Aloha Products Essay

Q1. Evaluate the current control systems for the manufacturing, marketing and purchasing departments of Aloha Products. Solution: From the case we can see that Aloha products is structured on a cost basis; however the control system is attempting to measure each plant on a profit basis. Thus the company have a centralized control system. This means that the main office takes all the main decisions regarding purchases, production, sales, marketing and promotions in order to save costs. However, the plant managers are responsible for their profit and loss and are evaluated on the basis of their performance despite lack of adequate control over the activities by managers of the managed plant. This type of structure is an unfair way of measuring the performance of the individual production plants. Based on the current system evaluating the three major departments of Aloha Products are described below: Evaluation of manufacturing departments: There are three production plants within AP’s manufacturing department; each plant is responsible for their own profits and losses. Unfortunately the managers have no control over any of the major activities in their respective production facilities; the vice president of the manufacturing oversees all of the roasting, grinding, and packaging processes. Production schedules are provided to each plant manager for the current and following month. The plant managers also have no control over the green beans purchase, production schedule, production mix, or the costs of their inputs, as the purchasing departing assigns the costs based on specific contract for that shipment. If the inputs exceeded plant’s requirements, they are sold at the spot rate in the market, and could very well result in a loss. Evaluation of purchasing departments: The purchasing department is responsible for obtaining the required quantities and types of green coffee to be roasted in production plants. The level of sophistication and expertise needed makes this department a necessity; proper staffing is vital based on the complexity of the green coffee market. This department relies on the relationships with growers and brokers; for smaller firms, an important feature of this department is their ability to foresee demand and required inventory and subsequently entered into forward contracts with brokers anywhere between three to twelve months in advance. The costs of each shipment are based on specific contracts for those green coffee beans, which can vary based on the various price drivers as mentioned earlier. This can create diversified and volatile costs of inventory. Required inventory demand is based on communication between marketing (sales) and the purchasing department, any discrepancies at the current date is met by the purchases through the spot market, which incurs significantly higher costs. The costs associated with running this purchasing department are charged to headquarters of AP. Currently there is no communication between purchasing and manufacturing department. Furthermore, purchasing department does not need to report to head office or meet any performance measurement standards. Ultimately power resides with upper management of the purchasing unit. Evaluation of marketing (sales) departments: Under the current structure, this department is centralized. The president of AP and vice president of sales are in charge of advertising and promotion of the final products. The marketing department also determines the budgeted sales, which are then passed onto purchasing department. Q2. Considering the company’s competitive strategy, what changes, if any would you make to the control systems for the three departments? Solution: The changes to the current control systems involves establishing accountability and effective communication among the three departments and providing key measures to evaluate the manager’s performance objectively. Recommendations for the current management control systems are as follows: Recommendations for manufacturing departments The manufacturing department is currently profit centre. However, the plants do not have control over the costs of the green coffee. Thus the main concern of this department as a whole should be efficiency; how well they can control the costs to roast green coffee. As such, here the recommendation would be to make manufacturing department’s plants be accountable for the costs incurred to roast and package the green coffee. The performance measure for the manufacturing department at AP should be evaluated based solely on the roasting, grinding, and packaging of AP’s coffees. It would be unfair to evaluate manufacturing as a profit centre, when in reality it has little to no control over product costs or sales. Since control over purchasing and selling will not be transferred to the manufacturing department in this proposal, it is logical to assess based on controllable factors such as cost/pound only. Thus instead of being assessed for the performance of the purchasing and marketing departments, plant managers will now have the incentive to ensure their costs do not vary from the standard. It will still be possible to evaluate roasting plants based on gross margin as well. However to ensure the plant managers are not penalized for the fluctuations in the costs of green coffee contracts, a standard cost for green coffee would have to established and used in the computation of gross margin. Recommendations for purchasing departments The purchasing department’s costs are being charged to central office. Due to this the purchasing department is not being held accountable for the contracts it is entering into. The purchasing department’s main concern should be actual contract costs. Thus, we recommend that the purchasing department be accountable for the difference between the actual costs per signed contracts and standard costs of green coffee raw materials. The actual costs should be measured in a similar manner to the current practice. Contract costs related to buying and selling in the spot market should not be included in the computed price per bag. A reasonable standard costing for the green coffee contracts will have to be established based on discussions between management and executives in the purchasing department. The standard costs could potentially be based on the average of spot price over past 6 months. Thus, the recommendation here would be that this standard cost be updated every quar ter, in order to provide accurate standard costs of green coffee raw materials. Recommendations for marketing (sales) departments The marketing department focuses its efforts on advertising and promotion, however, it is not held responsible for the costs it incurs or how accurate their sales forecasts/budgets are. There is a large costs associated with differences between the forecasted requirements and actual requirements. The difference results in the purchases or sales at the spot price for the green coffee, which tends to costs more than the forward contract prices. It is not reasonable for the marketing department to perfectly forecasts sales and therefore there should be leniency in developing a method of accountability for this department. The goal here is not only to hold each group accountable but also to make sure managers feel they are being evaluated fairly and motivated to improve performance. In keeping with this actual sales volume should be compared to forecasted sales volume. This will not only help to keep the marketing department accountable for their activities but will also allow the forecasts methodology to be reviewed and continuously improve. Thus on an overall basis, the company needs to establish goal congruence between the three departments. This can be achieved through emphasizing communication between departments; this would encourage the forecasts of purchases/sales to be more accurate. In order to increase the goal congruence and communication, the department should also be evaluated based on the overall measure for the firm. This measure could be Economic Value added (EVA) as when it is applied, managers will not just be focussed on their own departments profitability but also that of company as a whole. The EVA approach promotes the same profit objectives across different departments. Thus by keeping the same structural organizations and only changing the way each department is evaluated, the incentive plan for each department more accurat ely reflects what each department can control.

Human Nature and Power Essay

During the Renaissance, many brilliant philosophers have explored the concept of human nature. The question, what motivates humanity has been taken into consideration in the composure of virtually every society. By establishing that premise, many went on to create an ideal society with the intention of developing that thought. Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas More are outstanding representatives among them. In both More’s Utopia and Machiavelli’s The Prince, perfect societies are constructed. However, More and Machiavelli have different opinions about the human nature in relation to the role of power and authority. Thomas More optimistically describes human nature. He depicts that man by nature is good-willed and conforming. He believes that human nature can be improved. Therefore, if the governing power is to be removed then man would be a less hostile force. Niccolo Machiavelli, on the other hand, describes human nature negatively. Man is untrustworthy, ungrateful, greedy and lying. Machiavelli suggests that man will never change and that one will always attempt to overcome the other. Power and authority is implied in the very essence of Machiavelli’s work. It is tied in with the greed and selfishness. More believed human nature to be good, created by God, and susceptible to great improvement if social, political, and economic conditions were reformed so that human misery were eliminated and that fundamental human virtue were thereby liberated and nurtured. More believed in socialism insofar as it would eliminate private property, which he saw as the root of evil. He believed that when private property exists, and when money dominates all other considerations, then â€Å"it is hardly ever possible for a commonwealth to be governed justly or happily. † More believes that justice simply cannot exist when the â€Å"worst citizens† own the â€Å"best things,† or â€Å"where property is limited to a few. † In such a situation, those who have so much are â€Å"always uneasy,† fearing they will have it taken, and those who have so little â€Å"are utterly wretched† (More 38). Where there is no justice, people will believe that there is no reward for virtue, which will result in people behaving according to their lowest standards, rather than according to their highest. In Utopia, Thomas More’ view of human nature is far more positive than negative. While he certainly shows an awareness of the flaws in human beings, he attributes those flaws more to the environment, and political and socioeconomic factors, than to the nature of humanity. In other words, More shows that human nature can be altered by altering the environment. If the environment is improved, meaning socially, politically and economically, then the behavior of human beings will be improved, bringing out the best in human nature. So in More’s view, if the governing power and authority is to be removed then man would be a less hostile force. Machiavelli expresses his view of the basic lack of goodness in human nature. He believes that in general, most people have a primary interest in themselves, and are motivated by their financial greed. Men are mainly concerned with their property and honor. â€Å"When neither their property nor their honor is touched, the majority of men live content†¦ † If he â€Å"wishes to profess goodness at all times† he â€Å"must fall to ruin among so many who are not good. † If he wishes to maintain his power, he must â€Å"learn how not to be good, and to use it or not according to necessity† (Machiavelli 127). Machiavelli, envisions society as one that turns to power and satisfaction of vices as seen through The Prince. Machiavelli advises that to keep power one must learn to be corrupt. This advice is given due to the idea that one who knows not corruption and believes in honesty is faced with those who use manipulation as part of the job. Machiavelli also sees pursuing virtue as an act that leads to ruin, while serving vice will fortify life. Human nature is one that tends to be drawn to pleasant, satisfactory things. If there is no benefit to the self for actions performed, motivation to perform such actions will be low or nonexistent. As seen throughout history, many actions have been taken in order for people to gain power, even if that action is genocide. Men are willing to step over men in order to have power and make an enjoyable life for hisself. Such occurrences can be seen multiple times, being unprompted and completely by choice of the power hungry. According to the different point of view of human nature from More and Machiavelli above, we can understand how More and Machiavelli view power and the role of power and authority. In the Prince, the authority is in either monarchy or dictatorship. Machiavelli focuses on the manipulation of the people to maintain power. The importance lies in the fact that in a monarchy or dictatorship, one person has the power in a society and all the rest serve only to obey him. Starkly different is More’s creation. His society is a true communist one and it could also beargued that it is also a democracy. Leaders are elected by the people, who make their owndecisions freely. Nothing, not even power, is owned in that society by an individual. The power is distributed, thus empowerment. The capitalism of Machiavelli’s world, the idea strongly ties in with this contrast. it was written for the use of one man to dominate over and control his kingdom, it was obviously not meant for lesser mortals. It in itself is a tool of power which could be used for only the good of the prince who uses it. Whether or not the people are empowered does not matter, it is irrelevant. It only matters that theprince uses it to maintain his own power. In contrast, Utopia is a fantasy written by More tosuggest an alternative way of life for the people. He focuses very little on the doings of the princein his ideal society; what matters in Utopia is the actions of the people. One might even say thatthe people are empowered, but the ideals that truly run the society, are empowered. More’s truefocus does not even lie in power, but in the seeking of ideals. The Utopian society highlights the unwritten laws of morality that humans possess if they are raised in a society that promotes honesty and virtue. However, Machiavelli argues that men are evil and inherent selfishness, no matter how pleasant a society raises them. People’s natural tendency to lie, cheat, and steal swells up without any restrictions, destroying not only their own community but also their government. It is implied that the treatment of criminals is harsh and strict. In Utopia, More describes how this ideal society punishes its’ criminals and it is obvious that they are mild and gentle. Since vice is not only destroyed, and men preserved, but they are treated in such a manner as to make them see the necessity of being honest (Utopia, 14). Although More and Machiavelli’s opinions differ greatly in their view of human nature, both works are unbelievably intriguing in that each of the societies would leave an incredible mark in history. The visual given through More’s Utopia portrays society an optimist’s view. More believes that when given all equal opportunities and provisions, people will lead a virtuous, unselfish life. People will work for the benefit of other people in order to create an equal and pleasant society. People only turn to corruption when faced with shortages or vanity in believing some deserve more than others. So in More’s Utopian world, the governing authority is removed and the power is distributed. However, in the Prince, People’s natural tendency to lie, cheat, and steal swells up without any restrictions, power and authority is implied in the very essence of Machiavelli’s work. It is tied in with the greed and selfishness. So Machiavelli focuses on the manipulation of the people to maintain power.

Sdasad

Ramadan Ibrahimi Marketing Project November 10, 2012 Peja Beer in Monaco Introduction. With more than 300 days a year of sunshine, residents in Monaco can take advantage of the Mediterranean, and all of its seaside activities. Monaco's close proximity to the Southern Alps, which are only 1 hour away by car, allows for easy access to go for skiing. Monaco is one of the richest and a country with the lowest poverty throughout the world. But, after many researches that I have done, there is just one brewery throughout Monaco. If Peja beer would started to be exported from Peja, Kosovo to Principality of Monaco.But, if it will start to be exported, it should change its quality to higher quality and to make it more expensive to be successful. I am going to make also a Marketing plan how the things are going to work and if it will be able to exported to the Monaco, or even to open a Brewery right there. Brief discussion of the country’s relevant history For centuries, Monaco it is k nown as one of the countries that have been under the King and Princes, starting from the Henry VI, till the Prince that is ruling nowadays called Albert II. All of the Monaco Princes and Kings were absolute rulers.Monaco was part of the Italy until 1814,but in this year the French Revolution happened, and it became part of the France. Now it is an independent country. Geographical setting Monaco is a sovereign city state, with 5 Quartiers and 10 Wards, located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. It is bordered by France on three sides, with one side bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It is around 16 km away from Italy and around 13Km from Nice, France. It is the secondly smallest country in the world, and most densely populated country throughout the world. Monaco's total area is 2. 05Â  km2. FamilyMarriage is an important family event, Church weddings, held according to Roman Catholic traditions, are popular. A civil ceremony, held at the city hall, is also required even when a religious ceremony is organized. Some couples choose only to have the civil ceremony. . When the Father or the Major of the family dies, his kids inherit all of his wealth. Education Education in Monaco is compulsory from ages of six to sixteen. Monaco has around ten state operated schools, seven nursery and primary schools, one secondary school. It has also two private schools, and one international school.There is just one university running in Monaco, it is called International University of Monaco (IUM) an English language college, it is specialized in Business and Education. Political System Due to its small population and unique economic situation, Monaco does not face many of the social problems that larger countries must deal, such as violent crime and poverty. After going through a period of economic growth and industrial development following World War II, a primary concern is to make a better life for its population, try to attract new investments and to stay economical ly stable.Current social problems include managing industrial growth and tourism, environmental concerns, and maintaining the quality of life. Alcoholism and illegal drug use are present but not widespread. Monaco has a very low crime rate, in part due to the high number of law enforcement. Widespread use of security cameras throughout the principality also further discourage open criminal activity. Excluding private security, there are around 400 permanent police officers, 95 percent of them are french. The independence of the judges is guaranteed by constitution. Monaco, simply it is a stabilized economical country.Legal system Monaco legal organization includes all degrees of jurisdiction: a Court of First Instance, a Court of Appeal, a Higher Court of Appeal and a Criminal Court. There are also tribunals with specific competence, such as the Work Tribunal, the Rent Arbitration Commission, and the Higher Arbitration Court, for collective work disputes. The Supreme Court is at the top of the principality's legal organization. Even though Monaco is not a member of the European Union, Monaco also has strong ties to France, which has more liberal polices in these areas.Thus there is a mixture of both conservative and liberal attitudes in Monaco. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons in Monaco may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Monaco, when conducted in private between consenting adults. Cross-dressing is likewise not expressly illegal, but the law does not allow for transgender people to change their identity after gender reassignment surgery. Abortion in Monaco is only allowed in cases of rape, fetal deformity or illness, or fatal danger to the mother.Social Organizations Monaco's population is unusual in that the native Monegasques are a minority in their own country comprising 21. 6% of the population. The largest group are French nationals at 28. 4%, followed by Monegasque (21. 6%), Italian (18. 7%), British (7. 5%), Belgian (2. 8%), German (2. 5%), Swiss (2. 5%) and US nationals (1. 2%). Naturalized citizens of Monaco are called Monacans, while Monegasque is the proper term for describing someone who was born in Monaco. Religion and belief systems The official religion in Monaco is Roman Catholic. 2% of the population is Catholics, 12%are without religion, and in small percentage are Judaists and Muslims. Monaco it is one of the favorite places to export the beer or to open a brewery there, because number of Muslims is toosmall, and that wouldn’t bring any big problem for the company. Aesthetics Monaco it is also known for its beauty. One of the most beautiful parts of Monaco is Monte-Carlo. In Monte-Carlo are included: Cathedral of Monaco, Statue of Franqois Grimaldi, and many other aesthetics that attract tourists throughout the world.Diet and Nutrition Most of the Monaco’s population prefer to eat the Italian and French food. Also Monaco it is Known of its delicious sea food. Proximity to the sea has led to the popularity of sea food in Monaco. Fish forms an important part of the diet of the Monaco people, and feature prominently in Monaco recipes. Furthermore, some of the best Monaco restaurants serve traditional Monaco delicacies, which are absolute delights for the taste buds. Housing Monaco’s families are likely same as in the most powerful countries in Europe.But what makes it different from the others, is that when the king of the family(father) is dead, his oldest son inherits all of his wealth. They live in modern houses, modern buildings and are known as a country with joy in the family. Recreation, Sports and other leisure activities Monaco it is also known for its big influence in most of the sports. But the three most important events and sports are: Football, Monaco Grand Prix, and Monte Carlo Rally. Also there are somes ports that are not too famous in Monaco such as: Monaco M arathon, Rugby, ATP Tennis etc.If the Peja Company would agree to make advertisements during these important events, that would really grab attention to most of the people and it may help the company to export its product in many other countries. Health Care Monaco has an excellent standard of compulsory state funded healthcare. Medical staff are extremely well trained and healthcare in Monaco is available to all citizens, registered long-term residents and those citizens from France and Italy who can prove that they have paid their healthcare contributions in one of these countries.Private healthcare is also available in the country. The Caisses Sociales de Monaco (CSM) oversee the health service and all citizens are entitled by law to equal access to healthcare. Official Language(s) The official language of Monaco is French, but there are several languages spoken including Monegasque, English, Italian, Occitan and Dutch. Most of the Monaco’s population speaks French with a percentage about 50. There is just one difference in the French-Monaco dialectMonegasque (natively Munegascu) is a dialect of the modern Ligurian language, spoken in Monaco.Population Monaco’s population is 36,371, making Monaco the second smallest, and the most densely populated country in the world. United Nations showed that the Monaco’s population in the 2015 will be around thirty eight thousand. The average of deaths per 1000 people in Monaco is around 8. 52 bigger than the number of births that is 6. 85 births/1,000 population. Distribution of Population As the Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, the population is spread throughout of it. Most of the density got Monte Carlo. Gross national product Monaco is in 175 place about gross and national product with 1. 1 billion in dollars. Though official economic statistics are not published, year 2011 estimates place the national product at $6. 888 billion and the world's highest per capita income is $1 86,175. The unemployment rate is 0%, as of 2011. Working Conditions Economic prosperity and the proportionally large number of jobs available, along with the government's sensitivity to safety and environmental protection, create favorable working conditions in the principality. The unemployment rate, compared to French and EU standards, is very low at 3. 1 percent in 1998. No major labor unrest has been reported recently.Major Industries:Â  Banking, Ceramics, Chemicals, Construction, Electronics, Gambling, Metal Works, Perfumes, Plastics, Printing, Precision Instruments, Textiles, Tourism. Trade Restrictions – There are no trade restrictions in Monaco. Extent of the economic activity not included in cash income activities From the late 19th century Monaco economy began to develop tremendously with the opening of casinos. The magnificent charm of casinos, hotel industry and the beauty of natural surroundings all these have made tourism to develop very strongly here which is a major source of revenue generating trade for Monaco.Apart from this the complete lack of income tax has prompted many companies of foreign countries to invest here and enjoy the benefits. Labor force – Labor force in Monaco is 49300 including all the workers from the foreign countries. Inflation rate (consumer prices):Â  1. 5% (2010),Current technology available – Monaco is one of the strongest countries in Europe, includingto their workers the latest machineries, tools and everything that is needed per work.Retailers – If you chose to go for shopping in Monaco, it is clear that you are going to find Everything that you need out there, starting from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Breitling, Armani etc. So if you have some cash to spend, this is one of the best countries to shop. Warehousing – Warehousing will be kept by the Monaco Group that runs in Monaco. Media – There is just one television existing in Monaco, and it is called t he TMC(TV Monte Carlo)Costs – To publish a 15 second advertisement in Monaco in the TMC television you need to pay Around 60k per month.Percentage reached by TMC – In 2010 there were 22. 982 people that regularly watched the TMC. TMC is the only available television in Monaco. The Product The product as I mentioned earlier is the Peja Beer. If it is possible, it will be exported to Monaco. I think that it is well intended product regarding that in Monaco exists only one Brewery. If Peja beer will be exported right there, definitely is going to be a big deal for the company. Peja is the most sold Beer in Kosovo, and it plays a big role in the market.There is no reason not to be successful also in the international market. Regarding to the Peja Beer is not very high qualitative beer, many things needs to be improved. Firstly, the Peja beer needs to improve the quality of its beer, because the Monaco standard is very high. Secondly, its quality needs to challenge the bigg est beer exports in Monaco such as: Heineken, Becks, Corona, Singha etc. Finally, the Peja beer bottles needs an improvement and needs to be more attractive to the people who see it. The bottles should be different and more colorful to make people buy it, and try it.Major Problems One of the major problems about the Peja beer exporting in Monaco are Taxes. The Taxes in Monaco are very high, approximately one of the countries with the highest taxes in Europe. This problem will lead the company to many problems including financial problems. Also another major problem is the Marketing. To do a simple advertisement on TMC costs a lot of money. This is also a major problem because without advertising the Peja beer, it will be very hard to be successful in the Monaco’s Market.These two are the biggest issues that are following the company right now. The Market The market where the Peja beer is going to be sold is: small markets, markets and huge supermarkets. Also we will try to ma ke a deal with the biggest supermarket running in the Monte Carlo called Fontvieille. I hope there is going to be also availability in the Fontviellie and in other small supermarkets to make a promotion and give people the Peja beer to try it. Also there is another big supermarket called Carrefour, and we will try to do the same thing also here with promotion.

Management & Budgetary Control and the Beyond Budgeting debate Essay

Management & Budgetary Control and the Beyond Budgeting debate - Essay Example During the recent years new ideas have emerged in the business world that challenge the traditional approach to budgeting and claim it not be fit for the current business environment as it is unable to fulfill the demands and requirements. It is both private and public sector that have adopted traditional approach to budgeting since very beginning and they find comfort in tradition even if it doesn’t suit the current business environment. The new ideas are revolutionary they compensate both future financial planning keeping in view non-financial factors that influence the performance and working of the organization (Moolchand, Narendra, & Koshina, 2012). Therefore this changing business world gives rise to the idea of â€Å"Beyond Budgeting† that provides a model beyond command and control towards a more adaptive, flexible and empowering model. Beyond Budgeting is being used to transform the performance potential of the organization it removes the shackles of annual bud get and at the same time allowing the employees to use their full power in the front line. Business environment especially in the past one decade has become much dynamic, complex, turbulent and uncertain. Adaptability is the greatest attribute that the organizations should possess in order to sustain in the market. Life cycles of the products have reduced with the continuous advancement in the technology innovation becomes a critical factor of success for the corporates. These details regarding the business and market environment signify that diversity along with flexibility is important for sustainable growth of the organization. It is not the organizations with huge capital and resources who can survive it is corporates that are adaptable would progress in future. Recent events in the business world raised the comments and the criticism over budgeting system that is in practice currently. It brings rigidity in the system, restricts movement and doesn’t limits

Social Engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social Engineering - Essay Example Meanwhile, the aspect of social Engineering just happening from diverse institutions in the technological world however is not good or evil since it carries both positive as well as negative norms. Many companies usually work based on initiating database for effective delivery of their services and therefore they make sure that their servers are free from malicious hackers as well as avoid any forms of infiltrations on their servers. Social Engineering infrastructure has been affected through internet fraudulent activities. Social engineering is one the artistically as well as scientifically facet that involves skillfully articulations and it is used in diverse professional including, lawyer, students, researchers, psychologists. According to various researchers, social engineering is termed as a collection of various skills and sciences that leads to a certain action (Wilson and Hadnagy, 12-16). Pre-texting In the United Kingdom, pre-texting, also known as blagging as well as bohoin g activities, involves the act of creation and inventing ways to phish out divulging information. Moreover, pre-texting can also be defined as the act of inventing and creating certain traits that makes people perform certain actions. Pre-texting involves anything within imagination context. The rise of internet has majorly affected Pre-texting norm in many ways. Various hackers nowadays use Pre-texting technique as well as method phished from business domains in disclosing customer’s information as well as obtaining various records (Arnold, 20-23). Forms of social Engineering The forms of social Engineering entails the presence of hackers, penetration testers also known as pentester, spies framework, identity thieves, disgruntled employees, scum artists, executive recruiters, salespeople, governments as well as professionals such as lawyers, psychologists, and doctors. Many companies and software vendors are creating hardened as well as complex software, difficult to break i nto. Due to this reason, many hackers have decided to embark on the social engineering facets using the prevailing minor breaches as well as blend engineering attacks to initiate their purposes (Simson and Mitnick, 42-47). In real sense, we find that penetration testers are entity of people who uses black malicious skills in gaining personal information of someone or harming the targeted person. Remote hacking has been one of the major approaches that have been used as a penetration tester also known as pentester, which is offensive in nature. However, based on pentester facet, many organizations in business today uses pentester articulation to ensure that their clients remain secure in terms of their data manipulation. Many governmental organizations utilize social engineering perception by controlling their protocol domains and messaging systems they releases to their workers. Social proof, authorization, and scarcity are one of the social engineering aspects that are utilized, sh owing that social engineering is not always negative (Wilson and Hadnagy, 49-56). Uses of Social engineering Social engineering can be initiated and employed in many areas that pertain aspects of life and affects one positively or negatives depending on the prevailing issue. Generally, social engineering can be malicious or be friendly by either tearing down or building up someone life. Motivation is an aspect that is

Impact of First World War on Russia and Germany Essay

Impact of First World War on Russia and Germany - Essay Example This was also the result of Russia being isolating itself and sending belligerent messages to the rest of the astounded world that was aghast with the termination of Tsars that led to their cold-blooded killing. The direct impact of world war started with the vast mobilisation of military and Russian population even in the farthest corners of Russia started dreading the outbreak of war with most of the able bodied men disappearing into the defence forces. Social impact of the military disasters between 1914 and 1915 was terrible for Russian population, who, till then, lived a rather deprived, but peaceful existence and most of the Russians were peasants in the far-flung areas of Russia1.There were war refugees accompanied by vast displacement of population as a result of Russian retreats in the first two years of war. It is said that more than one fifth of Russia's railway wagons were involved only in the work of evacuating people and other equipments in the summer of 1915. This had become very important to save the population from perishing in the hands of advancing Germany. More than half a million peasant households were displaced with disastrous effects. It was not easy to provide eithe r employment or basic necessities to these displaced people and rehabilitation when the country was losing the war was extremely difficult. Military reverses as in any other country, had direct impact on ordinary people of Russia. Farmers had to leave their land and livelihood and farm machinery and this means they had no ways of continuing farming. They were unsuitable for any other life and living without a roof over their heads in Russian winter was another major problem. There was widespread chaos and confusion combined with acute shortage of food and shelter almost leading to starvation. Naturally the government was unable to meet the expenses of refugees and running a full-blooded military campaign against Germany who had prepared for this war for years. Different sections of Russian society reacted in different ways, no doubt. But all of them showed understandable desperation of not knowing when the war would end. Refugees had no idea when they would be able to return home. Educated sections of the society and the intellectuals were getting more and more alienated from the government. From hindsight it is difficul t not to sympathise with the government which was under enormous stress and strain of protecting the land from the enemy attack, facing the weather conditions, clothing and keeping the soldiers armed and happy and facing the internal upheaval of a ruined economy, though the Russian elite remained committed to somehow achieving victory in the ongoing war. There are also indications that other than the military, civil administration was uncooperative in the war efforts and this slowly created rift in the ranks and lines of educated society. Government had been unable to mobilise public opinion in favour of the war it had been fighting. People were more concerned about losing their homes and hearths and were worried about their livelihoods than about the real war. Their minds were full of the hardships and difficulties they were facing with their families and ideologies did not worry them much, faced with enormous problems which did not seem to end.

Core values Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Core values - Essay Example According to Brown (2004), leadership is a core value because it inspires greater levels of teamwork, as there are certain things that others do not know how to do, but a leader can assist them. Leadership enables me to lead others in the correct path of life as I can influence others correctly. The term work has numerous meanings with regards to the field that uses the word such as physics. However, work, in the field of core values, is carrying out a task successfully (Brown, 2004). I consider working an extremely essential value as it is even quoted in the bible "man should not eat before they work". Therefore, people should work to get want they want in life as this applies to me. People around me do not see me as a lazy person as I like getting everything successfully completed. Faith, on the other hand, refers to the things the belief in God and the things, which He has given up to bring hope in life (Brown, 2004). Everybody, in this world, has faith in something, but, for Christians, faith is to believe in their sole creator. It offers people perseverance, and; therefore, should be regarded as a core value. Faith has made me a patient person, in life, knowing that, even through the thickest of times, my future will still be okay. Prayer refers to an invocation, which seeks to arouse a rapport between people and God. Prayers, to God, are done in plentiful ways, but the essence of the act is to bring people closer to their creator (Brown, 2004). Prayers, just like faith, teach people to be patient, and know the right ways of asking for things. Prayers have enabled me to grow closer to my creator. Knowing the essence of praying, I have been able to encourage a lot of people to pray when they are facing challenging times. They return to me, in the future to say that God has answered their prayers. Loyalty refers to the devotion or faithfulness, which a person

The expansion and settlement of the U.S Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

The expansion and settlement of the U.S - Essay Example However, this process of incorporation and inclusion of territories that had not previously been part of the United States was not something that came about on its own. Instead, it was encouraged by the government, by the press, and by individuals within the United States as something of a â€Å"manifest destiny†. As this confusing phrase implies, the destiny was that the United States was predisposed to conquer and occupy all of the territory between the Atlantic and Pacific, stretching all the way to Mexico in the South and all the way to Canada in the North. The primary rationale for this manifest destiny was that God had given the United States a unique opportunity and all of the lands that it was to occupy. Naturally, this particular rationale is reminiscent of the way in which the God of the Old Testament had given the land of Canaan to the Israelites as immutable; upon their exodus from Egypt. In terms of defense ability, this particular rationale is of course completel y and entirely indefensible. None of the individuals, whether members of the press, members of the government, where members of the individual society, has spoken with God and were able to definitively conclude that this is what you want. Furthermore, such a behavior trampled upon the rights of indigenous peoples and those that had otherwise laid claim to the regions that the United States slowly incorporated into the

Research methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Research methods - Essay Example However, the use of codes and standards not enough to stop unethical research, and the issues surrounding power and responsibility still exist. Procedural ethics need to be combined with personal integrity and virtue to ensure the safety of the participants while allowing the researchers to gather information efficiently (Schienke et al. 2010:4). Therefore, procedural ethics alone does not meet these needs. This can be seen by the fundamental flaws in the design of ethical codes, the failure of such codes to adequately protect the subject and the researcher during a study, and finally in the ways that personal values and beliefs can be combined with procedural methods to arrive at the most ethical solution for a given problem. The fact that ethical codes are often written by those who do not actually participate in research studies leads to many of the fundamental problems with procedural ethics. Codes may written in vague and unscientific language, and sometimes are impractical in a ctual research situations, as ethics in practice may differ from ethics in theory (Roberts and Indermaur 2007). A researcher cannot always stop to consult a code or committee of ethics, and should be able to rely on his or her own moral judgment (Henn, Weinstein, and Foard 2006:73). The focus for improving ethical behaviour among researchers should therefore be on building individual moral virtue and integrity as much as or more so than attempting to perfect standards for behaviour (Devettere 2009:363). Researchers must pay close attention to the wording of their surveys or the nature of an interview, for example, in order to ensure the subject is entirely aware of their choices about participation; the procedural guidelines cannot possibly cover all informed consent situations. Poor research practices are not excused for mistakes or omissions; those practices remain unethical behaviour. (Hoye and Severinsson 2007). None of this, however, should be taken to mean that procedural ethi cs does not have a place in medical or social research. Prior to the existence of ethical codes, researchers often took part in studies that today seem horrifying, and there were very few consequences (McNeil 2010). Study subjects were exposed to dangerous and sometimes deadly situations, and were not always fully informed as to the true nature of the experiment (Henn, Weinstein, and Foard 2006:71). While the data gathered from such studies has been useful in medical science, it is obvious that such unethical practices could not be allowed to continue. Modern procedural ethics began with the Nuremberg Code, written as a result of the Nazi doctors war crimes tribunal. The first internationally accepted standards of behaviour for medical researchers, the Nuremberg Code is a listing of 10 points that should be met in ethical research on human subjects. (Hazelgrove n.d.) Highlights include voluntary informed consent, protection of the subject from harm, and that the risk of the experime nt must be lower than the predicted gain from the study (Mitscherlich and Mielke 1949). Despite this paradigm shift in the acceptability of research, in the years following the adoption of the Nuremberg Code, unethical research continued to occur. This was due in part to the fact that the legal standing of the code was unclear and was never actually cited in the

Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation Essay - 5

Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation - Essay Example Researchers such as Harris and Rice are of the perspective that the more conventional talk therapy psychopaths receive, the more they are able to hone their skills of manipulation, deceit (Patrick, 2006). Consequently, the probability of future risk offending accelerates as psychopaths are already more susceptible to violence and offences over a longer span of time than non-psychopaths. A retrospective study carried out in 2011 revealed escalated criminal recidivism after customary psychopathy treatments. Empirical studies have even revealed that treatments suited for other offenders can actually prove detrimental for psychopaths (McMurran, Egan, & Ahmadi, 1998). This point can be understood by considering the fact that psychopaths are categorically dissimilar from other offenders. They have no impairment or wrong that can be fixed by therapy or clinical treatments. Instead, they display an evolutionarily viable life strategy based on manipulation, cheating, callousness, and the like traits. Personality disorders encompass symptoms that tend to be rigid, inflexible, and maladaptive; thus making it nearly impossible to treat a person completely. Harris and Rice emphasize there is hardly any evidence of a complete cure or effectual treatment for psychopaths. This is because no medicine can instil emotions such as empathy, sympathy and the like. In fact, some research even demonstrated that punitive measures and behaviour modification methodologies have no impact on improving the metal state of psychopaths (Patrick, 2006) Likewise, Hervey Cleckley also is of the view that psychopaths neither benefit from the treatment and nor are capable of entering into emotional relations that are a pre-requisite for effective therapy. The clinical literature is equally pessimistic on the subject (Cleckley, 1982). For now, the best available literature advocates that effective management and intervention can come by applying social learning

Dealing with an Irritable Child Using the Behaviorist Theory Essay

Dealing with an Irritable Child Using the Behaviorist Theory - Essay Example Hence, Behaviorism is also sometimes called the Stimulus-Response or S-R Theory. Since learning is developed to become a reflex action, Behaviorism largely works under the mechanics of Classical Conditioning. Classical conditioning has fundamental requirements in order to be effective. The first of these is contiguity, which refers to the degree of association between the reinforcer and the behavior that is being aimed at (Klein, 2011). Contiguity plays an important role in conditioning because it is what connects the stimulus and the consequent response that is hoped to achieve (Gordon & Browne, 2010). Next, conditioning will be effective only if there is sufficient frequency at which the behavior is being drawn out. The required response will only become automatic upon application of stimulus if S-R bonds have been established many times before (Klein, 2011). Finally, the required behavior will be achieved by classical conditioning if the proper reinforcement is applied. Reinforcem ent is the mechanism used to increase the chances that the response that preceded it will occur again (Klein, 2011). There are different kinds of reinforcements in terms of their desirability. First, positive reinforcement is a pleasant stimulus that aims to strengthen a response if it is given after the response occurs. For example, offering a child candy for taking out the trash is positive reinforcement. On the other hand, negative reinforcement is the removal of an undesirable stimulus after a response (Gordon & Browne, 2010). For example, excusing a child from household chores because of good grades in school demonstrates a negative reinforcement. Both positive and negative reinforcements fortifies or reinforces the response that preceded the reinforcement. Unlike reinforcements, a punishment decreases the occurrence of a response because of the introduction of an undesirable stimulus following the response (Klein, 2011). It should be noted that the Behaviorist Theory needs to satisfy certain assumptions and implications. Proponents of the Behaviorist Learning Theory believe that human begin as a blank slate, one that needs to be filled with programmed responses to certain stimuli (Gordon & Browne, 2010). In addition, behaviorists have modeled a strongly deterministic theory of learning. However, one should keep in mind that while behaviorist strategies may apply without failure on animals, animal behavior is still very much different from human behavior in terms of thoughts, ideas, emotions, and feelings (O' Boyle, 2006). II. Proponents of the Behaviorist Theory The different proponents of Behaviorist Theory include B. F. Skinner, Ivan Pavlov, and John B. Watson. B. F. Skinner was the most significant contributor to the Behaviorist Theory. He fashioned quantitative and scientific experiments that would prove the premises of Behaviorism (Taylor, 2008). His vast research on operant conditioning is still being widely used today and is considered as a main a uthority in the field. Ivan Pavlov is most notable in the Behaviorist circle for his conditioning experiments. One of his experiments included ringing a bell and accompanying the ringing bell with food powder which made a dog salivate (Lefrancois, 2011). Later on, even without the food powder, the dog would salivate upon hearing the bell ring. John

The Market for Separately Ticketed Suits Essay Example for Free

The Market for Separately Ticketed Suits Essay 1Versatility refers to the ability to mix-and-match items after the purchase. 2Traditional suits have low versatility as they are expected to be worn as a ‘whole’ suit (or uniform). 2. The traditional suit (TS) customer is different than the target customer for high-quality separates (HQS), as they have distinct preferences and exhibit different behavior. Firstly, the TS customer will require sales assistance, while the target customer for HQS will prefer to shop by self-service. Secondly, the TS customer likes to plan his purchase, while the target customer for HQS will most likely make his purchase spontaneously. Thirdly, the target customer for HQS prefers versatility in the form of choosing and customizing his own suit, while the TS customer does not mind purchasing the prescribed design of a business suit. Finally, the TS customer puts higher emphasis on achieving the ‘executive look’ when they make a purchase, while the target customer for HQS focuses on comfort and ease of purchase. 3. With regards to merchandising and marketing techniques, high quality separates (HQS) will offer a good fit with Jaymar Ruby (JR). As the Jaymar customer is already a quality-slack (or separates) customer, encouraging him to purchase other quality separates would be considerably easier. Hence, selling HQS in JR will seemingly be an expansion of the product line since JR already has a head-start in selling ‘separates’. In addition, the aggressive marketing strategies of JR would be put into good use when introducing this new segment of products into the market. However, it is worth noting that the quality of garments in JR seems to be in conflict with HQS, as JR’s garments are classified as 1 make (Exhibit 4), which is in the lower end of the ‘quality spectrum’. In spite of this, HQS will offer a good fit with JR as the competitive advantage reaped in initiating the separates business via JR outweighs the conflict in quality of garments. A possible solution to this issue is to communicate clearly to the customer that HQS are of a superior quality. 4. This will depend on the position that HSM will take. The separates customer ignores quality in preference to the ability to purchase more garments, and might not perceive any difference b etween HQS and low-quality separates (LQS). Hence, if no action is taken by HSM, the separates customer might still prefer LQS (since it costs lesser than HQS, and enables them to purchase more garments), and HSM will still face significant competitive threat from LQS. Therefore, HSM must be able to differentiate HQS such that the separates customer perceives distinct benefits in HQS as compared to LQS, which also justifies the difference in price. One example would be to market HQS strategically so as to convince the separates customer that higher quality will equate to higher comfort (since separates customer places emphasis on comfort), which justifies the higher prices charged for HQS. Thus, LQS could cater to the separates customer who prefers having the ability to purchase more garments (and hence, sacrificing ‘comfort’), while HQS could cater to the separates customer who does not mind paying a higher price for more ‘comfort’. Hence, if HSM is able to create perceived value for its HQS and communicate this message effectively, it will be able to successfully thwart the competitive threat from LQS in the short run. However, it should be noted that if HSM experiences success in selling HQS, companies of LQS will then consider upgrading to HQS, or new competitors could be attracted to the market. Therefore, in the long run, it is a likelihood that the competitive threat faced by HSM might then intensify. 5. HSM should introduce a line of HQS. Firstly, from the perceptual map, we can see clearly that HQS, LQS and TS each represent a different benefit combination, and hence, could cater to different segments of customers. As seen from the second question, the traditional suit customer and the target customer for HQS have distinct preferences and behavior, and HSM could thus better target the separates customer by introducing a line of HQS. In addition, as seen from the 3rd question, HSM will have a competitive advantage in selling HQS as the avenue chosen for starting the separates business (JR) is already selling quality slacks, and introducing HQS in JR would only be an expansion of the product line. Also, as mentioned in question 4, introducing a line of HQS will be able to thwart the competitive threat from LQS for the time being. Therefore, based on the above points, and that the current level of competition in the market for HQS is nearly non-existent, it is strongly recommended for HSM to introduce a line of HQS.

Traditional Views Of Corporate Social Responsibility

Traditional Views Of Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Social Responsibility is when companies control the business processes to create an overall positive effect on society. Corporate Social Responsibility is the progressing obligation by business to conduct oneself ethically and donate to economic growth while improving the standards of the societys workforce and as well as of the local community and society. (www.mallenbaker.net) The need of corporate social responsibility is that it helps in building the brand image of the company which will in turn invite plenty of investors there by increases sales and profit of the company or firm. It is also a duty of every firm to give something in return to the society. CSR acts like a bridge between the firm and society and through this both sides are benefited. Corporate social responsibility can be further explained with Carrolls four part model of corporate social responsibility which includes Philanthropic responsibilities, Ethical responsibilities, Legal responsibilities and Economic responsibilities. Carrolls four-part model of corporate social responsibility Source: Carroll 1991 Philanthropic responsibilities are tasks that are the needs of the society. Philanthropy encompasses those corporate behaviour that are related to societys want that businesses be fine corporate citizens. This incorporates keenly involving in actions or programs to encourage human wellbeing or benevolence. Examples of philanthropy include business aid of monetary resources or exclusive period, such as contributions to the arts, education, or the community. A loaned-executive program that offers headship for a communitys United Way campaign is one illustration of philanthropy. (www.findarticles.com) Ethical responsibilities are responsibilities that are awaited by the society. Ethics deals with good behaviour of persons and good living. It distinguishes between right and wrong and encourages the notion of good life that is fulfilling and according to moral conduct. Ethical Responsibility is such a kind of responsibility that is a boundary to the concepts of Ethics. These responsibilities are not only to encourage a good living standard for oneself but also for the whole society. Ethical Responsibility is imposed by the moral and social values of a society and not by regulation. (www.blurit.com) Legal responsibilities are those responsibilities which are a necessitate of the society. Society has not only authorized business to function according to the turnover motive, at the same time business is likely to obey with the laws and regulations promulgated by federal, state, and local governments as the ground rules under which business must function. As a incomplete fulfilment of the social contract between business and society, firms are likely to follow their fiscal missions within the structure of the law. Legal responsibilities replicate a vision of codified ethics in the sense that they embody basic ideas of reasonable operations as established by lawmakers. They are depicted as the next level on the pyramid to describe their historical improvement, but they are suitably seen as co existing wit economic tasks as basic precepts of the liberated venture scheme. (www.findarticles.com) Economic responsibilities are those responsibilities which are demanded by the society. Business firms were formed as economic entities intended to offer goods and services to societal members. The profit motive was recognized as the key incentive for private enterprise. The business organization was the basic economic unit in our society. As such, its prime role was to manufacture goods and services that clients required and desired and to build a satisfactory profit in the progression. At some point the idea of the profit motive got transformed into a notion of maximum profits, and this has been an enduring value ever since. All other business tasks are predicated upon the economic liability of the firm, because without it the others become doubtful considerations. (www.findarticles.com) Stakeholder theory of the firm traditional management mode includes shareholders, customers, firm, suppliers, and employees. The stakeholders may be divided into categories of internal and external stakeholders. The internal stakeholders include employees, owners, and manager. And the external stakeholders include shareholders, society, suppliers, government, customers and creditors. The above question is mainly based on the external stakeholders which emphasis on shareholders and society. Case study of Shell refining company in relation to CSR both traditional and new view Shell Refining Company Shell Company offers to the principle of sustainable development that sees to the requirements of the current situation without compromising the ability of future situation to encounter their own desires. Being part of Shell, this Company offers to the same principle of sustainable development. Shells practices are associated with the systematic approach adopted by Royal Dutch Shell plc in their own pains to employ strength, security and environmental management practices. Their behaviour are governed by the desire to make business decisions that give weight age to their sense of economic, social and environmental responsibilities and by which our stakeholders and society can hold us answerable. Shell refining company are dedicated to serving its stakeholders in order to advance their quality of existence whereas concurrently contributing to Malaysias progression and its Vision 2020 goals and aims. (www.shell.com) The role of shareholders and society in a traditional point of view was mainly associated with mere business ethics. It is the first hit on an offshore provision, formerly thought secure in spite of a wave of inshore attacks. The emergency shutdown might have damaged equipment, which would have to be repaired. The raid took place on the Bonga oil platform about 120km (75 miles) off the coast of the Niger Delta. Shell has also been blamed for an oil spill in the Ogoni region of the Delta. Oil is gushing from disused pipes deserted by the company when it left the region nearly 15 years ago, following local protests. Attacks on the inshore Niger Delta have helped drive up world oil prices and previously cut Nigerias output by about 20%. (www.bbc.co.uk). Shareholders made sure that every action of theirs will be ethical which would be fair, moral, principled and decent decisions towards the company. Shell companys shareholders in the traditional point of view were ethical as in they told their directors not to let the oil wastages in the river at Nigeria as there were wastes being dumped in the river which in turn were affecting the people of Nigeria. The society in turn defended itself. The Shareholders offer its customers with solutions and a diversity of energy products, materials and services, which get together their requirements. Cost-effectively and does not cause damage to the environment. They work to convince them that their performance and society holds up for us, do not direct to untenable social differences but create prosperity, which paybacks society as a whole. They also work to persuade them that there is a clear path for the future expansion of their industry, which will gain the next generation. Shareholders fabricate and sustain a culture of knowledge and modernism in which employees can fulfil their potential and meet the most demanding of goals meanwhile enjoying what is being done. It is a culture where the leaders are being motivated to instigate others through personal example, and where the values of honesty, integrity, respect for people, trust, openness, teamwork and professionalism, can flourish. The companies forces meets the challenges of the new millennium with a view to serving people build a enhanced globe. Therefore, they will persist to invest in projects that exploit superlative equipment, research and expansion within the highest Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) standards. (www.shell.com). Traditional view of Shell Company Finance Enduring productivity is necessary to achieve business objectives and to sustained development. It is a measure, both of effectiveness and of the worth that customers position on Shell products and services. It provides the essential business funds for the progressing investment that is necessary to extend and create future energy supplies to convene customer wants. Only through profits and a well-built financial base, it would be possible to fulfil tasks. Rivalry Free enterprise is being supported by Shell companies. They look for fair competence and ethics and within the framework of applicable competition laws and they will not avoid others from competing freely with them. Trade veracity Shell companies persist on sincerity, integrity and justice in all aspects of their business and with whomever they deal with. Any kind of direct or indirect form of bribes where there is an offer, payment and acceptance of them is not acceptable. Payments with regards to facilitation are also bribes and are not granted. Every business dealings on behalf of a Shell company must be reflected precisely and moderately in the accounts of the company in accordance with established procedures and are subject to audit and disclosure. Political actions Shell companies operate in a communally accountable manner within the laws of the countries in which we operate in pursuit of our legitimate commercial objectives. No payments are made to political parties, organizations or their representatives by Shell company. They do not participate in party politics. However, when associated with governments, Shell companies have the right and the conscientiousness to make our position known on any matters which affect us, our employees, our customers, our shareholders or local communities in a manner which is in accord with our standards and the business values. Safety, Health, Security and the Environment Shell companies have an orderly approach to health, safety, security and environmental management so that incessant performance development can be achieved. Shell companies also handle these issues as significant business actions, set principles and goals for development, and compute, assess and report performance outwardly. There is a constant check to reduce the environmental collision of our operations, goods and services. Local Communities Shell companies aspire to be excellent neighbours by constantly recovering the traditions in which they donate directly or indirectly to the universal happiness of the communities within which they work. Management of social effects of business activities in a cautious manner and work with others to improve the reimbursements to local communities, and to mitigate any negative effects from their activities. Shell companies also take a productive concern in societal matters, directly or indirectly related to their business. Communication and commitment Shell companies distinguish that usually conversation and commitment with stakeholders is essential. They are dedicated to reporting of performance by providing full relevant data to lawfully involved parties, subject to any overruling considerations of business privacy. In interactions with employees, business partners and local communities, they look for to listening and responding with sincerity and dedication. Observance Shell Company complies with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate with. (www.shell.com) New view of Shell Company No damage to people Shell Company are truly dedicated to pursuing the aim of no damage to people or property as an outcome of their actions. They make sure that there will no one victimised from their operations. Business for Safety Shell Company persistently believes that a well-built safety society is necessary for business. So, they continue to motivate a customs of ownership and individual accountability for safety and health at the workplace all through the firm. Throughout 2006, they sustained to take on the ordered functioning of HSSE Management Systems with specific improvements reflected via key performance indicators (KPIs). Behaviour-Based Safety Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) was initiated to all refinery workers as well as the in-house contractor by an exterior adviser. The programme began in November 2004 and all workforces were trained by 2005. A group of BBS Observers were educated to conduct observations and offer reports to the focal safety manager. A web based checklist for the BBS observers was launched and the conclusion are being analysed to ensure continuous improvements in safety behaviour. Overall, there are many positive indications that the BBS programme will offer additional marked improvement in our safety performance. In 2006, the observations contained in BBS observers database are being analysed by a specialist to give earning basis in preparing HSSE programmes and drives. Environment Protection They are dedicated to shielding the environment. Company minimises the effect of its actions to the environment by setting extremely demanding development targets to increasingly diminish emissions and discharges. These efforts all fall in line with Malaysian legislations, Shell Group Strategic Objectives and other connected global conventions. Complaints from public It is the right of all citizens to find fault if and when any actions bother any citizens daily livelihood. They take all complaints acutely and each is recognized and filed to make sure timely action and response is assured. Usually, all complaints will be responded right away and stopped within 48 hours. If this is not possible, the complainant will be provided a cause for the hold-up and will be advised as to when to wait for a response. In 2006, your company recorded seven public complaints, compared to five recorded in 2005. The complaints were mainly related to odour and noise, which duty officers punctually responded to and the suitable remedial activities taken. Complaints are also discussed at the Community Dialogue sessions that take place frequently. (www.shell.com) The following are some activities conducted by Shell Company towards the new view of CSR. They are as follows SOCIAL PERFORMANCE PLAN Social Performance (SP) in Shell Group is the word used to explain how one manages the effect of business on the communities and societies in which they function. As part of the Shell Group guidelines, Company has developed and executed its SP Plan, which aims to boost social performance levels in a prearranged approach. Company and its stakeholders rise to gain from practical commitment on evidently drawn-up matters. BENEFITS COMMUNITIES Shell Company is a key associate of Port Dickson community. They are continuously looking for suitable ways to give to the social well being of the neighbourhood and to the wider public, which grant your Company its licence to function and nurture. BIODIVERSITY All Companies including Shell Company play an important when it comes with societal aspect as they have a role to play in shielding and supporting biodiversity. As an dynamic contributing member of society, Shell takes this task very sincerely. (www.shell.com) Multiplicity and completeness of Shell Company An organisation with a forward thinking motive, Shell Company appreciates that the whole is forever more than the sum of its parts. They also know the significance of accommodating differences and distinguish people for who they are while acknowledging the significance of their offerings. Merely by recognising and considerating the differences inbuilt in individuals, one can want to plug the various talents of pool of diverse people. Besides accommodating multiplicity in the workplace, one can optimise human resource ability and sharpen the dormant talents and skills of cosmopolitan labour force. Multiplicity encompasses noticeable dissimilarities in conditions of gender, age, nationality and physical ability; as well as delicate fundamental differences in terms of education, experience, religion, work styles, way of thoughts and communications. Completeness, on the other hand, refers to a place of work where diversity, both noticeable and delicate, is appreciated and where individuals are given the chance to expand skills and talents unfailing with organisational values and business objectives. Their recognition of diversity and inclusiveness means that the Company today has a diverse and multi-talented labour force comprising 300 employees of five nationalities, of which 89% are male and 11% female. Among the management team, the ratio is more unbiased with the male composition at 56% and the female composition at 44%. They are also glad to account that the Companys labour force now possess its first female plant manager. (www.shell.com) Growing together, people matter to the Company. Their sense of economic, social and environmental responsibility is reflected in devotion to meeting todays needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their requirements. Conclusion CSR communication in Switzerland is a well-established exercise amongst top companies. Its prospect lies on a concrete foundation. In fact, top companies are regarded as by a mainly Anglo-Saxon approach that is active and optimistic. Three major areas of development have been recognized. Firstly, companies can increase from a more decisive assortment of the social issues to be communicated. Secondly, a key periphery of upgrading can take place by managing key publics, such as customers, shareholders, and the financial community mainly by investing in the precise channels to arrive at them. Finally, top companies in Switzerland may benefit from adopting international coverage values. This examination has also shown the importance of understanding the cultural determinants of CSR. In this regard, more research is certainly required, especially to better comprehend differences in behaviours concerning CSR communication that may come up in multicultural contexts, a appropriate feature i n the European context, and for cosmopolitan companies functioning in diverse enlightening environments. (Birth, Illia, Lurati and Zamparini, 2008). CSR is also concluded that expertises essential by CSR managers do differ due to the assorted disciplines concerned and also the intricacy of the roles and tasks of a CSR plan. There are no precise credentials necessary for this ground. As the ground is recent, convertible skills and facts from other associated specializations such as environmental administration, business morals, transmit of equipment, human resource management and community growth are appreciated. Thereby the skills necessary by CSR managers are known as business skills, people skills and technical skills; and the precise skills necessary are further determined by the mission and vision of the organizations where the CSR managers hand round. CSR organizations in many budding countries including Malaysia consist of local and international firms. Per se, this examination advices that relative studies should be conducted on the differences between strategies adopted by the two firms in terms of emphases and point of r eferences in CSR, the precise roles of CSR programs to community and society at large, and specific business, people as well as technical skills that the CSR managers should own. It is also advised that studies on how CSR firms struggle during the nearby economic disaster are valuable to get on. On the other hand, they have to be conscious of the reality that moving in the direction of achieving firms economic objectives ought to be devoid of jeopardizing the social objectives. ( Ismail, 2009).

Greek Colonization in the Archaic Period

Greek Colonization in the Archaic Period Identify and Discuss the Main Elements Stimulating the Spread of  Greek Colonies During the Archaic Period Introduction Between around 800 and 500[1] the Greek states embarked upon a widespread colonisation movement; by the 6th century Greek colonies were scattered throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea. It was as a direct result of this colonisation movement that Greek culture was disseminated to Africa, Asia and Southern Europe, it was a movement that changed the economic and cultural history of the whole region (Bradley, 1988, 20). Motivation for Colonisation It is often assumed, based upon the original claim of Thucydides, and recently exemplified by Sealey (1976, 31), that colonisation was a direct result of land hunger[2] caused by overpopulation of the mother city and a lack of local resources to feed burgeoning numbers. He claims support for this idea can be found in the foundation of Cyrene (Herodotus 4.150-158). The colonists were sent out by Thera after a period of famine, but this does not at all support the idea that colonists were sent out by overpopulated cities, but that some colonies wee the result of natural disaster. The theory of exploding population as a direct cause for much of the colonisation movement can easily be defeated; the assumption of increasing numbers comes from the archaeological evidence for greater numbers of graves in places like Attica and the Argolid (Cawkwell, 1992, 57). Athens, however, sent out no colonies before the end of the 7th century and Argos none at all. The archaeological evidence also suggests that the number of burials declined in the 7th century implying a population decrease, if the logic is followed through, during the period when Athens sent out here colony. It would be unsafe to assume one without the other. What the archaeology is most likely giving us evidence of is a change in fashion through the archaic period. Alleviating pressure on the available lad was almost certainly one motivation, but this would have been as a result of some natural disaster, such as the drought on Thera mentioned above (Herodotus 4.150-158; cf. Sealey, 1976, 31). Towards the beginning of the last century, it was believed that at most sites in the west, notably in Sicily, Greek pottery had been imported by natives before the colonists arrived. From this it was reasonable to infer that trade was an important and perhaps decisive factor in the colonising movement (Bury Meiggs, 1994, 70): this assumption has long been disputed, however. The current balance of archaeological opinion is that there is no certain evidence of trade with Sicily before the colonists arrived (Bury Meiggs, 1994, 70). There is little doubt, however, that trade was a very significant factor in the colonisation of the Mediterranean, as exemplified by the foundation of Naucratis in Egypt (Herodotus 2.178); it was traders who knew of the most advantageous places to settle and trading links were maintained with the mother city (Sealey, 1976, 31; cf. Murray, 1980, 107). Who were the colonists? As noted above, traders often formed part of the population of many of the colonies, or at the very least colonists would have been relying heavily on information supplied by traders (Murray, 1980, 107). It should further be noted that the two earliest known colonies, Al Mina and Pithecusae,[3] were both established as trading posts (Bury Meiggs, 1994, 70). Murray argues (Murray, 1980, 108), however, that in general terms trade tended to be a consequence of colonial activity and not its main driving force and thus the main constituents of a colony were almost always farmers and craftsmen looking for what can only be described as a better like. The colonies always were intended to be self sufficient and so members of a colonising expedition were made up of all classis and trades (Hammond, 1959, 114). In the larger colonies, settlers tended to come in several waves, the latter settlers tending to be of lower status in the colony and being known as epoikoi (Hammond, 1959, 114). Which cities colonised? Many Greek city states and islands participated in the colonising movement, including Chalcis in Euboea, Corinth (for colonisation of Corcyra, Strabo 6.2.4), Megara, Rhodes, Crete most of whom founded colonies in Sicily. Southern Italy was colonised largely by the Achaen states of the northern Peloponnese such as Sybaris and Croton (Sealey, 1976, 32). In the Northen Aegean area, the three pronged peninsula that became known as the Chalcidide was so called because of the many foundations from Chalcis, some in that region were also from Andros. The Bosphorus area was colonised by Megara and many colonies in the Black Sea came from the Ionian Greek states such as Miletus (Sealey, 1976, 33). It is perhaps more notable as to which states did not participate in the colonisation movement In any significant way, Sparta only founded one colony at Tarentum (Sealey, 1976, 32-3). in Southern Italy, and Athens likewise only founded o single colony whilst Argos founded none at all. A comprehensive list of all Greek foundations in the Archaic period can be found in Hammond, 1959, 657-660. Which areas were colonised? The first wave of Greek colonisation was felt most strongly in Sicily (Thucydides 6.1ff) and slightly later, southern Italy. After this initial burst of activity, the islands and promontories of the northern Aegean and along the coast of Macedon and Thrace were settled. The entrance to the Black Sea was colonised in the early 7th century and the Black Sea region probably at some point after that, although the dating for this is far from certain. North Africa seems to have been the focus of settlement activity in the mid 7th century with Cyrene being founded around 630. Around 600 the Phoenicians established a number of colonies in southern France,[4] and in Spain[5] (Murray, 1980, 104). The colonisation movement essentially ended in 580, geographically the best sites had all been occupies by then and the only significant remaining area in the Adriatic was had a barren and inhospitable coastline (Murray, 1980, 104). What was the relationship to the mother city? When the primary colony of a city state itself founded a subsidiary colony, it was common to invite a citizen from the mother state as oikistes and transplanted the same institutions: for example, the Corcyreans founded Epidamnus under the leadership of a Corinthian. We also know that Sparta’s foundation, Taras, had a college of ephors; and Euesperides, a colony of Cyrene, both ephors and a gerousia (Hammond, 1959, 112). The sense of kinship with the founding colony was, therefore, exceptionally strong. The attachment was no doubt because of a sense of debt and gratitude felt by the colonists towards the mother city for organising the settlers in the first place. As noted above, however, colonies were intended to by self sufficient and once they were firmly established the cord was cut. It was a symbol of the independence of the colony that it worshipped not its founding city, but its oikistes, even if he was of alien origin as at Epidamnus (Hammond, 1959, 112). Some privilege s were occasionally extended to the foundress, such as a request to arbitrate a dispute, but they were also frequently offered to other cities also. The relationship between founder and colony did not always remain friendly after the colony essentially became independent, the best possible example of this being the complex dispute between Corinth, Corcyra and Epidamnus that led to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War (Rhodes, 2006, 82ff). Conclusion The Greek colonisation movement had no single individual cause, it was partly the result of land hunger caused by natural disaster in some city states, almost certainly the result of expansion in some states, the result of a desire for trade revenues by some. Colonies were always intended to be independent and not simply an extension of the home city so the motivation of colonisation is hard to fathom unless we realise that it was usually not the city that was the driving force behind the desire to settle abroad but probably the main driving force came from citizens rather than it states. Individual citizens largely drove colonisation no doubt seeking a tract of land for themselves and their children, something they may never have been able to achieve in their home state. Most city states took part in the colonisation movement, but a number of the most powerful, Athens, Sparta and Argos, did not; so we can reasonably assume that colonisation did not add greatly, if at all, to the military or economic strength, or perhaps even prestige of the founding city again supporting the view that the movement was largely from citizens rather than states. Bibliography P. Bradley, Ancient Greece: Using Evidence (London 1988) J. B. Bury R. Meiggs, A History of Greece (London 1994) G. Cawkwell, Early Colonisation, CQ 1992 N. G. L. Hammond, A History of Greece to 322 BC (Oxford, 1959) O. Murray, Early Greece (Glasgow 1980) P. J. Rhodes, A History of the Classical Greek World, 478-323BC (Oxford 2006) R. Sealey, A History of the Greek City States: 700-338 BC (London 1976) 1 Footnotes [1] All dates are BC unless otherwise stated. [2] Argument of Thucydides in Bury Meiggs, 1994, 70. [3] Both established before 750. [4] e.g. Massalia. [5] e.g. Emporion.

Cuban Missile Crisis Essay -- essays research papers fc

During the administration of United States President John F. Kennedy, the Cold War reached its most dangerous state, when the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) came to the brink of nuclear war in what was known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. What was the Cold War? What started the tensions between the United States and the USSR? What actions were taken and how were the problems resolved? All of these questions and more shall be answered in this paper.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Cold War was a struggle between the United States and its allies and the Soviet Union. Although direct military conflict never took place, diplomatic and economic struggles occurred. The Cold War began when Joseph Stalin, leader of the Communist Party, used the Red Army to take control of most of the countries of Eastern Europe. The United States as well as Western European countries were greatly concerned. In response to Stalin’s military movements, President Harry Truman issued the Truman Doctrine in 1947. In his address to Congress, President Truman decided that the United States would aid any country that asked for help in resisting communism. The Truman Doctrine became known as the basis for containment, the policy to keep communism from spreading to other countries. After the Truman Doctrine, George Catlett Marshall, Secretary of State, proposed the Marshall Plan, the European Recovery Program through which the United States provided aid to Wester n Europe after World War II, in June 1947. The Marshall Plan was offered to all European countries, but Stalin would not allow the countries his military was occupying take part. In April 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed. The countries involved in this pact were the United States, Britain, France, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal. The NATO agreement said that â€Å"an armed attack against one or more of its members in Europe and/or America shall be considered an attack against them all.† To ward off aggressors, American forces and nuclear weapons were to be kept in Western Europe. In response to NATO, the Soviet Union formed a similar pact between seven Eastern European countries called the Warsaw Treaty Organization, or Warsaw Pact. The countries involved along with the Soviet Union were Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslov... ... allow them. The inspections weren’t needed, however, as U.S. aerial reconnaissance planes revealed that the missile bases were being dismantled.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Cuban Missile Crisis had ended. Nuclear war had been averted, but the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis didn’t end the Cold War. The Cold War didn’t â€Å"end† until the early nineties, when Mikhail Gorbechev and George Bush stopped the superpower rivalry, at least for the time being. Possibly the most bitter and vicious rivalry in the modern era had spawned conflict after conflict; the Cuban missile crisis was perhaps the worst of these events, almost leading to nuclear disaster. With the brazen and quick thinking of world leaders, this calamity was averted and the earth remains unscathed from the nuclear scourge. Bibliography: Jared Wiener; Bay of Pigs http://members.aol.com/yo1460/byopr/contents.html Anonymous; John F. Kennedy http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/glimpse/presidents/html/jk35.html Brinkley, American History; A Survey; Volume II; Since 1865, USA; McGraw-Hill College; 1999 Dilulio, John J. Jr, Wilson James Q., American government; The Essentials. Boston MA; Houghton Mifflin Company, 1999.

Super Leadership :: Business, Creative Culture

Idea Generation and Creative Potential The global competitive forces are compelling organizations to develop highly innovative and creative environment, where idea generation is encouraged and serves as a live blood for organizational survival by creating a strong creative culture. Because of this pressure on organization to be more creative, they are turning towards idea generation and developing creative potential of employees. Idea generation is one of the coherent phases of the creative process (Kanter, 1988); (West & Farr, 1989). Similarly, it is argued that the creativity is nothing else but the generation of novel and useful ideas (Amabile T. , 1988). Likewise, it is commented that various scientists characterize creativity as a source of generating novel or useful ideas by individuals or teams members. This manifests that idea generation and creativity are two sides of a same coin (Greenberg & Baron, 2003). Moreover, creativity is a vital characteristic related to life that we act upon in daily routine. It covers a problem at workplace that become pleasure or an imagination that becomes a reality in a hi-tech world (Bonnardel, 1999). Creativity and productivity are highly correlated due to which firms strongly believe in the effects creativity has on better performance and due to this conviction, they spends a lot of money on creativity in firms (Dennard, 2000). However, in order to foster the idea generation and creative potential of employee in the organization are compelled to identify the underlying elements. For creating such environment, various factors have been identified & explored by the scholars (West M. A., Sparkling fountains or stagant ponds: An integrative model of creativity and innovation implementation in work groups, 2002a); (West M. A., Ideas are ten a penny: its team implementation not idea generation that count, 2002b); (Mumford, 2003); (Gilson & Shalley, 2004); (Amabile, Barsade, Mueller, & Staw, 2005); (Shin & Zhou, 2003), and (Cheng, 1994). More recently, in a study, it is substantiated the importance of interpersonal character of idea generation as highlighted in recent literature on creativity. Furthermore, it is argued that the creation of ideas instigates the interaction between the individual and its social environment (Zhou, 2008). For idea generation, the broader (organizational) context needs to stimulate interpersonal contacts as much as possible. An open, helpful, somewhat informal culture, in which people can easily call on others, facilitates formal and informal social connections and idea generation. Creative Culture Everybody has a role to play as citizens and consumers, culture and creativity, at the same time, help deliver new, more sustainable ways of living and working.

With Reference to at Least 2-3 of Amichai’s Poems, Identify the Main Stylistic Elements of His Work and Comment on Their Effectiveness.

With reference to at least 2-3 of Amichai’s poems, identify the main stylistic elements of his work and comment on their effectiveness. The main stylistic elements of the work of Yehuda Amichai greatly reflect the time in which he was writing and the place in which he was located whilst writing. Being born in Germany in 1924 and then living in Israel in the 20th century meant that Amichai was exposed to a turbulent stage in world history as Israel had only just been created as a separate state after World War II and Hitler’s persecution of the Jewish race.At this time politics, war and religion were all at the centre of the world’s attention, and particularly for the Jewish people living in Israel as there was the constant threat of violence from the Arab people in neighbouring Palestine. Throughout his work, Amichai is able to effectively convey the disruption and confusion caused by this conflict by using techniques such as scattered imagery and irregular struc ture.To better understand the effectiveness of the stylistic elements used by Amichai, it is important to look at how he uses these techniques in his works. The first area of focus that is important to understand Amichai’s style is to study where and when each poem is set. With contextual background it seems to be that nearly all of his poems are set in Israel or some sort of similar desert-like place. ‘God Has Pity on Kindergarten Children’ is one of Amichai’s earliest works and it gives a good indication as to the importance of place in his poetry.The importance of place is that in many of his works the setting is very much abstract and sense of a place in which the poem is set appears to change constantly, making the poem more universal and often with religious additions to the poems the setting is taken to a metaphysical, God like, all seeing dimension. In ‘God Has pity on Kindergarten Children’, Amichai changes place from a ‘first-a id station’ to a desert like place as he describes ‘sand’ before moving to a ‘public bench’ and lastly a ‘school’.Then the idea of a metaphysical dimension is introduced with the reference to God and religion suggesting that God is all seeing and is watching over the world from the place in which he is located. The idea of there being another dimension from which God can look down on the world is reiterated in the poem, ‘God’s Hand in the World’ where Amichai asks the question, ‘What does God see through the window while his hands reach into the world? ’ These religious images ink to the creation of a metaphysical place within the poems and they provoke the reader to think about how Amichai see’s religion and how he responds to his own thoughts about God and his faith in general. The religious imagery that is recurring in many of his poems leads the reader to a conclusion that this is one of the ma in themes which much of Amichai’s work is centred around. The next key feature is the focus on time and how this affects the subject of his work whether it is a person, object or place.Amichai uses many ellipses in his work which makes the poems very radical which is mirrored in the constant change of place and the progression in time. In the poem, ‘There Are Candles That Remember’ there are three main measures of time given; the first is ‘twenty-four hours’ which is followed by ‘eight hours’ and then there is a reference to candles that are ‘eternal’. In this poem, Amichai appears to be measuring life, and in particular his life, against the age of Israel which is a very new country in this period.The inclusion of ‘antiquities’ shows another dimension in the time references in the poem as it shows the past, but not the recent past as ‘antiquities’ signifies relics that are possibly thousands of yea rs old. In some of Amichai’s poems there is modulation in tense, ‘God Has Pity on Kindergarten Children’ shows modulation between stanza one and the other two stanzas with the shift from present tense to future tense.There is also modulation in ‘There Are Candles That Remember’ however it is internal modulation in the lines, ‘Late in my life I had a daughter who will be twenty-two in the year 2000. Her name is Emanuella†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ In these two lines the tense changes from past to future to present with the words ‘had’ followed by ‘will’ and ‘is’ which is another way in which Amichai shows the radical and unpredictable nature of his work. Prominent in Amichai’s work is the inclusion of fragmented and scattered imagery and structure.The sudden shifts between subject matter in many stanzas are mirrored by the non-clustered imagery within the poems. ‘There Are Candles That Remember’ has an irregular structure with lots of enjambed lines leaving the poem without a strong structure. The imagery within the poem also contains many non-sequential and strange images such as the ‘candles that remember’ where Amichai has personified the candles, this is then followed by the metaphorical reference to a ‘bowl full of precious liquid’. The images that follow are unrelated to the ones already mentioned, like the imile of the diaspora of old people that are said to be ‘scattered about like antiquities’ and then the comparison to how Amichai’s soul is ‘built like mountain terraces’. This style of scattered and mostly unrelated imagery helps to add to the sense of confusion and chaos in the life that he lives especially in the time in which he is living as the creation of the new country of Israel along with the conflict between the world superpowers meant that the 20th century was a time when tension and war were ever p resent threats to peace.Some of Amichai’s imagery that is used in his work is very graphic and the use of the human body no matter how much or little is prominent in many of the poems. One of the best examples of this use of imagery is the poem, ‘A Pity. We Were Such a Good Invention’ which opens with the image of a surgical procedure as the opening line reads, ‘They amputated your thighs from my hips. ’ The body part imagery makes the poem seem more physical and possibly is an attempt by Amichai to highlight the loss of intimacy with someone that he loved. A Dog After Love’ is a good example of the use of body part imagery as well as an example of the indignation felt by Amichai which is expressed through his poetry. His anger and frustration is usually caused by love, politics and religion, and in the case of ‘A Dog After Love’ it is the loss of love that causes the anger expressed by Amichai. This poem probably shows the most v iolent and graphic response to the loss of love as Amichai writes, ‘I hope it will find you and rip your lovers balls to shreds and bite off his cock’.This image effectively conveys the indignation felt by Amichai in a highly graphic way which makes it more impacting on the reader and therefore it has a greater immediate effect. Overall the main stylistic devices used by Amichai are the scattered imagery, irregular structures, often undefined place and changing times in which the poems are set. Furthermore, his work is always very personal with a great use of the words ‘I’ and ‘my’ in almost all of his poetry.All of these elements help to create very unique poetry that often has an impacting effect on the reader as the individual style of Amichai’s writing makes it necessary for the reader to think carefully about what he is writing about and what emotions he is trying to convey. Personally, I feel that Amichai’s work very effecti vely conveys the emotion felt by the events he is writing about and the personal nature of his work sometimes provokes sympathy, sadness, happiness or disdain which is a sign of an effective style of writing.