Monday, September 30, 2019
Zara International Case Study
Zara International was a retail shop originated in La Coruna, Spain in 1975. It was clothing and accessories shop and imitated the latest fashion trends and sold them at a lower cost. It became Zara International after entering Portugal in 1988 and then the United States and France in the 1990s. The distributor for this brand is Inditex and is considered the most successful retail chain in the world. Zara has a business strategy that is very different from the retailers nowadays.If a customer orders a product Zaraââ¬â¢s distribution centers can have the items in the store within 24 to 48 hours of receiving the order, depending upon the country. The business plan that Zaraââ¬â¢s executives made was very innovative and played a great part in the success of this retail chain. Not only has it been successful and profitable in the past, they are successful in the present and have been expanding their brand all over the world Zara Internationalââ¬â¢s business strategy has elements of classical management approach.Classical Management approach has the assumption that people at work act in a rational manner that is primarily driven by economic concerns. This approach has three major branches: Scientific management, administrative principles and bureaucratic organization. Scientific Management Frederick W. Taylor used the concept of time study which is to analyze the motions and tasks required in any job and to develop the most efficient ways to perform them. His first principle was motion study which is the science of reducing a job or task to its basic physical motions.This concept was clearly evident in Zara Internationalââ¬â¢s case. Time is the main factor that is considered by Zara International as opposed to production costs and advertisements. According to Schermerhorn (2010), ââ¬Å"Parent company Inditex Group shortens the time from order to arrival by a complex system of just-in-time production and inventory reporting that keeps Zara ahead (p. 54)à ¢â¬ It is only possible if Zara has skilled workers and the required training to train these workers with the ability to send the product within 24 hours of receiving an order in the European store and 48 hours in American and Asian stores.This is evidence of using the principles two and three of Scientific Management. All this requires careful planning which is the fourth principle of scientific management. Administrative Principles: Henri Fayolââ¬â¢s administrative principles are also clearly seen in Zara Internationalââ¬â¢s case. Zara had a foresight of what it was doing will create profit. It did not spend any money on advertising but instead on being efficient and on time on its production. With no advertising the company made a profit of $10 billion in sales which were overwhelming.The CEO of Inditex Pablo Isla seems to have great organization and leadership in gaining profit for the business. Zara international also applies a Behavioral Management approach in doing b usiness. According to Schermerhorn (2010), ââ¬Å"The behavioral approaches maintain that people are social and self actualizing. â⬠(p. 38) Instead of advertising their brand Zara makes sure that the interiors and exteriors of the stores are up to date and designed based on the location. They focus on what people are demanding and keeping in mind their social and cultural needs.It also keeps a close watch on the latest trends and the buying behavior of customers. Zaraââ¬â¢s strategy of being successful consists of various factors. Zara has succeeded by doing business according to customerââ¬â¢s needs and buying behavior. Their different approach in production approach is another factor. They have created a very efficient link in between their management principles and social environment. Their use of complex systems of just in time production has played a major role in its success. Zara also has believed in cutting expenses wherever and whenever possible and has done tha t in an intelligent way.Their strategy of inventory control is also worth applauding. By using this distinctive thinking Zara has been successful amongst the fashion world. The latest trends in the competitive apparel industry are companies going digital. Reinvention of fashion runways and then use of social media in publicizing the latest fashion is a hot trend. Use of mobile devices such as smartphones and iPads for shopping for the convenience of customers is also a very hot trend. There are also virtual dressing rooms and interactive store windows that make shopping for apparel easier (Agathou, 2012. Zara has also started to come up with innovations to stay in the competition. Zara International has launched its online store in Mainland, China (Inditex to launch, 2012). Zara has also expanded its stores internationally by entering South Africa this year (Kew, 2012). Zara International will definitely continue to do well with the business strategy. However it will still have to a dapt to the changes in the global economy and plan their business strategies according to the customers and clientele. It will do well since it is expanding internationally and also adapting the latest technologies.Zara International has gained huge success by following the classical management approach and the behavioral management approach. Inditex has used a distinctive business strategy in their production and inventory control. Even in the competitive trends in apparel industry, Zara will survive in the competition if it continues to do business according to the clientsââ¬â¢ needs and wants. BIBLIOGRAPHY (2012, September 4). Inditex to launch Zaraââ¬â¢s online store in Mainland, China. www. fibre2fashion. com. Retrieved from http://www. fibre2fashion. com/news/apparel-news/newsdetails. spx? news_id=115305 Agathou, Amalia. (2012, June 30). 6 Hot Digital Trends transforming the fashion industry. Insider. Retrieved from http://thenextweb. com/insider/2012/06/30/6-hot-digital -trends-transforming-the-fashion-industry/ Kew, Janice. (2012, August 27). Zara Enters South Africa as Foreign Brands Seek Growth. Bloomsberg Businessweek. Retrieved from http://www. businessweek. com/news/2012-08-27/zara-enters-south-africa-as-foreign-brands-seek-growth Schermerhorn Jr. , John R. (2010). Management. Management Learning Past to Present. (pp. 31-56)
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Commercial Law Flow Charts and Notes Essay
You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour- Who, then, in law, is my neighbour? The answer seems to be ââ¬â persons who are so closely and directly affected by my act that I ought reasonably to have them in contemplation as being so affected when I am directing my mind to the acts or omissions that are called in question Donoghue v Stevenson Neighbour Principle: You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour- Who, then, in law, is my neighbour? The answer seems to be ââ¬â persons who are so closely and directly affected by my act that I ought reasonably to have them in contemplation as being so affected when I am directing my mind to the acts or omissions that are called in question Donoghue v Stevenson Reasonable Person Test ââ¬â individual action or failure to act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another Blyth v Birmingham Waterworks Co (1856) Papatonakis v Australian Telecommunications Commission (1985) That it is appropriate for the negligent personââ¬â¢s liability to extend to the harm so caused This was stated in Section 5D of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) and is consistent with the case of Adeels Palace Pty Ltd v Moubarak Other Tests: for a causal link to exist these elements must be satisfied: iii. Negligence was a necessary condition for the occurrence of the harm iv. That it is appropriate for the negligent personââ¬â¢s liability to extend to the harm so caused This was stated in Section 5D of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) and is consistent with the case of Adeels Palace.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
The Impact of Internet and Digital Culture on Workplace Ethics Essay
The Impact of Internet and Digital Culture on Workplace Ethics - Essay Example It would not be mistaken to say that each generation has its own time and technology and a similar amount of satisfaction but only enjoying at different times (Misa, 2004). This study aims at explaining the e describing the historical emergence and growth of the internet as a facility, its effects alongside its growth patterns and its effects on different generations. The onset and use of technology is defined and equally affected by some factors such as its democratization, its ease and flexibility of use (as opposed to other media) (Ferdinand, 2000), its different designations that serve different audience and, the effect of patterns, tastes and preferences of particular audience on its designing over time and space (Proctor & Vu, 2005). These factors are therefore explored in different lengths and at different areas of focus throughout this study. Whether old or modern, as reiterated above, all media exists within and is an aspect of technology (Manovich, 2001). Technology exhibits a typical flux nature; that is, its growth and development are progressive processes (Manovich, 2001). Each form and module of technology operates perfectly well in a given timeframe and then gets defaced and replaced by another as time goes by. Telegraph was perhaps the first electromagnetic form of communication. Later, the telephone emerged in form of a listening device. Then the technological experimentations bore analog media in forms of cinematography, radio, and TVs. It was in the 1940s when TVs were invented. The following years saw the idea of TVs as perhaps the best invention of the time due to its entertainment both as a leisure activity and workplace motivation. The global society was enthusiastically detached from written information and adopted TVs as the best and entertaining alternative. In some societies, TVs were even a mark of ho usehold financial abilities.
Friday, September 27, 2019
The WBS 2 module Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
The WBS 2 module - Essay Example However, there were difficulties during the report-writing stage, especially when it came to choosing the scenario that would be discussed, all the while ensuring that the report was objective. In addition, accessing relevant journals and texts was difficult, especially when multiple sources were involved. The peer assessment feedback was a big help since it enabled the group and I to identify areas, which we needed to improve on. When I had to work on my portfolios by myself, I also faced various challenges, including time management. Moreover, while some of the instructions seemed straight-forward in the beginning, I realized that my tutor meant to improve my research ability, as well as ensure that I had an adequate objectivity level as opined by Hill. The tutor made it clear that any arguments used would have to be supported by valid references and/or explanations, which meant that I had to correct some of my text until I presented satisfactory work. Indeed, I am confident that I satisfied my module tutorââ¬â¢s requirements.It was challenging for me work independently, especially since the research in application of work based structure was very extensive, while, as stated, most of the sources accessed proved to be irrelevant to the portfolios. However, if I could do it again, I would seek to access my module tutor more when I came across issues that my classmates could not solve, as well. Time management is crucial in managing work based structures although I feel that was not my strongest point.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Visual arts, music, drama, and film constitute works of art Essay
Visual arts, music, drama, and film constitute works of art - Essay Example The reality is that art is about expression; not only of the artists, but also of the audience. Every person views the product in light of their own perception and preconceived notions - we still haven't decided at large what the expression on Mona Lisa's face entails. Therefore, the questions stands ever more potently: what does constitute a work of art. Technically speaking, every person using the creative means to express themselves essentially come under the cadre of 'art'. However, whether it is actually another Rembrandt in the making, is a question that only time can tell. Even when small children scribble with crayons on their drawing books, that is one form of art. Yes, it may not be the standard to be placed in a museum, but it is still the mode of expression for that child. Similarly for music - nature is encrypted with melodies and rhymes, all synchronized to give life the color it deserves. Thus even the whistling sound of a cool breeze is a form of art (again something that may not find itself in a collector's catalogue. Performing arts also form a distinctive genre in their own right. Dance and yoga both form a wholesome means of expression for the body. Two people fighting are generally termed as something uncivilized.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Technology Impact Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Technology Impact Paper - Essay Example New Technology Impact Technology is changing more rapidly day by day, that helps the businesses to move further. Particularly in this century many technological developments taken place and carry on happening. However, people do not desire to relinquish following it for the reason that each individual requires to be advanced as well as obtain greatest advantage by implementing it. To accomplish it, it is initiated to utilize in all the area of life. In other words, technology is turning out to be one of the basic and vital parts of life as well as made life impractical to perform anything in the absence of it. On the other hand, it started shaping peopleââ¬â¢s lives without their management moreover illustrated its enormous influence. Briefly saying, advanced technology has certain consequences in every field and step of the life particularly in business as well as daily life (Todd). Technology Impact on Business and Customer Introduced the new product to customers Technology infl uences business certainly in a lot of aspects; like that improving the way of advertisement or marketing. Primarily, the technological progresses attained during the previous few decades have enormous outcomes on business products introduction or presentation to the customers across the world. Additionally, the technology facilitates to provide effective support on previously sound sales as well as marketing strategy. One of these supports is to offer direct communication among customer along with the business. For example online shopping is one of the new technology based effective approaches of introducing new products to the customers. In this scenario, if a customer pays for something that he purchased then business earns the profits. However, if sales are not made, the corporation yet has an innovative technique of introducing new products to diverse customers. It means that company is doing its marketing through the web based platform. In case of launching new products to the customers across the countrywide the web based platform facilitates in case of collecting information as well as data regarding their customerââ¬â¢s shopping and purchasing behavior in an attempt to build up flourishing association with their clients. Therefore, they are able to recognize what their clients selections are and how to offer them valuable products in an attempt to maintain their loyalty and attract customers worldwide (Todd (Rampur). Ways that add value through new technology to business The new technology has offered more facilities and ways in order to offer better support to the business as well to the customers. Particularly the web based structure such as eCommerce or online business has offered lots of business advantages to the customers. Particularly in case of web based business practice a company is able to enjoy more enhanced support regarding online shopping, imbursement as well as advertisement policies. All these processes require very small number of human resources and expenditures. In addition, all of these aspects definitely lead to more enhanced support for the management of the entire business dealings and transactions (BusinessKnowledgeSource), (Kristina) and (IBM). The new technology based arrangement has as well offered the businesses a better competitive benefit. In case of new and more enhanced
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Enviromental Science - Video Answers Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Enviromental Science - Video Answers - Lab Report Example perceived obsolescence are real, this is because people keep shopping and consuming materials and, of these ninety nine percent becomes trash within six months. New and more fashionable materials are continuously produced for example, shoes and clothes which keep changing in designs. Recycling has not been enough in saving the situation since itââ¬â¢s impossible to recycle a hundred percent of waste. Some products are not designed for recycling for example, juice packs and products containing too many toxic substances. The linear system can be changed to a new system through sustainability, equity, green chemistry, zero waste, closed loop production and local living economies for a more resourceful society. The United States Government will be more concerned in working for and with the people, natural forests will be regained and waterways made drinkable. The consumption of world resources will be reduced hence overall waste reduction. The United States economyââ¬â¢s goal will change from producing more consumer goods and focus on investing in education, healthcare, safe transportation, sustainability and justice. Producers can opt to produce materials that will not easily lose value and that are recyclable. This way extraction of natural resources, consumer goods production, distribution, consumption and disposal will be reduced. Consumers have potential to most influence the system since they can choose to retain and recycle what they purchase. Corporations which make up most of the large economies worldwide have most say in how the ââ¬Å"Materials Economyâ⬠system runs. Third world economies are highly affected by this system through a lot of pollution, very low income and places that are difficult to live in. Consumers are also forced to work a lot of hours, meaning less leisure time and this makes them very unhappy with their
Monday, September 23, 2019
Auditor independence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Auditor independence - Research Paper Example Without independence, Arya & Glover (2014, p. 188) believes that there is no need for external auditors attestation to the purported accuracy and the completeness of the company financial information. The adverse effects of auditors providing services to clients that pay them directly question the impairment of auditor independence. An association between fees received by the audit firms directly from the clients will possibly impair auditor independence with particular interest to the going concern reporting decision that continues to have considerable interest to the regulators and others. This paper studies Arthur Andersen clients and investigates whether the decline in Andersens problems due to a criminal indictment can adversely affect the stock market perception of its audit quality. The reputations concerns are an issue on the impairment of the auditors independence. Arya & Glover (2014, p. 190) investigates the relationship between abnormal market returns for the Andersen clients and the fee-based measures of auditor independence. The empirical results support the ideology that auditor independence and reputation can significantly affect the perceived auditor quality and credibility in the audited financial statements as well as the market prices. The paper will also provide empirical evidence on the efficacy of auditors and directors that apply aggressive financial reporting that have accruals. In that light, the paper will investigate a sample of United States firms to evaluate the auditors independence on the clients. According to (), aggressive financing reporting will only occur when multiple governance mechanism fails. The overreliance of SOX-type legislation cannot act as a substitute for strong governance mechanisms in the regulation. Paterson & Valencia (2011, p. 1510) assert that Arthur Andersens perceives audit failure of Enron and other publicized accounting
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Character of Nicholas in Chaucers Millers Tale Essay Example for Free
Character of Nicholas in Chaucers Millers Tale Essay Nicholas, with his outrageous sense of humour and eager pursuit of love, functions as the charming, likeable hero in Millers Tale. He is introduced as hende Nicholas, and his conduct does not at all answer to the usual sense of the adjective which implies great courtesy, but its suggestion of approval is repeatedly invoked as the Miller refers to his hero by this formula. We learn at once that he is knowledgeable and of his interest in astrology. This is seen as a respectable branch of learning, but Nicholas is aware of its power to impress others, while he is able to supplement his income by weather-forecasting. He is also helped financially by friends. The imaginary flood of which Nicholas tells John shows us his cunning, his confident attitude, his inventiveness and especially his contempt for the stupid tradesman: Dont worry about that, said Nicholas, / His times been badly wasted, if a scholar / Cant get the better of a carpenter. (lines 191-193) In spite of this, however, the Miller presents the astrologer in a way that makes the audience like Nicholas. He does this by making John seem deserving of punishment for his unwise marriage and subsequent jealousy. Nicholass youth and attractiveness makes us less critical of his boldness, and the comic manner of the tales telling makes his conduct seem less worthy of censure than would be the case with real people. Nicholas seems a more appropriate partner for Alison than does John, and the Millers repetition of the formula hende Nicholas encourages us to be more sympathetic. However, it is important to note that Nicholas does not escape his daring plan without any consequences. His over-confidence and lack of prudence earn him a punishment appropriate to his offence, and in keeping with the farcical spirit of the tale he is scalded in the towte by his rival, who mistakes him for Alison. Thus, Nicholas may be the character that has the audience rooting for him by being likeable and providing good laughs, but his charming yet arrogant attitude does not prevent him from suffering the consequences of his actions. The Canterbury Tales [Oxford guides to Chaucer]. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Wagner Matinee Essay Example for Free
Wagner Matinee Essay During the 1800s there was an increase in immigration to the Great Plains due to an abundance of free land offered by the Homestead Act. Many individuals and families went west to seek their fortune and a home on what was once called the great American desert. Moving westward was a difficult process, and many were forced to leave their old lives behind completely. In A Wagner Matinee, written by Willa Cather, the characterization of Aunt Georgiana, a woman who leaves Boston to elope with a young man going west, is used to illustrate the theme; that sometimes decisions need to be made, and although one might regret it, one love must be sacrificed for another. One way that Cather uses characterization to illustrate this theme is through direct statements about Georgiana and physical descriptions. Right away Cather tells us that Georgiana is, or was, a pianist of some accomplishment. She once worked as an instructor at the Boston Conservatory of Music. For a woman to achieve this status in the time A Wagner Matinee is set was an extraordinary thing. The music she chose to give up was surely something she loved very dearly and was very proud of. The physical description of Aunt Georgiana shows the hardships she had to endure because of her sacrifice. The narrator of the story, Georgianas nephew Clark, describes her as having yellow and leathery skin, and wearing ill-fitting false teeth. These physical defects were the result of a pitiless wind and the alkaline water, along with other hardships of the Nebraska frontier. The most biting description of Aunt Georgiana is the repeated image of her hands. She was once a great pianist, but from work on the farm in Nebraska, her hands have been reduced to twisted knots of flesh, with oddly bent, tentacle-like fingers. This description best illustrates her sacrifice, as her hands were the most vital thing to her musical essence, and Cather does well to convey this through the repeated imagery. Georgianas statements throughout the novel also support the theme of regret and sacrifice. Clark recalls a time when Georgiana opens her soul to him, and says Dont love it so well Clark, or it may be taken from you. Oh! Dear boy, pray that whateverà your sacrifice be it is not that. By saying this she is referring to, of course music. Her advice to not love it so well is intensely pessimistic, influenced by the great pain she suffere d when she gave up her life ambition. Later in the only conversation that Clark and Georgiana share at the concert, she remorsefully makes reference to the music they are enjoying. And youve been hearing this ever since you left me, Clark? she asks. Clark calls the question the gentlest and saddest of reproaches. When she says this she is almost jealous of her nephew. Her wistful remembrance and longing is made clear through her words. Finally, at the end of the concert, she bursts into tears and cries out I dont want to go Clark, I dont want to go!â⬠This is a very direct and clear example that her longing for the music she sacrificed is terrible and immense. However, Aunt Georgianas actions often speak volumes, and impart a greater insight into the theme than even her words can convey. She had lived on a farm away from civilization for thirty years, and so the transition back into the city was not an easy one. She is described as being almost in a trance when she arrives. Her state of being does not change throughout the story until she arrives at the matinee and she awakens. The only thing that connects her back to the city she left so long ago is the m usic. When the concert starts, it opens the flood gates to her memories. The very moment the first note is played her hand darts out and clutches at Clarks coat sleeve. She does not release it until that song is has come to an end. After this first ordeal she is able to calm herself somewhat, but the music still controls her, seeming to sweep her away to another world. As the concert continues, she fondly remembers her days at the conservatory as she pantomimes the action of playing a piano on her dress. Through these actions and others she demonstrates how dear to her the music that she left behind is. Thus, Cather uses the characterization to illustrate the theme of sacrifice. The vivid physical description presented makes the weight of Georgianas decision clear. Georgianas words also provide great insight into how she feels. Indirect expressions, which can be interpreted through her conscious and subconscious actions, are the most solid representation of how the theme is demonstrated through characterization. Aunt Georgiana is not a unique case, and although she is a fictional character, sacrifices like hers are inevitably made every day. Sometim es there is no middle ground, and noà matter how great a love is, it must be abandoned for what is believed to be a greater good. The regret and pain which accompany these sacrifices must be dealt with by each individual.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Description of a participatory action oriented course
Description of a participatory action oriented course PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION OF A PARTICIPATORY ACTION-ORIENTED PAOT COURSE Background We will be conducting a PAOT on work improvement in small enterprises (WISE) course over a one week period. The PAOT course is not a formal lecture, is interactive and participant centred. It is recognised that SMEs contribute significantly to the national economy and that they are huge employers. It is also recognised that however, they do not always have a preventive or safety culture. They do not employ OSH practitioners nor do the employees and employers alike receive formal OSH training. Hence the implementation of the WISE programme as one of the PAOT methodologies, whose aim is to improve working conditions/OSH in the workplace and productivity using simple, effective and affordable techniques that provide benefits to owners/employers, workers and the community. Facilitators will do preliminary work, send invitations to identified participants. Other significant persons will be also invited as the programme will detail. Target group and participants Two facilitators will provide guidance and steer the programme. Invitations will be extended to 30 participants drawn from the local informal small to medium scale enterprises. These will consist of largely the employees or owners who do day to day work and including their supervisors, managers or owners who do supervisory or managerial work. Invited important observers will include two members of the community local leadership, one official from The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and one representative from the financial sponsor of material: ILO, Zimbabwe Decent Work Programme General and specific objectives General objective: Make participants become aware that investment in low cost permanent simple improvements results in more satisfied and productive workers, more satisfied mangers who, together with the workers, will ensure efficient safe workplaces, leading ultimately to a more successful sustainable business. Specific objectives (for the participants) Learn application of the checklist for the purpose of selecting priority workplace improvements in their SMEs in the local setting for, materials storage and handling, workstation, machine safety, control of dangerous substances, lighting, welfare facilities, industrial facilities and work organisation. Identify and focus on commonly encountered working conditions problems in the above mentioned areas. Point out the local and commonly available simple low cost workplace improvements for the identified problems. Link better working conditions to better productivity. Course outline and contents Dates:29 December 2014 to 2 January 2015 (five days) Venue: Local Community Hall Site Visit: A walking distance from the Hall, an SME that is into furniture making Facilitators:Dr B. Ziki and Mr D. Moyo Participants: 30 (split into 5 groups of six individuals) Course content: Will include the history of PAOT, concept of PAOT, its advantages, the WISE methodology, scope for improvement and emphasis on the tapping of local wisdom for low cost sustainable workplace improvements in the SMEs. Day 1 to 5: Will be guided by the above course content. Activities will include: The opening ceremony, introductions, orientation, workplace visit, checklist exercise, group discussion of checklist results, presentation of group results, technical sessions ââ¬â one or two a day, implementation of improvements with an action plan, workshop evaluation and closing. Methodology Facilitators will do preliminary work, visiting SMEs, finding and taking pictures of good examples to be used for discussion. A spacious venue where island sitting (round table) arrangement is possible is chosen. It must also be near the visit site On the first day after the opening ceremony, the course outline is presented and soon after there will be a site visit to a chose workplace. The 30 participants are split into five groups of six each. Each group will complete a checklist. A spokesperson is chosen and after discussions, he or she will point out important observations and low cost sustainable suggestions for improvement. No negative criticism is allowed. A different aspect of the WISE programme is tackled each day. Facilitator gives an outline of the topic for discussion and provides good examples and allows participants to discuss on the topic. Last will be implementation of improvements with an action plan, workshop evaluation and closing of the workshop. Timetable Evaluation and follow-up Evaluation of the PAOT course is necessary to assess usefulness, effectiveness and areas that were good and those that need improvement. Participants are given evaluation forms which they fill in and immediately return. Feedback is given after all forms are looked at. Participants also must demonstrate assimilation of information and that they are ready to undertake self help actions to improve workplace conditions in their local settings. They are reminded to do checklists at their workplaces, identify priority areas that need improvement and draw action plans. Participants are encouraged to share experiences with each other and with their or fellow employees, as well as continue to improve even on improvements already made. They are then issued with certificates of attendance. A tentative calendar for follow-up visits by the facilitators at the participantââ¬â¢s workplaces is drawn up. It is recommended that this is done two to three months after the course is conducted to assess the participants self help, low cost, and local practical solutions suggested and implemented to improve working conditions. After a walk through and discussions, positive developments are praised and the discussion must stimulate the participant to remain interested in the PAOT methodology and its ideals. A small, inexpensive and clever (SIC) contest held anytime between two to twelve months is organised to show the group with the best SIC solutions to identified workplace condition/s needing priority attention. An achievement workshop can be planned for six months to a year after the PAOT course. Participants present on their achievements and sustainable improvements and the best presentation can be rewarded. References Learning modules A8.1 and 8.2 Participatory Action-Oriented Training. Ton That Khai, Tsuyoshi Kawakami and Kazutaka Kogi. 2011. An ILO publication. Roles of Participatory Action-oriented Programs in Promoting Safety and Health at Work. Safety and Health at Work. Safe Health Work 2012;3:155-65 An introduction to the WISE Program. Conditions of Work and Employment Programme. An ILO initiative.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Plato Essays -- essays research papers
Plato was a philosopher and educator in ancient Greece. He was one of the most important thinkers and writers in the history of Western culture. Plato was born in Athens into a family that was one of the oldest and most distinguished in the city. His father Ariston died when Plato was only a child. The name Plato was a nickname meaning broad shoulders. Plato's real name was Aristocles. Plato had aspirations of becoming a politician, however these hopes were destroyed when his friend Socrates was sentenced to death in 299 B.C. Extremely hurt Plato left Athens and traveled for several years. In 387 B.C., Plato returned to Athens and founded a school of philosophy and science that became known as the Academy. Topics such as astronomy, biological sciences, mathematics, and political science w...
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Outsourcing Jobs :: Globalization, Economics, Economy
It is 2:00 A.M. and you have been surfing the Internet all night. Your computer starts to slow down and suddenly stops. You cannot explain why; you have tried everything in your power to get it running again. It is early in the morning and you are tired, so what are your options? You decide to call the computer companyââ¬â¢s help desk. You know it is late, so you are surprised that someone answers your call. The person on the other end of the phone is an outsourced employee. The language barrier makes it difficult to understand, and you become upset. At this moment your main concern is to get your computer working again, so you continue to let the technical support representative help you. After a short time of being on the phone, the representative helps you, and your computer is fixed. Now that your computer is in working order, you return to the thought that you received help from an outsourced office. You were not happy to get a representative from overseas, but now that your problem is fixed, you realize it wasnââ¬â¢t that bad. Many people have the same reaction to this scenario. It is common today to get upset about the use of job outsourcing. The increase of companies that use offshore help is making people talk. The upfront concern is that the use of outsourcing is taking away from jobs in the United States. This may be the popular consensus, but it is not completely true. In reality, the use of job outsourcing does not have a negative effect on the economy in the United States. Americans complain about the loss of jobs to outsourcing, so we need to take a look at our unemployment rate. It would naturally make sense that if a job is placed overseas, it is being taken away from an American worker. ââ¬Å"In truth, companies have outsourced since the Industrial Revolutionâ⬠(Kakumanu, Portanova, 2006, p. 1). The use of outsourcing jobs is not a new concept; it has just become more popular. ââ¬Å"Offshore outsourcing of labor first became prevalent in manufacturing industries. Labor in other countries was cheaper than America workers, and transportation fell. This made sending work offshore more economical and began a large wave of outsourcingâ⬠(Kakumanu, Portanova, 2006, pg 1). Would this then mean that if jobs are being sent overseas in these large waves, there would still be jobs left for American workers?
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Enrollment system and scheduling Essay
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDY Foreign and Local Literature Foreign Literature According to Trip Adler, enrollment is the process of entering and verifying data of students to register on a particular school. Different interrelated processes build up enrollment procedures called Enrollment System (ES). ES are used particularly in recording and retrieving student information. Tracking student information is also one feature of ES, in which the school can trace the standing of a student. (Trip Adler, 2005) Enrolment system or ES is used particularly in recording and retrieving student information. Trip Adler says enrollment is process of entering and verifying data of students to register on a particular school. From different interrelated processes will build up enrollment procedures. According to Matthew Townsley, ââ¬Å"The implementation of the successful enrollment management program requires cooperation, coordination and teamwork among various campus constituencies.â⬠Cooperation, coordination and teamwork among the proponents in making the Enrollment System play a very important role in the project. Thus resulting more productivity and better output. (Matthew Townsley, 2006) According to Daniel John Hossler, Enrollment System is a comprehensive process designed to help achieve and maintain optimum enrollment (recruitment, retention, and graduation rates). It is an institution wide process that permeates Virtually every aspect of the schoolââ¬â¢s functioned and culture. (Daniel John Hossier, System Structure etc. pg. 41, 2011) The proponents of the Enrollment System have considered all the aspects of the schoolââ¬â¢s need to produce an efficient and effective enrollment process. According to Bernard Konsynski, without a comprehensive strategy to manage enrollment, a school finds it difficult to increase productivity, service, quality, and competitiveness. (Bernard Konsynski, 1999) Competitiveness in all of the schoolsââ¬â¢ enrollment system is very high due to the standards and requirements of the school nowadays, so the proponentââ¬â¢s enrollment system has to meet all the standards and requirements of the school. According to Peterson, Eric W. Nov. 1999. The technology today plays a vital role in our society. It makes man work easier and fast. It lessens error of work by using machines. It reduces costs to an organization from paper works up to computerized working system. Many manual transactions can be computerized by using software applications or computer systems to make work easier and efficient. (Peterson, Eric W. November. 1999) Information technology can give a company ready access to improve product and service quality, reduce costs, increase productivity in smallest time possible, and communication between employees and to make things with lesser effort but having a better output and even improve the company morale. According to Thelma Smith (August 2010), The computerized enrollment system will provide the needed and storing information in a faster, more convenient way by storing file of the student enrollees in a computer system that will lessen the Effort of faculty staff in storing files of each student every now and then. The idea behind an enrollment system is not a new concept. This will only serve as an Immediate solution to the increasing problems towards enrollment that provides more easy way in enrolling. This only means that a poor management of an enrollment system could affect the operation of the school. Thus, to avoid errors in enrollment, it wills an instant remedy, which is the development of a computerized enrollment system. (Thelma Smith August 2010). According to Ian Sleight, Enrollment system is the must have system in a school. When a student is enrolling for a specific course the school requires all the necessary information of the enrollees. When the school retrieves the important information from the student, the encoder now should input the details of the student in the enrollment system. In the enrollment system, the school can trace what are the standings of the students or the academic performance of each student. It holds all the information needed by the school to provide a stored student data. (Ian Sleight, January 2010) Local Literature According to Honorato C. Perez, Sr. Late Cabanatuan City Mayor, Enrollment plays a very serious role in every school premise. It is very important in every and it acts as their foundation. Each school has their own system in handling their enrollment. And for them to accommodate many students, they need to computerize their enrollment system, for them to make their work easier and easy to manage. (Honorato C. Perez, Sr. Late Cabanatuan City Mayor) As they mayor said enrollment system plays a vital role in school because it is very important that should be organize, precise and coordinate in every transaction that the proponents proposed enrollment system that can do all of that. According to Jeffy Lomboy, Enrollment System is a good example of a computer generated process. This can lessen the workload and provides accurate information needed by the school. As a result, it will benefit not only the student but the administration as a whole. An enrollment system must be a good computer generated process, this said is to manage a time for the avoidance of a workload so that the accurate information that the school needs and it benefits only a student and the administrator. (Jeffy Lomboy, February 2011). According to Aries, The process of enrollment in schools nowadays requires information technology. The objective of Information Technology is to help humanity from doing loads of work over time. By having computerized system, the cost during enrollment will be cut down and much effort will be reduced. The computerized enrollment system reduced and cut down much effort of work over time of humanity by the used of enrollment technology. (Aries February. 2012) According to Joshua Jamora, Enrollment System is used for student information records. A well-built Enrollment System can be useful to reduce the load of the people that normally has to do all the manual work. A well enrollment system is built for faster process information. Enhancing the Enrollment system of Colegio de Saint Monique. A useful enrollment system is used to reduce the load of the human that normally has to do all manual work like in the enrollment process. A well enrollment system is build for a faster process for enrollment process. Enrollment system enhances the school of Colegio de Saint Monique in Binangonan. (Joshua Jamora February 2013). According to Eilrach Solomon, A quick and automated enrollment system process is the way the school can find an easier and better way to implement an enrollment system. The automation of the said system will be implemented through the use of equipments like computers and printers. Users can use these equipments in order for the work to be done faster and it can lessen the processing time because of fast accessing of grades. Eilrach said the develop a system that can minimize the processing time in order to access records of the students quickly so that enrollment process will be much faster than usual. Enrollees will beà more comfortable for the system that researchers will develop because of fast and consistent processing of schools enrollment system. (Eilrach Solomon February 2010). According to Harley Quinnie of Quezon City, a study to develop a comprehensive information system for the students of Informatics College Caloocan. For first time enrollees they are required to register using the school computers in order to process their application for enrollment at Informatics College Caloocan and Theyââ¬â¢re records will be stored into the school server, records such as name, address, guardian/s, course, subjects, and schedules. The Student Information System is proposed to help the students supervise their academic status, in order to keep track of the subjects theyââ¬â¢ve taken, and the student will be able to view his course curriculum in any accessible computer in the school to see which subjects to take the following term. (Harley Quinnie of Quezon City., July 2012) Foreign and Local Studies Foreign Studies Computerized enrollment system of New Berlyn, a university will be able to make the process of enrolling people a hundred times easier. A computerized enrollment system is essentially a piece of computer software that allows people who manage enrollment to deal with all student data on the computer. The names and the information relating to individuals who study at the educational establishment will be stored on the computer. Computerized enrollment systems are pretty basic, really, as they can be changed and utilized to work for other companies and organizations. (Enrollment System New Berlyn, 2011) ââ¬Å"Enrollment system will be their great advantage towards other School to their services fast, efficient use; it will benefit mostly the user of the system.â⬠According to the study conducted in Australia, the new developed enrollment University system centralizes all relevant information about courses, units and student grades. It is the responsibility of the faculties to provide the system with information (course code and unit code) about the courses and units theyà offer. For each course, the name of the course coordination must be communicated. The enrollment system in turn keeps the faculties in turn keeps the faculties informed of the numbers and names of students enrolled in the units. At the end of each semester the faculties will also communicate the studentsââ¬â¢ final grades; it is the systemââ¬â¢s responsibility to send to students the end-semester notification giving the Final grades. (International School of informatics management, student admission system, November, 2011) ââ¬Å"In facilitating the number of student enrolled in every section it must be known. Because many school didnââ¬â¢t controlled the number of student in every section so it so hustle in teacher to handle so many students in one room. According to the study of Roberts, the University of Derby has benefited greatly from the introduction of an Electronic Enrollment system and much has been learned on the way. The Institution has come to expect the provision of information on enrollments in real-time, itââ¬â¢s planning cycle and operation rely on it. Students expect the systems provided to be slick, available longer and to have no queues associated with them. While new systems will provide institutions with exciting new opportunities, the first and biggest step has already been taken with the handing over of the data and input to the student. The operation of the Electronic Enrollment System has paved the way for the implementation of Web based system at Deroy that will provide a better service to students. (Roberts, the University of Derby, November, 2009) ââ¬Å"The proponentââ¬â¢s proposal real time enrollment system so all the transaction is can be done in one process.â⬠According to Parcels Baggage itââ¬â¢s much easier to enroll people into universities, colleges, schools and other educational establishments these days by using a computer. The days of using documents and other files are over. Itââ¬â¢s no longer feasible to enroll people into the more staff would have to be hired to deal with the paperwork and people would need training in how to manage the documentation properly. (Parcels Baggage, 2010) ââ¬Å"The upgraded system should be agile enough to cope up with the existing environment, able to do more complex jobs from query, processing of documents and finally results to the clients.â⬠Local Studies In the conducted study of Charlene G. Bulao et. Al (April 2000), in their undergraduate feasibility study entitled ââ¬Å"A Proposed Computerized Enrollment System for Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuelaâ⬠, the case study stated that the schoolââ¬â¢s enrollment process are time consuming, redundant student records, and has a slow retrieval of student records. Similar with the stated problem of manual enrollment system at Canumay National High School the only difference is that Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) requires payment for the tuition fee. Both of the study aim to develop a system that will reduce the redundancy of studentââ¬â¢s information, reduce the consumed time in enrollment process, and a fast retrieval of studentââ¬â¢s records. According to Jonel Vitor, (March 2008) et al, the computerized enrollment system is now used by the universities, colleges and other establishment. Therefore, computerized enrollment system is very useful to both the firm and students because it rather give an effective and efficient approach for both the students and schools. The proponentââ¬â¢s enrollment system is being useful in the school together with parents, staff, faculty, student that is very efficient to approach. (Jonel Vitor, March 2008) Marvin Marquez, March 26, 2011. It is recommended to the school to provide a computer where we can install the system. And also, a committee which can be headed by some teacher must be organized to operate the system. This software can be acquired in a very minimal cost. Free seminars and trainings will be given to the person who will operate the system, and manuals will be provided. The computerized enrollment system covers the major processes in Batanes State College namely: registration of the current and incoming students, class scheduling, sectioning, and reports needed. Since one of the specific objectives of the system is to secure the data being inputted to the databases, the system would Allow two user accounts which are the faculty and the registrar. (Marvin Marquez, March 26, 2011) According to Daniel G. Urbanozo successful enrollment management depends on information base that is comprehensive targeted and continuously updated to conform to enrollment policies and to monitor its effectiveness. Institution implementing enrollment programs need to establish an initial information infrastructure. This data will identify areas in need of further analysis that may suggest policy revision. ââ¬Å"The proponents proposed system has an information infrastructure that can flexible in every situation that can be encountered in future.â⬠According to Jofil Lomboy Enrollment is the process of entering and verifying data of student to registrar on a particular school. Different interrelated processes build up enrollment procedures called Enrollment System. Enrollment System is used particularly in recording and retrieving studentââ¬â¢s information. Tracking student information is also one of the features of ES, in which the school can trace the standing of a student. (Technology Innovation on Enrollment System (Jofil Lomboy, February 2011) ââ¬Å"The proponentââ¬â¢s enrollment systems can also easily track student information and tuition. Recording and retrieving and verifies the data of the students registered.â⬠Synthesis The technology today plays a vital role in our society. It makes man work easier and fast. It lessens error of work by using machines. It reduces costs to an organization from paper works up to computerized Information Technology can give a company ready access to improve product and service quality, reduce costs, increase productivity in smallest time possible, and communication between employees and to make things with lesser effort but having a better output and even improve company morale. The process of enrolment in schools nowadays requires information technology. The objective of Information Technology is to help humanity from doing loads of work overtime. By having computerized system, the cost during enrolment will be cut down and much effort will be reduced. The project involves a series of studies that covers all the requirements of creating a computerized enrolment system. The goal of the study is the enrolment system of Ebenezer Montessori Christian School, Inc. The study aims provide a system that will serve their Registrar accurately and with efficiency in matters related to their enrolment. Enrollment System is a good example of a computer generated process. This can lessen the workload and provides accurate information needed of the school. As a result, it will benefit not only the student but the administration as aà whole. Enrollment System is very essential in a school. It is composed of a manual system. Directress used manual system in recording and retrieving studentââ¬â¢s information. She also has information about studentââ¬â¢s payment. In fact, she does all the record keeping just by using ball pen and columnar sheet. On the other hand, Registrar Department also used manual system as a way of recording and retrieving student information. Record system is complete school management software that effectively performs record and profiles management. This record software has a module dedicated to management of studentââ¬â¢s records which makes it useful profile management software. This profile management system captures master Data of personal information of the students. The record management software is waded with resource capacity and availability so that all the information can be used to optimize resources and generate timetables. The record management software stores all static information in a central depository doing away with manual data management, redundancy and duplication. Use record management system for easy records and profiles management and realize other benefits of this powerful records management system. Bibliography Trip Adler (2005) Matthew Townsley (2006) Thesis Document no.61 title: Batasan Chunan Christian School. Inc Enrollment System. Page 18 Daniel John Hossier (2011) System Structure etc. page 41 Bernard Konsynski (1999) Thesis Document no.61 title: Batasan Chunan Christian School. Inc Enrollment System. Page 19 Thelma Smith (August, 2010) Ian Sleight (January, 2010) Peterson, Eric W. (November, 1999) Thesis Document no.61 title: Batasan Chunan Christian School. Inc Enrollment System. Page 19 à Honorato C. Perez, Sr. Late Cabanatuan City Mayor Jeffy Lomboy ( February, 2011) Aries, (February 2012) Joshua Jamora, (February, 2013), Enrollment-System-1405014.html Harley Quinnie of Quezon City. (July, 2012) Enrollment System New Berlyn International School of informatics management, student admission system, (November, 2011). Roberts, the University of Derby, (November, 2009) Parcels Baggage, 2010 Thesis Document no.61 title: Batasan Chunan Christian School. Inc Enrollme Jonel Vitor, (March, 2008) et al
Monday, September 16, 2019
Is It Important to Vote
A democracy is a place where everyone has rights and freedoms. Freedom of speech, religion, the right to hold public office and the right to vote. Also a place where government is by the people and for the people. The United Kingdom is a representative democracy. This means that everyone over the age of 18 can vote in elections, and the people they elect then represent their interests and make the decision. Itââ¬â¢s important for everyone to vote because the representatives decide what taxes you will pay.Also they form the government/council which decides all sorts of major issues such as education, laws, and the police. If people stopped voting, there would probably be a dictatorship where many freedoms would be taken away. If we donââ¬â¢t vote ordinary people are involved in political parties and in national/local government, they can be taken over by people who may represent a minority interest. Peopleââ¬â¢s rights and freedoms are preserved by elected representatives so it is important many people, as possible vote.To vote is to give a voice in playing a role in positive change. Many men and women died for our right to vote, as well as the other rights we now take for granted. Women could not vote for many years because they were not considered an important part of decision making. Such as the suffragettes fought for female votes which was achieved in success in 1918. In some countries today some people do not have a choice to vote. Black people in South Africa were not able to vote until 1994.Also there are some dictatorships in some countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Libya. Now we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place and we now have the right to do so. Women more than ever now should apply their right to vote. All policies are made by the elected officials we get into office. All policies affect each and every citizen. I think it's important to voteà because of the great amount of power politicians have ââ¬â particu larly the control they have over our society of everyday life: education, health, policing and social services.A general election is the public's big chance to change how society is run. We should read the news and understand the direction our country is going in. Education is serious, many other countries are way ahead of us and we are falling behind. We have rising educational costs with colleges, which require effective solutions to ensure that we have educated adults entering the work force, without the funds available many will not get the education and the country will suffer. We are either part of the problem or part of the solution.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Lions Among Us
According to Mr. Edward Henderson, leaders are those people who can guide a work force into a path that leads to success and realization of goals by keeping the members of his work force committed, intact, and highly motivated. Moreover, managers of private clubs are those who extend their duties and responsibilities beyond the long-established and conventional roles of private club managers. They should be able to influence the members of their work force to create a reality out of their visions of success. Furthermore, Henderson has also presented what he calls ââ¬Å"success factors.â⬠These success factors are supposed to be instrumental in making private club managers successful in their field. This valuable piece of information was based on a survey conducted in 1994, which was administered to several managers. They were the ones who were responsible of narrowing down eight valuable factors that influence success. These success factors were also proven true by Henderson himself, as he has put great efforts to observe his colleagues who were private club managers themselves. In addition to the main success factors that will be discussed in the following statements, people who took the survey also included other factors that are important in success such as a reputable image, flexibility in working with diverse individuals or groups, communication and social skills, just pure luck, exerting effort and working hard, attitude and perspective in life, and continuous learning. Henderson has also noted that there is a strong connection between success factors and the successes of a leader. Although he himself, and all the managers who took the survey, could not argue with the fact that all success factors are significant in accomplishing success in their line of expertise. However still, everything depends on the work attitude and outlook of the manager. In addition, it is dependent on the nature and the background of the business that he is managing. The first success factor mentioned in the monograph is operational knowledge. Operational knowledge received the highest vote as one of the most important success factor. However, overall the most important success factor, it ranked second. It requires knowledge of the ins and outs of business, such as the technical aspect and expertise in handling the club. Expertise and knowledge of the business is achieved over time. Being in the business in such a long period of time is a learning experience for private club managers, especially with their experiences in success and failures in the past. The second success factor is integrity. It was the first most important success factor that was rated by the managers who took the survey. For those managers who took the survey, building a responsible and credible self as a private club manager makes one a true leader. Being aware of oneââ¬â¢s strengths and weaknesses, distinguishing right from wrong, expressing appreciation and gratitude to oneââ¬â¢s constituents, exuding good morals and virtues, and working for the purpose of serving, are just some of the aspects of integrity that makes it a factor in a leaderââ¬â¢s way to success. The third success factor is being in the right club where a managerââ¬â¢s personality is suiting. In other words, private club managers must be able to be in position within a club that is fitting or appropriate for their personality and management styles. They attribute this idea with marriage. For them, being a private club manager is like building a relationship or marrying a person. There should be chemistry or the personality, style, beliefs, and attitudes of a manager must be in sync with the needs and nature of the club to succeed. Just as how two people should be in order to have a successful marriage. The fourth success factor is acquiring financial skills. According to the managers who took the survey, being adept with finance and accounting enabled them to gain respect and trust from their colleagues. Needless to say, the finances of an organization are the indicator of its success or its failure. The fifth success factor is intelligence. The challenges and the demands of the private club industry require broad knowledge and skills in order understand the comings and goings within the club and also to understand human behavior and predict outcomes. According to the managers who took the survey, intelligence coupled with the right experiences and skills acquired equals great leadership and success. The sixth success factor is the ability to persuade others. Persuasion or the skill of one person to influence the behavior of a person is very significant in accomplishing success at present. A great leader must be able to persuade or influence others, his subordinates, colleagues, and everyone who he comes to work with, to lean to the direction of success and accomplish the vision of the club. The seventh success factor is authority. Perhaps authority comes with the previous success factor, which is persuasion. The ability to persuade must be coupled with authority that is in order to persuade people, the leader must exude authority and firmness among them. Although there are several issues raised about authority and its limitations, people cannot argue with the fact that authority is very important in dealing with all aspects of the private club industry. However, with authority comes great responsibility and sound judgment. The eighth success factor is social grace. Although several managers regard as least important in achieving success, they could not also deny the fact that being skilled in communication and interacting with other people is important. After reading all the factors that influence success as a private club manager, I have come to understand the qualities and skills that one should possess in order to be a great leader for the club as a whole and his constituents. Although all the success factors and much more, are instrumental in the achievement of great personal and group success in the field of private club management, I feel that the most important of all is intelligence. First, intelligence gets you to the position of a private club manager. As we all know, being intelligent and knowledgeable about the business makes one a potential and a strong candidate for a private club manager position. It is instrumental in getting one started, and intelligence keeps one going in the business. Moreover, intelligence equips you with the capacity to acquire all the other skills that are important in the business such as financial and social skills, being knowledgeable of the operations and processes that go on within the business, and even in the ability to persuade others, intelligence plays a role. Intelligence is also a major factor that spells out authority. For instance, one becomes granted the opportunity to become a private club manager because of oneââ¬â¢s knowledge of the business. Through this, one gains support, respect and trust from colleagues, subordinates, board members, and other people one comes in contact with because of oneââ¬â¢s ability to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the business, even for example in finance and accounting. Essentially, it drives one to learn more about the developments and changes in the industry making one capable of dealing with future obstacles and challenges. Therefore, one is able to persuade other people into working together as members of the club in order to attain their goals and objectives. Generally speaking, intelligence does not only get you the job, but it also guides you and lets you experience success and gets you out of failure. It lies in all aspects of the eight success factors that are why it is important.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Professional and Managerial Ethics Caselet Essay
Limaha Inc. is a world-renowned toilet manufacturer founded in 1967. Limaha led the innovation of advanced bathroom utilities and mainly caters to First Class airports and 5-star hotels. The recent Asian economy boom has led to increased demands of Limaha toilet bowls for the business expansion of their loyal clients. In response, the company has decided call for this unprecedented increase in production that must be met as soon as possible.Jenny Panaguiton, the purchasing manager of Limahaââ¬â¢s main office, was tasked to choose a supplier of premium porcelain to be used in the production of their patented No Pressure toilet bowls. This production will include a big production contract with a new posh hotel in the countryââ¬â¢s capital whose construction is about to end with the installation of their bathroom fixtures. After careful analysis from 20 suppliers by the purchasing department, Jenny was presented and left to decide between two suppliers: O Mang China and Teddy B. Solutions. O Mang China offered superior porcelain at a high price. This price along with other costs necessary to deliver the porcelain to the production plants was estimated to exceed the companyââ¬â¢s budget. Although Limaha can choose to go ahead and allocate more capital for this transaction, it could result to lower company profits if the previously agreed sales price of No Pressure toilet bowls is not increased. If Limaha decides to charge a higher price on their new product, there is a high possibility that the hotel client would back out from the contract and change to another toilet manufacturer for confirmed business ventures next year. Teddy B. Solutions, on the other hand, offered a lower price for the porcelain materials which is well within the companyââ¬â¢s budget. Christopher Barrido, the companyââ¬â¢s Vice President for Production even greatly encouraged Jenny on choosing Teddy B, as the really low price of the porcelain would bring significant favorable variances in their divisionââ¬â¢s costs. Not only would their division have a pretty image in front of the Board, there would even be a possible salary increase. He even promised Jenny of a bright future in the company if she makes the right decision. Jenny, however, doubts their VPââ¬â¢s motives, as Christopher would not normally recommend any supplier and would just leave the Purchasing Department on their decisions. She thinks Christopherââ¬â¢s actions have something to do with the generous gifts Christopher has been receiving recently from his long-time friend and classmate, Teddy B. Teddy Bââ¬â¢s proposal is highly attractive when just considering the companyââ¬â¢s profits. However, the production team who reviewed the samples from Teddy B showed results that were a far cry from O Mangââ¬â¢s porcelain. Materials from Teddy B produced inferior quality toilet bowls. The production team voiced out their concerns through Pie Bread, the production manager. Pie greatly discouraged the use of Teddy B materials to Christopher Barrido, arguing that the use of such materials would greatly affect their quality, and the name of Limaha Inc. could be tarnished through this. They were also very concerned that the hotel might withdraw previous arrangements with Limaha because of the fact that these inferior toilet bowls were simply not appropriate for the posh hotel. Christopher just wonââ¬â¢t have any of Pieââ¬â¢s arguments. He argued that the employees under her department were only exaggerating about the quality of the samples. Teddy B has long been in the business of supplying porcelain, so he argued that the problem is not on the materials, but on the workers handling the production who are not being efficient enough to produce at the expected quality. Pie and Christopherââ¬â¢s debate had been long, and word travelled that Pie was even threatened of demotion if results with the Teddy B samples still would not improve. Needless to say, people from production are now pointing daggers to the purchasing department, as their decisions could cause them their jobs. And so Jenny tried to negotiate the price offer of O Mang China and asked for any other possible alternatives their company could have. Its owner, Osmong, however presented her a very outrageous offer. Osmong is her former lover from a very bad and traumatic relationship.à Osmong, feeling bitter, is still deeply in love with Jenny even after she broke up with him six months ago for a number of undisclosed reasons. Since the breakup, Jenny has vowed to never reconcile with this man again. In a desperate attempt to get Jenny back, Osmong offered to significantly reduce their price to go lower than that of Teddy B, if and only if, she agrees to go back together with him again. This new price would mean that there would be no need for a price increase on the No Pressure toilet bowl, and they could even attract more potential long-term customers because of their high-quality products at a really low price. To add to the list of her worries, Jenny received a note to come to a private meeting in a nearby cafà © with Bea Wing, Limahaââ¬â¢s Internal Auditor. The meeting had been really stressful, as the topic was Teddy Bââ¬â¢s alleged recent romantic interest with Jenny. Teddy has been sending Jenny many gifts and invitations to dinners since the start of the year, and they had gone to a few dates. Jenny, however, just treated their relationship as platonic, and concluded that nothing can come out of their business meetings. Bea however would not believe any of it. Bea had been married to Teddy B for three years. Sadly, a gap in their relationship has formed due to their busy schedules. She noticed her husbandââ¬â¢s special attention to Jenny, and thought that a possible divorce could be coming to her soon if Jenny continues to ââ¬Å"lead him onâ⬠with her business partnerships. Bea thinks that this new materials supplying contract could be the last straw. She later vowed, that if Jenny makes one wrong move on choosing her husband and destroy her marriage, she would definitely destroy her life. Jenny was visibly shaken, given that Bea really has the power to do so, with a few alterations on her departmentââ¬â¢s financial statement, and some words with Board of Directors regarding her process of choosing the material suppliers. Jenny really has a lot riding in this decision. The company profits, the production employees, her personal relationships, her co-workers, and her own job are at stake in this one important decision of choosing the supplier of porcelain for the No Pressure toilet bowl model. She could not afford to lose her job now, given that it is the only way for her to pay for the medical bills of her five dogs in the hospital. This one decision could makeà or break her life. Even more so, sheââ¬â¢s not even sure if it is right. What do you think would be the best action to take?
Friday, September 13, 2019
Analyzing What Boudicca Is
Analyzing What Boudicca Is Though the primary sources on Boudicca are fragmentary and limited, it can still be ascertained that she played a major role in the revolt of the Iceni against the mighty foreign power of Rome. Throughout history powerful men have been viewed as threatening, but powerful women such as the late queen of the Iceni are often seen as awe-inspiring. Owing to Boudiccaââ¬â¢s mistreatment and bravery she rose up against the Roman Invasion endeavouring to seek vengeance and in doing so shaped European history. Boudicca, one of historyââ¬â¢s most powerful women, suffered rape only vicariously as a mother, but her revenge destroyed thousands. The rebellion of Boudicca has an established and monumental place in British history. Her ability to recruit a brutal Celtic army and massacre thousands in her revolt displays her courage and determination as a leader. The character of this woman and the events of her life, contribute immensely to her importance in history. While over time she has b een viewed by different perspectives, she is most commonly seen as the obvious; a queen, mother, wife and survivor. Boudiccaââ¬â¢s revolt against the Romans was initially shaped by misfortunes brought upon her life and her family. Among ancient Celts, women were equal to men and held a number of well established rights. Consequently, when Boudiccaââ¬â¢s husband, Prasutagus, King of the Iceni tribe met his death in 60 AD, Boudicca took her assumed role as Leader and queen. Her husbandââ¬â¢s will outlined Boudiccaââ¬â¢s inheritance of the tribe and its land yet the Romans considered this practise illegal and demanded she hand over her wealth and territories. The injustice of such a demand resulted in Boudiccaââ¬â¢s strong refusal which ultimately led to her arrest, flogging and then the public brutalisation and rape of her two young daughters. Tacitus, senator and historian of the Roman Empire depicted the event in his work, The Annals. He states, ââ¬Å"His kingdom was plundered by centuriesâ⬠¦ his wife Boudicca was scoured and his daughters outrage. All the chief men of the Iceni as if Rome had received the whole country as a gift, were stripped of their ancestral possessions, and the kings relatives were made slaves.â⬠(http://classics.mit.edu/Tacitus/annals.html). This prominent historian outlines significantly the atrocious actions of the Roman Empire and mistreatment of the Royal Family and its tribe. Manifestly, after the assault to her children, her family and her kingdom, it was time to seek vengeance. Boudicca triumphed as courageous female leader and despite the fragmentary nature of sources; there is strong historical evidence which depicts her heroic qualities. In the case of Boudicca, the public lashing she received and the rape of her daughters was a calculated political move on the part of the offending Romans, whose intent was to show the Celts their helplessness against the conquerors. For years Celtic tribes had suffered under roman domination and taxation. They had been driven off their own land and subject to lives as slaves and prisoners. After suffering yet enduring such great offences, Boudicca recruited neighbouring Celtic tribes which without a doubt strongly supported the revolt. Tacitus articulated that even neighbouring tribes which had not yet been cowed by slavery agreed in secret conspiracy to reclaim Celtic freedom. (Annals, 14,31). Cassius Dio, a Roman historian, could not overlook the magnanimity of Boudicca as he romantically depicts her in his literature when he displayed, ââ¬Å"She was huge of frame, terrifying of aspect, and with a harsh voice. A great mass of bright red hair fell to her knees: she wore a twisted Torc, and a tunic of any colours, over which was a thick mantle, festered by a broach. Now she grasped a spear to strike fear into all that watched herâ⬠.(www.unc.edu). Without question, Boudiccaââ¬â¢s larger than life reputation, courageous persona and frighte ning stance was clearly recognised and depicted strongly in Roman history. Her ability to inspire support from neighbouring tribes in her vengeance in seeking to revolt made her a leader in her own right. Her final speech to her army, retold by Tacitus, displays the motivations of the Celts. Boudicca stated, ââ¬Å"Roman lust has gone so far that not our very person, nor even age or virginity, are left unpollutedâ⬠¦ If you weigh well the strength of the armies, and the causes of the war, you will see that this battle you must conquer or die. This is a womenââ¬â¢s resolve; as for men, they may live and be slaves, and captive.â⬠(www.unc.edu). Boudicca expresses that she would rather die than let herself and her tribe fall under the control of the Roman Empire. It is articulated that Boudicca saw the battle as life or death and that women will fight to the very end in the name of vengeance. Despite the fragmentary nature of the sources surrounding Boudicca, it is still evid ent that her efforts to build and motivate her army display her impact and inspiring leadership qualities.
Women,crime and criminal justice Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Women,crime and criminal justice - Assignment Example Moreover, prisons are the culmination of several oppressions, including, class, ethnicity, indigenous status, and race. There is considerable discrimination against women in prisons, and this chiefly stems from their lesser proportion in the prison population. The security levels in prisons are grossly disproportionate to the lower seriousness of offending, which characterizes women offenders. Another disquieting feature of prisons, vis-Ã -vis females is their tendency to isolate women to a much greater extent than men. This arises due to the smaller number of incarcerated females, which leads to the presence of fewer prisons in a specific geographical area. As such, women prisoners are subjected to greater social stigma than their male counterparts (Barberet, 2014, p. 163). In addition, prisons pathologize and infantilize females, thereby subjecting them to greater oppression. Hence, women should not be imprisoned for the less serious crimes. In addition, the close similarity in the conditions of women in prison, across the world, has made it possible to formulate international norms and guidelines for prisoners. Several of the international guidelines have suffered setbacks, due to cultural relativity or the imposition of Western standards. Prison standards have not been affected to the same extent by these influences (Barberet, 2014, p. 163). A major cause for this relative insularity is the fact that prisons are predominantly a Western institution that have been imposed via colonialism. As a consequence, the issues created for women in prisons tend to be quite similar across the world. This is despite the disparities in the manner of operation of prisons, the categories of females who are incarcerated, the crimes that these females have been charged with or sentenced for, the resources provided to female prisoners in the prisons, and the problems envisaged by these females
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Global banking issues Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1
Global banking issues - Assignment Example The best example of barter system is that suppose there are two persons, one of them has a goat and the other has a cow and they both want the goods possessed by each other. In such condition the barter system is created so as to get into an agreement for the procedure of goods exchange. However even if the goods are exchanged successfully there would be a time when the goat and cow would die and hence it can be stated that these goods are not able to maintain their initial value over the time. In such a scenario there was evolution of a new concept in the form of money which served as exchange medium (Schwartz 361).This medium was accepted widely by all the traders as it was able to solve the problem that was associated with goods that deteriorated with time. One of the most important functions of money is that it can be considered to be unit of account that facilitates a mechanism through which value can be placed on the services and goods. This is simply because such a function is a standard unit in monetary terms for value measurement on services and goods. For instance when a person goes to a supermarket the monetary value of goods can be observed by the person through the price tags on the goods. There even exists monetary value on services such as when a person goes for a spa and gets the required service the person in return pays money to the concerned individual for the availed service. Thus unit of account as a function of money can be regarded as value measurement for services and goods. The supply of money can be considered as liquid instrument and total stock assets at a particular time and this in turn in an economy of a country is accepted as medium of exchange. The Federal Reserve System takes into control the supply of money in America. The supply of money comprises of three essential components such as the
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Corrections and community justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Corrections and community justice - Essay Example The warrant is served to the suspect verbally, and a copy given to him and arrest follows. Customarily, the suspect is arraigned before a judge a day or two following the issue of the warrant. Defense attorney represents the suspect, while the solicitor represents the state. The preliminary hearing involves submission of facts of the case and the determination by the judge, if the case can proceed to trial. At the plea stage, which follows preliminary hearings, the suspect is formally charged. The second hearing is conducted in front of grand jury, consisting of eighteen natives after which a trial is held either before a judge and the jury, or before a judge only. If a ââ¬Å"guiltyâ⬠plea is arrived at, the judge passes a sentence on the accused, but in cases dealing with death penalties, the jury is mandated to pass the sentence. In a criminal court, the government (the plaintiff) institutes a suit against a person(s) suspected of going against the law. There should be certainty for a ââ¬Å"guiltyâ⬠verdict to be passed. On the other hand, in a contemporary court, an individual (plaintiff) institutes legal proceedings against another (defendant). Reasonable doubt is never a
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Essay - Family Vacation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
- Family Vacation - Essay Example Firstly, most of my immediate family members have never been outside the US and a vacation in Ireland would surely be treasured for a change in their daily routine. This will convince them to change their ideas on the usual vacation hotspots in America, which are normally over booked in the summer. A change of scene would be refreshing to everybody giving us all a unique experience. There are many cheap flights to Ireland from America; this would ensure that the monetary cost is as slow as possible. With globalization happening all over the world, a return to America through the famous JFK international airport would be ideal for the family. The airport provides the first opportunities of international passengers and other foreign residents. Some of my family members prefer cheaper places in America because money is tight with the economy in poor shape. A few prefer to stay at home with the same old experiences. I have saved enough money, and I would convince them not to let this opportunity bypass them. I believe one cannot quantify the experience of visiting Ireland in monetary terms. Real life experience is better than information from magazines and books, and other secondary sources, the memories are vivid and long lasting. On landing in Dublin, we would first sample the city life especially in the nearby metropolitan area. Being a summer vacation, there would be many people including foreign tourists. To avoid the overcrowding in the city accommodations, we would book places in nearby cities to avoid price hikes and congestion in hotel bookings. Most people on vacation first make a stop over in cities before heading to unwind in less noisy and chaotic smaller towns. To sample the culture of a people, one needs first to visit the restaurants. These restaurants provide first glance on the delicacies and a quick observation offers insights into the mannerisms and cultures of Ireland. Furthermore, different restaurants serve different foods
Monday, September 9, 2019
Marketing ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Marketing ethics - Essay Example A recent McDonald's TV ad campaign entitled "Feed your inner child" is taken as an example of the ethical dimensions of marketing along the lines of the conflict between "profit" and "nutrition". It is clear that both elements should be in balance in order for McDonald's to be able to keep doing business at the same time that the consumers -children and adults- are served healthy food instead of junk food. This is a very conflictive topic, and it is a complex issue when it comes to finding an adequate solution for all parties involved. (Business Ethics, 2006). In a research study conducted by Kristen Harrison and Amy Marske (2005) for the American Journal of Public Health entitled "Nutritional Content of Foods Advertised During the Television Programs Children Watch Most" and published online by MyDNA under the title of "TV Ads Market Junk Food to Kids", the researchers found that "kids' consumption of TV ads that tout poor food choices is especially troubling because childhood obesity is on the rise, TV advertising influences children's food purchases and purchase requests, and kids see so many TV food ads a day." (Harrison and Marske, 2005). The researchers suggested that "parental involvement is the most important factor in the determination of the family diet. () Parents can work to maintain the integrity of the family pantry not only through selective shopping, but also through efforts to instruct their children about food and nutrition." (Harrison and Marske, 2005). Harrison stated that other adults should cooperate with parents in order to address the health problem of childhood obesity. In her opinion the food industry and advertisers "bear some responsibility for peddling nutritionally inadequate foods so aggressively to kids." (Harrison and Marske, 2005). The overall findings of this research study establish a significant degree of causation between childhood obesity and high levels of fast food advertising. In the article entitled "Advertising: Self Defence Tips for Parents and Young People!", Red Branch Human Performance (2006) makes the next assertion about advertisers that don't lie, but at the same time they don't tell the whole truth. Let's see: "Advertisers often don't give you the full story about their product. For example, if a manufacturer claims that their product is "virtually fat free" they usually don't mention it when the product is very high in sugar. If a product is touted as "90% fat free", it is still 10% fat...which is high enough." (Red Branch, 2006). This is a very common marketing tactics used in a wide variety of products with negative features that marketers don't want to reveal to the consumers. McSpotlight (1999) is a consumers organisation from the United Kingdom whose objective is to stop McDonald's marketing aimed at children. They hold a permanent campaign encouraging consumers to send their complains to the Independent Television Commission (ITC) based in London. McSpotlight makes a strong emphasis on the ITC Code, especially Appendix 1, Rule 5 that states the following: "Advertisements must not exhort children to purchase or to ask their parents or others to make enquiries or purchases." (McSpotlight, 1999). Along this line of thought, McSpotlight
Sunday, September 8, 2019
How do the HRM practices at Great Wall fit together strategically Case Study
How do the HRM practices at Great Wall fit together strategically - Case Study Example For starters we are informed that Great Wall organized itself functionally. This implies that the organization is then better placed to accurately define its recruitment, training, rewards and staff retention policies for each area of concentration. Also, using the functional divisions Great Wall is able to utilize a decision-focused approach which is based on the three decision making levels, namely operational, managerial and strategic. Recruitment We are informed that staff that was recruited was chosen based on their experience and interpersonal skills. Experience enables them to add value immediately to Great Wall and this is important for the organization as it seeks to rise to the pinnacle of Asian golf resorts. Furthermore, unlike their competitors Great Wall hired senior managers from Asia who had a better understanding of the culture and social practices of the Chinese target market. Training Great Wall knew that for the organization to raise its profile to world class it w ould have to invest in training its staff to meet those world class standards. From Exhibit 4 in the case we can see how Great Wall differentiated the training offered to its staff based on their level. There was the mandatory training required for all staff and additional training offered to staff that was at supervisory level and above. This is in line with the decision-focused approach to HRM. ... Great Wallââ¬â¢s HR thus devised various informal and formal reward systems for managerial staff as well as rank and file employees. For example reward systems for rank and file employees included ââ¬Å"Employee of the Monthâ⬠which gave employees recognition as well as one monthââ¬â¢s salary as financial reward. On the other hand, the best caddies would receive both monetary and non-monetary rewards for superior service and performance, with the monetary rewards being issued quarterly. Staff retention Another major challenge that Great Wall faced as an employer in China stemmed from the migrant nature of the workforce. Even though its staff turnover was lower than the industry average, it was still higher than Great Wallââ¬â¢s desired level. The company knew that its ability to retain staff that had long-standing relationships with members was a key competitive advantage thus it had to lower its staff turnover. With this goal in mind, the organization used a combinati on of incentive plans such as putting in place both formal and informal reward systems, trainings, comfortable housing, medical plans and so on. How do the HRM practices at Great Wall support Great Wall's strategy? Corporate strategy is about what a company wants and how the company should go about to satisfy this want. To achieve its main goal the company employs a grand strategy. Grand strategies fall into three general categories which reflect what a companyââ¬â¢s overall goal would be namely: growth, stability or retrenchment. From the context of the case Great Wallââ¬â¢s grand strategy was to grow. The organization aimed to achieve this growth through placing emphasis
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Will Machines Replace The Human Race Research Paper
Will Machines Replace The Human Race - Research Paper Example The widespread phenomenon, however, provides a biased and one sided view. This paper aims to rebut this conception about human vs. robots debate. Waters and Waters (1995 p. 86) provides that the wide use of robots and machines in the modern environment may lead to massive amounts of unemployment. The computers, other machines and robots are able to tackle most of the tasks that were traditionally performed by human beings. This replacement of human tasks has reduced the need of labor force in the work environment. However, the complete replacement of human beings with robots or any kind of machinery is impossible to achieve. If we assume or take the position of people who presume robots as a replacement of human power and need for the organizations and other areas of life, it is quite obvious that robots are not able to perform every task which they are directed to perform. The main distinction between a human being and a robot is the ability to think, evaluate and form judgments on those thoughts and feelings. Human beings perform a task keeping their thoughts, views and personal likes influencing them. The Robots, however, perform the task in the exact manner that they are programmed to do so (Kids can press 2008 p. 37). Robots lack thinking and critical viewing which are essential for human beings in order to face, tackle and go through every situation in their lives (Shelly et al., 2010 pp. 209-216). Machines are man-made. The simple phenomenon which rejects any power or force given to the machines over humans is the reliance of machines on human beings for their performance, existence and instructions. The machines and robots are human made and they are incapable of performing any task which is out of their programming. A human, on the other hand, has the ability to perform every task assigned to them. They have the power to think, plan and perform the tasks assigned to them. Human beings are not reliant on any kind of programming to perform the entirely d ifferent tasks. They can perform home chores as well as the business activities which are totally different things yet they do not require any new programming or alteration in their regular mechanisms unlike machines. Machines and robots are entirely dependent on how human beings program and use them. They have a unlimited number of tasks which they can perform with new programs installed in them by the human beings. They can perform life-risking tasks which human beings cannot since robots are not living things. They are machine-based human figures (McMeans 2010, pp. 185-187). The media plays an important role in setting up views and altering the perceptions of human beings. The movies and shows which promote the view of robots and machines overrunning the human race are merely exaggerating the idea and use of machines. The concept of technologies and their use is not truly exposed in the movies and shows which recently portray how machines and robots may rule over human beings (Sc alzi 2005). The machines and technological advancements may be of less importance or benefit for one group but the group which is benefitting from them is much larger. The machines are promoted, developed and used by human beings. They have the power to create and destroy them, however, the extreme integration of machines in our lives leaves no space for us to eliminate the use of machines. The robots are developed to perform a particular task in any field. The robots are used in the households to help the mothers and other family members in the routine work. Robots are also used for commercial purposes like in the businesses in packing, data saving or any other field. The use of robots in battle fields is also common (Safford 1978). Robots are used in aircrafts in wars to keep the
Friday, September 6, 2019
Explain Utilitarianism Essay Example for Free
Explain Utilitarianism Essay Utilitarianism was developed in the 18th century by Hutcheson, who used the phrase ââ¬Ëthe greatest good for the greatest numberââ¬â¢ to describe his theory. Hutchesonââ¬â¢s idea, seeks to find a rational means of assessing how best to put this promotion of happiness into practice. It is split into two types; Act Utilitarianism, this is the earliest form in which what is deemed right is based on the assessment of results of a particular action, and Rule Utilitarianism which allows to be taken into account the general benefit to society that occurs when people follow general rules. It is argued that utilitarianism is a relativist, consequentialist and teleological system of ethics, prescribing no fixed moral rules and judging an action by its consequences or end results. Bentham and Mill each argued respectively for these types of Utilitarianism and thus their beliefs differ. Bentham was born in London at time of huge scientific and social change. He looked to produce a modernised approach to morality which would suit the changing society of the industrial age he grew up in. This was also the era of the French and American revolutions. He argued that humans were motivated by pleasure and pain ââ¬Å"nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pleasure and painâ⬠. This later on became known as Act Utilitarianism. Bentham believed that everyone had an equal right to happiness irrespective of their situation or status in life and argued that everyone counted equally in the assessment of the benefits of an action. He believed that overall, this would benefit the individual who did so and this would lead to that persons greatest happiness as well. His theory is democratic as pleasure cannot be for one person alone. Benthamââ¬â¢s Hedonic Calculus this is what Bentham thought was an empirical process for making moral decisions, it weighs up the pain and pleasure generated by the available moral actions to find the best option. It asks you to consider seven points: 1. Purity (an act that causes only pleasure is better than one that causes the same amount of pleasure mixed with a little pain. When either pleasure or pain is at its extremes it is more pure however when mixed its purity is less. ) 2. Remoteness (the more distant the benefits, in either space or time, the less weight we should give them in making our decision. For example how long will it take for the pleasure of the action to take effect. ) 3. Intensity (the less intense the pleasure of an action the less valuable that action is. However, if the action leads to intense pleasure then its value goes way up. ) 4. Certainty (the certainty criteria refers to the probability of the pleasure resulting from the act. So basically how likely a certain action will cause a cause a certain action. If you have to choose between an action which might cause pleasure and one that will definately cause the disired pealsure then you go with that action. ) 5. Extent (The more people enjoy the pleasure, the better. This was not among the original criteria described by Bentham, but was added by John Stuart Mill. ) 6. Duration (the duration of the pleasure caused by an act must also be taken into account when assessing the goodness of the act. Short bursts of pleasure or short lasting pleasure is viewed as less valuable than lasting pleasure. So acts which last for long periods of time are preferred to those which are short lasting. ) 7. Consequence (The consequence of an act is the likelihood that the pleasures or pains that it causes will be followed by similar pleasures or pains. If the happiness that an act causes is likely to be followed by more happiness, then that act is better than a similar act that will cause only one instance of happiness. It is basically how many times the pain or pleasure will occur.) For example if five guards were enjoying torturing one prisoner the hedonic calculus would suggest that this is ok because more pleasure is occurring than pain. If the probable pain of an action outweighs its pleasure then Bentham says that it is morally wrong. He believed this was the way of calculating happiness as a result of the course of an action and by this he was making the basis of deciding whether an action should be considered right or wrong. However going back to the guardââ¬â¢s example, is beating up a prisoner morally right because more people are enjoying it than feeling pain from it? During the 19th century Mill changed Benthamââ¬â¢s theory, Bentham implied any pleasure is of equal value ââ¬Å"pushpin is equal to poetryâ⬠whereas Mill saw pleasures as higher and lower. He recognised that it was easier to settle for the more immediate and sensual pleasures like eating or drinking rather than the nobler and perhaps more refined ones such as poetry or opera. Mill criticised Bentham for focusing morality on pleasure alone, which seemed rather base to him. Therefore he decided to introduce a theory of utilitarianism for everyone, this replaced pleasure with happiness. He believed in quality not quantity of happiness. For Mill, happiness was defined as something which is cultured and spiritual than just physical. He distinguished this as higher and lower pleasures. He wrote ââ¬Å"it is better to be a human being dissatisfied, than a pig satisfiedâ⬠Mill recognised that there were different ways of assessing the value of happiness. Mill unlike Bentham suggested a positive place for rules within an overall utilitarianist approach. Another difference between Bentham and Mill lies in the difference between Act and Rule theories of utilitarianism. Bentham thought each individual action should be treated separately without any rules to guide the individual; whereas Mill proposed that you should make rules based on the consequences which tend to follow certain actions. For example killing someone tends to cause pain, so we should have a rule against killing people. Therefore Mill and Bentham arrived to two very different approaches of morality. Mills outlook was very different to that of Benthamââ¬â¢s. Overall, however their weaknesses outweigh their strengths. They are not very convincing as ethical systems, and it is my opinion that some other approach to ethics is required in order to do the morally right thing. An advantage of Benthamââ¬â¢s Act Utilitarianism is that it considers the consequences and happiness which result from actions; this seems a sensible approach to ethics. The theory is also flexible and easy to apply; it does not describe many confusing or difficult rules and provides a simple method for decision making. The theory also enables difficult decision making through its relativism. For example it would allow us to sacrifice individuals if it is of great benefit to society. The problem with Benthamââ¬â¢s theory however is that it is truly relativistic, so any conceivable action could be allowed for example, killing prisoners because five guards get pleasure from it. It also justifies the suffering of the innocent under a majority. It further allows cruel or sadistic pleasure, since Bentham regarded all pleasure as equal, this was first thought of by a philosopher called Bernard Williams. Millââ¬â¢s theory offers many advantages which get around the problems of Bentham and Act Utilitarianism. By distinguishing between the quality of pleasures, Mill rules out the possibility of sadism like in the case of the prison guards enjoying torturing a prisoner. Also, Mill is stating that certain actions are explicitly prohibited because they tend to promote pain. So, he would not allow killing, no matter how much it was enjoyed. However, Millââ¬â¢s theory lacks the flexibility of Benthamââ¬â¢s, which means that sensible rule breaking is no longer possible. For example you could not tell small lies, even to protect others. There is another weakness in Millââ¬â¢s idea of different qualities of pleasure this is, how can we judge what makes pleasure higher or lower? As surely this is a subjective matter, as opinions and preferences vary from person to person. It might also be argued that the concept of a competent judge is vague, since it is not clear whether we can really identify one. In conclusion, the theories put forward by Bentham and Mill fail to provide a convincing or useful approach to ethics. On the one hand, Benthamââ¬â¢s views are strikingly relativistic, allowing any pleasure. On the other hand, Millââ¬â¢s Rule system lacks the flexibility to make sensible choices in difficult situations. It may be that some other and more modern version of the theory can overcome these problems, such as preference utilitarianism put forward by Peter Singer. Preference utilitarianism bases itself on the idea used in act utilitarianism, that the principle of utility is the most important basis of moral decision making. This principle is about maximising pleasure and preventing pain. Preference utilitarianism retains this but simply modifies it to be subjective, that peoples preferences should be maximised not pleasure over pain. This is a simple way to be personal, allowing everyone their own say rather than presuming pleasure is always desirable. For example eating 30 bars of chocolate when obese may not cause pleasure as it is worsening their obesity however it is the persons preference to do this. If we could strike a balance between favouring firm moral principles and paying attention to significant consequences or the all-round wellbeing of society. Such a compromise offers a more promising approach to ethics than the classical forms of Utilitarianism put forward by Mill and Bentham.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)