivated by the incentive of occupying a place in the student social hierarchy in Princeton University.   He was intellectually competitive and the academic incentive pulled him to write an original research paper that would defeat his rival Martin Hansen.   His achievements and recognition also led to the satisfaction of his need for self esteem.   His career growth and advancement is a realization of his need for self actualization.   These needs partly comprise Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Maslow, 1954)Alicia Nash has an extrovert personality trait.   In the movie, she was able to talk to the construction workers to work in another area so they could have good ventilation and a noise-free classroom environment.   This indicates that she interacts well with people and she has the tendency to direct her personality outward the self.Her determination to uncover the truth and help her husband John prove that he is working for the National Defense D epartment shows that she is a woman of action, whose motives are conditioned by external events.   Accepting John’s situation and guiding him towards reintegration manifest that she accommodates readily to new situations.   Alicia’s extrovert personality trait is part of the personality type theory developed by Carl Jung (Jung, 1933).5. Based on what you have learned from the movie would you say the film portrays the psychological issue accurately or not? Why?The movie did not portray the psychological issues accurately.   Although John Nash manifested two of the characteristic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations as indicated in Criterion A of DSM IV-TR, his hallucinations were not limited to auditory.   He has both the visual and auditory hallucinations which are uncommon for schizophrenia.The film showed that the onset of his mental disorder started during his graduate studies, a period wherein Nash had a high level of academic and occupational achi evement.   He may not be sociable but his interpersonal skill is acceptable; otherwise, he would have difficulties in developing friendships with some students at Princeton and would not have a relationship with Alicia.   Therefore, he has not also met the symptoms for schizophrenia such as social and occupational dysfunction as indicated in Criterion B.Two thoughts came to mind when John Nash said that he is taking a new medication.   First, does this mean that he was on continuous medication since his relapse or has he discontinued taking his medication for many years and decided to try the newly discovered pill?   Second, Nash daily antipsychotic medication affected his intellectual ability and his relationship with Alicia.   He was not also able to engage in any occupation.   One can only come up with a conjecture that since Nash was able to teach at Princeton University means that he discontinued his medication and learned to live with his hallucinations.ReferencesA merican Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental   Ã‚  Ã‚   disorders DSM-IV-TR (Text Revision).   American Psychiatric Association:     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Washington, DC.Jung, C. G. (1933).   Psychological types. New York: Harcourt Brace and World.Maslow, A.H. (1954). Motivation and personality. New York:Harper and Row.Skinner, B.F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York: Macmillan.Westmont College (2008).   Motivation.   Retrieved February 1, 2008 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.westmont.edu/_academics/pages/departments/psychology/pages/smith/ge  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   neral/lectureoutlines/11motivation/theoriesmotivation.html#

Cell Phones

Are cell phones dangerous? Cell phones are a wonderful thing. You can talk. Take pictures. Listen to music. Converse over email or text messaging, and browse the Internet among a handful of other things. I love to use my cell phone and actually use it more then any other phone at the office or at home. However, I use it with immense concern. I have concern about the use of the phone causing health issues, like cancer and brain tumors over time. Are these concerns warranted? I have studied technology and specifically wireless communications as a graduate student at Northwestern University. My professor had advanced scientific wireless knowledge and advised us all to get headsets for our cell phones. So why would someone who works in the field be this concerned to offer this advice? Given that cell phones operate with Radio Frequencies (RF) and thus use a form of electromagnetic energy located on the electromagnetic spectrum between FM radio waves and the waves used in microwave ovens, radars and satellites. How many times have you heard not to stand in front of the microwave since it could cause health issues? The FCC offers recommendations for the appropriate and safe amount of exposure to RF energy. I found these RF Safety FAQ’s to be somewhat helpful in identifying and answering some my exposure questions. According to the FCC, â€Å"the threshold level is a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value for the whole body of 4 watts per kilogram (4 W/kg)†. So what does that mean to a normal human being? I will use myself as an example; I weigh 171 pounds which converts to approximately 78 kg. So that means I can absorb 312 watts in my whole body. Still what does that mean in the case of a cell phone? The FCC has also required all wireless phones in the U. S. eet a conservative radiation safety standard of 1. 6 SAR and most do with much to spare. When translated into wattage, wireless phones maximally emit power in the range of 0. 2 to 0. 6 watts. When you compare this to what a walkie-talkies which emit radiation in excess of 10 watts or an AM radio stations, which emit radiation at levels of 50,000 watts or more! However these numbers do not take into account outside factors that come into play when using a cell phone. The amount of RF you are exposed to with the use of a cell phone depends on a number of factors which include: 1. The age of your cell phone (an older analog model would create higher exposure levels than a newer phone). 2. ) The duration and frequency of using your cell phone (this one is scary! ) 3. ) The distance from the base station pushing out the signals. So let’s take a closer look at the three points above. Age of the cell phone is pretty self-explanatory; most people have upgraded from their â€Å"Saved by the Bell† Zach Morris phone to the newer digital style phones with all the bells and whistles so I would not be too concerned. However, if you have not, I would advise you to upgrade as soon as possible. There are a number of deals available that make new phones cost next to nothing. Secondly, the duration and frequency of using your cell phone scares me a little bit. So if my phone emits 0. 2 t0 0. 6 watts of energy, how much is that same amount amplified by placing it directly next to the soft tissue of the brain? Currently, I subscribe to a cellular service package with unlimited night and weekend minutes. I did some checking and I usually use around 900 minutes a month. So this means that my brain is getting zapped with 0. 2 to 0. 6 watts of RF energy on an average of 900 minutes a month. I do not imagine this can be good for the soft tissue of my brain, especially since the FCC does not examine the affects of RF produced by cell phones on the soft tissue of the brain. Third and finally, the distance from the base station you are connected to should be taken into account. This one may be very difficult to measure and quantify. In my specific network with SprintPCS, I rarely go with lack of service, which I assume means I am always fairly close to the next station to make up the web of cell pods that push out the signals. The cellular network is set up in a hexagonal pattern which maps over the entire area you live. As you move from one hexagonal cell to the next you are fairly close to the center of the cell at all times. Though I do not know what scientific evidence I can draw and quantify from this information in relation to health issues. So after examining those three factors, it seems that much like cigarette smoking was accepted and not linked to illness until the appropriate medical and scientific knowledge was gathered to prove otherwise, it is possible that cell phone usage and exposure to RF energy on soft tissue could cause serious health issues (i. . tumors). So in the meantime there are a few options: 1. ) Keep using my phone next to ear in hopes that this is just a scare. 2. ) Take action! Use a headset connected to the headset jack (not a Bluetooth device) to get the handset away from the soft tissue of the brain. Or get a cellphone with a speaker phone to get the handset further way from your skull. Since an inadequate length of time has passed to show evidence that there is no link between tumors and cell phones because right now the studies conducted on cell phones and health concerns have been performed with adequate duration to do otherwise. I am going to have to go with option number two and use a headset for as many of the 900 minutes a month that I currently spend with the handset pressed firmly to my skull while is send waves electromagnetic radiation through the soft tissue of my brain and I would advise you to do the same until more solid research has been concluded. Chatting away on your cell phone because you have great cell phone package with free nights and weekends and loads of minutes may just have gone out of style with the latest study in which links extended cell phone usage to brain tumors. Prior studies just last year found showed no evidence radiation from mobile phones were harmful. I was admittedly skeptical when I read them. The most recent study conducted by the Swedish National Institute for Working Life looked at the mobile phone use of 905 people between the age of 20 and 80 who had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and found a link. The study also shows that the rise in risk is noticeable for tumors on the side of the head where the phone was said to be used After reading the latest findings, I would recommend using a mobile hands free headset if you can. For related reading you might also want to check out a post I made in June 2005 titled, Are cell phones dangerous?

Wal-mart and dell Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Rehabilitation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Rehabilitation - Assignment Example After the patient leaves the hospital, care continues to be provided at home. Rehabilitation care is also provided to people who do not require hospitalization and cannot be able to move to the outpatient rehabilitation facility. Rehabilitation requires the expertise of various professionals working in concert. Both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams are the hallmarks of rehabilitation. The physician is considered to be the team leader assisted by other professionals. The multidisciplinary team conducts patients’ evaluation in their specific disciplines. However, the commonly used approach is the one that involves the interdisciplinary teams. Interdisciplinary members work together to solve specific problems for the patient (Peden, 2010). The team members include physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, psychologists and speech pathologists, in addition to social workers. Other members may include recreational therapists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, music therapists, audiologist, and kinesiotherapists. According to Peden (2010), some of the major categories of disabling conditions include disorders and injuries in pediatric, neurology, orthopedic, acute and chronic pain, medical, and sensory impairment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has various definitions that are commonly used to discuss the rehabilitation population. According to Peden (2010), WHO has established an international standard of definitions for discussing individuals with functional limitations outlined above The definitions are: Durable medical equipment that are commonly used in rehabilitation fall into five categories namely: prosthetics, orthotics, wheelchairs, ambulation aids, and high-tech devices, for example, computers. Illustrations of orthotics involves neck, spine, or back braces; prosthetics includes equipment such as artificial organs and mechanical organs;

Gender Bias In Coaching Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Gender Bias In Coaching - Research Paper Example And there are generalizations. â€Å"Females don’t make good coaches† is one of those generalizations. Because there are not enough coaches in sports, it is generally taken that women are not good coaches. The common perception and the common language create a gender bias for women coaches. People are still not treated equal, same with women, and more with women coaches, no matter what kind of sports. Men have this stereotypical bias that they are stronger than women, physically and mentally. All this is grounded in men’s belief systems, that is why it is very difficult to be a coach, even though the male coach is for a feminine sport. We have been living in a patriarchal society since the beginning of time. It has always been that way and, perhaps, may not change rapidly – the way society will deal with women and women coaches and the way people consider gender. What is perceived is different – or the opposite – as compared to what is writte n; the law is not always followed, but what people think is what is being observed and done. And what is right – that men are far more superior than women and that they should have more in law and in benefits? Person (2010) says that there is the traditional wisdom that women are only for feminine sports like gymnastics or cheerleading and that they should not engage in ‘high physical contact’ sports and activities. A law was passed in 1972, known as Title IX of the Educational Amendments, which granted women rights to play in all sports. Title IX protects the rights of students and employees from discrimination based on gender. Person (2010) indicated that while Title IX provides equal opportunity for women in sports, it does not provide equal opportunity in specific sports. For example, while there is no women equivalent for American football, women are provided options to consider other sports like volleyball or hockey which, according to Person, does not mean equality as ‘options do not mean equal’. Women coaches for feminine sports are also discriminated. Another stereotyping is that female coaches are lesbians. This is clear gender bias. There are even some women who think that way. So, it is no surprise that men have that perception and feeling. People look at the outside appearance and not the qualities of the job the person has been hired. Since the woman coach is seen that way, it would be hard for administrators and supervisors to give them benefits or raise their salaries. B. Men coaches are paid higher than women coaches If people were given the chance of evading the truth or playing with the law, they would do this in artistic and creative ways. I thought that, as regards the university and the students’ sports world, people should be concerned of improving their skills and pursuing excellence in their talents. But later I realized, after reading about women and equality, that there’s much to be done aside from pursuing excellence. Laws promoting equality have been perfected, but their implementation has been ignored. Despite the provision of Title IX for equality between men and women coaches, the fact remains that men coaches are paid much more than women. According to Tyler (2012), schools and universities tried to play it around Title IX by showing that the pay for coaches of women’

Report to your line manager Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Report to your line manager - Essay Example To begin with, training can involve the case-study methods whereby employees solve hypothetical scenarios. In addition, trainees can participate in role-playing. Besides, training can involve self-instruction methods. These training methodologies are beneficial in terms of customization, feedback, and self-discipline. Introduction Training and development entails the continuing efforts of entities to improve the delivery of employees. In the modern organization environment, these activities entail a broad range of elements such as regular instruction giving and continuing professional development. As a formal business function, it is vital for an organization to develop highly effective training programs. There are notable objectives in this research. To begin with, it is essential to determine whether all training programs are beneficial to the trainee. In addition, it is vital to establish whether training can be directed towards individual needs. Lastly, it is crucial to determine the effectiveness of training programs that occur according to individual needs of employees. Main body Responsibility for choosing the training method In assessing the authority that is responsible for choosing the training method, it is crucial to examine this issue in terms of on-job training and off-job training. On-job training occurs while the employee is carrying out one’s duties. On-job training mostly relates to the job. In this sense, an employee gains the skills while carrying out one’s regular assignments (Nicholson, P. 2005, 133). The employees, therefore, receive training in the real-work environment. In the end, employees gain experience by dealing with specific tasks and facing challenges that come with such duties. This means that supervisors are the key players in choosing the right kinds of training methods. The supervisor, in this perspective, is the immediate senior employee to the trainee. The supervisor is an employee in the same department who possesses a higher experience and skills that are necessary for passing down onto the junior employee. This suggests that the supervisor is highly likely to have passed through the same experience and faced similar challenges (Kerzner, H. 2013, 90). These supervisors are responsible for the choice of training method because of notable reasons. To begin with, these individuals possess knowledge of the organization’s policy on training. This is because they had the same experience. A supervisor will tend to hand down the skills and anecdotes that one received from an earlier training. In this view, the supervisor becomes a tool of bequeathing the company’s policy onto the new employees. In addition, the supervisor understands the clients’ requirement. In this sense, the supervisor chooses a training method that suits the needs of the clients. In addition, the supervisor chooses a training method that suits one’s experience in terms of challenges. This means that the supervisor offers training that addresses the daily demands of the job. The daily demands are the duties that an employee should perform on regular basis. In turn, the supervisor offers the real-time skills in carrying out given duties. The supervisors are aware of the special skills that are effective in efficiently handling duties. In addition, the organization is responsible for choosing the training method. The organization, in this

Buzz Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Buzz Marketing - Essay Example Yes, it will seem unfamiliar. Yes, you will be criticized. And yes, it will work†. (Hughes 2005, Chapter 2) Using word of mouth for promoting goods and services is an old tool, yet traditional marketing has only started using it since the audience became sceptical towards â€Å"traditional† advertising. As Knermouch and Green (2001, np) have it: â€Å"†¦the art of generating word-of-mouth has grown far more sophisticated since the early days of simple publicity stunts. Marketers are learning to turn their brands into carefully guarded secrets that are revealed to a knowing few in each community, who in turn tell a few more, who tell a few more, and so on. Rather than blitzing the airways with 30-second TV commercials for its new Focus subcompact, Ford Motor Co. recruited just a handful of trendsetters in a few markets and gave them each a Focus to drive for six months. Their duties? Simply to be seen with the car and to hand out Focus-themed trinkets to anyone who expressed interest in it†. Traditional advertising has ceased to be a reliable source of information for many people, and therefore the good old world of mouth is becoming one of the most powerful tools for the modern marketing specialists for building and promoting brands. People tend to believe the recommendations of their close ones- their relatives and friends- when choosing a product, and therefore the word of mouth is an important marketing tool. On the other hand, word of mouth is the communication that is quite difficult to manage. It is only possible for the company to influence the launch of informational campaign and supplying additional information using the channels that are accessible by the target audience. It is next to impossible to forecast how people will interpret and change this information. (Hughes 2005) Because the choice of the initial information to be spread is an important and not an easy step, it should be paid considerable attention: the target audience, source

An Excellent Analysis and Methods With a Pulmonary Disorder Essay

An Excellent Analysis and Methods With a Pulmonary Disorder - Essay Example Use of histograms, correlation ÃŽ ±-coefficients, regressions, random variables, sampling distribution, probability laws and conditional probability. In the use of histograms, some values are likely to occur more than others, therefore, provide clear information about the disease and how often it is spreading in society. Multiple peaks show how the histogram leans to one side an interpretation of who is more vulnerable to this condition. Histograms are for prediction purposes; an example is a time taken for a particular condition to treat from previous samples and graphical presentations on how patients with similar conditions treatment exercise made. Important to note is that these predictions might not be accurate as those conducted step-by-step (Scanlan, p 152). Discrete probability can be done independently or combined with a histogram to provide desired frequencies and expected data is from the analysis. Correlation is another aspect of statistics that are used to determine vari ous variables. In this case, of respiratory therapy, it is used to determine the degree to which certain pulmonary diseases vary and how they cause harm to the body. They may change positively to mean that their effect will lead to the same target or damaging the same organ example being the lungs both the x and they variable increasing (Anthony, p 249). A negative correlation is a condition under which the x-variable is growing while they-variable is decreasing. There is no chance of any relationship where all the variables being plotted are near zero.

Bus 557 Assignment Essay Example for Free

Bus 557 Assignment Essay Ethics behavioral aspect of accounting is a special area of accounting that is developed to address such aspect of human information processing behavior, judgment quality, accounting problems created by users and providers of accounting information as well as their decision making skills. Secondly, paper will describe the organization, the accounting ethical breach and the impact to the organization related to ethical breach. Thirdly, this paper will determine how the organizational ethical issue was detected and how management failed to create an ethical environment. In some cases, some company pledged its own stock to ensure that partnerships would be able to borrow money. And when Enron stock started plummeting, the whole thing fell apart. Fourthly, this paper will analyze the accounts impacted and or accounting guidelines violated and the resulting impact to the business operation. They operated as the masterminds behind the system to defraud investors. The banks, by offering fake, illegal and not approved by regulators deals, played a significant role in helping Enron falsify company financial statements and mislead investors. Finally, the paper will discuss as a CFO which measures could have been taken to prevent this ethical breach and how each measure should be implemented in the future. First of all, there should be analysis of culture within the organization including norms of behavior, standards of conduct, values, perspective of attitudes, perceptions, there seems to be pressure to commit misconduct, communications, risks and vulnerabilities Review of Accounting Ethics Page 3 Given the corporate ethical breaches in recent times, assess whether or not you believe that the current business and regulatory environment is more conducive to ethical behavior. Provide support for your answer. Ethics behavioral aspect of accounting is a special area of accounting that is developed to address such aspect of human information processing behavior, judgment quality, accounting problems created by users and providers of accounting information as well as their decision making skills (Ponema, 2009). Existing businesses and regulatory environment is more conductive behavior because some companies and managers feel as though they can get away with it. The unpredictable increase and collapse of the Enron Company set off a long-burning fire under the American social conscience. From every crevasse and corner, voices rose demanding increased accountability, demanding tighter regulation, and demanding that the unethical be brought to justice. Clearly, in such estimation, those at fault should have been punished business. Many transformations in the business environment have taken place, including immoral conducts and the tendency for corruption. Unethical accounting behavior is also included as a consequence. (Sims, 1992). So the government has been forced to increase regulations and inspect actions taken in business, most especially after the Enron, Tyco, WorldCom and other unethical accounting scandals. As a result of the mentioned scandals, the government then passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002 providing regulatory requirements for better precision in business action, accountability and assurance of ethical accounting behavior by publicly held companies and accounting firms. According to White (2000), the total number of boards of directors who set ethical codes of conduct within organizations has increased from 41 percent in 1991 to 78 percent. Review of Accounting Ethics Page 4 According to the Wall Street Journal about 79 percent of youth in the United States do not believe in the presence of moral principles in business. There should be a business foundation, especially in accounting which should provide society with adequate information about companies and industry. Accounting is more and more involved in consulting, so it requires high ethical standards to built trust between clients and companies (White, 2000). Even if society does not believe in the honesty in any business, I think that ethics and ethical behavior are very high priorities for companies today and this is proofed by the increasing number of companies currently applying ethical codes of conducts. Codes of ethics are arrangements that are frequently used as a force to promote ethical behavior. There are many ways that a business could operate ethically. They can impose legal actions and fines. This could then remove destruction to any firm’s reputation, and protect and / or increase the capital of any shareholder. Paying special attention to Shareholder value, cost control, creating a competitive advantage and avoiding internal corruption would also be a help. A firm’s unethical behavior could also contribute to the organization’s productivity level being lower over time. Because of all these aspects I believe that the current business and regulatory environment is more conducive to ethical behavior. Based on your research, describe the organization, the accounting ethical breach and the impact to the organization related to ethical breach. Enron Corp. was an energy company born from a mildly innovative 1985 deal that combined two boring businesses: an Omaha-based natural-gas-pipeline company named InterNorth and a similar Texas company called Houston Natural Gas. Instead of just delivering gas to customers at a modest profit, Enron decided to use newly deregulated pipelines to match other buyers and Review of Accounting Ethics Page 5 sellers in the energy industry. Enron became a gas trader, which would be much more exciting than just building pipes and transporting gas. Moreover, Enron was managing its own employee pension funds. This should not happen because it allowed the company to use these funds for the advantage of the company only, without taking care of their employees. Besides, Enron should have a code of ethics that prohibits managers and executives from being involved in another business entity that does business with their own company. Usually, codes of ethics are voluntary, but the board of directors should set them up as the important restriction of company. According to the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics (2002), legal and regulatory structures would trigger Enron’s bankruptcy. Initially, Arthur Andersen LLP would provide consulting and the audited reporting services noting the financial results of their consulting activities. This occurred because it was allowed by current law and regulations imposed by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). I see this as fault of within the legal structure and an evident conflict of interest. Additionally, another conflict of interest occurred in Enron by hiring and paying its own auditors. It is understandable that the auditors did not issue an adverse report on the company that was paying them. The conclusion coming from this situation is that private companies should not be allowed to pay for their own auditors.. Moreover, Enron would also expand into other business areas, including water, fiber optics, newsprint, and telecommunications (Halbert T Ingulli, E. (2009). Legal structure permits managers to enter these arrangements, which constitute a conflict of interest. The managers and executives should take care of the best interest of the company and its shareholders because the law leaves them with freedom, to choose what it is the best interest of the company. There are no doubts that Enron’s officers did not act within the scope of their Review of Accounting Ethics Page 6 authorities. A few days before the outstanding loss of Enron was made public, workers who audited the company books for Arthur Andersen had been given an extraordinary directive to damage all audit material, except for the most basic work papers. Even if, there are no rules for how long company should keep its documents, it was illegal. (Halbert T. Ingulli, E. (2009). Determine how the organizational ethical issue was detected and how management failed to create an ethical environment. Enron Corporation is a classic example of organizational-level corruption. Halbert T Ingulli E. (2009). Enron debacle is not just the story of a company that failed; it is the story of a system that failed. And the system didnt fail through carelessness or laziness; it was corrupted. â€Å" According to Report of Investigation by the Special Investigative Committee of the Board of Directors of Enron Corp (2002), Enron employees involved in the partnerships were enriched, in the aggregate, by tens of millions of dollars they should never have receivedFarrow by at least $30 million, Hooper by at least $10 million, two others by $1 million each. Any of these employees, except Farrow, did not obtain the permission required by Enrons Code of Conduct of Business Affairs to own interest in the partnerships. Moreover, many Enron transactions were designed to accomplish favorable financial statement results. These examples show that Enron’s officers put their own interest ahead of their obligations to Enron. The company allowed chief financial officer Farrow to set up partnerships that enabled Enron to report pretty much whatever numbers it needed to keep Wall Street happy. In some cases, the company pledged its own stock to ensure that partnerships would be able to borrow money. And when Enron stock started plummeting, the whole thing fell apart. (Farrow made off with millions of dollars for himself, but his depredations played no significant role in Enrons fall. ) . When Review of Accounting Ethics Page 7 forensic accountants finally got a look at Enrons books in late 2001, they discovered that the company had been reporting incorrect numbers for at least five years. Analyze the accounts impacted and / or accounting guidelines violated and the resulting impact to the business operation. Perhaps Enron could have been somewhat successful by branching out into the commodities business creating an international, privatized water market. Enron’s leaders in 1998 set up a subsidiary called Azurix with a major water concession in England, but British regulators cut the firms rates-and Enrons style was significantly cramped. Azurixs expansion into Brazil also worked out badly due to local politics. Enron hid the mounting debts in an off-the-balance-sheet partnership. This became a common Enron technique and led to the kind of debt load that became unsustainable when investors lost confidence in Enrons numbers (Snider, 2006), according to Snider (2006), Farrow, the former Enron chief financial officer, said that Enron’s banks played important role in the corporation fraud. They operated as the masterminds behind the system to defraud investors. The banks, by offering fake, illegal and not approved by regulators deals, played a significant role in helping Enron falsify company financial statements and mislead investors. It was the banks that instructed Enron how to deal with the company’s significant financial challenges. If stated, dividend targets could not be met by Enron, and the company would have had to generate more cash flow to maintain its credit ratings. The banks assisted to design the fake and deceptive deals. The banks helped Enron to hide the debt which was not showing up on the books by replacing bad assets through creation shell companies. These shell companies, run by Enron executives who profited richly from them, allowed Enron to keep hundreds of millions of dollars in debt off its books. Also, loan transactions were reported as cash flow instead of debt. These finances were not shown in the financial statements. Review of Accounting Ethics Page 8 This action would lead the company’s stock and hurt most of investors across the country (Halbert T. Ingulli, E. (2009). As a CFO, recommend which measures could have been taken to prevent this ethical breach and how each measure should be implemented in the future. Enron was liable for the action of its agents and employees, because most taken actions, which lead Enron into bankruptcy, were taken inside the corporation. Enron officers and managers repaid the banks by access to special deals; premium payments and insider access to future beneficial transactions (Maximizing Business Performance, 2007). In order to avoid situation that took place in Enron Corp. there are some actions that should be taken within an organization. First of all, there should be analysis of culture within the organization including norms of behavior, standards of conduct, values, perspective of attitudes, perceptions, pressures to commit misconduct, communications, risks and vulnerabilities. The Code of Ethics should be complied by Board Members and Senior Executives as well as by all employees. Measures they recommend should include staff training, evaluations of compliance systems, appropriate funding and staffing of the corporate ethics office. An organization has to make sure that consulting and auditing are separated while financing auditing has its independence with integrity. Moreover, managing proper communication regarding expectations, requirements, goals and roles at all levels is significant to constitute ethical behavior within an organization. Establishing an Ethics Committee helps to focus on ethical conduct and empower employees to make decisions according to organization’s values. Enron and other corporations need better financial disclosure mechanisms. The Financial Accounting Standards Board, responsible for rule making in the area, has to create regulations and standards that are more Review of Accounting Ethics Page 9 forth right and understandable to ordinary people. In addition, corporations need more responsible public servants, instead of creating more laws. We need to teach people to be responsible for what they have done, just as we have held the business people to accountability. Conclusion Since the objective of accounting is to provide relevant, timely information for user decision making, therefore, Accountants must behave in an ethical manner so that the information they provide will be trustworthy and, thus, useful for decision making. The purpose of ethics in accounting is to direct accountants to abide by the code of conduct that facilitates and encourage public confidence in their services. Ethics are moral principles that guide the conduct of individuals but unfortunately, some accountants sometimes behave in an unethical manner. These ethical violations led to fines, firings, and lawsuits. In some cases, accountants were criminally prosecuted, convicted, and sent to prison. References Snider, D. (2006, September 26). University of California, San Francisco. UC Says Farrow Implicated Banks in Enron Fraud. Retrieved April 27, 2013 from http://ucsf. edu/ stories/uc-says-farrow-implicated-banks-in-enron-fraud Halbert T Ingulli, E. (2009). Law Ethics in the Business Environment: 2010 custom edition (6th ed. ). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning White J. (2000). Ethics in Business. Retrieved April 27, 2013, from http://www. pro2net. com Sims, R. R. (1992). Journal of Business Ethics, 11: 651–662. Committee of the Board of Directors of Enron Corp. Retrieved April 27, 2013, from http://fl1. findlaw. com/news. findlaw. com/wp/docs/enron/specinv020102rpt1. pdf

Marketing Plan Essay Example for Free

Marketing Plan Essay World Wide Wonderland is a theme and amusement park business offering world-class experience to families, students and foreign tourists around Negros Occidental. Being a theme park, we offer a variety of products. And since it is called â€Å"World Wide Wonderland†, the company will take you to the different parts of the globe. The organization’s major products would include the World Adventure Coaster, the European Castle Hotel and The Barangay Filipino Museum that can satisfy the customers’ recreational needs as they step into a whole new world of fun, information and adventure and that will serve as a fresh new way to enjoy the day with your families, friends and co-workers. World Wide Wonderland is renowned for their convenient and strategic location in Talisay City, Negros Occidental of which is a growing city in terms of economy in the tourism industry. Also synonymous are the services that provide high prices to go along with premium quality and the wide range of other offerings including restaurants, pools, zoos, information buildings, camping sites and many more that are available in the park’s enjoyable, stress-relieving and safeguarded settings. And through the company’s best efforts in promoting the products in print, radio, television, public relations and personal selling, this will increase the customers in large scales. Having those products, the company aims to provide a globally-renowned entertainment and bring delight to its valued customers especially families, students, and foreign tourists here in the Philippines. Other than that, the organization also wants satisfaction from its employees and, at the same time; focus on its environmental responsibilities. World Wide Wonderland has a World Adventure coaster targeting the youth (specifically students) to enjoy a tour like the customers are travelling to different countries around the globe. For its European Castle Hotel, the company targets families and unwinding professionals that wish to have an overnight stay in the said place. And lastly, the Barangay Filipino Museum that would mainly target foreign tourists so that these people can be informed about all of the facts of Negros and the rest of the Philippines. Differentiating the type of business service offered, from that of the competition, will assist not only in building the theme park as a whole, but will attract more customers, who require a higher level of quality service and recognition than they can receive from other tourist spots. This will provide World Wide Wonderland with an opportunity to step up as regards servicing families, students and tourists with a world-class experience. Satisfied guests are critical to the success of themed visitor attractions. The backbone to having satisfied guests is good management and this is what the company in doing. Unlike most companies, we introduce our customers with utmost care and support services. CURRENT MARKETING SITUATION (TRENDS) The theme and amusement park industry has been around for more than 50 years and, like any other industry, it has evolved through the years to help guests escape from real life, if not for a few hours, at least for a few moments on its attractions. The theme park market has reached maturity and as time passed by. There have been many trends over the years and as the decades went by, theme park operators began to realize that it was not just thrills that would keep bringing back their customers. Applying themes to their attractions would help as well. Sure, a person could build the fastest roller coaster, but if another person added a theme or story to it then you added a dimension to the attraction that made it unique. Putting a personality to a roller coaster ride thus became a trend that still holds today (Scopa, 2005). One of the trends that caught on was the acknowledgement that guests could easily become bored with an attraction or a theme park. To many people boredom is related to predictability. Many guests loved the anticipation of experiencing a favorite moment in an attraction, but there was always that need for adventure that would creep in as well. Nothing is more constant than change in attractions industry. The company is witnessing the transformation from theme parks into integrated resorts to cater to staycation trends wherein people would want to stay overnight in a certain place. Parks operators and manufacturers are also employing new strategies to focus on innovation and reinvestment in guest experience to serve increasingly discerning market. Moreover, theme parks take into consideration several parts of the society when making future plans like the socio-cultural aspects. The children, teenage subcultures and their families are increasingly powerful consumers so it is important that the company gives them world-class entertainment. On the contrary, people will grow older that is why we need attractions to encourage and entertain elderly people. Theme parks are an important part of the whole tourism and recreation industry. So they are connected to air, bus and car travel. These types of businesses must react environmentally friendly as far as possible. At least they will have to be involved in environmental organizations and conservation themes. All these parts which are decisive for the future of the business belong to the Macro environment of the company. Technology is getting more and more sophisticated. This is going to influence theme parks and their attractions in a crucial way. With the growing use of high technology products, theme parks will be constructed around virtual reality, simulations and spectacles creating conditions of hyper reality. Amusement park owners can have cost effective methods, reach hundreds more people, places photos of the park on their website and offer the ability to communicate with prospective customers in real-time, which consumers really like. Below is the summary of the main micro and macro environmental trends in Theme and Amusement parks. 1. Everything will be based on a scripted theme. The attractions reflect the theme and intensify it. 2. A diverse array of components assembled to produce a wide range of experiences. All the senses of the visitors should be attracted. With the help of lots of different attractions, they will make hundreds of various world-class experiences. 3. Theme parks will be converted into hotels, resorts, etc. 4. As the world changes, theme parks must act in an environmentally friendly way. 5. With the growing use of high technology products and online advertising, theme parks will be more exciting, sophisticated, vivid, and real. An amusement park usually has a wide variety of fun entertainment for the general public. Also called an amusement park, there are many thrilling rides and other activities for the whole family to enjoy. Most of these parks have rides available, small shops, animal attractions, arcades and lots of places for people to dine and drink. Generally, an amusement park will be at least 200 acres in size. Some of them offer hotel rooms and amenities so that people can stay indefinitely. There are usually fees for parking and admission. A theme park might be available all year long or it might open only during certain seasons. The main point of this business is to generate profits and the business will gain profits through its services offered. Fees from the entrance, food, establishments and sponsors who will be more than willing enough will make excellent profit so it can have good ROI. About 55% of the income brought in at an amusement park comes from the fees charged for admission. The rest of the profits are a result of the sale of food and products that people buy in the little shops. The profits for these parks depend primarily on how the economy is doing. Most of the rides at an amusement park are operated by computers now, so they are easier to take care of and do not need constant maintenance. This saves an amusement park owner a lot of money each year. Marketing for theme park owners, on the other hand, can cost a lot of money each year. A lot of these business owners use television marketing, direct mail marketing and radio ads for most of the marketing methods because these are the most effective advertising tools in promoting the business. Channel. The business involves both retail and wholesale but focuses more on wholesaling due to the fact that many other businesses revolve inside the theme park. The business focuses on wholesale to the fact that it sells goods or services to those buying for resale or business use. This would involve selling and promoting, buying and assortment building. Another is that many owners of amusement parks have switched channels on theme park marketing and have moved to Internet marketing. This kind marketing involves consumers that are now online; shopping, paying bills, buying products and looking for entertainment and vacation ideas. Profit The average profit margin for amusement and theme parks is at 5. 4 percent. The reason for such a low margin is the high cost of staffing, maintenance, and heavy capital outlay of operating such an attraction (Orlando Sentinel, 2010). The profit margin for these parks would be even lower if it werent for their seasonal hiring. With so many employees needed for administration, merchandise selling, ride operation, food and beverage and mechanical positions, the cost would be even higher if a full staff were kept year-round. That is why most of the theme parks offer prices that are expensive. Cost It is general knowledge that this would take a lot of effort, manpower, and most importantly money. From constructing the establishments and rides, to the food that the park will serve, and finally the people who will help the company bring joy to customers, they are all going to cost a lot of money. So, ultimately this theme park will need large amount of cash to use. SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE AND RESULTS (Interviewed 50 respondents including students and adults inside and outside the university. This is a basis of market segmentation).

Dsdm and information security management standards iso 27001

Dsdm and information security management standards iso 27001 Abstract This report presented two different topics related to information technology, specifically Dynamic Systems Dynamic Modelling and the ISO 27001. The first part of this paper discussed advantages and disadvantages, relevant case histories and potential issues of the two topics. This section included reflection on issues of social responsible computing. The second part reflected the relevance of the content of the assignment and unit while the last part will conclude the topics presented. Both of these systems have their own purposes and implementation of these standards and methods often provides benefits to the organizations involved. DSDM focuses on how software is developed while the ISO27001 ensures that protection against security is ensured within the organization. On the other hand, computer professionals as well as organizations that focus on information technology must also consider the disadvantages presented by these methods and standards before incorporating it within the o rganizational processes. 1. Introduction This report will present two different topics related to information technology, specifically Dynamic Systems Dynamic Modelling and the ISO 27001. The first part of this paper will discuss the advantages and disadvantages, relevant case histories and potential issues of the two topics. This section will also include reflection on issues of social responsible computing. The second part reflects the relevance of the content of the assignment and unit while the last part will conclude the topics presented. 2. DSDM 2.1 Advantages and disadvantages The DSDM or the Dynamic System Dynamic Modelling method serves as an effort to define an industrial standard for IT systems development. This approach provides an iterative product-centred procedure model that is employed to establish incrementally the target. This method is also a user-centred technique which is mainly based on the combination of the user input on its entire software development process (Lind 2001). However, DSDM is not created as a general purpose technique; but rather as a specialized process for specific business applications in which most of the functionality of the system can be accessed through its user interface. In addition, the functions of the target system must be decomposable into several sub-functions and the technique can only be applied when the groups of designated users are already identified and when these users are available to the development team (Lind 2001). The advantages of DSDM are that it is more formal than usual prototyping techniques and it is also independent of specific tools and techniques. This method provides a technique-independent process and adaptable in terms of changing requirements. It also implements strict time and budget adherence and often considers stakeholders during the development process (University of Ottawa 2008). In addition, the DSDM supports institutional learning, an aspect often disregarded by other approaches (Lind 2001). One of the disadvantages of DSDM is that it is only appropriate to particular classification of applications and because of its heavy reliance on its user interactions; it needs a specific institutional framework for the software development process (Lind 2001). DSDM also involves progressive development of requirements and its emphasis of RAD may result to decline in code robustness. This method also needs full commitment to the process and considerable user involvement. DSDM also needs skilled development group in both technical and business areas (University of Ottawa 2008). 2.2 Relevant case histories During the early 1990s, a new phrase ‘Rapid Application Development was introduced within the IT industry. RAD is designed differently from the Waterfall techniques for development of application. Clearly, RAD emerged because of the users frustrations and people involved in the IT alike with approaches that were considered unsuitable for a rapid moving business environment. On the other hand, RAD developed as a movement in an unstructured manner since people involved did not created a generally accepted definition of a RAD process and various vendors and consultants created their own interpretation and approach (The History of DSDM Consortium). In 1993, a momentum in the market place has been increasing with expanding number of instruments for RAD and vendors repositioning their products to satisfy a growing demand for customers of RAD. However, each customer has their own specific needs in terms of development process. These forecasted requirements gave rise to the development of DSDM Version 1. The group improves DSDM through releasing different versions (The History of DSDM Consortium). DSDM has been providing solutions for those companies who have been experiencing problems with software delivery. One good example is an Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC). When they employed the DSDM, the operation of OCLC has improved. Their teams have tailored to work better for the organizations needs and implemented additional tools and techniques (DSDM Case Study nd.). 2.3 Reflection on issues of social responsible computing. Even though IT developers are aware with the issues regarding the disabilities, only few of them have made a step in supporting disadvantaged people. If an organization is supporting employees and customers who are disadvantaged, being service providers, the software developers should create programs that cater to their respective needs (Shneiderman 1992). They could also develop software intended for community communications and improve softwares intended to support entrepreneurs. Software development, whether for personal computers, mobile phones or for any relevant electronic devices, should also focus in satisfying the needs of the minorities, the elderly and other disadvantaged communities (Shneiderman 1992). 2.4 Potential issues in the future (five years ahead) Given the constant emergence of new IT programs and changing needs of customers and organizations, five years ahead, DSDM might either become an obsolete system or it may decrease its value for the organizations that use the system. Other systems might emerged which is more effective than DSDM (Guidelines for Introducing DSDM to the Organization 1998). However, assuming that the DSDM will not become obsolete since it will adopt to the changing trends of its industry, the potential issues that the company will face is the training and education of their existing development team. Since DSDM should undergo necessary changes, it would be necessary for the organization to give training and education to their development team (Guidelines for Introducing DSDM to the Organization 1998). 3. Information Security Management standards ISO 27001 3.1 Advantages and disadvantages ISO/IEC 27001 oversees all forms of organizations including government agencies, not for profit organizations and commercial firms. It presents requirements for implementing, developing, operating, monitoring, assessing, sustaining and enhancing a documented Information Security Management System considering the organizations business risks. It presents standards for the establishing security controls tailored to the needs of individual firms or its divisions. Certifying ISMS can bring various benefits for the firms (ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security 2010). The ISO 27001 provides an independent assurance of the organizations internal controls and satisfies business community and corporate governance standards. This is also effective for firms that handle information in behalf of other parties such as IT outsourcing firms. It assures customers that their information is fully secured. ISO 27001 illustrates that applicable policies and relevant rules are adhered and give competitive edge through satisfying the requirements contractual requirements and proving to the organizations customers that their security of their information is of the highest priority (ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security 2010). These standards independently assure organizations risks are appropriate identified, evaluated, and supervised while formalizing information security procedures and documentations. Following to these standards signifies that the organization has full commitment to assure security of information. Regular assessment encourages the organization to monitor their performance and improve further (ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security 2010). One of the few disadvantages however of ISO certifications is that the organization focuses too much on the certification and giving less attention to other necessary aspects of the business; for example, creating a good working environment that intrinsically motivates people involved within the organization. Although improving systems leads to better services, organizations tend to focus on the following audits and assessments but may ignore ‘human aspect of the business such as not giving incentives for the people who did the job well done since the budget concentrated on improving the systems to acquire the certification (Advantages and Disadvantages of ISO Certification 2010). 3.2 Relevant case histories ISO 27001 served as the replacement for BS7799-2, which is withdrawn. This standard for the ISMS matches with ISO 17799 and is compatible with ISO 4000 and ISO 9001 (PC History n.d.). Different organizations have implemented the ISO27001 and reaped significant number of benefits. One good example is the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. After the implementation of guidelines and processes towards acquiring ISO 27001, the agencys security environment has improved and they have now greater transparency. The ISO 27001 also provided the agency stronger rules and operational processes. The agency also serve as a role for model for other organizations, whether for profits or not for profit. It also ensures good corporate governance within the organization (ISO 27001 Case Study n.d.). 3.3 Reflection on issues of social responsible computing. Some public agencies and non-governmental organizations as well as investment analyst function as critics and evaluators of organizations to ensure that minimum standards are implemented within the workplace and ensure that workers are equally treated. While ISO 27001 ensures transparency within the organization, public agencies, NGO and employees are increasingly assessing organizations dedication to ensure fair and equitable working environment and this trend signifies that every organization must not only adhere to ISO certification but also they should demonstrate social responsibility (SA 8000 Social Accountability 2010). An organization that implements social responsible computing enhances its brand image and reputation and becomes more effective in enticing new customers. Social accountability also attracts ethical investment, demonstrate transparency to its stakeholders and it also improves employees morale and effectiveness (SA 8000 Social Accountability 2010). Therefore, social accountability reinforces the benefits provided by the IS0 27001. 3.4 Potential issues in the future (five years ahead) Potential issues that the ISMS will clearly face are the never ending evolutions of worms, viruses, Trojan horses, spywares and malwares. No one knows how these problems may evolve and become more serious that security programs implemented might find it hard to prevent them from entering and damaging the computer systems. Even though antivirus programs are performing great jobs in protecting the computers, new viruses that have not been recognized by antivirus programs can enter and damage computer programs, similar to Melissa worms and Love Bugs (Love Bug Virus 2007). 5. Refection on the relevance of the content of the assignment and unit The content provided as well as the unit itself can serve as guidance for researchers and students if they are planning to develop potential security standards and software development methods or even software. As part of curriculum in information technology, professors require students to create thesis or projects related to software or security standards. IT professionals also engage in similar endeavours. Developing software clearly requires systematic structure while establishing security standards must rely on the existing standards and make some modifications to satisfy the needs of the clients and to adopt with the changing trends of security threats. 6. Conclusion The DSDM or the Dynamic System Dynamic Modelling method serves as an effort to define an industrial standard for IT systems development. This approach provides an iterative product-centred procedure model that is employed to establish incrementally the target. ISO/IEC 27001 oversees all forms of organizations including government agencies, not for profit organizations and commercial firms. It presents requirements for implementing, developing, operating, monitoring, assessing, sustaining and enhancing a documented Information Security Management System considering the organizations business risks. Both of these systems have their own purposes and implementation of these standards and methods often provides benefits to the organizations involved. While DSDM serves as a technique-independent process and adaptable in terms of changing requirements, the ISO 27001 independently assures organizations risks are appropriate identified, evaluated, and supervised while formalizing information security procedures and documentations. DSDM focuses on how software is developed while the ISO27001 ensures that protection against security is ensured within the organization. On the other hand, computer professional as well as organizations that focus on information technology must also consider the disadvantages presented by these methods and standards before incorporating it within the organizational processes. DSDM also involves progressive development of requirements and its emphasis of RAD may result to decline in code robustness. This method also needs full commitment to the process and considerable user involvement. DSDM also needs skilled development group in both technical and business areas; otherwise they might need to hire additional staff to fill insufficient areas. Organizations that often aim for acquiring certification sometimes ignore other important aspects of the business such as social responsibility and ‘human aspects of the business.

Stem Cells Essay -- essays research papers

Abstract 1. The object of this Paper is to provide an independent assessment of the Donaldson Committee's Recommendations in light of the most recent advances in stem cell research. 2. Stem cells should be defined by their ability to renew themselves and diversify into other cell types. 3. There are several readily accessible sources of stem cells. Strict criteria apply to the use of these sources in medical research. 4. Stem cells have wide potential application in medicine. "Adult" stem cells have already been used in the world's first recorded case of successful gene therapy "surgery". 5. The views expressed by the Donaldson Committee's on the limitations of "adult" stem cells are now defunct. 6. Unlike "embryonic" stem cells, "adult" stem cells have already been used extensively in the successful treatment of a range of degenerative diseases and conditions and have outstanding development potential. 7. The objections to the use of "adult" stem cells advanced by the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. have been overcome, according to the most up-to-date research. 8. "Adult" stem cells have now surpassed all other sources of stem cells in terms of widespread clinical application, safety, availability and potential. Introduction Following the publication of stem cell research: Medical Progress with Responsibility, the long-awaited Report of the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Advisory Group on Therapeutic Cloning (August 2000), a fierce debate has ensued over the Government's decision to "accept the Report's recommendations in full.† Focusing on the first Recommendation made by the Advisory Group (otherwise known as the Donaldson Committee) that: "Research using human embryos (whether created by in vitro fertilization or cell nuclear replacement) to increase understanding about human disease and disorders and their cell based treatments should be permitted, subject to the controls in the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act 1990." serious ethical objections have been raised to the proposal to deliberately create and clone human embryos for the purpose o... ...y evidence exists to prove that adult stem cells now meet all of the criteria set down by both the Donaldson Committee and the NIH in the U.S. Work Sited 1. Government Response to the Recommendations Made in the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group Report: "stem cell research: Medical Progress with Responsibility", Department of Health, Crown Copyright, August 2000. 2. Stem cell research: Medical Progress with Responsibility, Department of Health, Crown Copyright, August 2000. 3. Stem Cell Research: Medical Progress with Responsibility, Department of Health, Crown Copyright, August 2000. 4. Congressional Testimony of David A. Prentice, Ph.D., http://www.stemcellresearch.org/prentice. htm, February 7, 2000. 5. "Gene Therapy of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)-X1 Disease", Science 288, 669-672, April 28 2000. 6. N.B. It is these claims that form the backbone of the case in support of the cloning of human embryos for their stem cells. 7 stem cell research: Medical Progress with Responsibility, Department of Health, Crown Copyright, August 2000. 8.stem cell research: Medical Progress with Responsibility, Department of Health, Crown Copyright, August 2000.

Essay --

The main purposes in conducting this assignment are: †¢ To able to carry out analysis into complex engineering problem making use of systematic approach to provide valid conclusion. †¢ To be able to apply appropriate techniques, resources and modern engineering and IT tools (Matlab) towards the assigned question. †¢ To learn about a control system analysis and design tool called the root locus. †¢ To highlight the tight link between the theory and applications and the design process. INTRODUCTION: In an engineered system we may normally have one or more design parameters, adjustments, or user settings. It is essential to determine if any of these will make the system unstable. This is generally undesirable and possibly hazardous. For example, think of a washing machine that vibrates so much that it ‘walks’ across a floor, or a high speed aircraft that fails due to resonant vibrations. Root-locus plots are used to plot the system roots over the range of a variable to determine if the system will become unstable, or oscillate. The root locus is a way of presenting graphical information...

Frankenstein Essay -- English Literature

Frankenstein Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelly. We can tell by Mary Shelly’s back ground, were she has incorporated some of her social experiences in to her novel. Mary was the daughter of an anarchist father (William Godwin) and a feminist mother (Mary Wollstonecraft). In today’s terms this could be thought as a ‘wild upbringing’. Mary grew up in an environment that suggested she needed to question the way society was being run. Mary’s mother died ten days after giving birth to her, an act that Mary’s father was never quick to forgive; in fact he blamed Mary for his wife’s death and this often forced Mary to attempt to take her place. This was often in the form of sitting on literary discussions and meeting her father’s estranged guests. At the age of 17 Mary would often write at her mother’s grave side at St Pancras Churchyard in London; where the couple had married. Mary includes her fascination with death into Frankenstein. An example is, in chapter 24 pages 217 Victor says â€Å"as night approached, I found myself at the entrance to the cemetery.† His random wonderings have led him to be with his dead family, where he feels alone and maybe wants to join them. It was through Mary’s fascination with the cemetery that she met her soon to be husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelly. He followed her there upon her father’s instruction and declared his love for her; it was to become their meeting place. In the novel Mary uses the cemeteries a few times, when Victor goes to the cemetery to collect dead bodies to create his monster. There are clearly some important dates in the life of Mary Shelly that no doubt influence the subject matter of the novel. In 1805 there was the Napoleonic Wars lasting unti... ... experience. This becomes important when we assess her bohemian lifestyle; living a life that is almost a work of art. She wrapped her novel with images of the liberating power of art and portrayed an admiration of nature at its most impressive. There is a sense of fear and fascination with the creature. He is a man with abnormal strength; he has a face full of scars and together gives people a sense of fear when they see him. The people are scared of him and declare him as being some sort evil, so immediately see him as being a threat to them and instinctively attack him. This makes the readers feel sorry for the creature and keeps the reader waiting for what he will do when all mankind wants to kill him. Mary uses imagery and nature to reflect this. She uses the weather to show how he is feeling, like when he first runs away and it is raining heavily.

Of Mice and Men the Relationships Essay

How does Steinbeck present the relationship between George and Lennie in this chapter? The author John Steinbeck presents the relationship between the two characters, George and Lennie in different ways as they are both different characters and have different personalities. He presents it like a parent and child relationship, with George being the parent and Lennie the child. As soon as the reader is introduced to George and Lennie Steinbeck tells us that, â€Å"They had walked in single file down the path†. This immediately notifies the reader of the kind of relationship between George and Lennie, it does this by stating â€Å"single file†. This reminds us of a game called follow the leader. It also tells us that the person at the front (George) is responsible and the leader. We can also see this idea on page five. When George says, â€Å"I ain’t sure it’s good water†. This again portrays the idea of George being the responsible, as he has to tell Lennie this and Lennie can’t tell himself. It also shows us that George is concerned over Lennie’s health. This implies that George has feelings for Lennie. We again see the idea of Lennie being like a child when on page sixteen he wants a story told to him again. This tells us Lennie is child like because this situation is like a parent reading a child a bedtime story. After drinking from the pool, when they are sat on the hill Lennie imitates George’s actions â€Å"he pulled his hat down a little more over his eyes the way George’s hat was.† Our immediate interpretation is that Lennie looks up to George as a role model, the quote â€Å"way George’s hat was† suggests he acts just like him and mimics him how a son would to a father. We also notice that Lennie tries to be clever towards George to show that he is smart even though he is not, â€Å"he said cleverly†. We can see throughout chapter one that George several times feels sorry for Lennie. the phrase â€Å"poor bastard† not only tells that there is a sense of sympathy from George in the relationship, but it also sort of makes the reader feel sorry for Lennie, Steinbeck also implies this through stating that George â€Å"looked ashamedly at the fire†. I could also notice when I was reading through the first chapter that George has a sense of authority over Lennie, â€Å"you gonna get that wood†. This is like a parent telling a child to do his chores. On some occasions though George shows a bit of hatred towards Lennie, he thinks of what he could have if Lennie wasn’t around and contrasts that with George. There is also a sense of lack of trust in the relationship  between the two men. We see this through the predicament with the work cards. It tells us that George again has to take care of Lennie, and that Lennie isn’t trusted by George. Again this idea is portrayed to the reader on page seventeen, we notice that George knows that he needs a plan b as Lennie cannot be trusted so his plan b is to tell Lennie to â€Å"hide in the brush until I come for you†. This helps us to understand the relationship even further. George also treats Lennie like a dog in one occasion in the chapter, â€Å"good boy†. This is something a master would say to a dog to encourage them, it also tells us the sort of role in the relationship George has again. In conclusion, we see that Steinbeck uses various techniques to portray the relationship between George and Lennie. But the main method is the idea of George being like a parent to Lennie.