Foundations of Business

Question: Discuss about the Foundations of Business. Answer: Activities Conducted By Managers Managers are appointed with the responsibilities of fulfilling the functions of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling within the organization or institution they are working in (Kerzner, 2013). A principal of a high school is a leader and manager of sorts, and he has a lot of responsibilities on his hands, the biggest being ensuring that the institution met the needs of its students. The planning step involves setting a purpose and direction for the school, its students, subunits and staff. It also outlines the tasks that need to be performedfor reaching the goals of the organization. The plans becomes the benchmarks for the actual controlling step to bring in value and become the basis for measuring the outcome effectiveness. After development of workable plans the organization step comes in for successful implementation of the plans. It involves development of the organization structure, acquiring and development of human resources and establishment of mutual patterns an d networks. It is the responsibility of the principal to establish policies and procedures for proper administration, departmentalization, maintenance of chain of command and reporting patterns. It is in his hands to build formal communication and information networks. After plan formulation and organization, the directing step comes inthat leads staff members towards achieving the school goals. It helps the principal understand the reasons staff members would do certain things, helping him guide and influence them more so that things are done. Next the principal takes in controlling activities where he compares expectations versus actual results and takes the required corrective actions to make things remain in his control (Lunenburg Irby, 2014). Organizational Structure and Its Forms Organizational structure is the name given to the activities in an organization that are directed towards the achievement of the organizational goals (Lee, Kozlenkova Palmatier, 2015). Thefive common forms of organizational structure are discussed below: Matrix OrganizationalStructure This structure provides for both horizontal and vertical reporting levels. It supports members from different groups working together for development of new products. For example, in a music publishing company, a recording engineer might have engineers reporting to him, but he can also assist in the development of new albums. The advantage would be that employees are responsible for their own departments as well as for other organizational projects(Ashkenas et al., 2015). FunctionalOrganizationalStructure This structure groups employees by their specific functionality and helps in managing them independently. In case of organizations having multiple managers for different functional areas, the reporting structure leads to one director or vice president who takes care of all the operations. The benefit of this organizational structure is that tasks are divided by means of capability (Ashkenas et al., 2015). ProductOrganizationalStructure In this structure every product amass falls inside the detailing structure of an official and that individual regulates everything identified with that specific product offering. For example the products of the accessories section of a retail store are the responsibilities of one executive. The benefit of this is that it arranges products by types (Ashkenas et al., 2015). CustomerOrganizationalStructure In this structure, industries consolidate by consumer typeto guarantee preciseconsumer anticipationsare encountered by a tailored service approach. An instance of this can be in healthcare where an outpatient has very diverse needs than an inpatient, and this structure buildstailored care for such patients. The benefit of this is that it focuses on the wants of each consumer group (Ashkenas et al., 2015). GeographicOrganizationalStructure In this structure, organizations span over geographic regions by regional organizing. This kind of structure is seen in organizations that go past a city or state restrain and may have clients all over the nation or in different states. This is done to improve backing logistical hassles and dissimilarities in geographic consumer requests (Ashkenas et al., 2015). Three Forms of Leadership The three most common forms of leadership are: Autocratic The autocratic leader is one who appreciates the nature of master. They bear the weight of leadership absolutely alone, and they expect the people who fall under their energy to either take after solicitations, or get ready for some person who can (Rast et al., 2013). Democratic Democratic leaders are the people who bolster the organized commerce of considerations all through a social affair. They put a ton of huge worth in the capacity each person from the gathering passes on to the table (Hill, Jones Schilling, 2014). Laissez-Faire Laissez-faire leaders are best delineated as uninvolved and they exist just to distribute errands to their labourers. They put an extraordinary measure of trust in their subordinates, trusting them to remain self-enlivened, on-undertaking, and dependable (Skogstad et al., 2015). In my case I would like to jump between leadership styles, choosing and suing methods that best suffice for the situation in hand and adapt to my own unique method, as have been done by many successful leaders.On the other hand, I would like my boss to follow the democratic style as in that way team unity would grow and issues would be solved easily. Transactional and Transformational-Leadership Style Transactional Leadership A leadership style whereby the goals and destinations are predefined and the leader uses reward and teach to move his supporters is known as Transactional Leadership. It focuses on upgrading the current situation of the relationship by circling the methods and controlling the definitive activities. In this leadership style, the leader uses his energy and obligation as his vitality and furthermore the style has a formal approach (May et al., 2014). Transformational Leadership In the Transformational style of leadership the leader uses his influencing power and vitality to drive his followers to work for the benefit of the affiliation. Here, the leader searches for the essential for a conformity in the ebb and flow affiliation culture, gives a fantasy to his subordinates, combines mission and complete the change with the dedication of his aficionados (Avolio Yammarino, 2013). As I would like to think, there is no standard leadership style which is most appropriate to every one of the conditions. In this way, an association ought not to depend on a solitary leadership style. It must utilize the imperative leadership style according to its needs and common conditions. I believe both have its merits and demerits. Required Managerial Skills The top priority is recovering the GPA and for that a six-step approach would be taken to tackle the issue. The six steps would be: 1.Identification of the problem that needs to be worked on is step one, as getting to know the problem is important for finding the ultimate solution (Rock, 2014). 2.Gathering of the relevant data regarding the identified problem is step two. Some major issues identified are: not enough time spent on studying, visiting friends frequently before exams over the weekends, little amount of studying happened at the cost of team project and lacrosse practice and failing to inform the mountain-biking club members that the planned meetings are cancelled because of weekend meetings with friends(Rock, 2014). 3.Clarification of the problem, step three, requires reviewing if the gathered facts and it shows that the problem is greater than just saving the grades, as the life routine is out of control immensely. Now the question arises as to what to do to get everything back in order(Rock, 2014). 4. Generation of multiple solutions is important as the next step. Defining the problem was difficult, but the solution to the main problem requires much more effort and multiple actions to be taken. 5.Selecting the best option is the next step, as all the decided actions cannot be carried out. Only the feasible solution would have to remain in the end, like reducing the weekend visits to once a month(Rock, 2014). 6.Implementing the decision and monitoring the choice would be the final solution to make sure the semester results improve. Teamwork Challenges and Solutions 1.Issue: Directing and communicating is difficult and different in virtual teams than face-to-face teams (Lilian, 2014).Solution: Learning to take the necessary actions that would help in the communication process effectively (McMahon, 2016). 2.Issue: Components external to the project and additionally nature of the work to be completed can from the earlier figure out if the venture is probably going to succeed or come up short, which does not happen in case of virtual teams(Lilian, 2014).Solution: Evaluation of the accessibility of resources and provision that the calculated virtual team assignment would require to be successful (McMahon, 2016). 3.Issue: Having the correct arrangement of capable and committed colleagues can be an expansive consider manifesting the deciding moment of a venture(Lilian, 2014).Solution: Utilizing extended prerequisites to decide vital abilities and to make certain to offer significance to the capacity to work for all intents and purposes on a virtual team (McMahon, 2016). 4.Issue: Colleagues are dubious about the project, including what really matters to it, how it fits with their parts and desires, and how it is associated with authoritative objectives(Lilian, 2014).Solution: Displaying a review of the project, including portrayal, key partners, and advantages/rewards from the project (McMahon, 2016). 5.Issue: The group must form character and possession, parts and desires are hazy, and there are no benchmarks for doing work and for nature of deliverables(Lilian, 2014).Solution: As a group, making a group compact is critical, with the assistance of coordinated effort innovations to use to bolster its work. Team Charter Project Manager Jane Doe Team Purpose This team has been framed to finish XYZ task as a feature of Course ###. Our general targets are to ace the course material identified with this project and to exhibit that dominance through our last report and introduction. We are additionally dedicated to working successfully as a team, by observing our procedure viability, completing on responsibilities and helping each other to learn Team Goals Our shared goals are to cooperate to help team individuals develop and grow scholastically and socially in a deferential domain. We intend to accomplish fruitful results and resolve strife specifically in a convenient way Team Member Roles/Responsibilities: Team Member Roles/Responsibilities John Sample Researching, Writing Mike Smith Writing, Critical Thinking, Gluing it all together SallyJones Researching, Writing, Editing, Formatting AlanWest Writing, Formatting, Grammar checking Ground Rules: Be on time Do his/her part Contribute to the gathering in discourses and work Potential Barriers Individual duties (spouses, puppies, other home obligations) School duties (clubs, sports teams, profession seek exercises, and so on.) Language obstructions Poor correspondence Poorly characterized parts (for assignments as well as gathering work) Unresolved Conflict Personal Academic Coping Strategies The contentions will be addressed by applying the centre values and shared goals to handle every circumstance as it presents itself. Signatures: Marketing Demographic This segmentation divides markets according to age, gender, ethnicity, income education and so on. The robot toys would fall under the demographic section of children and sometimes teenagers, all of whom who love to play with toys or are fascinated by the technology (Solomon, 2014). Geographic The robot toys would be influenced by the geographic characteristics of different locations, and would be modified according to the needs of the location it is being retailed into. For example, in hilly areas the robot would modified to climb up the sloped roads, sometimes which might be covered in snow (Hollensen, 2015). Behavioural Attitude towards robotic toys, user status and usage rate would determine its targeted customer section. Receptiveness towards advanced technology is a factor, also determining usage status new, regular, non-users or potential (Cross, Belich Rudelius, 2015). Psychographic Lifestyles of consumers determines the modifications of the robots. People with active lifestyle would be provided with robots that can accompany them outdoors, thrifty people would get something cheaper (Campbell, Ferraro Sands, 2014). Clustering This segmentation determines target market by clustering criterions. Robot toys are marketed keeping in mind variables like age, geography and income. Gender mostly comes out as male, age 6-16 years. Geographical factors shows people mostly living in upscale locations or cities prefer this toys (Cui Choudhury, 2015). Product Pricing Strategies The Robosapien, when introduced in the market, had little or no competition. At that time the skimming pricing strategy was followed in which in the beginning high prices would be levied to attract customers and then lowered to retain them. They had another strategy in position penetration pricing to discourage competitors and grab maximum market share, and later on push up prices. For introduction, these two strategies work the best. For long term, cost based pricing would be a good option, to determine the production costs and then set a price with adding profit to it.The demand based pricing strategy can also be implemented by researching the demand for the product and set the prices consumers would be willing to pay. Another alternative can be the prestige pricing strategy where pricing is done keeping in mind the thought process of people who associate high pricewith high quality. By this strategy the company would be able to foster an impression that the product is extremely high quality.One very common alternative for such products can be the odd-even pricing where companies price products a few cents or dollars less to make consumers perceive them less than a certain amount (Ahmetoglu, Furnham Fagan, 2014). Promotional Mix Hatchback Car Purpose Reach a new market segment and increase brand awareness Target Market Mid-level urban professionals, middle aged people Reach Target Market Production of compact and cheaper cars would reach to a wider audience Product Features Practicality, second row seats can be flipped to increase boot space Product Speciality Compactness and practicality in seating arrangements are its speciality. Maximization in vertical space is a huge plus point. Promotional Tools Advertisement campaigns on TV, print media, social media and charity events to attract maximum customers. Energy Soft drink Purpose Establish itself as a premium or high margin brand product and enjoy a low competitive market. Target Market Athletes for helping with endurance, workers for the extra push up and clubbers for energy boost. Reach Target Market Bank on the widespread popularity of energy drinks and constantly evolve and develop the product. Product Features Contains nutrients like amino acids and vitamins. Product Speciality The essence of the product is not at all like some other, it additionally has a useful impact in contrast with other soft drinks. Promotional Tools Word of mouth marketing, event sponsorship for wider reach, athlete endorser for attracting a niche customer base, sampling programs for customer engagement and advertising. Product Life Cycle I never owned an Xbox 360, even though it is highly popular in the market. It still enjoys some of its popularity, even though it has gone through different stages of the life cycle. Product life stages of Xbox 360 Introduction: The Xbox 360 propelled on November 4, 2005. Valued at 299.99, this was a penetration estimating. Its opposition PS3 had a cost of 599.99 which is an amazingly high cost at the time. The primary month offers of the Xbox 360 were in front of PS3 by a huge edge. Growth: The Xbox 360 experienced the phase of growth three circumstances in its life expectancy. The first run through when it was propelled it developed exponentially for about a year or something like that. The second time was the point at which they discharged the new model for the Xbox 360 alongside the new motor movement sensor add on. The Third and last time it hit this stage was in 2013 with the arrival of its third and last model of the Xbox 360. Maturity: The XBOX is a gaming framework that has been around for a significant long time. The XBOX 360 is an item they made two or three years prior, from that point forward they have made the XBOX One, which is still in its growth stage. Be that as it may, the XBOX 360 still offers at an unfaltering rate, and the vast majority who play computer games claim one. Decline:The Xbox 360 is in the decline arrange as the Xbox 360 was discharged in November of 2005 and is genuinely old as the cutting edge Xbox has turned out which being the Xbox One, so individuals would rather purchase the cutting edge Xbox over the Xbox 360 as the Xbox 360 is old. So it is uncommon for somebody to purchase an Xbox 360 making it in the decline arrange (Stark, 2015). Role of Accounting People both inside and outside of a business would utilize accounting data to settle on better budgetary choices. Particular cases of inside clients would be directors for investigating the association's execution and position, representatives for surveying the organization's benefit and its result on their future professional stability, and proprietors of the business for examining the feasibility and productivity of their speculation and deciding any future game-plan for the accomplishment of their business. Cases of outer clients would be lenders for deciding the credit value of the association, speculators for examining the achievability of putting resources into the organization, and clients for evaluating the budgetary position of its providers which is important for them to keep up a steady wellspring of supply in the long haul. On the off chance that clients of accounting data weren't furnished with the data they would not have the capacity to settle on taught business choice s. Without precise numbers, for example, generation numbers or benefits and misfortunes, clients would have an incorrect comprehension of the organization's money related wellbeing (Kaplan Atkinson, 2015). Financial Manager Financial Encounters Materials Amount (in dollars) Truck 50,000 Furniture and equipment 80,000 Inventory 100,000 Start up and Operating costs 270,000 Total= 500,000 Sources of required amount Loans 100,000 Personal Assets 70,000 Start-up Capitalists 100,000 Funding Sources Reasons to choose Personal assets:Its proprietors are the most vital wellspring of assets for any new business. Assuming that proprietors with significant ventures will work harder to make the endeavour succeed, moneylenders anticipate that proprietors will set up a considerable measure of the start-up cash. More often than not through individual reserve funds, charge cards, home loans, or the offer of individual resources this cash comes. Loans: For some business people, the following stop is family and companions. On the off chance that you have a thought with business potential, you may have the capacity to get relatives and companions either to put resources into it (as part proprietors) or to loan you some cash. Keep in mind that family and companions resemble whatever other banks: they hope to be reimbursed, and they hope to win premium. Notwithstanding when you're getting from relatives or companions, you ought to draw up a formal loan assertion expressing when the loan will be reimbursed and indicating the financing cost. The financing bundle for a new business will presumably incorporate bank loans. Banks, notwithstanding, will loan you some start-up cash just in the event that they're persuaded that your thought is economically plausible. They additionally lean toward you to have some mix of ability and experience to run the organization effectively. Investors need to see an all-around created strategy for success, with definite money related projections showing your capacity to reimburse loans. Budgetary foundations offer different sorts of loans with various payback periods. Most, in any case, have a couple of basic qualities. Venture Capitalists: It is the money gave by an outside budgetary authority to back another, creating, or disturbed business. The venture capitalist gives the financing understanding that there's a vital danger related with the association's future advantages and wage. Capital is placed assets into exchange for an esteem stake in the business instead of given as a credit. Venture Capital is the most suitable decision for financing an extravagant capital hotspot for associations and most for associations having broad ahead of time capital necessities that have no other shabby choices (Altounian Burnett, 2016). Managing Data Data mining ethicality The issue with data mining in gambling clubs is close to home data about shoppers is being discharged to people generally devoid of the consent of learning of the individual being harmed. Many individuals do not perceive how this could be a moral quandary since they do not understand the potential mischief it can bring about to a person. Web data mining can loan data out to different organizations for cash or once in a while for nothing. Clients are unconscious of how the data gathered about them is being utilized. Their own data can be abused, or is utilized for a reason other than the one for which it is provided. Henceforth, it is untrustworthy to utilize web data mining as individuals' protection is damaged. It is additionally an essential moral issue with web data mining is that, if some person does not realize that the information is being assembled or of how it will be used, she/he has not opportunity to consent or withhold consent for its gathering and utilize (Reyman, 2013). Unethicality in Gambling in Casinos Exploiting individuals with medical issues (betting addictions) Exploiting individuals with incidentally debilitated judgment (any individual who has had a drink) Utilizing mental control to build the measure of cash punters wager (free sandwiches/drinks, uniform lighting to make the progression of time more subtle, etc...) Distorting the odds of winning (all showcasing, fundamentally) Swindling at the amusements Utilizing the returns to support (or launder cash for) sorted out wrongdoing Security Issue Risks Turning into a loss of fake web business districts. These are areas made with the sole inspiration driving getting your information that can incite to discount misrepresentation and hacking. Oftentimes these districts will offer an amazing game plan that is hard to abandon, and a while later vanish fourteen days afterward. Turning into a loss of a trap or coercion by tricky merchants who never send the thing you've purchased. Managing false escrow districts set up to get your information. Working together on districts that are not mixed which can leave your information open to anyone Tricks by worldwide districts that aren't secure or don't have reliable vendors. Paying more than anticipated because of concealed charges, obligations or transportation (Grout, 2015) Measures Major working framework producers discharge normal redesigns to their product. Many redesigns contain security fixes that settle known feeble spots and make PC more secure. Observing utilization of remote Internet systems, especially when sending or downloading secret data, monetary data or other touchy information. Solid, as often as possible changed passwords are a vital part of an Internet security arrange. Most organizations utilize a scope of sites to oversee secret information on the web. Before opening a connection, checking the document name and the sender's email deliver to confirm that the record is honest to goodness is proposed. On the off chance that itseems suspicious of a connection, not opening it is suggested (Hashizume et al., 2013). References Ahmetoglu, G., Furnham, A., Fagan, P. (2014). Pricing practices: A critical review of their effects on consumer perceptions and behaviour.Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services,21(5), 696-707. Altounian, D., Burnett, A. (2016, January). Are There Enough Investors? An Analysis of Network Effect and Network Size on Venture Capital Investing using Metcalfe's Law. InUnited States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Conference Proceedings(p. LD1). United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ashkenas, R., Ulrich, D., Jick, T., Kerr, S. (2015).The boundaryless organization: Breaking the chains of organizational structure. John Wiley Sons. Avolio, B. J., Yammarino, F. J. (Eds.). (2013). Introduction to, and overview of, transformational and charismatic leadership. InTransformational and Charismatic Leadership: The Road Ahead 10th Anniversary Edition(pp. xxvii-xxxiii). Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Campbell, C., Ferraro, C., Sands, S. (2014). Segmenting consumer reactions to social network marketing.European Journal of Marketing,48(3/4), 432-452. Cross, J. C., Belich, T. J., Rudelius, W. (2015). How marketing managers use market segmentation: An exploratory study. InProceedings of the 1990 Academy of Marketing Science (AMS) Annual Conference(pp. 531-536). Springer International Publishing. Cui, G., Choudhury, P. (2015). Effective strategies for ethnic segmentation and marketing. InProceedings of the 1998 Multicultural Marketing Conference(pp. 354-358). Springer International Publishing. Grout, V. (2015). Identity Voyeurism.ITNOW,57(3), 24-27. Hashizume, K., Rosado, D. G., Fernndez-Medina, E., Fernandez, E. B. (2013). An analysis of security issues for cloud computing.Journal of Internet Services and Applications,4(1), 5. Hill, C. W., Jones, G. R., Schilling, M. A. (2014).Strategic management: theory: an integrated approach. Cengage Learning. Hollensen, S. (2015).Marketing management: A relationship approach. Pearson Education. Kaplan, R. S., Atkinson, A. A. (2015).Advanced management accounting. PHI Learning. Kerzner, H. (2013).Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley Sons. Lee, J. Y., Kozlenkova, I. V., Palmatier, R. W. (2015). Structural marketing: using organizational structure to achieve marketing objectives.Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science,43(1), 73-99. Lilian, S. C. (2014). Virtual teams: opportunities and challenges for e-leaders.Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences,110, 1251-1261. Lunenburg, F. C., Irby, B. J. (2014, September). Strengthening the Principals Toolbox: Strategies to Boost Learning. InNational Forum of Educational Administration Supervision Journal(Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 4-17). May, D., Peus, C. V., Frey, D., Kerschreiter, R. (2014, January). Follower Perspectives on Transformational and Transactional Leadership. InAcademy of Management Proceedings(Vol. 2014, No. 1, p. 11795). Academy of Management. McMahon, P. E. (2016).Virtual project management: software solutions for today and the future. CRC Press. Rast III, D. E., Hogg, M. A., Giessner, S. R. (2013). Self-uncertainty and support for autocratic leadership.Self and Identity,12(6), 635-649. Reyman, J. (2013). User data on the social web: Authorship, agency, and appropriation.College English,75(5), 513-533. Rock, D., 2014.Quiet leadership. HarperCollins e-books. Skogstad, A., Aasland, M. S., Nielsen, M. B., Hetland, J., Matthiesen, S. B., Einarsen, S. (2015). The Relative Effects of Constructive, Laissez-Faire, and Tyrannical Leadership on Subordinate Job Satisfaction.Zeitschrift fr Psychologie. Solomon, M. R. (2014).Consumer behavior: Buying, having, and being(Vol. 10). Engelwood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Stark, J. (2015). Product lifecycle management. InProduct Lifecycle Management(pp. 1-29). Springer International Publishing.

Workplace Violence Essays - Workplace Bullying, Workplace

Workplace Violence Workplace Violence Statistics Workplace and Violence two words that until recently were never associated with one another. Yet when these words come together they strike terror in the lives of the people that are affected by them. Workplace, when we think of this word we think of a safe environment where we go to make to our lives better, a place to make careers for ourselves. The workplace is supposed to provide security for our families and to help to one day achieve the goal of financial freedom. Violence, when we hear this word images pop up in our head like the Jerry Springer Show, the Oklahoma City Bombing, or the latest act of violence to shock our nation the massacre of the high school in Colorado. These images are stuck in our minds forever; the shear horror of these acts puts us back into perspective of reality. Violence is a very real almost unpredictable event that can strike anywhere at anytime. It is the driving force that plagues our workplace as we speak. ?Oct. 15?KIMBERLY, Wis.?In November 1992, Thomas Monfils was killed by several co-workers and his mutilated body was found in a pulp vat with a 40-pound weight tied to his neck at the James River Corp. mill in Green Bay? (Mulholland). Workplace violence is turning into a number one priority for today's businesses. ?On an average working day, three people will be murdered on the job in the U.S. One million workers are assaulted and more than 1,000 are murdered every year, according to the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Homicide is the second highest cause of death on the job, after motor vehicle accidents. That translates into three cases for every 10,000 workers, confirms the U.S. Department of Labor. In 1992, 111,000 incidents of work-place violence cost employers and others an estimated $6.2 -2- million? (O'Donovan). The statistics are shocking for the amount of workplace violence that is out there everyday in our workforce. Even more shocking then these statistics is the fact that more than half of these cases go unreported. That means an estimated two million workers are assaulted every year and more than 2,000 people are murdered. Workplace Violence Behavior and Characteristics If the statistics got the heart pumping then the characteristics will produce a heart attack. Many people in the workforce think it will never happen to them. I don't need to worry about workplace violence because it will never happen to me. The fact of the matter is that the people that commit these acts are more common then some people think. ?Author Joseph Kinney contends that perpetrators of work-place violence do not fit a standard profile. He advises to focus behavior, not characteristics. However based on previous acts of violence, some experts have identified ?warning symptoms'. These include: middle-aged male, loner, usually quiet, with defiant outbursts, emotionally unstable; erratic behavior, pathological blamer or complainer, always frustrated strained work relationships, reduced productivity, ignores tardiness or absences, undergoes a dramatic personality swing, changes in health of hygiene, feels victimized, makes threats, fascination with weapons, exhibits paranoia, se ems depressed, is a ?Hate Group' member, dependence on alcohol or drugs, is involved in a troubled, work-related romantic situation. -3- The violence-prone may view these situations as events to justify a violent response: performance counseling sessions, disciplinary actions, termination, passed over for a promotion, criticism from coworkers, failed or spurned romance, personal crisis, e.g., divorce?(O'Donovan). It's a scary thought to think that the person you go on break with, the person you carpool with is capable of this violence at any moment. One minute they are your next door neighbor the next minute they are on America's Most Wanted for the massacre of several people at their place of work. ?One steamy August day in 1986, postal employee Patrick Sheryl, 44, walked into the U.S. Post Office in Edmund, Okla. Inside his mail pouch were three guns and 100 rounds of ammunition. Sheryl killed 17 coworkers and himself in 10 minutes?(O'Donovan). Workplace Violence Prevention Through all the darkness and evil that workplace violence brings to the table there is light at the end of the tunnel. Companies now have the ammunition they need to help in the fight against workplace violence.

Stop Cluttering Up the Classroom Walls

Stop Cluttering Up the Classroom Walls Despite a teachers best intentions, a cluttered classroom environment could be distracting students from learning. Too much visual stimulation in the classroom can be distracting, the layout may be unwelcoming, or the classroom wall color may have a negative impact on mood. These elements of  classroom environment  can have a negative or positive effect on student academic performance. This general statement is supported by a growing  body of research on the critical impact that light, space, and room layout have on a students well-being, physically and emotionally. The Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture has collected information on this impact: Features of any architectural environment can  have an influence certain brain processes such as those involved in stress, emotion and memory (Edelstein 2009).   While it may be difficult to control all factors, the choice of materials on a classroom wall is the easiest to manage for a teacher.  The  Princeton University Neuroscience Institute  published the results of a study,â€Å"Interactions of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Mechanisms in Human Visual Cortex,†Ã‚  they conducted that discusses how the brain sorts out competing stimuli. One heading in the research notes: Multiple stimuli present in the visual field at the same time compete for neural representation...   In other words, the more stimulation in an environment, the more competition for attention from the part of a students  brain needed to focus. Michael Hubenthal and Thomas O’Brien reached the same conclusion in their research  Revisiting Your Classroom’s Walls: The Pedagogical Power of Posters  (2009). They found that a students  working  memory uses  different components that process visual and  verbal information . They agreed that too many posters, regulations, or information sources could have the  potential of overwhelming a students  working memory:   The  visual complexity caused by an  abundance of text and small images  can set  up an  overwhelming  visual/verbal  competition between  text and  graphics for which students must gain control in order to  give meaning to information. From Early Years to High School For many students, the  text and graphic-rich classroom environments begin in their early education (Pre-K and elementary) classrooms. These classrooms may be decorated to an extreme.   Too often,  clutter passes for quality, a  sentiment expressed by  Erika Christakis in her book  The Importance of Being Little: What Preschoolers Really Need from Grownups  (2016).  In  Chapter 2 (Goldilocks Goes to Daycare) Christakis describes the average preschool the following way: First well bombard you with what educators call a print-rich environment, every wall and surface festooned with a vertiginous array of labels, vocabulary list, calendars, graphs, classroom rules, alphabet lists, number charts, and inspirational platitudes - few of those symbols you will be able to decode, a favorite buzzword for what used to be known as reading(33). Christakis also list the other distractions that are also  hanging in plain sight:  the number of  mandated rules and regulations alongside decorations including hand washing instructions, allergy procedures, and emergency exit diagrams. She writes: In one study, researchers manipulated the amount of clutter on the walls of a laboratory classroom where kindergarteners were taught a series of science lessons. As the visual distraction increased, the childrens ability to focus, stay on task, and learn new information decreased (33). Researchers from The Holistic Evidence and Design (HEAD) support Christakiss position. They assessed  hundred fifty-three U.K. classrooms to study the link of classroom environment to the learning of almost four thousand students  (ages 5-11).  Researchers  Peter Barrett, Fay Davies, Yufan Zhang, and Lucinda Barrett published their findings in  The Holistic Impact of Classroom Spaces on Learning in Specific Subjects  (2016).  They reviewed the impact of different factors, including color, on student learning, by looking at measures of progress in reading, writing, and math.  They found that reading and writing performances are particularly affected by levels of  stimulation. They also noted that math received  the most positive impact from a classroom design that is student-centered and personalized spaces. Environment Element: Color in the Classroom The color of the classroom can also stimulate or overstimulate students. This environmental element may not always be under the teachers control, but there are some recommendations teachers might be able to make. For example, the colors  red and orange are associated with negative impact on students, making them feel nervous and unsettled. In contrast, blue and green colors are calming colors.   The color  of an environment also affects children differently according to age. Younger children below five may be more productive with bright colors such as yellow. Older students, specifically high school students, work better in rooms painted in light shades of blue and green which are less stressful and distracting.  Ã‚  Warm yellows or pale yellows are also older student appropriate. The scientific research into color is extensive and color can affect children’s moods, mental clarity, and energy levels,  (Englebrecht, 2003).   According to the International Association of Color Consultants - North America (IACC-NA), a school’s physical environment has a  powerful psycho-physiological impact on its students:   â€Å"Appropriate color design is important in protecting eyesight, in creating surroundings that are conducive to studying, and in promoting physical and mental health.† The IACC has noted that poor color choices can lead to irritability, premature fatigue, lack of interest and behavioral problems.   Alternatively,  walls with no color can also be a problem. Colorless and poorly lit classrooms are often considered boring or lifeless, and a  boring classroom maybe likely to cause  students to become disengaged and uninterested in learning. â€Å"For budget reasons, a lot of schools don’t seek out good information on color,† says Bonnie Krims, of IACC. She notes that in the past, there was a common belief that the more colorful the classroom, the better for the students. Recent research disputes past practice, and that too much color, or colors that are too bright, can lead to overstimulation. An accent wall of bright color in a classroom may be offset by muted shades on the other walls.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The goal is to find a balance,† Krims concludes.   Natural Light Dark colors are equally problematic. Any color that lessens or filters  natural sunlight out of a room can even make people feel drowsy and listless (Hathaway, 1987).  There are multiple studies that point to the  beneficial effects of natural light  on health and mood. One medical study found that patients who had access to a scenic view of nature had shorter hospital stays and required lower amounts of pain medication than those patients who had windows that faced a brick building. The official  blog of the U.S. Department of Education posted a  2003 study  (in  California)  that  found that classrooms with the most (natural light)  daylighting had a 20 percent better learning rate in math, and a 26 percent improved rate in reading, compared to classrooms with little or no daylighting. The study also noted that in some cases,  teachers  needed only  to reposition furniture or move  storage to  take advantage of the available natural light in their classrooms.  Ã‚   Overstimulation and Special Needs Students Overstimulation is an issue with students who may have Autistic Spectrum Disorder  (ASD).  The Indiana Resource Center for Autism  recommends that teachers try to limit  auditory and visual distractions so that students can  focus on the concepts that are being taught instead of details that may not be relevant, and reduces competing distractions. Their  recommendation is to limit these distractions: Often when students with ASD are presented with too much stimulus (visual or auditory), processing may slow down, or if overloaded, processing may stop completely.   This approach may prove  beneficial for other students as well.  While  a  classroom rich in materials may support learning,  a cluttered classroom that overstimulates  may be too distracting to many students whether they special needs or not. Color also matters for special needs students. Trish Buscemi, the owner of  Colors Matter, has experience in advising clients what color palette to use with special needs populations.  Buscemi has found that blues, greens, and muted brown tones tend to be appropriate choices for students with ADD and ADHD, and she writes on her blog  that: The brain remembers color first! Let the Students Decide At the secondary level,  teachers could have  students make contributions to help shape a learning space. Giving students a voice in designing their space along will help develop student ownership in the classroom.  The  Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture  agrees, and notes  the importance of being able to have spaces that students can call their own. Their literature explains, Feelings of comfort and welcome in a shared space are vital to the level in which we feel invited to take part.  Students are more likely to  take pride in the space, and they are more likely to support each others efforts to contribute ideas and maintain organization.   Also, teachers should be encouraged to feature student work, maybe original pieces of art, displayed to elicit trust and student worth.   What Decorations to Choose? To reduce classroom clutter, teachers could ask themselves the following questions before putting that velcro or removable tape onto the classroom wall: What purpose does this  poster, sign or display serve?Do  these  posters, signs, or items celebrate or support student learning?Are the  posters, signs, or displays  current with what is being learned in the classroom?Can the display  be made interactive?Is there  white space in between wall displays to help the  eye distinguish what is in the display?Can students contribute to decorating the classroom (ask â€Å"What do you think could go inside that space?†) As the school year begins, teachers should keep in mind opportunities to limit distractions and reduce classroom clutter for better academic performance.

Battle of Fort Necessity in the French and Indian War

Battle of Fort Necessity in the French and Indian War In the spring of 1754, Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie dispatched a construction party to the Forks of the Ohio (present-day Pittsburgh, PA) with the goal of building a fort to assert British claims to the area. To support the effort, he later sent 159 militia, under Lieutenant Colonel George Washington, to join the building team. While Dinwiddie instructed Washington to remain on the defensive, he indicated that any attempt to interfere with the construction work was to be prevented. Marching north, Washington found that the workers had been driven away from the forks by the French and had retreated south. As the French began constructing Fort Duquesne at the forks, Washington received new orders instructing him to commence building a road north from Wills Creek. Obeying his orders, Washingtons men proceeded to Wills Creek (present-day Cumberland, MD) and began work. By May 14, 1754, they reached a large, marshy clearing known as the Great Meadows. Establishing a base camp in the meadows, Washington began exploring the area while waiting for reinforcements. Three days later, he was alerted to the approach of a French scouting party. Assessing the situation, Washington was advised by Half King, a Mingo chief allied to the British, to take a detachment to ambush the French. Armies Commanders British Lieutenant Colonel George WashingtonCaptain James McKay393 men French Captain Louis Coulon de Villiers700 men Battle of Jumonville Glen Agreeing, Washington and approximately 40 of his men marched through the night and foul weather to set the trap. Finding the French camped in a narrow valley, the British surrounded their position and opened fire. The resulting Battle of Jumonville Glen lasted about fifteen minutes and saw Washingtons men kill 10 French soldiers and capture 21, including their commander Ensign Joseph Coulon de Villiers de Jumonville. After the battle, as Washington was interrogating Jumonville, Half King walked up and struck the French officer in the head killing him. Building the Fort Anticipating a French counterattack, Washington fell back to Great Meadows and on May 29 ordered his men to begin constructing a log palisade. Placing the fortification in the middle of the meadow, Washington believed the position would provide a clear field of fire for his men. Though trained as a surveyor, Washingtons relative lack of military experience proved critical as the fort was sited in a depression and was too close to the tree lines. Dubbed Fort Necessity, Washingtons men quickly completed work on the fortification.  During this time, Half King attempted to rally Delaware, Shawnee, and Seneca warriors to support the British. On June 9, additional troops from Washingtons Virginia regiment arrived from Wills Creek bringing his total force up to 293 men. Five days later, Captain James McKay arrived with his Independent Company of regular British troops from South Carolina. Shortly after making camp, McKay and Washington entered into a dispute over who should command. While Washington held a superior rank, McKays commission in the British Army took precedence. The two ultimately agreed on an awkward system of joint command. While McKays men remained at Great Meadows, Washingtons continued work on the road north to Gists Plantation. On June 18, Half King reported that his efforts were unsuccessful and no Native American forces would be reinforcing the British position. Battle of Great Meadows Late in the month, word was received that a force of 600 French and 100 Indians had departed Fort Duquesne. Feeling that his position at Gists Plantation was untenable, Washington retreated to Fort Necessity. By July 1, the British garrison had concentrated, and work began on a series of trenches and earthworks around the fort. On July 3, the French, led by Captain Louis Coulon de Villiers, Jumonvilles brother, arrived and quickly surrounded the fort. Taking advantage of Washingtons mistake, they advanced in three columns before occupying the high ground along the tree line which allowed them to fire into the fort. Knowing that his men needed to clear the French from their position, Washington prepared to assault the enemy.   Anticipating this, Villiers attacked first and ordered his men to charge at the British lines.   While the regulars held their position and inflicted losses on the French, the Virginia militia fled into the fort. After breaking Villiers charge, Washington withdrew all of his men back to Fort Necessity. Outraged by his brothers death, which he considered murder, Villiers had his men maintain a heavy fire on the fort through the day. Pinned down, Washingtons men soon ran short of ammunition. To make their situation worse, heavy rain began which made firing difficult. Around 8:00 PM, Villiers sent a messenger to Washington to open surrender negotiations. With his situation hopeless, Washington agreed. Washington and McKay met with Villiers, however, the negotiations went slowly as neither spoke the others language. Finally, one of Washingtons men, who spoke bits of both English and French, was brought forward to serve as an interpreter. Aftermath After several hours of talking, a surrender document was produced. In exchange for surrendering the fort, Washington and McKay were permitted to withdraw back to Wills Creek. One of the clauses of the document stated that Washington was responsible for the assassination of Jumonville. Denying this, he claimed the translation he had been given was not assassination but death of or killing. Regardless, Washingtons admission was used as propaganda by the French. After the British departed on July 4, the French burned the fort and marched to Fort Duquesne. Washington returned to Great Meadows the following year as part of the disastrous Braddock Expedition. Fort Duquesne would remain in French hands until 1758 when the site was captured by General John Forbes.

The scorecard measures Between Toyota&Peugeot Essay

The scorecard measures Between Toyota&Peugeot - Essay Example The organizational profits but also the response of the customers to a firm’s strategic decisions indicate the ability of the organization to identify plans that are aligned with the market trends. The role of various factors in a firm’s performance has been extensively studied in the context of management accounting. A series of management accounting techniques has been developed in order to help firms to measure their performance, either in the short or the long term. Current paper focuses on the potential use of Balanced Scorecard, an accounting technique developed in 1990 by Kaplan and Norton, for measuring the performance of a well known, organization: Toyota. Reference is made to potential scorecard measures under each of the four headings of the balanced scorecard that could be applied to Toyota. At the next level, two alternative strategic management techniques are suggested for another well-known firm of the global automotive industry, Peugeot, at the level tha t these techniques could possibly help the organization to measure its performance more effectively. The performance of both, Toyota and Peugeot, is compared with reference to these firms’ potential to apply effectively their strategies. Peugeot is more prepared in order to face the challenges of the global market, a fact that is related to the firm’s ability to avoid failures when measuring its performance. 2. Balanced scorecard as related to the just-in-time technique in Toyota The just-in-time technique used in Toyota is based on the following principle: waste must be controlled, as possible. For this reason, in Toyota efforts are made so that the following philosophy is applied: the volume of the firm’s products is decided in accordance with the level of the existing orders (Toyota, Production system, 2012). In order to be able to respond quickly to new orders, the firm promotes the following strategies: all parts required for the vehicle ordered are availab le in the assembly line, so that the production of the vehicle can proceed with no delay (Toyota Production system 2012). After using certain parts for producing a new vehicle, the assembly line has to replace these parts so that its stock is kept at a specific level, a fact that secures the readiness of the firm’s production units to respond quickly to new orders (Toyota Production system 2012). The above technique could be analyzed using the Balanced Scorecard (Figure 1, Appendix). The Balanced Scorecard is consisted from four parts: ‘Customer, Internal Processes, Employee Learning and Growth and Financial’ (Niven 2006, p.13). A series of potential scorecard measures under each of the four headings of the balanced scorecard as they could apply to Toyota are presented below. 2.1. Customer The relationship between the firm and its customers has faced severe challenges the last decade mostly because the continuous failures in the firm’s products. It is expe cted that customers’ loyalty has been decreased, a problem that should be faced by the organization with no delay. A measure should be developed by the organization for estimating the level of customer loyalty and the level of customer satisfaction in regard to the firm’s products worldwide. The firm would initiate a survey among its customers worldwide; the views of the firm’s existing customers on the quality of the firm’

Pepsi Entry into india A lesson In globilization Case Study

Pepsi Entry into india A lesson In globilization - Case Study Example Haunting challenges in the political, public, economic and social front where there in store aplenty for Pepsi, but the paramount task was to appease the politicians, i.e., the government first, which would automatically reduce the burden in all other front to a great extent. Peter Druker had long back said about the future globe that reciprocity will be the central principle of international economic integration. Thus Pepsi knew that for it to enter India, it has to reciprocate by some deeds that would facilitate the The promises that Pepsi made to deliver if it were allowed access to Indian Market was aplenty. A few noteworthy ones are focussing on food and agro processing generating job opportunities for the people of Punjab, boosting the image of Indian products in foreign markets, etc. Given all these promises, If a question is asked whether the company materialized all that, the answer would be no. It did make an attempt to bring about a green revolution in the state of Punjab; there was a drastic increase in the production of tomatoes, farmers were given free farming equipments and agro based research centres were opened in Karnataka and Punjab. Corporate Social Responsibility is an often heard word now, but the colossal part that it plays is corroborated by Pepsi's entry into India. It was only through its social perks that it got access to the Indian Market.The cat was out of the bag in 1991, around two years after Pepsi's entry into India that it was conspicuous that Pepsi failed in mos t of its obligations. This was a double whammy for the same George Fernandez who blasted the Rajiv Gandhi run Government at the parliament. His accusations where that, pepsi was indulging in under invoicing and by consecutively preparing bogus receipts and hiding transactions to a great extent. That is a different case in itself. A foreign company should be polycentric- meaning, it should consider that each and every host country where they set there shop has got a different set of culture and habits and especially problems with which they wouldn't be in a position to appreciate any endeavour by a foreign company. Thus Pepsi was aware of it and Knew that winning public opinion is the only solution for there entry and especially the farmers of Punjab.There motto was "performance with purpose" which did sell well among the people of India and the politicians. Under this tagline, apart from engaging the farmers' pepsi did quiet a number of social activities like replenishing waste water, waste to wealth initiative, collaboration with farmers through contract farming etc. This only tells that for a multinational company to explore a new customer base, it has to deal with ordinary people of the host country first who may not be their customers in the first place. But still their good will is always necessary for the company to survive.

Exploring the Generational Differences using an Objective Positivistic Approach Essay Example for Free

Exploring the Generational Differences using an Objective Positivistic Approach Essay Abstract There is a significant number of the population in the UK at the present time who are women of the Muslim faith who chose to wear headscarves or hijabs. There is however a relatively poor understanding of how the general non-Muslim public views this practice, even though there have been suggestions that people find it discomforting and consider it oppressive to women. This study used a quantitative, positivistic approach to collect and analyse data to determine whether there were generational differences in the attitude towards women wearing hijabs. The study collected data from 86 participants in the Roehampton area, who completed a questionnaire on attitudes and an F-scale test which gave information on their personality type. The study showed through ANOVA that there was no association between age and attitude towards hijabs, although there was an association between having been to university and having a more positive attitude. The study also showed through regression analysis that personality was strongly linked to attitudes towards women wearing hijabs. Opinions on People using Headscarves—Exploring the Generational Differences using an Objective Positivistic Approach There is not a study available that represents authoritarian personalities and the negative or discriminatory viewpoints against the wearing of the hijab. However, Vyas (2008) shows that Muslim women in the USA stopped wearing headscarves for fear of violent discrimination and for their personal safety, as they struggled to live between their traditional Muslim culture and the American culture, especially in gender roles at American schools. Similarly, African Muslim women struggle with education and gender roles, especially in finding personal independence and leadership as Muslim women who wear the headscarves (Shirin 2008). In Africa, feminist teachings state that Islam and female leadership roles are not compatible, and that the wearing of the hijab restricts women into lowered roles (Shirin 2008). However, African Muslim women refuse to stop wearing the hijab even though it brings about cultural discomfort for non-Islam feminists, which shows that the hijab wearers are able to have female leadership roles and individual identities even when authoritarian figures such as teachers request that they not wear the hijab (Shirin 2008). In the education context, young girls in France and Canada are asked not to wear the hijab, as it impacts the education of people around them, where non-Muslim educational facilities are often prompted by non-Muslim governments or academic councils to refuse to allow the wearing of the hijab (Ruitenberg 2008). This authoritarian approach limits social norms and hinders the abilities of Muslim girls and women as students in an educational facility to have the same human rights in self expression (Ruitenberg 2008). Therefore, there may be a large amount of discrimination against the hijab in educational and academic facilities; however this cannot be substantiated by literature as it has not been addressed in its entirety. Adorno et al. (1950) researched and constructed a scale—a list of authoritarian attitudes soliciting expressions of agreement or disagreement with 29 broadly phrased assertions (Johansson 1986)—that these four Jewish scholars administered to a wide variety of population samples in hopes to explain the rise of German Nazism. They found that those who scored high on this scale, who were shown to endorse most items on the list, tended to be sympathetic to the political Right and in fact showed pre-fascist personalities (Adorno et al. 1950). Love of authority was fascist, not love of liberty; and, Adorno et al. (1950) showed that authoritarian personalities were in important senses pathological. Adorno et al. (1950) also reported for the authoritarian personality to accept middle-class conventionality because it enjoys widespread acceptance and support, but has not internalised the meaning of the accompanying social norms; is hostile and aggressive toward outsider groups, especially ethnic minorities and relatively powerless, marginalised deviant groups; and glorifies its own authority figures (Johansson 1986). This is a clash of authoritarian representatives as governments and those individuals within cultures, where the Islamic headscarf issue in nations such as Turkey and France is more than an expression of religion, but a clash of cultural contexts and meanings, where the dominant culture either restricts (France) or forces (Turkey) the wearing of the hijab (Ulusoy 2007). Feminist theory argues that women should not be defined by the marginal cultural positions they are given in societies, but by understandings about their contradictions between who women are and how the dominant culture defines them (Droogsma 2007). The majority of Americans, for example, believe that the hijab is a symbol of oppression, but Muslim women identify they hijab as a necessary component of their womanhood (Droogsma 2007). Muslim women living in America identify the hijab as being unique to their culture, and helping them fill their feminine roles, not as sexual objects, but as women with freedoms and expressions that are not controlled by the dominant American culture (Droogsma 2007). In each culture that Muslim women are a part of, but not the dominant culture, there is a psychological tendency towards freeing Muslim women from the hijab. However, Muslim women associate their hijab with freedom of expression and religion. In authoritarian Islamic nations, such as Turkey, the hijab is a norm and penalties may exist if it is not worn. In countries not traditionally authoritarian, like France and Canada, the hijab is not the socio-cultural norm and penalties may exist if it is worn. So, there may be a very high amount of prejudice and stereotyping against women and the hijab, especially as it pertains to ‘freeing’ women from the ‘oppression’ that non-Muslim cultures feel that Muslim women are forced to live beneath. As the wearing of the hijab might be associated with oppression and meekness—in contrast to the authoritarian personality—and is relatively new and unfamiliar in the British culture, there might be a possible correlation of an authoritarian’s psychological thinking towards wearing of the hijab as we might expect authoritarian individuals to have negative attitudes towards wearing it. Also, as younger people are more familiar with the hijab because they have been brought up in a society where the hijab is more common, they may have a more positive attitude toward it. Nowadays, people have more opportunities to obtain education; the question is, if there is a difference in opinions among age groups and educated people towards the wearing of the hijab? Review of literature have not yet ventured into these aspects, therefore, this research aims to investigate on three major ideas of people’s opinions, negative or positive, and generational differences of people using headscarves or hijab, specifically dealing with: (a) authoritarian personality, (b) age, and (c) education. This study will be a quantitative assessment of the relationship between authoritarian and generational differences on women using headscarves or hijab. The setting of the study is only limited to participants around the Roehampton University area instructing them to answer the study’s questionnaire. The research hypothesis is that there is a significant correlation of an observer’s personality, age, education and their opinions towards people wearing the headscarf or hijab; and, upon the emergence of authoritarian participants, that there is a significant correlation of an authoritarian’s psychological thinking towards wearing of the headscarf or hijab.