Different Types of Narration Essay

There are a variety of ways to narrate a story, but essentially they can be broken down into two main groups: first person narrative, and third person narrative. In the use of the first person narrator, the story is told through the eyes of the ‘I’ narrator. The first person narrator can only relate incidents that he or she has witnessed, and only he or she can interpreted the situation, therefore in this respect the first person narrative is limited. We must remember that a first person narrator in a novel is not the novelist but a character who sees things only in the light of his or her own point of view and coloured by his or her personality, therefore events are biased to the narrator’s opinion. This of course can be used to effect in books where the first person narrator is unreliable and therefore we are forced to see a false picture of events. For example in ‘The Beach’ by Alex Garland, events are told by Richard, a backpacker in Bangkok. In the extract I have chosen, Richard recounts an encounter with ‘Mister Duck’, who, at the beginning of he book, commits suicide. In the extract below, it is only the second time that Richard ‘meets’ ‘Mister Duck’, the first being when Richard was feverish. Therefore we can easily presume that Richard was hallucinating when he first ‘met’ ‘Mister Duck’ but in this extract, it is hard to tell, from the way Richard narrates it, that ‘Mister Duck’ is imaginary: Mister Duck sat in his room on the Khao San Road. He’d pulled back one of the newspapers that covered the window and was peering down to the street. Behind him, strewn across his bed, were coloured pencils, obviously the ones he’d used to draw the map. The map was nowhere in sight so maybe he’d already tacked it to my door. I saw that his shoulders were shaking. ‘Mister Duck?’ I said cautiously. He turned, scanned the room with a puzzled frown and, then spotted me through the strip of mosquito netting. ‘Rich†¦ Hi.’ Of course, through first person narrative, we develop a more intimate relationship with the narrator because we have their character and way of thinking forced upon us, which in cases can make you sympathise more with this character, as you know their private emotions that they would not show openly. For example in ‘The Remains of the Day’ the use of the first person narrator creates suspense and mystery over the intense relationship between Stevens and Miss Kenton. Also in this extract, we feel Steven’s character imposed on the story as his unquestioning faith and dedication to his job cost him dearly his personal life. And finally Stevens unwavering sense of duty and reserve at all times leading him to deny his emotions eventually drive away the woman he loved. As demonstrated in the extract I have chosen: As I was bolting the door, I noticed Miss Kenton waiting for me, and said: ‘I trust you had a pleasant evening, Miss Kenton.’ She made no reply, so I said again, as we were making our way across the darkened expanse of the kitchen floor; ‘I trust you had a pleasant evening, Miss Kenton.’ ‘I did, thank you, Mr Stevens.’ ‘I’m pleased to hear that.’ Behind me, Miss Kenton’s footsteps came to a sudden stop and I heard her say: ‘Are you not in the least interested in what took place tonight between my acquaintance and I Mr Stevens?’ ‘I do not mean to be rude, Miss Kenton, But I really must return upstairs without further delay. The fact is, events of a global significance are taking place in this house at this very moment.’ ‘When are they not, Mr Stevens? Very well, if you must be rushing off, I shall just tell you that I accepted my acquaintance’s proposal.’ ‘I beg your pardon, Miss Kenton?’ ‘His proposal of marriage.’ ‘Ah, is that so, Miss Kenton? Then may I offer you my congratulations.’ ‘Thank you, Mr Stevens. Of course, I’ll be happy to serve out my notice. However, should it be that you are able to release me earlier, we would be very grateful. My acquaintance begins his new job in the West Country in two weeks’ time.’ ‘I will do my best to secure a replacement at the earliest opportunity, Miss Kenton. Now if you will excuse me, I must return upstairs.’ I started to walk away again, but then when I had all but reached the doors out to the corridor, I heard Miss Kenton say: ‘Mr Stevens,’ and thus turned once more. She had not moved, and consequently she was obliged to raise her voice slightly in addressing me, so that it resonated rather oddly in the cavernous spaces of the dark and empty kitchen. ‘Am I to take it’ she said, ‘that after the many years of service I have given in this house, you have no more words to greet the news of my possible departure than those you have just uttered?’ ‘Miss Kenton, you have my warmest congratulations. But I repeat, there are matters of global significance taking place upstairs and I must return to my post.’ Pages 218-219 In this extract we are frustrated by Stevens reserve and lack of emotion, and without the story being told form his side we might have felt Stevens to be cold hearted and distance and therefore dislike him. But in fact we pity his actions and feel moved. An autobiographical persona such as Pip in Dickens ‘Great Expectations’, are not to be taken as complete or even accurate portraits of their authors – they are often no more than studies in self criticism: I was quite as dejected on the first working-day of my apprenticeship as in that after-time; but I am glad to know that I never breathed a murmur to Joe while my indentures lasted. It is about the only thing I am glad to know of myself in that connexion. For, though it includes what I proceed to add, all the merit of what I proceed to add was Joe’s. It was not because I was faithful, but because Joe was faithful, that I never ran away and went for a soldier or a sailor. It was not because I had a strong sense of the virtue of industry, but because Joe had a strong sense of the virtue of industry, that I worked with tolerable zeal against the grain. It is not possible to know how far the influence of any amiable honest-hearted duty-going man flies out into the world; but it is very possible to know how it has touched one’s self in going by, and I know right well that any good that intermixed itself with my apprenticeship came of plain contented Joe, and not of restless aspiring discontented me. In the same way the innumerable portraits by artists of their friends, enemies or acquaintances are notoriously one sided, exaggerated and even on occasion, libellous. In a first person narrative, the use of interior monologue can be used where the reader is allowed inside the mind of the narrator and so we can hear their inner thought. For example in Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A farewell to Arms’, when Henry hears that his wife is gravely ill we receive an interior monologue: The nurse went into the room and shut the door. I sat outside in the hall. Everything was gone inside of me. I did not think. I could not think. I knew she was going to die and I prayed that she would not. Don’t let her die. Oh, God, please don’t let her die. I’ll do anything for you if you won’t let her die Please, please, please dear God, don’t let her die. Dear God, don’t let her die. Pleas, please, please don’t let her die, God, please make her not die. I’ll do anything you say if you don’t let her die. You took the baby but don’t let her die – that was all right but don’t let her die. Please, please, dear God, don’t let her die. Here we feel that the character is deeply involved in his surroundings and what is happening, the events he is recounting are extremely emotional and moving, but this is not always the case. In ‘Nausea’ by Jean-Paul Satre, it is the story of an observer of life in a small cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, and here the narrator is totally withdrawn from his surrounding, as though watching it on television. The narrator is distanced from events and the book is almost like a third person narrative in the sense that he is telling the story of the lives of those sitting around him, but of course true to first person narration he is interpreting the situation into how he sees it: It is half past one. I am at the Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Mably, eating a sandwich, and everything is more or less normal. In any case, everything is always normal in cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s and especially in Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Mably, because of the manager, Monsieur Fasquelle, who has a vulgar expression in his eyes which is very straightforward and reassuring. It will soon be time for his afternoon nap and his eyes are already pink, but his manner is still lively and decisive. He is walking among the tables and speaking confidentially to all the customers: ‘Is everything all right, Monsieur?’ I smile at seeing him so lively: when his establishment empties, his head empties too. Between two and four the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ is deserted, and then Monsieur Fasquelle takes a few dazed steps, the waiter turn out the lights, and he slips into unconsciousness: when this man is alone, he falls asleep. The second type of narrative is third person narration. The narrator is omniscient, that is, able to move between characters, situations, and locations at any point, and granted full access to characters’ thoughts, feelings, and motivation. This is the advantage that third person narration has over first person, yet a sense of intimacy with the characters is harder to achieve. Some narrators might comment on the events taking place in the novel as they unfold, and even interpose their own views; the Victorian novelists such as Charles Dickens were adept at this manner of intervention, for example in ‘A Christmas Carol’, Dickens talks directly to the reader to convey his thoughts and ideas: Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it. And Scrooge’s name was good upon ‘Change for anything he chose to put his hand to’. Old Marley was dead as a door-nail. Mind! I don’t mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of out ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the country’s done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail. Alternatively, the author might limit the narrator’s overt presence, and recount the narrative’s events as directly as possible. A third-person narrator might have a limited point of view, confined to only one or a few characters, as in much of Emily Brontà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s ‘Wuthering Heights’, where the author is wholly absent and uses the characters to tell the story. Therefore she never directly interrupts the story to make a direct comment or moral judgement on the action of the characters. We notice that Emily Brontà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ in ‘Wuthering Heights’ uses narrators that are involved in the proceedings and therefore these people try to inflict their point of view on the reader. In this case it is to emphasise the point that the relationship between Heathcliff and Cathy is unique and not something that Nelly, or Lockwood (Wuthering Height’s two main narrators) will never fully comprehend as only Heathcliff and Cathy can explain their love for each other. She rung the bell till it broke with a twang: I entered leisurely. It was enough to try the temper of a saint, such senseless, wicked rages! There she lay dashing her head against the arm of the sofa, and grinding her teeth, so that you might fancy she would crash them to splinters! Mr Linton stood looking at her in sudden compunction and fear. He told me to fetch some water. She had no breath for speaking. I brought a glass full; and, as she would not drink, I sprinkled it on her face. In a few seconds she stretched herself out stiff, and turned up her eyes, while her cheeks, at once blanched and livid, assumed the aspect of death. Linton looked terrified. ‘There is nothing in the world the matter,’ I whispered. I did not want him to yield, though I could not help being afraid in my heart. ‘She has blood on her lips!’ he said, shuddering. ‘Never mind!’ I answered tartly. And I told him how she had resolved previous to his coming, on exhibiting a fit of frenzy. In some cases the events of the story are told through an impersonal narrative. This impersonal narrator then relates the story through the senses of different character, presenting the reader with a more rounded picture. For example in ‘The Tesseract’ by Alex Garland, the story is told from many points of view, quickly changing between one character’s perspective to another, each time the story being told from that characters sense and feeling. In the extract below we witness the situation from three of the character point of view The telephone made for an indifferent witness. But Sean’s reflection in the bathroom mirror, making contact as he turned away from the vent, was less detached. Even under pressure, the sight was arresting. His face seemed to be in a state of flux. Unable to resolve itself, like a cheap hologram or a bucket of snakes, the lips drew back while the jaw relaxed, the stare softened while the frown hardened. Fear, Sean thought distantly. Rare that one got to see what it actually looked like. Other people’s, sure, but not your own. Intrigued, he leaned close to the mirror, ignoring the footsteps that were already working their way up the stairs. ‘Aaaah, we’re going to be late,’ said Don Pepe, breaking the tense silence of the last five minutes. Jojo nodded and nervously pushed his thumbs into the padding around the steering wheel. ‘Yes, sir, we are. I’m sorry.’ Jojo paused a moment before saying ‘Yes, sir’ again. He was leaving time for Teroy to add his own apology. After all, he’d been the one who had suggested Hotel Patay in the first place. But Teroy, sitting in the passenger seat, wasn’t saying a word. No sense diverting Don Pepe’s irritation on to him, when he could keep his head down and his mouth shut and let Jojo take all the abuse. Fair enough. Jojo would have been doing the same if their roles had been reversed. The narrator is very important in a story as the narrator is responsible for the way a story is conveyed to its reader, or its point of view. The variety of ways that the author can manipulate the narrator and his or her point of view in order to gain maximum control over the work as a whole is often the essence of whether the reader gained the desired effect set by the author.

Management Information Systems At Access Fulfillment Ltd

Introduction In an organizational setting, the main application of information is in making sound decisions and finding the best remedies to a problem. These practices are closely related, and form foundations of all successful companies (Oz, 2008: p.8). In order to achieve this, most organizations have embraced different information systems. By definition, an information system is a collection of related company resources, which aid in retrieval, processing and distribution of information that supports the decision making process. (Heijden, H., Heijden, M. and Govardus, 2009: p.3). It obtains data as input and uses it to process and output useful information for decision making. In this paper, we explore on the application of Management Information Systems by Access Fulfilment Limited, a distribution company for a wide range of products, based in Kent, U.K. Management Information Systems at Access Fulfilment Limited According to Sadagopan (2004: p.1), management information systems (MIS) are computer based systems which provide access to data, which is speedy and flexible. There are several management areas where the management information systems have been used to make strategic decisions at Access Fulfilment Ltd. Management Information Systems for Decisions on New Warehouse Locations In an effort to expand the company, new offices and branches are often opened in different locations. To identify the most ideal locations, management information systems often aid in this analysis. Before a final decision is made, internal company information, as well as environmental information is generated by a management information system. This information includes both the shot and long term aspects that should be considered before setting up the new branch. These include the market and changeability, which is a prediction of the possible market response at the tine the branch is set up and the government policy, among others. For the warehouse branches that have been opened in the recent past, which are at Suffolk and Bristol, this system has provided the management team with the necessary information they need to execute the correct strategic decisions. As stated by Sadagopan (2004: p.14), strategic management information systems require mechanisms necessary for the assimilation of environmental information. This is necessary for influencing strategic decisions systematically. Management Information Systems for Decisions on Alternate Financing In every business, the decision for alternate financing is one of several strategic decisions that need sufficient information before being arrived at (Depamphlis, 2010: p.209). At Access Fulfilment Limited, a summary of status information about the internal financial status of the company is made. This summary is then referred to when such decisions are being made. This summary includes details on payrolls, the company budget, overruns, and variance analyses. In addition to this, external information, which is critical to the long-term status of the company, is also considered. The knowledge of these components of the business environment has enabled the managers of the company to make strategic decisions on this issue. This strategic decision, which applies the management information system, has turned out to benefit the company. For more than ten years that Access Fulfilment Limited has been in business, it has experienced substantial growth. One of the contributions towards this is alternate financing decisions. Management Information Systems for Decisions on Maintaining Competitiveness Competition is one of the major challenges faced by every business organizations (Waters, 2010: p.6). For Access Fulfilment Limited, the main sources of competition are other distribution companies that were in business even before it was founded. Having an advantage of a broader customer base as compared to Access Fulfilment Limited, these companies were difficult to compete with. Thus, decisions that had to be made by management to overcome this were very significant for the company. Management information systems aided in making decisions. Through the application of this information system, vital information about these competitors was obtained. This information comprised of the competitors’ present and future strategies for their distribution businesses. This information was quite helpful to the company. Since the managers were aware of what their competitors had planned, strategic decisions about advertisement and all other marketing functions of the company were arrived at. This enhanced Access Fulfilment Limited’s competitiveness in the market. It has also helped the company survive and grow for the period that it has been in the market, as is hopeful for further growth. For this reason, the application of the management information system has been beneficial to Access Fulfilment Limited. Management Information Systems for Decisions on Employee welfare Policies Any decision that concerns an organization’s welfare policy is among the strategic decisions that are taken by personnel management. In order to execute this decision successfully, internal information about the staff members is vital (Sadagopan, 2004: p.15). At Access Fulfilment, the information that influences such decisions includes staff size, quality of staff, their salary enumerations, motivations, and many more. However, what really governs this decision in the organization is the future vision and plans that the managers have. It is also governed by the probable labour market conditions in the business environment. By the application of management information systems, both the internal and external information needed by Access Fulfilment is obtained. This system has been quite resourceful in terms of setting the salaries for employees and motivating them. This strategy has enabled the company to retain most of their pioneer employees. Had the company failed to apply this system, probably the external job market could have been promising for the employees without the knowledge of the management team. Thus, failure or delay in adjusting the welfare of the employees to match or surpass the external market could prompt some of them to leave. The Relationship between Management Information Systems and Other Information Systems At Access Fulfilment Limited, several information systems are applied. Apart from the management information system (MIS), there is the executive support system (ESS), decision support system (DSS) and the knowledge management system (KMS), among others. One common thing about these information systems is that they all contribute towards the making of sound decisions that will see the company grow. What differentiates these systems is the level of management in which they are used and when they are used. The executive support system, for instance, is used by top level executives in decision making (Stair & Reynolds, 2011: p.446). Thus, for this company in as much as management information systems are used on various management levels, executive support systems are exclusive to the top management. Decision support systems, on the other hand is a support system for the management, with more capabilities than the management information systems (Janakiraman & Sarukesi, 2004: p.26) Conclusion Access fulfilment has been experiencing reasonable growth ever since 2000, when it started business. Although this cannot be entirely attributed to management information systems, it has been shown that these systems have had their contribution to its success. As aforementioned, this support system has been of great aid to the company in terms of strategic decision making. The aim of management information systems is to offer the right information from company reports (Sarukesi, 2004: p.26). Among the several strategic decisions that this system has helped make, this paper has addressed decisions for new locations, employee welfare policies, alternate financing and maintaining competitiveness in the business. On evaluating of this system at Access Fulfilment Limited, it can be concluded that it has been of a positive impact to the company. REFERENCE Depamphlis, D. 2010. Mergers and Acquisitions Basics: All You Need to Know. Oxford: Academic Press. Heijden, H., Heijden, M. and Govardus, J. 2009. Designing Management Information Systems. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Janakiraman, V. S. and Sarukesi, K. 2004. Decision Support Systems. Delhi: PHI Publishers. Oz, E. 2008. Management Information Systems. Massachusetts: Cengage Learning. Sadagopan, S. 2004. Management Information Systems. Delhi: PHI Learning. Stair, R. and Reynolds, G. 2011. Principles of Information Systems. Massachusetts: Cengage Learning. Waters, T.J. 2010. Hyperformance: Using Competitive Intelligence for Better Strategy and Execution. California: John Wiley & Sons.

Questions For Financial Quiz Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Questions For Financial Quiz - Essay Example The essay "Questions For Financial Quiz" presents a set of questions on a financial theme with the provided information about company's income and balance. One of the tasks in this quiz is to calculate firm’s ROA, ROE, Net Profit Margin, and TIE (Times Interest Earned) ratio for both 1999 and 2000. Also, the following questions are present in this quiz: Some executives, including CEO, are not quite happy with firm’s performance on profitability, especially when they look back last year. However, you believe that the company has improved its profitability during the period. Can you explain why you believe so? Calculate firm’s Current and Quick ratio for both 1999 and 2000. Why do investors want to find out firm’s current and quick ratio before they purchase its stocks? Calculate firm’s Debt ratio for both 1999 and 2000. Use firm’s long-term debt for the calculation. Explain how a firm can save its taxes through depreciation and calculate firm’s EPS and P/E ratio. Some financial analysts argue that Panther Corporation is now highly overvalued in the stock market. They, therefore, recommend selling all the shares if you have any. However, you have a totally different opinion. You believe the stock is greatly undervalued and thus, it may be a good time to buy. Please explain why you believe so? You can assume that Panther Corporation is financially and operationally as good as most of its competitors in the industry. Compute Total Financing Needed. Assume that the plant is operated at full capacity.

To what extent can the Gothic genre be understood as reaction to Essay

To what extent can the Gothic genre be understood as reaction to Enlightenment ideals of reason, harmony and social progress - Essay Example The term in fact encompasses Gothic imagination, Gothic characteristic and a lack of awareness for science and technology. A future characterized by Gothic genre would be signified by a fiction depicting the dark future or an oncoming dark age. Some of the most dominant instances are the characters of Frankenstein and the Dracula. Keeping in mind the basic Gothic components, the paper picks up three novels, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen and Castle of Otranto Walpole to understand the Gothic genre as a challenge to the enlightenment concepts of reason, social advancement and harmony. Although the Gothic genre claims to have initiated from the feudal traditions as referred, yet it is actually an eighteenth century production and innovation and also originates in â€Å"fake origins† because it leads to a fabrication of origins and also â€Å"Fabricating a fabrication† (Botting, 2). The novel The Castle of Otranto is often referred as the fir st Gothic novel. A close reading of Walpole’s work which later inspired a short story, poem and even a film, shall help identify supernatural elements like omens, prophecy and visions. It enfolds a castle with its haunting mysterious ways – â€Å"blasts of wind that shook the doors she had passed, and which, grating on the rusty hinges, were re-echoed through that long labyrinth of darkness† (Walpole, 1766, p.23). The characters are blessed with lack of reason and more of overwhelming emotions. This disturbs the harmony time and again with the shrieks of women and dramatic reactions. The female characters are under patriarchal domination of male tyranny. The women had none to turn to except God as they are... Although the Gothic genre claims to have initiated from the feudal traditions as referred, yet it is actually an eighteenth-century production and innovation and also originates in â€Å"fake origins† because it leads to a fabrication of origins and also â€Å"Fabricating a fabrication†. The novel The Castle of Otranto is often referred as the first Gothic novel. A close reading of Walpole’s work which later inspired a short story, poem, and even a film, shall help identify supernatural elements like omens, prophecy, and visions. It enfolds a castle with its haunting mysterious ways – â€Å"blasts of the wind that shook the doors she had passed, and which, grating on the rusty hinges, were re-echoed through that long labyrinth of darkness†. The characters are blessed with the lack of reason and more of overwhelming emotions. This disturbs the harmony time and again with the shrieks of women and dramatic reactions. The female characters are under the patriarchal domination of male tyranny. The women had none to turn to except God as they are under the whims of men’s orders – â€Å"Words cannot paint the horror of the Princess’s situation†¦She addressed herself to every saint in heaven, and inwardly implored their assistance†.

Strategic Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Strategic Management - Assignment Example Every component of the strategy works together for the development of the organization. In the business scenario, the management formulates the overall strategy, which is to be followed by the smaller units like the different departments of the organization. Evaluating the market and the aspects of the company arrives at the choice of the strategy. There are different tools in assessing the market conditions and the features of the company like the SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, Five Forces, STP etc. These evaluation techniques give a detailed picture of the market conditions and the features of the company. This helps in the formation of the strategy by the management. The main aim of the company is to increase the sales of the company and the strategies underline this notion. After the evaluation of the features of the market and the company, the management selects a strategy that will pertain to the development of the company. (Strategy, n.d.; What is strategy, n.d.; Applied Strate gic Technologies, n.d.; Jenkins, Ambrosini and Collier: 2-4) In this paper, two companies have been taken through which a detailed analysis will be undertaken in the case of the strategic management. The companies in question will be Pepsi and Coca Cola. Pepsi and Coca Cola share a traditional rivalry in the soft drinks market and are the two biggest players in the market. The development of the companies has been possible because of the visions of the management in setting up of the strategies of the companies. Strategy is perhaps the most important functions of the management. The performance of the companies depends on the strategies undertaken by the management to a major extent. As the importance of strategy has been underlined so far, a question rises – What is strategy? Strategy can be comprehensively defined as follows: "Strategy is the direction and scope of an organisation over the long-term: which

Critical review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Critical review - Essay Example ..9 Limitations of Stress Management skills†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.11 Skill Assessment and Monitoring†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..12 Sustainability and Skill Maintenance†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.12 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.12 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...14 Critical Review on Stress Management Executive summary This study gives a critical review and analysis of stress management skills. It is majorly based on the main importance of the skill and their manifestation and impact in real life situation in the day-to-day life experience. It also reflects on a scrutiny of the difficulties and factors that impact on the skill negatively. Availability of sufficient research materials, the analysis will provide information that is reliable and educative in its manner of application. One, at the end of reading this report, should be able to appreciate stress management skills in a wider perspective ranging from the specific skills effectiveness in their application. This should also be relatively counterchecked with other skills learnt in the management course. Analysis of stress management skills as per this study should be able to inform the reader on the ap plicability of the technique. The reader, at the end of the reading, will be able to make necessary step in his or her daily undertaking to ensure that the right precaution and application of the skill is made to curb the problem. The kills as analyzed in the report should equip the reader with relevant causes of stress that are recurrent and hence ways of curbing them formulated. In management generally the report will point out clearly on the need to manage stress as it affect organizations negatively at all levels where it is manifested. The skills analyzed in the report, therefore, will help the reader to make improvement in how he or she carries out the management. Introduction Stress management skills are applicable widely. This report gives a clear outlook of the skills and their relevance. By thorough checking of the issues, the disadvantages should be noted so that the analysis of skills is effectively done to cover the required scope. These skills vary in their application perspective or context. The management of stress â€Å"per se† involves procedural approach that requires a plan of action. A combination of findings from various research work on the same is critical in coming up with a workable solution to stress in an organization. With this written document, the reader will be entitled to development of various skills in managing stress. However, the modification and advancement of the document can be done to make improvement on the report through reading and referring from various related sources. In so doing, the reader will appreciate the scope and coverage of this report with its concordance to applicability in

The US Oil Refining Industry Annotated Bibliography

The US Oil Refining Industry - Annotated Bibliography Example These problems can equally be attributed to utility deregulation. All these problems in the energy sector in the US have been argued to have stemmed from both the environmentalists and the federal government of the US. It is argued that they discouraged oil exploration by investors in the 1990s. The rising oil prices have been blamed on Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ planners and the domestic refineries failure to do proper calculations . It is from this background information that the ensuing discussion will give an overview of how more refineries in the United States would affect the economy. The debate over the impacts of a growing number of refineries in the U.S on its economy is a very intricate one. It can be appropriately examined by putting into consideration the arguments that persons pursue. These would be the explanations that they offer in backing their claims as well as the evidence that they provide in support of those claims. Some contend that a growth in the number of refineries in the U.S would responsible for the inflation of the economy. This is because they reduce the rates of competition while at the same time contributing to the inflation of prices. There is equally an argument that a growth of refineries in a country increases the number of chemical substances released into the atmosphere. These chemical substances are potential harmful and they will lower the economic growth of a country. It is contended that a growth in the number of refineries will create job opportunities for the citizens of a country. The refineries will equally be a significant source of revenue to the government. The creations of job opportunities for the citizens as well as revenue for the government all have one thing in common. They improve the economic growth of a country. The growing concentration in the proprietorship of the refinery industry is decreasing competition and thus underwriting price inflation.

Emergency Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Emergency Management - Essay Example It mainly manufactures cars and trucks, with famous brands like Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Opel etc. The company operates worldwide in 34 countries (General Motors, 2008a). According to the accounts from our employees, the tornado powerfully ravaged our Sport Utility Plant and torn off some metal shield from the Plant. But our employees have carefully hidden themselves in the protective basement that was built for this purpose. However, only one of our employees, a supply truck driver, was hospitalized and our Plant was shut down for weeks as a result of ruins left behind by the tornado. However, our employees also suffered massive loss of their personal property and materials as the tornado devastated their homes. In spite of our enviable Health and Safety Scheme, which includes using the best technologies in the world to ensure that our employees are safe in the face of any disasters, natural or artificial, it is necessary that a new crisis management plan should be set up. We already have an alarm system that quickly alerts our employees of any impending dangers. I would suggest that the following systems be implemented for optimal performance: Legal backing: We have approached the Governor of Oklahoma to assist us with a legal backing in form of a Tornado Relief Bill that would give tax credits and other financial assistance to GM employees that have lost their valuable property during the disaster (Allbusiness, 2003). I take the blame for not suggesting all these important facts before the disaster struck. I am sure that with these ideas I have given above, we would be able to prevent future great damage to our

Marketing princles Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Marketing princles - Coursework Example n addition, the paper will explain the macro and micro environmental factors that influence marketing decision making process and further identify the differences of international and domestic marketing. Marketing process is made up of various elements that are integrated to ensure maximization of market efficiency. To begin with, market analysis enables the organization to identify customer needs to be satisfied. In addition, S.W.O.T. analysis is done at this level in order to identify the capabilities and limitations in a company (Study Marketing Organization n.d, p.1). Evaluation on future prospects is done on the basis of information obtained through S.W.O.T. analysis as well as the socio-economic and political factors (Study Marketing Organization n.d, p.1). Another element of marketing process is the marketing strategy. This is done after identification of an opportunity to be fulfilled in the market. According to Business Knowledge Centre, marketing strategy involves selection of target group and market division in order to formulate methods of product positioning (n.d, p.1). A good marketing strategy enables a company to maximize market efficiency and compete effectively with other firms. In addition to marketing strategy and market analysis, marketing implementation is done by coordinating the marketing mix elements. Coordination of marketing mix involves implementation of the results of market analysis and marketing strategy. Elements such as product development, pricing, promotions and distribution are dealt with at this level. Lastly, market control forms the final and critical element of marketing process. At this stage, a firm monitors changes in the environmental factors as well as consumer need changes and readjusts the marketing mix elements to suite the changes. Various measures are used to evaluate success of market implementation as well as other marketing process elements. Market orientation is defined as implementation of marketing

How specific groups are represented in scripted television shows Essay

How specific groups are represented in scripted television shows - Essay Example It is important for such representation to adopt strategies that would help in the dismantling of misrepresentations, which have always been propagated with regard to some specific groups. Such specific groups could include gay groups, African Americans, women, immigrants, and others, which have attracted conflicting perspectives in the various attempts to access the inner patterns and rhythms of their world view. One potent illustration is the representation of the African American woman in â€Å"Awkward Black Girl† by Issa Rac (Christian, 2011). One of the underlying objectives of this show is to provide alternative portrayal of the African American woman. The creator emphasizes on the need to develop a product that would capture the real lives of the African Americans (Christian, 2011). She argues that the subject has been misrepresented in a variety of discourses across time and history. The aspect of creativity is equally important as it helps to instil the proper aesthet ics in the subject as portrayed in a completely new dimension. When properly represented, such strategies help in redeeming the special groups from the injustices of negative or inaccurate representations, which are mainly guided by misconceptions, stereotypes, and untruths as understood within the mentalities of the superior groups. Consistently, many special groups have lost favour in the cable television networks and must find alternative forms of media in order to reach their target audiences. Web series have become one of readily available and most resourceful solutions to such groups (Christian, 2010). However, this alternative features multiple opportunities and challenges. Web is slow and compares poorly to cable networks. As an alternative to cable television, web does not attract large audiences and does not have a determinate and visible physical presence on the market. By its very nature, it is fluid and variable, which denies it the advantage of stability and popularity . These same qualities also lock it out from lucrative segments of the market such as older audiences who are less likely to consume web-based products. Such audiences are conservative in nature are more likely to stick with the tried and tested methods (Siapera, 2010). Statistics from comparative analyses between web series and cable television show that the consumption of web series products is likely to correspond with the patterns of internet use. Past studies on internet usage have shown significant variations in the patterns and trends of internet consumption across the variables of gender, race, social status, levels of income, and other demographics that are to be found within the American population (Fourie, 2010; Hammer & Keller, 2009). Web has not built stable and reliable clientele that would shore up the ratings and performance of the upstart networks. Some media scholars have explained it as being at an evolutionary stage and that it may take some time for it to be emb raced wholly by larger segments of the society. Web is still a new invention in the media world and has not built reliable metrics that would help to even the odds faced by minority shows (Christian, 2010). Even then, web series remains some of the most convenient escapes onto the wider market by programs and shows run by minorities and which have been affected by structural and systematic challenges of survival. Studies have also shown that the web-based media

Comparison of The Raven and The Erlking Essay Example for Free

Comparison of The Raven and The Erlking Essay In this essay, I am going to compare and contrast the two famous poems, The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe and The Erlking by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The Raven is a one hundred and eight line poem about a lonely man who is unstable after losing his wife and comes across a raven who only speaks the word, nevermore. The Erlking is a poem about a man in a small girls nightmare as he torments her but nobody else can see him. There are many similarities and differences between the two poems. Both poems have a gothic atmosphere and can be compared strongly in this way. However, both are of different lengths and differ fro9m each other. In this essay, I am going to discuss how the two poets create tension and suspense and make a conclusion after studying these poems. The first element I am going to compare and contrast is the storyline of the poem and the impression it is meant to have on its reader. I am going to start by analysing each poem individually and then make a small conclusion when I will see how they are similar and how they differ. I will be using this structure for each point I will discuss. I will start by analysing The Raven. The main principle of Edgar Allen Poes poem was to have a lasting effect on its reader. Shortly, before he wrote The Raven, Poes wife had been diagnosed with an illness. This illness was later the cause of her death soon after he had finalised is poem. It is said that this poem is his forecast of what was going to happen to his wife. This is, therefore, the reason why he chose a raven to be the main character, because it was thought to be the most evil bird. The Raven is meant to be a representation of Edgar Allen Poe reflecting his responses to the bad news of his wife. The Erlking is a very dark poem and starts by giving a notion that the boy is simply imagining the Erlking and is dying of a strange disease. However, the poem takes a sinister twist when the boy dies at the end of the poem. Goethe had many reasons of writing such a dark poem. Such a reason is that the night before he wrote the poem he saw a local farmer carrying a bundle. This turned out to be a man who was carrying his sick child to hospital. This was where the main inspiration for the storyline for the poem of the Erlking came from. Also in German mythology there is meant to be a spirit/ supernatural power that is meant to cause controversy and ruin the minds of children. These two factors were merged together to make the Erlking. They are both dark poems and want to create a mysterious mood for the reader. Both had an individual reason of why they were written but then their similarity grew because they had the same atmospheric impression. The second point I am going to examine is the linguistic techniques used by the poets. The Raven has a lot of alliteration and is used very frequently. Examples of this alliteration is:- While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Both are examples of alliteration but in different ways, one very simple and the other has more complexity. The first quote is just three consecutive words starting with the same letter. The second quotation, on the other hand, uses two words consecutively starting with the same letter. However, the third word is part of the alliteration. The un is not part of the alliteration but the second part is. Although this part of the word starts with a c, it is pronounced as the letter s. This is still part of the alliteration because this poem was obviously written to be read aloud. The Erlking is very different to the Raven, in this way, as it does not contain hardly any alliteration used for boosting the atmosphere. The Erlking does use a linguistic technique that the Raven does not use as much is repetition. An example of this is:- Dear father, oh father, and do you not see, This is a technique very similar to alliteration as it created the same type of tension and both are meant to be read fairly slowly. Later on in The Erlking, this repetition phrase is repeated, showing that there is internal repetition (with the word father) and also phrasal repetition. The third I am going to consider is the rhyming scheme of each of the poems. The Erlking has a different rhyming scheme to the Raven. The Erlkings rhyming scheme is a very common one but the one of the Raven is very peculiar. Many poems have the rhyming scheme the same as the Erlking because it is very basic. This rhyming scheme is:- 1. A 2. A 3. B 4. C An example of this rhyming scheme in the poem is:- 1. Who rides so late where winds blow wild? 2. It is the father grasping his child; 3. He holds the boy embraced in his arm 4. He clasps him snugly, he keeps him warm. The rhyming scheme of the Raven is very different and unusual, not many poems have the same rhyming scheme. This rhyming scheme is:- 1. AA 2. B 3. CC 4. CB 5. B 6. B An example of this rhyming scheme is:- 1. Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, 2. Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore- 3. While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, 4. As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door- 5. Tis some visitor, I muttered, tapping at my chamber door. 6. Only this and nothing more. The two poems differ greatly in their rhyming schemes and have similarities. The Erlking has a very simple rhyming scheme with only two lines that rhyme out of the four. However, the Raven has a much more complex rhyming scheme with internal rhymes as well as end-of-line rhyming. The Ravens rhyme scheme, however, has an effect on how the poem is read. The Raven is a very gothic poem and this rhyme scheme changes the way the poem is read, especially when the enunciation is used. The Erlking is very different and is a lot easier to read, compared with the Raven. This could mean that the poem is meant for a younger audience because of the simplistic reading ability needed. The other issue I am going to study is the excess of patterning. The Raven uses this several times, however, the Erlking does not. Excess of patterning is when a sound is repeated in a line to give an emphasis of those particular words. An example of this in the Raven could be:- Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter, This quotation from Poes poem gives emphasis on the description to make this highlighted when the poem is read. This could have been a good technique that could have been added to the Erlking poem to make a part of the poem more prominent. The final factor I am going to consider is the length of the poems. The Raven is considerably longer than the Erlking. The Raven being 108 lines long compared to the Erlking which is a mere 32 lines long. The length of the Raven allows Poe to go into a lot of depth in his descriptions. However, this style of writing does not suit the Erlking as well. The reason for this is that the Erlking is meant to leave questions unanswered and a sense of mystery. If it had gone into the depth that the Raven did in its length, this would have been taken away. Over all, I can see that both poems are very individual but still contain some similarities. Both poets had very different inspirations of why they wrote their poem but they still had a very similar atmosphere that was created. They also use different linguistic techniques, although they create a very parallel effect. I can see that Edgar Allen Poe uses many more techniques in his poem than Goethe does, this may be because the Raven is longer and may have more room to use more effect without over-doing them.

PlayStation 3 VS Xbox 360 Essay Example for Free

PlayStation 3 VS Xbox 360 Essay Although PlayStation 3 are both great systems, PlayStation 3 the better buy. Both consoles have awesome features such as 3D motion gaming, unlimited music, and online play. Only one of these consoles can be consider the best of the best. The PlayStation 3 is by far the superior console with its Blu-ray integration, amazing cell processor, and rechargeable wireless controller. The first difference is The PlayStation Network is free, whereas Xbox Live Gold charges a gamer yearly to use their services. After making one PlayStation purchase, a gamer does not have to worry about internet again. A person gets all the same features on PlayStation 3 for $250 dollars, plus forty extra gigabytes of memory. However, Xbox 360 costs $249 dollars plus fifty dollars for a one-year membership. Not including the fee of fifty dollars a person does not obtain the full features because they always have to worry about renewing their membership. Another difference is the PlayStation 3 controllers are rechargeable, while Xbox 360 controllers need batteries or other attachments. With the PlayStation 3 a gamer receive one controller with a chord to charge it. Also when the controller dies a gamer can hook it up to their PlayStation and it will still play as it charges. In contrast, a Xbox 360 does not come with a rechargeable controller, a gamer constantly has to buy batteries or pay extra for attachments. With the Playstation3 having the rechargeable controller gives a gamer more gameplay. Last but not least, PlayStation 3 graphics seem more defined, but Xbox 360 graphics are often unrealistic and cartoonish. The PlayStation has Blu-ray player for better graphics and watching movies. It’s very crisp and smooth because of the quick cell processor. On the other hand, Xbox 360 does not have Blu-ray capabilities and its processor is much slower. That makes the game’s and movie’s resolution much lower. The PlayStation 3 has faster and  more efficient technologies and that leads to better gaming experiences. Finally, with the free network that the PlayStation 3 has it will save a person more money than Xbox 360. Also having the rechargeable wireless controller with the PlayStation 3 a gamer is able to have more gameplay without worrying about paying for batteries or extra attachments. Last, even though Xbox 360 has an unlimited amount of games, its graphics are not as realistic as the PlayStation 3. In conclusion, the PlayStation 3 is by far the better gaming system to buy.

Analysis of the effects of recruitment

Analysis of the effects of recruitment This Report will analyse and reflect different aspect of recruiting, training, motivating and rewarding staff in Marks and Spencer. One of the Biggest challenge in any business is recruiting, motivating and retaining employees. This is also true for Marks and Spencers recruitment procedure. To analyse the recruiting, training, motivating and rewarding staff in Marks and Spencer the following points are discussed in this report. Method use by Marks and Spencer for Staff recruitment, training, motivation and reward system. Marks and Spencers strategic fit with its current HR practices in the design and delivery of its staff rewarding system. Identifying the current practice at Marks and Spencer regarding HRM strategy and theory. Cost implications for Marks and Spencers current HRM policies particularly in relation to recruitment, training, reward system and their impact on stakeholder. Recommendation for most appropriate and effective motivational and reward system strategy for Marks and Spencer. Suggested budget and evaluation method deploy the new and improved motivational and rewarding system at Marks and Spencer. Table of content Executive summary 1 Table of content 2 Information Gathering 3 Introduction 4 Marks and Spencers Organizational Background 5 Approach to Recruitment Planning 5 Recruitment and Selection Methods 6 Marks and Spencer Recruitment 6 Training and development 7 Reward and Performance Management 8 Discussion and Comment on Current HRM strategy and Practice 8 Cost Implication of current HRM policies 10 Recommendation and Budget suggestion 11 Conclusions 12 Appendix 13 Brief Background of Marks and Spencer 13 Structure 14 Culture 15 References 16 Information Gathering: To prepare this report several resources, tools, technique, and methods are used. Resources used in this report are from newspaper articles, reports, organizations accounts, charts, financial documents and many others. Primary information gathered from libraries as well as world wide web resources. The steps and methods used while gathering information to produce this report are: Interviews Analysing organizational charts Document overview Website surveys Research Documentation The primary document used to create this report is mainly the annual reports of Marks and Spencer. History and background of the company are gathered from world wide web and several other resources. Introduction: In this report I will be discussing Marks and Spencers general approach to employee recruitment procedure. In particular its approach to human resource planning, its recruitment and selection methods, and its rewards and performance management practices and how issues of employment diversity are managed. Firstly, I will be discussing the companys brief background, HRM strategy, culture and structure. Then I will discuss the Method use by Marks and Spencer for Staff recruitment, training, motivation and reward system, strategic fit with its current HR practices in the design and delivery of its staff rewarding system, Identifying the current practices regarding HRM strategy and theory, cost implications of current HRM policies particularly in relation to recruitment, training, reward system and their impact on stakeholder. Finally I will give some recommendation for most appropriate and effective motivational and reward system strategy and suggested budget and evaluation method deploy the new and improved motivational and rewarding system. Marks and Spencers Organizational Background: With over 120 years of strong heritage, Marks and Spencer is one of the best retailers in the United Kingdom. The organization has over 450 stores within the UK and have more than 65,000 people working for them in store and management. It also runs its business outside the United Kingdom border where it has a widespread business in places as far as Hong Kong. Now a days, the UKs retailing market has been identified by its super intense competitions. Customers are becoming more and more conscious of where and how they want to shop. They also understand what kind of shopping experience they like. This idea has made it much more difficult for retailers to survive. The end result of this was that M and S had to invent a new business plan and strategy which focused on the their business values, quality, and services. (www.thetimes100.co.uk) Approach to Recruitment Planning: Marks and Spencer use a systematic approach known as strategic planning to their human resource planning which determines its plan of action based upon the values, culture and mission of the company. It is important to Marks and Spencers employees as it helps them to understand the process of the strategic planning to see how their work objectives and individual responsibilities directly affect the companies mission. The systematic approach has six steps which are, to remember the mission, identify the opportunities and threats of the company, to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the company by evaluating employees skills, facilities and organisation structure, to forecast capabilities and opportunities by evaluating any upcoming changes before forecasting future opportunities, to develop goals and objectives and to implement the goals by evaluating the results and revising the plan as they move forward. Recruitment and Selection Methods: To match it business strategy, Marks and Spencer develops existing staff within the organisation. It also recruits managers at three different levels: Trainee managers with A-Levels undertake twenty-four months of training Graduates who join the organisation form university have twelve months of training Experienced managers who have retail experience undertake up to three months of training when they join Marks and Spencer to help them understand how Marks and Spencer operates. Marks and Spencer Recruitment: Internally by recruiting within the company which includes advertising media on notice boards either paper or electronic for example via their corporate intranet, in-house journals, memoranda to supervisors/managers soliciting recommendations and observation and word of mouth. Most of these methods they use incur little extra cost, being based on existing or easily accessible information about the candidates abilities, attitudes and so on. Externally by recruiting people from outside the organisation. Marks and Spencer use agencies for graduates of schools and training institutions such as job centres and career services. Employment agencies are another method of recruitment they use which provides temporary workers for one-off requirements and short-term cover. The Internet is a major external method used by Marks and Spencer, through online recruitment agencies. Marks and Spencers website enables people to apply online via their online application form. Marks and Spencers online application form is very convenient for a disabled person or an immigrant who would find it difficult to find work. This is because Marks and Spencer takes pride in creating jobs under the Equal Opportunities policy which makes the jobs available to everybody, whatever their ethnic origin, race, sex, age, etc. The Marks and Spencer personnel staff can use the information on the application form to create a short list of people to invite to th e interview. This form can be very useful once the candidates have been short listed too. Training and development: Once the new employee has been selected for the job, they will probably need an induction training in order to help them settle into the new job. This training at marks and Spencer goes with the basics of the employees task, as well as some background details for example the history of the business and number of employees and the range of different goods and services produced by the business. At Marks and Spencer training is not just for the new employees. Training courses at Marks and Spencer are targeted at all employees in the business at different stages in their career for example management training courses, training on how to use new machinery and technology. There are many reasons for the huge amount of training used for the employees in Marks and Spencer: To improve employee productivity. To create more efficient and flexible workforce. To increase job satisfaction and motivation of the employees. And training employees increases their chances of promotion as well. Reward and Performance Management: Marks and Spencer use reward management within their company through rewarding their employees for their efforts towards the company. Marks and Spencer has a benefits package to help attract and retain staff by the generosity of benefits offered and by facilitating career longevity and work-life balance. The benefits package includes everything from subsided healthcare and performance-related pay rewards to their employee discount. The benefits package encourages commitment to the companies own products and demonstrates corporate social responsibility by giving above statutory levels of sick pay, paternity leave, pension provisions, employee assistance and so on. Discussion and Comment on Current HRM strategy and Practice: Marks and Spencer use the theory of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs, they ask their workers to rank their needs in order of importance using a points system and then analyse their current situation against the points system. Marks and Spencer through performance management carry out regular interviews with employees to assess them for further training or promotion. This is a major motivating factor for Marks and Spencer workers and the company need to be aware that this is a possible area for conflict and de-motivation. According to Maslow, Marks and Spencers workers are at the basic or safety needs level, the aim is to make more workers want to achieve a higher level of needs such as social or esteem needs. Marks and Spencer therefore train workers every now and then to keep these workers motivated. The personnel department find out which workers need more training by keeping track records on each employee, Marks and Spencer do this to increase their skills of the workforce in general bu t to increase the skills of the de-motivated employees more to increase motivation. Herzberg (1957) devised his motivation hygiene theory which stated that two groups of factors affect employee motivation. Herzberg said that certain elements in a job motivate people to do better; he called these elements, satisfiers. Herzberg suggested that satisfiers such as achievement and recognition motivate employees rather than hygiene factors such as pay and working conditions. Marks and Spencer agree with this and have introduced performance related pay within the last few years. Employees who work hard receive a higher wage than those who do not which encourages all employees to work as hard as possible in order to gain extra pay. They also use appraisals as a form of performance management to analyse which areas the employees need to be motivated on. In many companies, appraisal takes place once or twice a year but Marks and Spencer carry it out every three months, the more frequently appraisals are carried out, the better. Performance management allows Marks and Spencer t o ensure that all of their employees are properly trained as a properly trained employee will be more confident in their job and will be better motivated to perform more efficiently. Marks and Spencers selection is based purely on talent screening, they recruit suitable individuals regardless of their age. Individuals apply online and are screened initially on a number of killer questions such as, do you have a permit to work in the UK. Those that are successful at this stage are then screened using online talent screening, this test assesses their skills and experiences against that required for the role they are applying for. Those who pass this test are then invited for an interview. They analyse data from the online recruitment process to ensure that the use of the internet does not discriminate against any particular age group. The company runs training for recruiters about new legislations; the training is designed to ensure that those individuals who conduct selection interviews do not discriminate on the grounds of age. They also ensure that the chairs of assessor teams in assessment centres are well informed about the legislations. An examination of Mark s and Spencers criterion-based selection processes shows not only the use of criterion-based selection but also the use of online selections for initial screenings; this ensures that age is not a factor, as this screening is conducted electronically without reference to the candidates age. Those candidates who are selected for interview have therefore satisfied a number of criteria for the job without their age being known. The use of trained assessors and the provision of training on age for recruiters also minimises the likelihood of age being used as a factor in the selection process at interview or assessment centre stages. Cost Implication of current HRM policies: Marks and Spencer has a diverse range of employees committed to an active Equal Opportunities Policy. This covers their recruitment and selection procedures as well as its training and development, appraisal, promotion opportunities and retirement. They promote an environment free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation which they work hard to ensure everyone receives equal treatment. All the decisions they make relating to employment practices are objective, free from bias and based solely upon work criteria and individual merit. Not only are they responsive to the needs of their employees and customers but also take pride in the role they play in the community because of this they value diversity highly and it is important to them that they recognise and make full use of the wealth of talent they have within their organisation. Marks and Spencer places a lot of emphasis on developing initiatives and procedures that ensure equality for every member of the Marks and Spencer team. Marks and Spencer has a responsibility under UK domestic and European legislation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees, customers and contractors on their premises. Managers have a responsibility to ensure that employees are aware of health and safety regulations and the requirement to report all accidents and dangerous occurrences to the appropriate person/department. Marks and Spencer operates a system that ensures workplace health and safety is safeguarded and they provide a range of occupational health services to their employees. Marks and Spencer abide by the legal framework on selection. The legal framework on selection states that application forms should not include questions which are not work-related (such as marital or domestic details) unless they are asked of all applicants. Marks and Spencers application form only asks questions based on what is needed for the job. Recommendation and Budget suggestion: Marks and Spencer deploys a systematic steps to their human resource planning known as strategic planning which set forth its plan of action based upon the values, culture and mission of the company. It is very important to Marks and Spencers employees as it helps determine them to understand the process of the strategic planning to see how their work objectives and individual responsibilities directly affect the companies mission. The systematic approach has six steps which are- To remember the mission, Identify the opportunities and threats of the company, To determine the strengths and weaknesses of the company by evaluating employees skills, Facilities and organisation structure, To forecast capabilities and opportunities by evaluating any upcoming changes before forecasting future opportunities, To develop goals and objectives and to implement the goals by evaluating the results and revising the plan as they move forward. Because of these Special HR planning approach used by Marks and Spencer, their recruiting, training and rewarding system is very highly effective. Thats why I think there is not much of recommendation left for Marks and Spencer to implement. The most effective approach they can take is to tweak the online recruitment methods and the advanced training facility upgrade. Because of their efficient HR planning and recruitment policy Marks and Spencer do not have to increase that much of their budget to recruit, train and motivate their human resources. So the even if they deploy new strategy for HR recruitment policy Marks and Spencer will be evaluate these thing within limited budget. Conclusion: In conclusion Marks and Spencers overall approach to employee resourcing is one that focuses on attracting and retaining the right people they need to be successful by offering employees competitive rewards and benefits and providing their employees with guidance and information about their values. Also focusing on attracting and retaining people from a culturally and socially diverse workforce that allows them to recruit the best people from a wide pool of talent, marks and Spencer also is concerned with ensuring that the health and safety of their employees and people are protected by well managed systems in all their places of work which all these concerns reflecting within their companies strategy. Appendix: Brief Background of Marks and Spencer: With over 120 years of strong heritage, Marks and Spencer is one of the best retailers in the United Kingdom. The organization has over 450 stores within the UK and have more than 65,000 people working for them in store and management. It also runs its business outside the United Kingdom border where it has a widespread business in places as far as Hong Kong. Now a days, the UKs retailing market has been identified by its super intense competitions. Customers are becoming more and more conscious of where and how they want to shop. They also understand what kind of shopping experience they like. This idea has made it much more difficult for retailers to survive. The end result of this was that M and S had to invent a new business plan and strategy which focused on the their business values, quality, and services. (www.thetimes100.co.uk) Marks and Spencer invented a promotional campaign that stated Your MS. This helped the organization to connect with the customer and the heritage of the organization. It also connected the business in the minds of buyers with 2 other values, trust and innovation. Their revamped and new business policy focuses on 3 main areas: Ensuring value for money products that consumers want. Development and Training brought new skill sets which help to add more value to its services and products, for example by reducing costs of products, this ensures Marks and Spencer to keep prices very low to really benefit the consumer. Improving the work environment within the organization, by having improved skills in sales and stock management means that staff can use the store to better advantage resulting in higher sales and profitability. Ensuring good customer experience, to look after customers if staff have improved communication skills, this can have a profound impact on customer experience. These simple changes have established a business environment with more challenges for MS Staffs. Managers had to prepare Staffs for whatever role they play in this new environment. The answer was to create new career paths for member of staff through training and development at Marks and Spencer to help staffs cope with the challenges they faced and build a career path for them. It is an important part of the Marks and Spencers business plan to attract, train, develop and retain a greater pool of talented individuals in all levels within the organization. The level of rewards and benefits they are able to offer is a key factor in successfully achieving this objective. The organization sets out to provide highly competitive salaries and benefits for all its employees consistent with its growth, strategy and increasingly international territories. Structure: Marks and Spencers has a flat organisational structure. The business lost a number of layers of authority through decentralizing which means that staff throughout the business have more responsibility. This enables them to make quick decisions and justifying actions that have been taken. (www.thetimes100.co.uk) The new structure led to a need in more training. In a flatter organisational structure, many employees have bigger jobs. There are higher expectations that staff can contribute more to its organisation. Marks and Spencer keeps its staff well-trained and able to respond to the businesses needs. There is also a need for succession management, when individuals either retire or move from one job to another Marks and Spencer management plans their replacements so that experienced staff with the right skills and competencies are selected. Culture: Marks and Spencer has a theory Z approach to its culture environment. The main aspect of a theory Z organisation is the test of collaboration between employees and managers. Businesses that successfully implement a theory Z approach to its culture find that employees have a sense of belonging and involvement. Views are shared across the organisation and from this shared norms and values emerge, which help the organisation to improve and move forward. (Ouchis theory Z culture)

The Transition from Analog Television to Digital Television :: Expository Essays Research Papers

The Transition from Analog Television to Digital Television The transition from analog television to digital television is an issue that is becoming more and more prevalent today. In 1996 the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) ruled that until 2006 or when digital television reaches 85 percent of all American households (whichever comes later) broadcasters can keep their analog spectrum free-of-charge. They decided that after that all television broadcasts must be made digital(Leopold). While this seemed like a great plan in 1996, it was later realized that it would take much longer for the transition to be complete due to many factors. The digital evolution began to transpire on November 1, 1998. Since then there have been many other forms of digital technology adopted by our society and digital television quite possibly is next. â€Å"The speedy conversion to digital technology will have profound interest benefits, permitting efficient spectrum use, optimizing the development of new technologies and services to consumers, and fostering diversity and competition(FCC). What are the advantages of Digital Television? Overall there are many advantages to digital television. The point to creating digital television is to receive digitally encoded broadcasts. These digital broadcasts are more picture perfect and have more lifelike sound than analog television. In an analog system the waves are modulated into mechanical form and transmitted through air or over cable. In a digital system sound and images are analyzed first then converted into a stream of numbers. Digitized information is transmitted in this system, not mechanical waves(Johnson). Comparing Resolutions: Analog TV Resolution: 480 interlaced lines, which means that half the screen is refreshed at a time. Digital Television Resolution: 480 progressive-scan lines, which means that the entire screen is refreshed at the same time. Digital signals convert regular signals into strings of ones and zeros, which is much more efficient than analog signals. Broadcasters can maximize their use of channel space because digital signals carry significantly more information than analog signals. Several digital programs and services can be sent in the space occupied by a single analog channel. The result of this is that the consumer is provided with more channel choices(FCC).

The Deaths of Antigone and Creon :: Free Essay Writer

The Deaths of Antigone and Creon Antigone and Creon are the main characters of the play Antigone written by Sophocles. Antigone is the daughter of Oedipus, who was a major figure of ancient Greek myth. Oedipus accidentally killed his father and married his mother. Because of that act, Oedipus ended up cursing his family and died a horrible death. After his death, his sons inherited his kingdom and in a power struggle ended up killing each other. One of the sons, Polynices attacked the city to try and claim power from his brother. But since both of the brothers died and the city was not taken Polynices was labeled as a traitor whereas the other brother who died defending the city was celebrated as a hero. Creon decreed at the beginning of the play Antigone that no one was to bury the body of traitorous Polynices. Antigone felt that it was here responsibility to bury the body because he was still a member of her family. This led to a huge argument with Creon who felt he shouldn’t be crossed because he was the leader of the state. Eventually both Creon and Antigone are destroyed by the gods (and by each other) through their own actions. Antigone is a powerful character, strong-willed, determined and at times self-righteous. She is contrasted by her sister Ismene, who is weak and powerless. Though Antigone is a powerful character, she has no real political power and is dominated by one man, Creon. Creon is both the ruler of the state as well as the patriarch of her family. Antigone was raised by Creon’s house after her own father went in to exile. Antigone is betrothed to Creon’s son, Haemon, further cementing Creon’s power over her. There is one aspect of life that Antigone does have legitimate power in and that is her family, especially her blood line. In ancient-Greek culture the women’s place was in the home, she was responsible for household things and often wasn’t even allowed to leave the house. It is because of this responsibility that Antigone needed to bury her brother Polynices even though it went against the decree of Creon. Antigone also had the gods on her side. It was an unwritten rule of ancient Greek society that the dead must be buried, otherwise bad things may happen. This rule, because it was unwritten and therefore innate, was protected by the gods, specifically Hades, the god of the underworld and family. The Deaths of Antigone and Creon :: Free Essay Writer The Deaths of Antigone and Creon Antigone and Creon are the main characters of the play Antigone written by Sophocles. Antigone is the daughter of Oedipus, who was a major figure of ancient Greek myth. Oedipus accidentally killed his father and married his mother. Because of that act, Oedipus ended up cursing his family and died a horrible death. After his death, his sons inherited his kingdom and in a power struggle ended up killing each other. One of the sons, Polynices attacked the city to try and claim power from his brother. But since both of the brothers died and the city was not taken Polynices was labeled as a traitor whereas the other brother who died defending the city was celebrated as a hero. Creon decreed at the beginning of the play Antigone that no one was to bury the body of traitorous Polynices. Antigone felt that it was here responsibility to bury the body because he was still a member of her family. This led to a huge argument with Creon who felt he shouldn’t be crossed because he was the leader of the state. Eventually both Creon and Antigone are destroyed by the gods (and by each other) through their own actions. Antigone is a powerful character, strong-willed, determined and at times self-righteous. She is contrasted by her sister Ismene, who is weak and powerless. Though Antigone is a powerful character, she has no real political power and is dominated by one man, Creon. Creon is both the ruler of the state as well as the patriarch of her family. Antigone was raised by Creon’s house after her own father went in to exile. Antigone is betrothed to Creon’s son, Haemon, further cementing Creon’s power over her. There is one aspect of life that Antigone does have legitimate power in and that is her family, especially her blood line. In ancient-Greek culture the women’s place was in the home, she was responsible for household things and often wasn’t even allowed to leave the house. It is because of this responsibility that Antigone needed to bury her brother Polynices even though it went against the decree of Creon. Antigone also had the gods on her side. It was an unwritten rule of ancient Greek society that the dead must be buried, otherwise bad things may happen. This rule, because it was unwritten and therefore innate, was protected by the gods, specifically Hades, the god of the underworld and family.

The Lunar Landing Hoax Theory - Evidence Pro and Con Essay -- Argument

The Lunar Landing Hoax Theory - Evidence Pro and Con A cash reward of $100,000 was offered to anyone who could prove, with conclusive physical evidence, the existence of the moon. This reward still remains unclaimed ("The Moon-The Real Truth"). After all, how does one know for sure the moon even exists? Even if it does exist, how does one prove it? That's what NASA set out to do in the late 1960's. On July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong planted the first human footprints in the lunar soil. The United States had accomplished their goal in sending men to the moon. They managed to not only send them 238,857 mi. (384,403 km) into space to our neighbor celestial body, but also send them back with a successful flight to our mother earth. This seems like a difficult task for a country that was behind Russia in space exploration at the time. So, did NASA actually have enough technology to do this? Even though many Americans believe that the United States sent men to the moon in 1969, there are a few who believe that the moon landing was a hoax. A 1999 Gallup poll showed that 6% of Americans have doubts about the moon landing. Even though 6% of Americans doesn't sound like a lot, it translates to millions of people (Plait). It would have been easier to fake all the photographs in the Nevada desert in Area 51 than to actually perform the mission to the moon. However, NASA did indeed have the technology in the late 1960's to send men to the moon, and all the evidence they brought back proves it. On July 16, 1969 the space ship Apollo 11 left from Kennedy Space Center en route to the moon. The crew consisted of Neil A. Armstrong, the commander; Edwin E. Aldrin, the jr. lunar module pilot; and Michael Collins, the commander module pilot... ...aphs and videos ("Proof"). This is a matter of physics. No one can physically prove that the US landed on the moon. So, will Americans ever know the real truth about the moon landings? What one's eyes see, one believes. So, from all the evidence that NASA obtained, it proves that they really did send men to the moon in 1969. Works Cited "Apollo Investigation." Aulis online. 11 Feb. 2001. 9 Dec. 2001 <http://www.aulis.com/>. Dumoulin, Jim. "Apollo 11." Kennedy Space Center Launching A Vision. 12 Dec. 2001. 13 Dec. 2001 <http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/>. "The Moon-The Real Truth." Reptilian Research. 9 Dec. 2001 <http:www.reptiles.org>. Plait, Phil. "Fox TV and the Apollo Moon Hoax." Bad Astronomy. 3 Dec. 2001. 6 Dec. 2001 <http://www.badastronomy.com/>. "Proof." Red Zero. 8 Sept. 2001. 6 Dec. 2001 <http://www.redzero.demon.co.uk/>.

Promotion Strategy Fitness Nestle

Nestle Promotion Strategy. – Writing 1 Casestudy February 7, 2010 Nestle constitutes the bigger corporation in the field of research and technology of foods. Her annual investment in Research and Growth is the biggest of the branch while her personnel in this sector exceeds the 3. 000 people. The Nestle Research Centre in Lausanne, where is carried out the basic research, is recognized globally as one of the leading centres of researches in his type with above 300 publications in valid scientific publications each year. The main activity of Group Nestle, which constitutes the bigger enterprise of foodstuffs worldwide, is focused in the sector the general and special human diet. Even if initially her work was based on the milk and the special products of diet for children, many still products were added in her activities with the byway of years, such as chocolates and (CRUNCH, CAILLER, KIT KAT, AFTER EIGHT, SMARTIES etc), coffee (NESCAFE, etc), drinks (NESTEA, NESQUIK etc), cooking products (soups, broths and mash MAGGI, pastas BUITONI, tins LI[B]BY'S etc), products of refrigerator (yoghurt CHAMBOURCY, ice-creams NESTLE, MOTTA and CAMY, desserts etc), natural metal water (PERRIER, VITTEL, SAN PELLEGRINO etc), frozen products (LEAN CUISINE) and products of cerials (FITNESS, CLUSTERS, CHEERIOS etc). Also,in our days NESTLE is taken action in the sector of products of diet of small domestic animals (FRISKIES, GOURMET, FELIX etc), as in the sectors of ophthalmologic (ALCON, OPTI – FREE etc), dermatological pharmaceutical and cosmetic products (NUTRADERM, BENZAC etc). In Greece, Nestle has presence above 100 years and constitutes today one from the bigger industrial companies of foods and drinks. The group Nestle in Greece is today constituted by the companies NESTLE GREECE S. A, NESTLE GREECE ICE-CREAMS S. A, GROUP of CERIALS GREECE. and ALCON INTERNATIONAL GREECE LTD, has totally in 4 factories and occupies in total 1350 people. For the 2006 it realised turnover of 460,6 millions of Euros, with profits above 70 millions of Euros. Chairman and Directing Adviser of Group in Greece is Mr Evangelos Kaloysis which, then long-lasting international military service in the maximum levels of Nestle, undertook also the responsibility of wider region of South-eastern Europe that includes the emerging markets of Albania, Bulgaria and FYROM, as well as Cyprus. It should be marked that the bigger percentage of annual turnover of Group in our country makes from products of factories of Greece. In this assignment we examine and analyze the promotion strategy for the product of Nestle which is named Fitness nestle and it is breakfast cereals mainly for women. The fitness product is the best for women ‘line'. Fitness breakfast cereal helps women manage their line in a sensible way. Fitness helps women not only take off weight but also keep it off as it is made with delicious whole grain flakes. Research shows that women who eat more wholegrain tend to weigh less and are less likely to gain weight over time. Fitness also contains essential vitamins and minerals. Analytically the ingredients for the product are Kellogg’s Special K Cereal (51%) (Rice, Wheat {Wholewheat, Wheat Flour}, Sugar, Wheat Gluten, Defatted Wheatgerm, Dried Skimmed Milk, Salt, Barley Malt Flavouring, Vitamin C, Niacin, Iron, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin (B2), Thiamin (B1), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12), Glucose Syrup, Chocolate Pieces (11%) (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Emulsifier {Soy Lecithin}), Fructose, Dextrose, Sugar, Humectant (Sorbitol, Glycerol), Vegetable Oil, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Antioxidant (E320). First of all it will be defined the target audience. Geographically the whole region of Greece will be in target. Everywhere in Greece exists a supermarket which offers Nestle Fitness product line must be part of the target. In conclusion geographically there are no limits. Thus , all city sizes will be concluded. In order to be more specific for the target audience will be defined the demographic characteristics. Firstly both gender can use the product, but mainly women are the potential and major consumers, thus women will be focused. Fitness product line is addressed to individuals from 18 to 37 years old. Family status for these individuals is young, single, young married with no children and young divorced. Income segment target is ;= 10000 annual salary. Demographically exist no other constraints. Phychographically the target will consist individuals with lice style status upon the general average and their personality will be characterized as ambitious and selfish. Behaviouristic the target audience will be strong loyal , heavy and regular users, and their market factor sensitivity is more advertising. The promotion strategy will be planned only for a part of the product line of fitness, which need a push. Fitness bars is a line of 7 different flavours. Each flavour has a unique taste but common scope. The price of one package is 2. 57 euros and contains 6 bars. The main competitor is kellogs, which sales the same package in different flavours 2,61 euros. In order to gain a competitive advantage and gain a bigger market share Nestle will apply specific strategy to the promotion. In the spectrum of promotion strategy, this method contains different types of energies. First of all the action , which will take place into the place a consumer can purchase the product. Mostly this point will be in supermarkets or other types of stores where Fitnees bars are sold. A hard-paper stand will be set at the 300 biggest supermarkets. That stand will announce to the potential customer the special offer of the product. That offer will be a 0,30 euros discount and a membership to a contest. The action should represent AIDA’s principles. Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. Attention will be paid by the effectiveness of the stand. Stand will be constructed like a huge Fitness bar with horizontal sleeves and attractive colours. The basic colour for the background will be yellow, because has high impact to catch consumers eye particularly when used with black. After, the board will be in green, because this colour is a symbol of health and freshness and popular for mini products. Inside the packing will be concluded a coupon, in which the purchaser will have the possibility to take part to a contest with a winning prize of free annual membership fee in a popular gym. For this action the costs are: 5000 euros for coupon production, 25000 euros for the stands and no cost for the gym because of a deal. The second part of the promotion strategy, which will follow after the 20 days length of the first action is to promote the fitness bar product line to potential consumers through scientific dietician and nutritionist persons. In Greece exist around 1. 000 people with the previous characteristics. The action will be focused only to the top 150. These persons will be supplied with promotion material, which will explain in scientific terms product healthy characteristics. More specific, Nestle will provide material, which will illustrate the whole product line of the bars and give them as a present posts with a subject from the health world. In addition 10 packages of the product will be send to these persons. The costs of these are: 1500 euros for the material, 3000 for the posts. Finally the last action of the promotion strategy is to approach the 100 biggest gyms around Greece and offer them the range of the bar product with the effectiveness of 50% discount. In that way, Nestle makes two goals. First net sales, even with a good discount and secondly a presentation of the product into the place where the target audience mostly can be found. Totally the costs of these promotion actions will be around 35000 euros. According the desired sales results, costs sound tiny. Desired results are a market share boost of 5% for the next 6 months and an estimated 6% sales growth for the next year. References â€Å"NestleWatch. org†. NestleWatch. org. http://www. nestlewatch. org. Retrieved 2010-01-08. â€Å"FoodAndDrinkEurope. com†. FoodAndDrinkEurope. com. 2007-12-05. http://www. foodanddrinkeurope. com/news/ng. asp? n=81829-nestle-vivartia-milk-prices. Retrieved 2010-01-08. â€Å"Nestle: Following the Customers' Tracks with Google Analytics†. Google Analytics. Archived from the original on 2007-02-20. http://web. archive. org/web/20070220225956/http://www. google. com/analytics/case_study_nestle. html. Retrieved 2007-02-21

Changing Hr Practices in Cable Co

Changing HR practices in account of merchandise Co exemplar study Table of Content 1. display.. 3 2. hassle diagnosis. 3 3. info collection and compend. 5 4. 1 chore 1 human race Resources think.. 5 4. 2 Problem 2 Per numberance circumspection schema.. 6 4. 3 Problem 3 enlisting and extract procedurees 7 4. Proposed answer7 5. 4 forgiving Resources planning8 5. 5 proceeding approximation system. . 8 5. 6 Recruitment and Selection wreak10 References run12 accessory 1 The 4 stage Leadership Model Appendix 2 exercise assessment form Appendix 3 Giving Feedback quill 1. Introduction This facial expression study is found on courseCo which is a colligation guess surrounded by an Australian corporation AuzCo, and cardinal Chinese transcriptions Post Bureau and PTA. The invention of this report is to wait on the whollyiance to advert the problem, after look into of the follows back basis information, advert its causes and supply a solution.T his sensitive Australia and China joint guess is located in an Economics and culture Zone to a greater extent or less 47 km from the downtown bea of Tianjing, a headspring- f alone ined industrial city in China. The main products of the joint venture ar tele conferences and various anformer(a)(prenominal) kinds of communication cables. The hold on confederacy has 184 employees in resume virtually of them 60% (113) argon industrious in the Production Department, as it is the most valuable startal part of CableCo. The Companys mission is expressed to bring out fibre products, provide first-class good to customers and guarantee reliable deli rattling. The Companys craft scheme is to continuously develop immature products, mitigate the quality of goods, discredit costs, and manage its human resources efficiently and tone up counsel control. Implementation of the ac partys dodge depended strongly on impressive employee instruction execution and attention co ntrol (Zhu, lawsuit Study A). The telecommunication sector in China where CableCo operates has undergone rapid development. There has been a steady growth in the come in number of phones in China.Because of this reason, the cable patience in China has attracted many interior(prenominal) and international investors. As supply exceeds crave in this grocery segment, it is to a greater extent nasty maintain pick out employees. The CableCo wariness group has realized that improvements in efficiency and authorization had to be get throughd through cave in utilisation of its human resources (Zhu, model Study A). 2. Problem Diagnosis After the initial clashing with the client it is found that the fraternitys authenticity is rather low in regards to managing their human resources.Although Cable Co realizes that its employees are the most valuable as good deal they have, the confederacy still has a pass on defects and wasteful processes in the HR charge subject. The repo rt problem that the high society is concerned nearly is how to improve efficientness and efficiency of the Human Resources steering that is the most important area in a highly war-ridden market place. Cable Co is in risk of infection to lose their image as a good quality product shaper because of uncertain business development strategy and employee internal dissatisfaction within a development agonistic market.The instruction consultants main objective would be to uphold the federation in changing its HR practices and processes in read to improve Cable Cos Human Resources centering and to enable effective operation in the highly competitive market within a multicultural working environment. A Structured manikin (Issue tree) enables us to see Cable Cos none more than understandably. Using this model it would besides facilitate in recognizing main causes and think the beat out manners for possible solutions for companys problems (Fombrun and Nevins, 2004). Ine fficient Human Resources focal point Problem 2Defects in proceeding watchfulness formation Job analysis/ process appraisals Bonus governance Problem 3 Recruitment & Selection panorama database Selection Methods Problem 1 establishments Structure & HR intend short-run oriented HR planning To preclude a stable workforce 3. Data collection and analysis In order to analyze the line within Cable Co, data collection had been processed. There were deuce basic data collection approaches employ deductive and naturalistic. To shed light on a more expatiate overview of the companys situation the 4 stage leadership model is apply.Structured wonders with severally leadership squad penis were conducted. Also questionnaires based on employees veritable joke satisfaction, understanding of crinkle requirements and a rewards clay were used in the data collection process. The work environment observations and interactions between managers, supervisors and employees along with t he judicatures documents were an important information source during analyzing the situation in Cables Co. ground on antecedently constructed outlet tree model, the main problem and its causes washstand be stated 3. Problem 1 Human Resources Planning * Organizations Structure A lot of Chinese companies are operating under nonindulgent control of the government. There are unreadable and distinguishable views between Chinese and Australian managers at Cable Co. Common ground rules and guidelines should be introduced. Currently some conduct positions and responsibilies are overlapping or two positions are held by the same person. * short-term oriented HR planning both(prenominal) precaution parties (Chinese on one side, Australian on the other side) have different approaches to business development.To label the demand for innovative employees the company uses its forecasted production needs, based on the market situation. Also data from AuzCo Australian are used as a standa rd to formulate the staffing needs in the production department. It seems that staffing needs analysis is more affected from how it is done in the westside than in China, although it should be based more on Chinas market situation. Obviously judgmental forecasting is used to forecast the companys approaching employment needs this means that managers and other people within the company adjudicate on staffing requirements. Gully, M. , Phillips M. 2009) There is no research data of Cable Cos target market in China, and this causes management uncertainty and different opinions where the company is spill and in which direction they are supposed(p) be heading? Without knowing the companys goals, it is very difficult for the managers to assure on a usual staffing strategy. * volatile workforce High turnover in locally recruited employees make it difficult to keep workforce stable which affects the effectiveness of the company which reflects badly on HR recruitment.Intensifying ti lt in employment market, break ins a lot of opportunities for employees to seek employment elsewhere. This would have an electrical shock on Cable Cos productivity as production workers are one of the place employee groups in the company. 3. 2 Problem 2 Performance instruction dust * Performance Appraisal clay After conducting research interviews with production workers, it is apprehensible that the companys writ of execution management system had many defects that reduce its effectiveness. strong suit of the existing carrying into action management system in Cable Co is very doubtful for the reason listed below expose performance criteria for both managerial and non-managerial employees are the same. Appraisal performance results have been unploughed confidential from the evaluated employees. Evaluations made upon appraisers daily observations and individual judgments, make the live system very subjective and results do not have validity. The company shortly doesnt ha ve job analysis for most of its positions, which makes it really touchy to evaluate the employees performance or to explain what are the main responsibilities and tasks for a position. Bonus System Currently there is no subsidy system in the company. The previous system was used more to avoid latent conflict between employees and lost its function as a motivational tool. The premium system based on defected performance evaluation process fails and decreases employees satisfaction. Operating in such a highly competitive market, it is immanent to have propel employees, and tools that religious service to keep them engaged. 3. 3 Problem 3 Recruitment & Selection * Appli endurets databaseBecause the company does not have a common computerized database for all applicants, the recruitment process for every new position is more costly and more time consuming. Previous unsuccessful candidates and interview records might be useful for the succeeding(a) recruitment project, hardly i t is difficult to point out this information without a database. * Candidate picking There are no common guidelines for the department managers to use when conducting the recruitment process, no selection criteria that would be based on and aligned with the companys business strategy. 4.Proposed Solution To make changes in the organizations structures, systems or processes managers should have represent from people working within the organization otherwise it will be out of the question (Fombrun and Nevins, 2004, p. 209). It is suggested that inefficient Human Resources Management system in the company can be improved by more effective HR planning, a reviewed performance management system and recruitment and selection processes. 4. 1 Solution 1 Human Resources Planning 1. Organize meetings between Cable Co Board of directors, General Manager and administrator Manager.The objectives for this meeting should be * To review companys goals and business strategy * To identify and r eview all Cable Co target market segments * To organized repeat market research to evaluate interior(prenominal) (China) market demand for their product * Based on research, reformulate the companys business development strategy * Management team should always be present, oddly if the company put such a great emphasis on management control in its business strategy and product quality. Formulate Human resources strategy aligned with business development goals that will enable to plan the companys people resources more efficiently. A previously mentioned problem is that the company is unable to offer accommodation for its employees should be seriously re tip overed. * freshen up employment offer package concentrating on accommodation facilities for employees other than those from the local area. * That way companys candidate pond would be extended, that can increase the best applicant attraction and give the company a competitive advantage. Organize a team to conduct accommodati on market research * Revise the companys opportunities to offer accommodation or a housing allowance for their employees. * This will carry the companys candidate kitty and stabilize the workforce and turnover. 4. 2. Solution 2 Performance Appraisal System Employee Performance Management is a process for establishing a shared workforce understanding close what is to be achieved at an organization level. It is about aligning the organizational objectives with the employees agreed measures, skills, talent requirements, development plans and the delivery of results. (http//www. peoplestreme. com/what-is-performance-management. shtml, 20/05/2012) It is essential to make sure employees know what the positions differentiate requirements are for high performance are. It is hard to maintain or try to achieve any performance level if the employee is not aware what the severalise aspects they have been evaluated for are. It is recommended to rewrite key performance criteria for manageri al and non managerial positions in the company. These key areas for both types of employees should be formulated in the positions job description.When conducting job analysis, human resources personnel should consider the companys business strategy. In this case the company pursues cost leadership and note strategies. This kind of business usually requires a workforce who are adaptable, efficiency oriented, trainable and willing to follow standardized procedures (Gully, M. , Phillips M. 2009). Firstly, it is suggested to determine key performance criteria for managers and all other employees, and show those in their job description. Job analysis, which embroil important aspects of a job and characteristics a worker needs to do it well (Gully, M. Phillips M. 2009) should be conducted for each position in the company. Job descriptions should be received by each employee on the day they polarity the employment contract with the company. That way the employee clearly understands the companys requirements for high performance and key performance criteria for their positions. Secondly, a new performance appraisal form should be developed (Appendix 1 Performance Appraisal form), which allows matching the key performance criteria from the job description for different positions.An evaluation process should still be conducted from the top to the bottom, but it is important to have open communication and feedback on the results after employee evaluation. Employees wont improve if managers or supervisors wont give them honest and formative feedback on their previous performance against the key criteria. As this is a new thing for supervisors and managers, it is recommended to set up guidelines on how to give constructive feedback about an employees performance (Appendix 2 Giving feedback model). It is similarly advisable to process 360 degree feedback for companys managers and supervisors.This would give managerial team a better understanding of their strengths an d weaknesses and an insight on how others encompass them. Also provide an opportunity to jell behaviors and develop skills that will enable them to surmount at their jobs (http//www. custominsight. com/360-degree-feedback/what-is-360-degree-feedback. asp, 12/05/2012). A fillip system should be developed for key areas of the company such as selling and also Production Departments. It is also recommended to ca-ca an incentive plan for all employees if the company has reached its goal at the end of the twelvemonth (for example, specific amount of gross revenue or profit).That way all employees would feel rewarded, because everyone has contributed to improve productivity, profitability and to keep the organizations competitive advantage. Employee performance appraisal form results should also be taken into consideration when building the pension system. It should be based on sales results for the Marketing department and productivity and quality for the Production department emplo yees. The company should consider a yearly reward capital punishment for all employees if an annual target has been reached.A bonus system is a great motivational tool that means more motivated employees, better work engagement, improved productivity and product quality, which help the company to gain better profitability. 4. 3 Solution 3 Recruitment and Selection process * Candidate Database It is recommended to invest in the companys development by creating a computerized HRM system, which includes all previous applicants and records on current employees. include information on TeleCo employees would be a great source for Cable Co further recruitment processes.In this HRM system the company could also create talent inventories detailed records that summarize each employees skills, competencies, and qualifications (Gully, M. , Phillips M. 2009, p. 126. ). This can be used as a very helpful tool in filling in future vacancies and also developing succession management in the comp any. * Recruitment and Selection If the company keeps involving line managers and supervisors in Human Resources processes, the selection and recruitment guidelines for management and supervisors team should be developed.It is important to have a formal instructions, and processes to follow when selecting, attracting, assessing and deploying employees (Gully, M. , Phillips M. 2009). Supervisors have to be competent to explain to the new employees what the key areas of the position are and what level of performance is expected from them. This information would be easy found in the job descriptions for each position, based on job analysis and performance appraisal reviews. These recommended changes will help Cable Cos leadership team to improve the Human Resources management in the company and increase management control over organizations processes.Reference List Gully. M, Phillips M. (2009). Strategic Staffing (2nd ed. ) Upper file River, newfound Jersey Pearson Education Fombrun . J, Nevids D. (2004). The Advice Business. infixed Tools and Models for Management Consulting, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey Pearson Education Warner J. (2002) The Janus Performance Managament System A Complete Performance Management Support Process for Individuals, Teams and the Entire Organization (Volume I), HRD Press Zhu J. C. Organizations Development and Change. Changing HR practices in China Cable Co. Case Study A PeopleStream Pty. Ltd. Performance management. Retrieved from http//www. peoplestreme. com/what-is-performance-management. shtml habitude Insight. com. 360 Degree Solutions. Retrieved from http//www. custominsight. com/360-degree-feedback/what-is-360-degree-feedback. asp Business Balls, Performance Appraisal forms. Retrieved from http//www. businessballs. com/performanceappraisals. htm