The Internal Business Process Perspective

Introduction Businesses struggle to maintain their market share despite stiff competition, global economic recession and other factors that interfere with their performance. In addition, investors hire qualified staff and acquire modern equipment to ensure they have high chances of dominating local and foreign markets.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Internal Business Process Perspective specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, these efforts do not sometimes yield the expected results due to unforeseen challenges (Kaplan and Norton 2000). These problems may be internal or external and affect business performance throughout its existence. This essay is a case study that examines how the Duke Children’s Hospital managed to create a balanced scorecard and its effects on the staff, patients and state. Analysis The stakeholders at Duke Children’s Hospital will remember 1996 as a year full of darknes s and unforeseen future in its operations. The hospital received very little medical allowance while revenues declined due to an increase in patients with capitated compensation. Children’s services became very expensive and sky rocketed to $ 14,889 from the initial $ 10,500 in 1993. All healthcare organisations have objectives that ensure they generate profits for investors, offer employment opportunities to nurses and physicians and provide quality heath services to patients (Meliones, Ballard, Liekweg and Burton 2001). However, this hospital was not able to achieve these objectives due to poor performance. As a result, the net margin decreased by nine million dollars between 1993 and 1996. In addition, it was necessary to eliminate some programmes and reduce the services offered to clients. This also marked a decrease in staff productivity from the initial 80% to 70% range. However, this hospital adopted the balanced scorecard methodology to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth. Application of the Balanced Scorecard Methodology The balanced scorecard methodology is a complex approach that helps investors and all stakeholders to deal with challenges facing their businesses. A healthcare institution is a dynamic organisation that provides various needs to physicians, patients and investors (Kaplan and Norton 2000). The role of a healthcare institution is represented in a three pillar diagram that indicates the needs of all stakeholders as shown in the diagram below. Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More When one of the above processes fails to achieve its target the whole process will fail leading to a crisis as described in the introductory remarks. The balanced scorecard approach ensures that the interests of all stakeholders are put into consideration in implementing the functions of a business. This hospital had totally negle cted the needs of its employees. However, it realised its mistakes early and implemented radical changes that transformed its image. The following ways were used to implement the balanced scorecard approach. Patients, physicians and investors are connected by the outcome of the services offered by health institutions. Quality Information The institution realised the need to communicate accurate information to physicians and patients as a way of improving performance. This hospital has a mission, vision, objectives and motto that guide its operations (Meliones, Ballard, Liekweg and Burton 2001). However, it seems the staff had not realised the need to put into practice the words conveyed by these aspirations. The implementation of this performance methodology ensured the hospital staff communicated relevant, appropriate, accurate, site specific and clear messages amongst themselves. This hospital had many sources of both primary and secondary data that was never used to improve its p erformance (Zelman 2009). The information given to physicians and nurses differed although it was meant to gauge and develop their performance in an intellectual manner. Bridging Gaps This hospital is a mega investment with three departments namely the Raleigh Community Hospital, Duke University Hospital and Durham Regional Hospital. DUKE Children’s Hospital is a department under the Duke University Hospital and receives about 6,000 and 30,000 inpatient and outpatient annually in its 135 bed capacity (Meliones, Ballard, Liekweg and Burton 2001). It integrated the quality clinical and business outcomes in 1996 to improve its performance. This perspective had significant impacts on the performance of the hospital through the following ways. First, the institution realised the need to balance between its expenses and needs. It noted that decreasing the number of nurses will reduce expenses in terms of salaries and allowances. However, this will reduce the labour required to prov ide quality services to patients (Zelman 2009). In addition, it noted the need handle patients in a healthy manner and also emphasised on the importance of learning and growth of its staff. Lastly, it ensured there was a balance between the internal business and services offered. Essentials for Building a Scorecard This institution realised the urgent need to implement various changes to ensure employees remain focused to solve the challenges facing them. It adopted a three tier approach in dealing with this issue by highlighting the importance of establishing links to get connected, analysing performance to get results and gaining knowledge to become smart to deal with organisational challenges (Meliones, Ballard, Liekweg and Burton 2001).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Internal Business Process Perspective specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The need to establish connections ensures all stakeholders work tow ards achieving the goals, objectives and mission of the institution. This brings them together to ensure they maintain focus and deliver results that reflect their purposes. They defined key performance indicators, developed staff satisfaction strategies and established a regulatory arena that ensures all activities reflected nursing and health requirements. Performance was analysed in terms of the quality of services offered by physicians and nurses. This also involved the opportunities for growth like the use of modern equipment to improve quality and staff motivation to boost performance. Information was collected on a regular basis from various departments and analysed to evaluate the performance of this institution. This was also accompanied with fast and frequent communication to ensure everyone everywhere gets appropriate information. Knowledge generation was also an important tool in improving this hospital’s performance. The scorecard was constantly reviewed and revi sed depending on the immediate needs of the hospital (Zelman 2009). This was an important arena to develop future plans to deal with challenges that may face this institution. All medical practitioners must develop their skills and enrich their knowledge through practice. Therefore, they must be exposed to environments that offer them opportunities to learn various issues through experience or observation (Kaplan and Norton 2000). This hospital n\became a knowledge generation institution as nurses continued to gain knowledge regarding various health issues. Conclusion The integrated module enabled the hospital to reduce the cost per case by about $ 5,000 (about $ 30 million) between 1996 and 2000. The net margin shifted positively by about + $15 million during the period mentioned above. All programmes that were supposed to be eliminated or reduced were not affected since there was a general improvement in performance. Patient satisfaction index increased by 0.4 on a 5.0 scale (from 4.3 to 4.7 where p=0.05). The nursing units improved their performances to 100% in 2000 from the initial 70% in 1996. Staff satisfaction was the highest gainer with an increase of 2.0 on a 5.0 scale from the initial 1.5 to 4.0. References Kaplan, R. S. and Norton, D. P. (2000). Strategy Focused Organization. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Meliones, J. N., Ballard, R., Liekweg, R. and Burton, W. (2001). No Mission No Margin: It’s That Simple. Journal of Health Care Finance, 3, 21-29. Zelman, W. N. (2009).Financial Management of Health Care Organizations: An  Introduction to Fundamental Tools, Concepts and Applications. New York: Jossey-Bass. This essay on The Internal Business Process Perspective was written and submitted by user Na0m1 to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Describe Yourself

I’m shaking violently and uncontrollably in bed and turning bluer every second that passes by. My brain’s craving for oxygen and I start losing brain cells, one after another. I’m shaking even when EMS is loading me on the ambulance. Suddenly, the shaking stops! I feel tired and all I want to do is sleep, but they won’t let me. The nurse sticks a needle in my arm the size of a finger and starts to withdraw some blood and doctors are asking me endless questions. Finally, the questions are over so now I can sleep and sleep is what I did. This is what I have to go through every time I have a seizure. I have had many seizures in my lifetime and each time I have a seizure it is worse than the one before. Yes, I am an epileptic; yet, I am lucky because most of the time my seizures are controlled with medicine. I’m seventeen, epileptic, and a successful senior in high school who likes to volunteer time giving back to the community. I have picked up trash along the highway before, which was very fun with a group of friends. Through my church I’ve helped build a house for Habit for Humanity, made ten church planters for our church centennial banquet, delivered Christmas baskets for the needy, and helped out at a nursing home. It is very important to volunteer because when the time comes and you need help, someone could be there just like you were helping the other person who needed help. As a volunteer and a good student I’ve also found time to get a job. I’ve worked at Sea World in stadium sales for two years. Stadium sales personnel go to all the shows and sell merchandise. We also keep track of everyone’s sales and total them up occasionally for management. This year I’ve sold $60,000 worth of merchandise; I have the highest sales the next highest was only at 25,000. I’m very fortunate we moved to San Antonio so I could work at Sea World. Even though I am living in San Antonio, Texas right now, that... Free Essays on Describe Yourself Free Essays on Describe Yourself I’m shaking violently and uncontrollably in bed and turning bluer every second that passes by. My brain’s craving for oxygen and I start losing brain cells, one after another. I’m shaking even when EMS is loading me on the ambulance. Suddenly, the shaking stops! I feel tired and all I want to do is sleep, but they won’t let me. The nurse sticks a needle in my arm the size of a finger and starts to withdraw some blood and doctors are asking me endless questions. Finally, the questions are over so now I can sleep and sleep is what I did. This is what I have to go through every time I have a seizure. I have had many seizures in my lifetime and each time I have a seizure it is worse than the one before. Yes, I am an epileptic; yet, I am lucky because most of the time my seizures are controlled with medicine. I’m seventeen, epileptic, and a successful senior in high school who likes to volunteer time giving back to the community. I have picked up trash along the highway before, which was very fun with a group of friends. Through my church I’ve helped build a house for Habit for Humanity, made ten church planters for our church centennial banquet, delivered Christmas baskets for the needy, and helped out at a nursing home. It is very important to volunteer because when the time comes and you need help, someone could be there just like you were helping the other person who needed help. As a volunteer and a good student I’ve also found time to get a job. I’ve worked at Sea World in stadium sales for two years. Stadium sales personnel go to all the shows and sell merchandise. We also keep track of everyone’s sales and total them up occasionally for management. This year I’ve sold $60,000 worth of merchandise; I have the highest sales the next highest was only at 25,000. I’m very fortunate we moved to San Antonio so I could work at Sea World. Even though I am living in San Antonio, Texas right now, that...

Why do some people or institutions say they doubt the data about Essay

Why do some people or institutions say they doubt the data about climate change - Essay Example In return, it has been noted that the scientists claim that with a sequence of observations, it is easier to gauge the climate change or at least predict it. But on the other hand the skeptical views project that the observation patterns are changes and so does the climate. The debate has also enhanced the claims regarding the objectivity of science. This means that the direct observation of the scientists regarding the climate change is incomplete. But notably, it should be noted that climate changes have occurred drastically over the last decade but no science can actually helped people from natural disasters such as Tsunami, Hurricane etc. Thus, it can be said that the debate continues to raise such doubts because scientific research has failed to provide authentic facts about the pattern in which natural climate change has occurred over the years leading into the predictability of future climate

Organization behavior class in the news report Essay

Organization behavior class in the news report - Essay Example The author pointed out the openness of Grove to learn from his audience, his students. Being an educator at Stanford University, Grove have laid down a realistic case, very truthful indeed because it pertains to the future of his very own company. Tedlow used this incident to show his readers the leadership style of Grove. He wrote a brief biography of the CEO by accident, how, from being an engineer, he strove to become one of the most admired corporate leaders using his past experiences to as guides and educational tools. Tedlow also highlighted Grove's reliance on data during decision-making. He finally pointed out Grove's advocacy in independent thinking. Thinking for one's self using data and previous experiences (and mistakes) as references are cornerstones of Grove's leadership style. In the other article, "Peter Drucker On Leadership" Forbes author Rich Karlgaard used his personal interview with the management guru in plotting out the latter's basic leadership principles. The first point that the author raised is Drucker's emphasis on the question "What needs to be done" For Drucker, knowing what a leader needs to do, as opposed to the asking one's self "What do I want to do," is the key for successful management. Checking one's performance based on the things they ought to do is the next success factor of effective leaders. Drucker further emphasized that effective leaders are mission driven and are willing to turn down other irrelevant tasks to their mission. They also make clear what their current priorities are to their subordinates. A unique leadership style is also required. Focusing on strengths and delegating tasks you are weak at. To save time and money, Drucker also advised leaders to refrain from too much travelling and instead use the power of modern technologies to facilitate communication with subordinates. Karlgaard further warned leaders that misuse of charisma is detrimental to one's leadership. Better be a reliable silent leader than a deceitful charismatic one. Google's CEO Eric E. Schmidt narrowly focused strategy is what author Ben Elgin examines in his article "Google: A $50 Billion 'One Trick Pony'" in Business Week. Elgin showed how the search engine giant preferred to stick with its existing method of generating income than to diversify its advertising product line by exploring other income opportunities. The author commented that Google's singularity in its focus to its text advertisements might hurt the company in the future. Article Comparison These articles show three different perspectives on leadership. The first one is about the hands-on leadership principles accumulated by Andrew Grove. As a practicing business leader, Grove pointed out his first-hand wisdom on how to drive an organization to the top. Based on his past experiences of Grove's failures and successes, Tedlow gave us a picture on how the CEO riskily responded to the leadership problems that he encountered. The second article is more conservative and theoretical. It concerns more on the wisdom gained by an academe and business book writer, Peter Drucker. Drucker based his writings on his researches about CEO's. Being a business professor he gives us theoretical pointers rather than practical wisdom in leading an organization. Karlgaard's article is more of a commentary concerning the soundness of Schmidt's strategy. By limiting is focus on a single product line, Google has become a towering leader in that particular market. Despite these contrasts

Tradeswomen in Early America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tradeswomen in Early America - Essay Example Women of all races were expected to do their share of work, and it would have been considered odd or even unthinkable for them to refuse. Interestingly enough, many women actually became shoemakers during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, but societal attitudes toward this work were unsurprising given the period. Men who made shoes for a living did precisely that - they were skilled artisans and expected to be compensated for their work. Women, however, often worked at home rather than in a shop and performed exactly the same work for little or no wages. For example, in her book Men, Women, and Work, Blewett (1990) recounts the story of Sarah Smith Emery, who lived in Essex County, Massachusetts in the late eighteenth century, and whose uncles Joe and Ben ran a shoe-making store. One time, the men received an order for "one hundred pairs of sealskin boots that had to be finished in five days" (p. 4). She recounts how, after Sarah had stitched for five days, her fianc found her "exhausted and covered with dirty sealskin oilHer account of the incident mentions no wages paid to her for the work" (p. 4). In a case such as this, a woman became a virtual slave to her family.

HP Companys Outstanding Organizational Culture Business Essay

HP Companys Outstanding Organizational Culture Business Essay Organizational Culture this term first appeared on an academic literature of United States in 1979 by Pettigrew published in Administrative Science Quarterly On Studying Organizational Culture. After that, a batch of based on the organizational culture perspective to explore the source of enterprise competitive advantage popular management literature become popular books management scholars in Europe and America. The very famous Japanese American scholars William G. Ouchi (born 1943) the (Theory Z, 1981), Deal and Kennedys(Corporate Culture, 1982), as well as Peters and Waterman, the (In Search of Excellence, 1983), etc. In this literature review based on the theory the strategy management of resource school (RBV) to discuss organization culture and the relationship between sustainable competitive advantage, and organizational culture how to further affect organizational performance. And from the Angle of organizational culture the seek business diversification condition organization synergistic effect, and the formation of core competence. A) Composition enterprise competitive advantage source conditions Resources can be generally divided into three categories: tangible assets, intangible assets and organization skills. Tangible assets assessment of the most easily, it can be reflected on the balance sheet the only resource. A tangible asset generally includes real estate, production facilities, raw materials and other. Although tangible assets and enterprise strategy must, but because they itself is standardization attribute, make it very easy to imitate, so seldom become the sources of competitive advantage. Intangible assets include enterprise reputation, brand, technology knowledge, patent, trademark and culture, and long-term accumulated knowledge and experience. The intangible assets are usually in the competitive advantage (or disadvantage) and company value plays an important role. At the same time, the intangible assets will not in use was loss, on the contrary, will continue to get accumulation and growth. Based on this reason, the intangible assets can be for enterprises m ultiplication expansion to provide a foundation of core competence value. According to the view of Barneys (1991), to become the enterprise sustainable competitive advantage of the resources of an organization has the following several aspects: (1) the value of resources . That is to say, resources can help enterprise to create value and lower cost than their competitors do well. A kind of valuable resources must be able to customers are willing to pay the price to meet the demand of customers. (2) the resource scarcity. If the supply of resources is very full, so each organization will have to use this kind of resources of the same ability, they also could not be organization the sources of competitive advantage. In some value sex resources for a large number of organization of market conditions, may have a certain organization thus obtain competitive advantage. (3) resources hard to imitativeness. Imitate the disorder has two kinds, one is physical obstacles, including legal or policy limitation, get into the elements of the superior way, close to the cu stomers superior way, market capacity and scale economy, etc.; Secondly, intangible obstacles, including causal fuzzy, path dependence and social complexity. The resources of an organization hard to imitativeness from above one or more imitation barriers. (4) the irreplaceable resources. Although the resources of an organization is difficult to imitate, due to its special natural attribute, often by the threat of alternatives. If competitors to find the scarcity and difficult to imitate resources substitute, then the organizations sustainable competitive advantage or not be maintained, although have, also be short-term phenomenon. B) The organization culture and sustainable competitive advantage Excellent enterprise culture can form the enterprise sustainable competitive advantage. Peters and Waterman, the (In Search of Excellence(1982), they demonstrated the excellent enterprise organizational culture characteristics, and established a controversial outstanding theory. Kanter, 1983) in an organizational change research, discusses enterprise in the human resource management practice of advanced practice on organizational performance of positive influence. Denison(1984) to the organization culture based on the way of investigation measure that perceived organization member participation and input to the current organization and future financial performance. In addition, Gordon (1985) demonstrates the banking and public undertakings in the different performance enterprises different cultural characteristics. Kravetz(1988) to Kanter previous research further amplification, demonstrates the management practice is able to nurture the members of the participation, autonomy and creativity, and those characteristics is with the objective of organization performance indicators closely related. Hansen and Wernerfelt (1989) is an organization effect and market position of the influence of the performance. Their study found that the organization of internal factors than market position more influential, and almost no correlation between the two. After that, Kotter and Heskett(1992) of strong culture and adaptive culture and the relationship between the organizational performance is analysed. Gordon and DiTomaso( 1992) in the insurance industry, further provide the cultural power and values approval and organizational performance relation of empirical research. In addition, the theory also making progress. Barney(1986), from the perspective of economics of organizational culture are discussed, and define the organizational culture affect organizational performance condition. In the article Organizational Culture: Can It Be a Source of Sustained Competitive Advantage(1986), Barney puts forward Culture becomes the Source of sustainable Competitive Advantage must satisfy three conditions, namely has value, scarcity and inimitable. Organization first must be able to increase sales, reduce cost and expand the profit, and other ways to improve organization value. The requirements of scarcity of culture reflects the needs of competition, if each organization with a similar culture, in a similar manner to participate in competition, so there wont be organization can obtain competitive advantage. On this basis, Barney put the organizational culture of not imitativeness as sustainable competitive advantage of the most effective and the strongest barr iers. He quoted three reasons. First, the individual is difficult to observe and describe organizational culture worth. Secondly, is difficult to carries on the strict description and detection between this highly subjective structure characteristics and organization competitive advantage, value and scarcity of organizational culture is often difficult to oral expression, difficult to perception of organizational consensus, this comes from organization unique history and heritage. Finally, even if the organization culture can be described, it is still difficult to success imitation, it originated in organizational culture refused to change inert. Therefore, look from another Angle, organization powerless to understanding and copy their own culture, perhaps is the competitive advantage of the best protection, it better than any other system security . Of course, imitation of organization culture also make the organization become fragile, organization leader lack of foresight vigorous action is very easy to make the organization damaged. C) in the business diversification for based on the organizational culture of the coordination effect According to the view of Barney, value, scarcity and inimitable established organization culture as organization for an important source of competitive advantage. And in business diversification of organization, culture of inherent characteristics and can bring synergy effect, thus eventually become diversified management organization of the possibility of sustained competitive advantage source. Hiroyuki Itami In the Mobilizing Invisible Assets(1987) Hiroyuki Itami make organise resources subdivide into complementary effect and synergy effect in strategy implementation of the whole combination effect , he mentioned complementary effect almost always based on the full use of resources to achieve we can often through the Shared the same physical Assets or financial Assets, make two not relevant strategic elements exist at the same time. And this is the fundamentality of complementary effect. In contrast, Hiroyuki Itami thinks multiple effect of synergistic effect popular, synergy is hi tch-hike. When a part from the company accumulated resources can be at the same time and nothing local applied in other parts of the company, synergistic effect happens. Hiroyuki Itami and further emphasizes the obtain complementary effect resources mainly include physical assets and financial asset tangible assets, and exert synergy effect resources mainly is the intangible assets. He realized that most of the tangible assets cannot provide hitch-hike or provide opportunities to be used at the same time. With a plants two different local production respectively two different products, there is no cooperative. Financial assets also is such, cannot be in two different parts used at the same time. If a product input increased, so can be used for other products will reduce the investment. Different with tangible assets, including technology, goodwill, information, knowledge and culture of the intangible assets can be also used in two or more areas, and its value of existence a bit will not be affected. Intangible assets which is including the organizational culture , this can be in the same organization business diversification, and no cost are being used, the intangible assets play a synergistic effect also reflects the value of organizational resources, can often provide competitive advantage for organization. One can use product reputation, sales channels and invisible assets to create synergy effect company, is always better than no this kind of asset companies more advantage. Hiroyuki Itami further analysis make use of synergistic effect achieve competitive advantage has both substantive, also has the persistent invisible assets can not buy, it only by the company through the long-term effort created. This makes the company more than new to enter the market competition has the obvious advantage, because the latter must go through a long time to have a similar assets. If the synergistic effect be apt to is added use, strategists will be able to use this time competitive advanta ge to do more things. Intangible assets this cannot buy scarcity and needs long time exploring hard to imitativeness become diversified management through the synergistic effect to realize the source of sustainable competitive advantage. In contrast, tangible assets although may bring complementary effect, but as a result of complementary effect easy to easily all competitors to realize, so this kind of competition advantage nature also wont be lasting. D) Conclusion A number of studies show that HP companys outstanding organizational culture in its business diversification in bring the synergistic effect of competitive advantage (Barney, 1986; Kotter and Hesketts( 1992); Collins and Boras, 1994). Hewlett-Packard company valuable, rare and difficult to imitate the organization culture build its core competence strategy. In a study of Hewlett-Packard company of empirical research of HP way: application prudent and emergency enterprise culture analysis strategic competition advantage, Kowalczyk and Giusti using questionnaire and statistics analysis method to Hewlett-Packard company subordinates different geographical location, different product line, different industry needs four branches were studied. Statistical results show that in each branch exist in the same single prudent organizational culture, namely middle management staff commitment to the dissemination of culture, and by comparison, found that the prudent culture and company executives advocated planning enterprise culture are basically the same. On the other hand, the company allows each branch development different emergency organization culture, it is each branch in different industry environment and industry coordinated result, accord with Kotter and Hesketts in the enterprise culture and business performance, in which, he put forward enterprise culture adaptive principle. The study again, at least in part, is based on the organizational culture in every branch of synergistic effect, and cooperation with all branches in the development of the industry adaptive culture, Hewlett-Packard company to maintain long-term outstanding economic performance. In the business diversification conditions, as intangible assets organization culture as a result of can be at the same time and nothing local applied in other parts of the company, thus can realize synergistic effect for the organization, and to realize the strategic income; At the same time, organization culture may be some value sex, scarcity and difficult to imitativeness characteristics, also make the organization in business diversification conditions possible to obtain sustainable competitive advantage. Therefore, the organizational culture to cultivate should become diversified enterprise strategic basis points, and extend to all aspects of the enterprise and business areas, in order to get strategic synergy effect, constructing the core competitive force of the enterprise. References ¼Ã… ¡ 1 ¼Ã… ½Barney ¼Ã…’J ¼Ã… ½B ¼Ã… ½Ã‚ ¼Ã‹â€ 1986 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¼Ã… ½Organizational culture ¼Ã… ¡can it be a source of sustained competitive advantage? ¼Ã… ½Academy of Management Review ¼Ã…’11 ¼Ã…’3 ¼Ã…’656-665 ¼Ã… ½ à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬2 ¼Ã… ½Pettigrew ¼Ã…’A ¼Ã… ½M ¼Ã… ½Ã‚ ¼Ã‹â€ 1979 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¼Ã… ½On Studying Organizational Culture ¼Ã… ½Administrative Science Quarterly ¼Ã…’24 ¼Ã…’570-581 ¼Ã… ½

Changing Roles of Managers at Corporate Insurance Essay -- business, m

Over the course of the past two years, I have worked in a call center environment within the Corporate Insurance Company. A typical day is fast paced, yet structured. Up until recently, I had the responsibility of taking anywhere from 70 – 100 inbound calls daily from either troubled agents or inquiring customers. Of these calls, a few are monitored on a monthly basis to ensure the accuracy of the information that I am giving out. Customer service representatives here are also held accountable for our time on and off the phone as well as any data entry or what we call â€Å"after call work†. Again, this job family has operated with full structure and accountability. One of the repeated issues facing all phone counselors in this job family is the changing of the roles of managers. This is due in part to Corporate being a growing Fortune 500 company. Lately, about every four to six months, there has been a need for restructuring and reassigning of managers and team mates. We strive to work cooperatively as a team and just as we begin to effectively motivate one another, things change. Personally, in two years I have had five different managers and three different teams. Each manager has their own management, leadership and coaching styles and within each team there are ever changing inter and intra-personal dynamics. As I eluded, I have also changed job families and again, have had to become accustomed to a new manager, as well as the inter workings of a new job family all together. I now work diligently as an Account Processor, processing 70 – 100 policy changes daily. In this role, there is greater flexibility, less structure, and less support. However, the responsibility to provide the best service for the customer has no... ...ze our natural talent, and bring this out. They also have the skill to put their self in the shoes of those they manage. This will help them understand what employees are like and what motivates them, and then they can slowly work to mold them and help them to do their best. Those are some of the primary differences between leadership and management. I’m the type of leader or manager who would lead by example. As a leader I would eliminate potential barriers my employees couldn’t see. Also I would expand my vision with the insight of others, and this would potentially create a better vision and end result. As a manager, I would delegate work to my employees, so they felt as though they were apart of the big picture. Also I would get to know each of my team members, both personally and professionally. All in all I think I would do just fine as a leader or manager.

Online Mba Programs Versus Traditional Bricks and Mortar

Online MBA Programs versus On-site Programs Andrew Cortez Ashford Managerial Marketing BUS 620 Sharif Muhammad October 23, 2011 Online MBA Programs versus On-site Programs With unemployment rates at an all time high combined with the increasing costs associated with traditional brick and mortar schools, online education is by far one of the fastest growing and thriving industries. As younger students are attempting to pursue traditional higher education, they are realizing that the costs are not only increasing daily, but the programs are longer in duration and often not a better education than the online line programs. Those who have lost their jobs and need an edge over other unemployed candidates are finding that a B. A degree alone is often not enough and that in fact an MBA degree could greatly improve their chances as being more appealing to employers who have few jobs to offer to an overwhelming number of applicants. Those who do have jobs are often concerned about the stability of that job and this group is also is also looking towards those higher degree’s as to remain competitive and viable for their current jobs or for future jobs that may offer them more stability. This group typically has high work demands and as a result, they have to weigh their options when it comes to returning to school to obtain that MBA. The number of college level distance learning classes offered online continues to increase as they offer greater scheduling flexibility to students, they appeal to students who like to work independently, and allow colleges to increase enrollment without building new classrooms (Werhner, 2010, p. 310). Understanding fully what your goals are, as well as what limits you may have will help to determine the right direction for a student. The following will include a marketing plan that will assist in demonstrating the advantages of perusing an online MBA program as a viable and preferred alternative to an on-site MBA Program. 1. Company Overview: San Diego Higher Education (SDHE) is an online, for Profit Company that focuses on online education with the purpose serving its students as a viable method of obtaining an MBA degree via web-based courses through an accredited university. With the SDHE online MBA program, you can have the skills and experience you need to increase your chances for success by taking on the most complex leadership roles. SDHE has been assisting San Diego residents in obtaining an MBA degree using the online medium since 2007. The company had initially targeted low income and or unemployed individuals, but it has expanded its offerings with the intent to grow towards all segments. Beyond practical skills, the program is also designed to foster thought leadership, innovation, and corporate social responsibility on a multinational, multicultural scale; SDHE is headquartered in San Diego California. Key Leaders of the company: Tanner C. Dean-CEO †¢ Jeffery S. Anderson-CFO †¢ Scott R. Howard-COO †¢ Andrew Cortez-CMO Key Service Offerings: Online MBA programs with a specialization in Finance, Healthcare Marketing, Project Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, Global Management and Accounting. 2. Executive Summary of Marketing Plan: As the economy has continued to decline and unemployment has continued to increase, the need for affordable and accessible online educational optio ns have increased. The use of on-line instructional delivery methods by non-traditional adult learners continues to grow as technological and societal changes have enabled and encouraged this growth. The purpose of this marketing plan is to review recent marketing strategies with respect to how adults learn and tie that strategy into a discussion based upon a review of the suitability of, satisfaction with, and preference towards on-line instruction among adults. Some areas for improvement are discovered and recommendations are provided based upon these reviews (McGlone, 2011, p. 1-9). It is expected that our marketing efforts need realignment as to become more relevant to all types of students. Where as our initial marketing plan was very narrow, the market has since completely opened up and we now are in a position expand our offerings to larger audience. We will propose to re-brand and redirect our SDHE as to appeal to a much broader demographic segment. The ultimate goal is to convince potential students that SDHE is a viable higher education institution that exceeds the offerings of our competitors while maintaining a lower cost for an MBA degree. Our niche is that we are in fact a smaller institution and can therefore offer a more customized program in which students do not feel as though they are just a source of revenue for our company; they will feel as though they are receiving critical and accessible services that they will not receive from the larger institutions. 1. Description of Target Market: Demographic Segment: Male/Females between the ages of 22-45+ who have an understudy degree, income 35K-80K per year. Psychographic Segment: Looking towards individuals who come from industries that have been most impacted by economy, such as real estate, banking, construction. , retail, home improvement, pharmaceuticals, marketing, cell phone, and automotive industries (Rampell, 2009). Geographic Segment: Target for this particular marketing plan should include California, Nevada, Florida, Arizona, Idaho and Louisiana as these states have been hit hardest by the recession (Kiser, 2010). Out of these states we need to look at specific demographics of these states as to assure that they are in alignment with our Demographic Segment, if they may be eliminated. . Description of Competitors: University of Phoenix: The University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association-access to campus-based and online libraries; academic advising; mentoring; tutoring; financial aid office-MBA (concentrations include: Accounting, e-Business, Global Management, Health Care Mana gement, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Technology Management); joint MS in Nursing with MBA in Health Care Management. Every University of Phoenix faculty must have a Masters or Doctorate degree. No classroom attendance, the curriculum is completely online. Strayer University: Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education-access to campus-based and online libraries; career development assistance; academic advising; tutoring; financial aid advising-MBA (available concentrations: Acquisition, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management). Baker online: Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association through Baker College-access to campus-based and online libraries; career counseling and placement assistance; academic advising-MBA (available concentrations: Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Finance, General Business, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Industrial Management, International Business, Leadership Studies, Marketing) Columbia Southern University: Distance Education Training Council (DETC) – Online library with 24-7 librarian services, academic and financial aid advising, and student services-General concentration, optional concentrations (E-Business and Technology, Finance, Health Management, Hospitality and Tourism, Human Resource Management, International Management, Marketing, Project Management, Public Administration, Sport Management). 3. 0 Description of Product or Services: SDHES’S MBA program refines the existing skills that the students already posses. Through our unique 18 month program students can complete the entire program and earn their MBA. The program will provide a solid understanding in all areas of business, from the fundamentals to specializations in Finance, Healthcare Marketing, Project Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, Global Management and Accounting. The specializations will give students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by focusing on their specific areas of interest. The entire program is online and students are designed for the busy schedules of its students. . Marketing Budget: This particular budget is for a twelve month re-launch and re-branding of its current offerings as to expand our current customer base. The amount required for this is $960K and the break down of expenses is as follows: †¢ $120K-Website update to include up to date and current functionality. †¢ $600k- Media to include social media campaign (Banner ads/email blasts/news letters) to correspond with Bil lboard, television and print add. †¢ $120K- Marketing items to include flyers, inserts, sales brochures and misc. ollateral as deemed per region. †¢ $60K- PR to include press releases, public appearances etc. †¢ $60K- Outreach to local business, to include employment agencies. Outreach will be a more grass roots approach to specific communities. 5. Description and Location: Online academics can open itself to a much larger market segment as the virtual classrooms are much larger than a traditional class room. Because the MBA program would be completely online it is available to anyone with the technology of a computer and internet service. Internet/ web site searches are the key locations where potential students will initially look for our product; this is why so much of the budget will be spent on website design and functionality. Distribution channels such as face book and Google banners will be used. Street teams will be used at trade fairs, conventions and job fairs. We will also offer larger corporations incentives to post information on their internal websites advertising educational resources to their employee’s. Mall Media will also be used to advertise; larger regional malls can have up to 1 million + in monthly foot traffic, this medium is often more effective than traditional billboards as the customer is walking slowly and more likely to see our advertisement. 6. Pricing: Identifying the pricing the appropriate pricing category for our program should be very easy as we will remain competitive but we will still remain on the lower side. With so many online schools that currently in operation, potential students do have several options available. Because we are in a tough economic climate, pricing is more crucial than in previous years. Yes, benefits and features are extremely important as well, which is why will not be the lowest but will be towards the bottom from a pricing perspective. We will also offer discounts to certain corporation whom we will be partnering up with and in addition we will be offering a military discount as well. The current pricing range for online MBA programs range anywhere from 60k to 20k and so our pricing will at about 30K for the program, not including course materials, technology fee’s etc. This competition oriented method of pricing will make us very appealing to our potential students, while still allowing us as a company to remain profitable. 7. Summary and Implementation: In order to maximize new student enrollment we must stay ahead of the competition. We are an online school and so our online presence needs to be the area of most focus, from a marketing perspective. Our website needs to be as intuitive and easy to navigate as possible; it must draw the customers in and connect with them. This being said, an overall marketing campaign that is in line with the new website is essential. We must remain focused, within this campaign, on the ease and accessibility that our online MBA can provide them with all while being priced very competitively. Our efforts must be geared towards the quality of the education as we will be compared side by side to our direct competitors, our demographics are very computer savvy and so it is important that we remain a viable option through a flawless reputation. We shall also be strategic with the timing of the implementation of this marketing plan by researching unemployment trends to help us to determine timing (probably at the in December and January). In addition; we want to want to make sure that we are capturing the fresh graduates and so the months of April-June are months to focus on as well. This re-launch is something to be very excited about. We need internal by in from all departments. With flawless execution this marketing plan has the potential to increase our bottom line profits by up to 20% over last year. References Kiser, G. (2010, March 23). The Cities Hit Hardest by the Recession: Brookings Institution [Business]. Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www. huffingtonpost. com/2010/03/23/the-cities-hit-hardest-by_n_509744. tml#s75345&title=1_Cape_Coral McGlone, J. R. (2011). Adult Learning Styles and Online Educational Preference [Journal]. Research in Higher Education Journal, 12, 1,9. Rampell, C. (2009, January 26). Layoffs Spread to More Sectors of the Economy [Money Matters]. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www. nytimes. com/2009/01/27/business/economy/27layoffs. html Werhner, M. J. (2010). A Comparis on of the Performance of Online versus Traditional On-Campus Earth Science Students on Identical Exams []. Journal of Geoscience Education, 58(5), 310-313.

Islam Religion Review Essay Sample

Islam Religion Review Essay Sample Muslim Religion Review Essay Muslim Religion Review Essay Islam refers to a monotheistic religious tradition, which emerged in the 7th century C.E. The word Islam is translated as â€Å"surrender† or â€Å"submission†; the religion is based on the teachings of pronounced Prophet Muhammad as an expression of absolute surrender to the will of Allah, who is the creator as well as the sustainer of the world. The Qur’an, which is the divine text of Islam, encompasses the teaching of the Prophet, which was manifested to Mohammad from Allah. Fundamental to Islam is the conviction that Allah is the one and only true God and has no equality. Islam has many branches and many varieties of those branches. The two branches in the tradition are Sunni and Shi’a each of which assertions to separate meaning of upholding religious authority. One of the unifying traits of Islam is the Five Pillars, which are the basic practices of Islam (Islamweb English). Islam is embodiment of the code of life that God, the creator as well as the Lord of the universe, has manifested for providing guidance to mankind. In order to ensure development of mankind, two elements are required which serve as a resource for sustaining life and to satisfy material necessity of an individual and the society as well as the knowledge of the values of person’s and social behavior to assist human being to fulfill himself and uphold justice and tranquility in mankind living (islamweb english). The Father of the universe has given both of these measures abundantly. To provide for material necessities of man, the Lord has bestowed natural resources at the disposal of man . In a bid to provide for man’s social, spiritual, and cultural necessities, the lord has raised His prophets from amongst men and has manifested to them the value of life, which could provide lines to honest path. This code of life is referred to as Islam, the faith that is proclaimed by all the prophets of God. The common traits that characterize Islam include rationality, practicality and simplicity. Islam is a religion that has no mythology. The teachings are intelligible and simple. It is devoid of superstitions and irrational belies. The concept of singleness of God, the prophet hood of Mohammad, as well as the issue of life after death are the fundamental articles of this belief founded on reason and sound logic. The entire teaching of Islam evolving from those fundamental beliefs is simple an d straightforward. There are no pyramid of priests, nor farfetched abstractions, or complex rites and rituals. Therefore anyone could take a Qur’an literary and interpret its dictates into action (Masters). Islam arouses the faculty of reasoning and exhorting man to apply his intellect. It directs him to view issues in the light of truth. The Qur’an enlightens man to pray to Allah so as Allah may give them knowledge. Additionally, Islam is practical religion which does not permit involvement in unfounded and futile theorizing. It holds that faith is not sheer profession of beliefs; instead it is the prime mainspring of life. Righteous behavior ought to follow faith in God. It holds that religion is to be put in action and not an object of simple lip-service. The Qur’an promises joy to them that believe and act righteously. Islam is also characterized with unity of spirit and matters. The distinctive element of Islam is that it does not differentiate life into waterproof compartments of spirit and matter. It does not advocate for denial of life instead for the fulfillment of life. The religion does not favor asceticism. It also does not force man to keep off from material things. It stresses that spiritual edification is to be met through living sacred in the rough and tumble life and not through renouncing the world as enlightened by the Qur’an(Islamweb English). Therefore, the religion does not accept any separation between† moral â€Å"and â€Å"material â€Å"and â€Å"spiritual† life, and enjoins human being to dedicate his energy to building life on proper moral foundations. It gives a grounding in the fact that material and moral power ought to be welded jointly and that spiritual salvation could be realized through the use of material resources for the well- being of man in the provision of just ends and not through living a life of asceticism or through running away from life challenges. Islam looks to strike a balance between these two main issues of life spiritual and material. It acknowledges that all resources of the universe belong to man, but man was formed to serve a greater purpose that entails development of moral as well as just order, which will satisfy the will of God. The teaching of Islam provides for both spiritual and the temporal necessities of man. Additionally, Islam charges gent to purify his soul and reform his day to day life that is both collective and individual as well as develop the supremacy of claim over great and virtue over vice. Therefore, Islam is in the middle way and the purpose of yielding a moral man in the provision of a just community (Islamweb English). This religion expressly denounces the impression of religion and precisely indicates that its purposes are purification of the soul and rebuilding of the society. Therefore, Islam appears to be a way of life which does not miss any aspect of human existence (Pattern in Islamic Art). There has always been a fine line separating Islamic Mysticism from numerous anti-Islamic heresies. Islamic Mysticism does not ignore the world, it merely withdraws from several of its luxuries. Most of the mujahidin who fought for Islamic reason were mystics. For example, Syed Al-Badawi, which was a device applied in bringing to an end the crusades that caused the people to fight. The Mohammad mystics of Islam refer to themselves as Ahl-Haqq, which means the true follower of real. The source of Islamic mysticism in the description of religion with â€Å"belief† in and adherence to principles of revelation and requirement to act. This religion is more than a formal religion but rather a way of life. A Muslim stays face to face with Allah within all times, and there is no inclusion of separation between his religion and life, his faith and politics with its deep emphasis on the brotherhood of men working harmoniously to live according to Allah will (alam). The ancient Islamic art relays the spiritual and quintessential information about Islam through language and direct symbolism which is both effective and less problematic beyond most of the theoretical interpretations of Islam. A small piece of ancient calligraphy could convey more eloquently of the intelligence and nobility that characterizes Islam beyond several apologetic works of activists. Such is serine, structured, intelligible and highly spiritual trait of Islamic art that results to an accurate understanding of Islamic way of life. As opposed to resent ideas, Islam does not view beauty and art as a luxury; instead, it views beauty as a divine quality as well as suggests that God values beauty. Islamic etics desires beauty to be prevalent and, hence, the art, which makes sure that a Muslim experiences joy of beauty in all parts of his life. He feels the same sense of joy and peace while seated on a traditional carpet, looking at a piece of calligraphy or when praying in the masterpieces of Islamic architecture that extend from the Pacific to the Atlantic. More examples include the Islamic Art of Writing, sacred Architecture of the Islamic Mosque and Aesthetic theories as well as building of an Islamic society (Educating for CulturalCultural Literacy andRespect ). Belief in Mohammad message arose from the belief on Unitarian God. Islam regards itself as a monotheistic religion that was taught through all prophets from Adam to Mohammed. The main beliefs of Islam are the belief in God’s sacred plan and knowledge of what occurs in the world. The belief in the judgment day where everyone will give account for his actions and be rewarded or punished is another fundamental belief of Islam as well as the belief in one God – Allah. Islam acknowledges angels, especially angel Gabriel who was the messengers to various prophets. (Koshhal). The religion views the world as a temporal home as the saint waits to go to Paradise. Islamic religion emphasis on the need for each to fight for his faith irrespective of the costs paid even if it means death of your enemies. It holds that at restrained terms it is justifiable to take away the life of another person when he poses a threat to the Islam well-being. Islam procures that human being was created to live a life without any fault, merely to serve Allah through faithful deeds (Koshhal). The role of women in the Muslim community has changed considerably during the centuries from the conception of Islam about 600 years ago. Their place has been altered depending on shifting social, political and economic circumstances. Despite that the Qur’an holds men and women to be equal before God, women do not have equal access to certain spheres of social life. Historically, Muslim women have not been accorded same treatment as men. Particular rulers as well as numeral legal scholars enforced a system of inequality, which is vindicated through their interpretations of the Qur’an and the ancient customs of the Prophet. However, this view was criticized by the colonial authorities and their western understanding of the rightful place of women in community was adapted by some segment of Muslim population. Subsequently, after Islamic world gained independence in the mid-1900s, women have been trapped between reformers and traditionalists as they strive for dominance within Islamic society (Nicholson). Prior to the emergence of Islam, women were living in traditions that were dominated by men. Women were treated as property, to be married or divorced at wish. The Qur’an recognized the status of women and treated them as equal to men. It acknowledged women’s rights to select their spouses as well as established limits over the practice of polygamy. The Qur’an also recognized marriage to be a contract between a woman and a man and the claim of inheriting wealth and control over their money and property. Beside this, the Qur’an did not alter the male dominance for the Qur’an calls for women to submit to their husbands, it further defines men to be a degree above women in responsibility. Historical facts denote that women participated in the early establishment of Muslim society. It was women who began to follow early revelation of Mohammad. Eventually, women played a vital role in gathering revelations from both oral and written sources into a so litary, authoritative text. It was the nature of the Prophet Mohammad to consult women and highly value their opinion. For example, his wife Kadija was his prime advisor and supporter (Ahmad). Following his death, honorable women were consulted of who his successor would be. It is from this time that the Muslim started to adapt to the colonist way and ended up secluding the women. Men together with women had different, complementary roles within the Muslim communities. The husband was charged with protection and provision while the wife was responsible for maintaining the home and bringing up children. Notably, beside the Qur’an teaching that husband and wife were equal before God, women still remained subordinate to men. During the early 1900s, the state of freshly autonomous Muslim country like Turkey took the challenge of modernizing the woman’s role. Additionally, poor performing economy has compelled women to be engaged in other activities beyond their traditional roles. Moreover, factors like labor and war have caused the number of households run by females. A number of Muslim women have been running grassroots firms, involved indevelopment projects, social activities and charitable associations (lPipes). According to the Qur’an, the same duties and responsibilities are bestowed upon men and women which render them equal rights to pledge for rewards. Notwithstanding, particular factors have contributed to limiting women’s participation in Islamic religious life. These consist of lack of education, social customs, and idea of ritual purity. The particular restriction on the involvement of women in Muslim religious issues and the manners that the women have responded to such restriction varies across the Islamic world. Moreover, in 1900s the emerging roles of women within the society formed fresh opportunities for women in the religious domain as well (the Natural Bases for Natural Light). The Qur’an is not a merely series of strict orders which does not contain comments but rather comprises of laws and history, interpretation and exhortation of creation. In the same way that the Qur’an stipulates rules of conduct in the nature of law on several instances, so it also remarks about the existing and being. The Qur’an talks about the creation of men and women and from this accusations are then leveled against Islam as containing disparaging attitude to women on the strength of its theories (islamway). Islam depicts a woman as sexually desirous and more passionate than the man. In fact, such understanding determines the position of a woman in the ancient period of Islam. According to Islamic perception, both the man and the woman yearning for intercourse, when their bodies experiences same processes, yielding same pleasure as well as physical climaxes. Contrary to the ancient western perception of sexual art as a battlefield in which men expresses their supremacy onto women, Islam views it as a caring, shared pleasure. Therefore, it could be noted that sexual gratification results into a harmonized social order, hence, flourishing the society. Islam holds that female’s desire for sex is greater than that of man. It views â€Å"the woman as the hunter and the man as the passive victim† of the woman ardor, in fact, sexual desire makes her the â€Å"symbol of unreason, disorder, the anti-divine force of nature and discipline of the devil†. Such view could spring from woman’s higher physical capability for sex or it could be traced back to Muhammad encounters. Regardless of the source, women’s sexuality is taken as being more powerful, hence posing a threat to the society. On the same note, Islam advocates for sexual satisfaction, it again reflects unrestrained women to be the more dangerous as compared to male’s endeavoring to fulfill God’s commands. Coupled with such rampant desire and irresistible attractiveness bestows women power over men and this rivals God. When this would be left an attended it could lead to men becoming victims and thus abandon them from God. This would lead to â€Å"fitna† a term which implies civil problems amongst believers. Islam perceives â€Å"fitna† as negative and anti-social power of women In Arabic world in case a man is faced by a woman, the â€Å"fitna† will emerge, since women’s lusts would lead to anarchy ( w). Therefore, a conclusion can be made from the above: Islam restricts on sexuality driven by a concern to sustain the social pattern rather than the moral consideration. Additionally, Islam establishes a range of institutional contrivances aimed at repressing female sexuality. Thus, the prime aim is to keep off men, obstructing romantic love, as well as rendering female powerless. Realization that women were capable of seducing men, set the society to prevent such from happening through creating separate rooms and limiting contacts between the sexes. According to the Shari’a when a man and a woman are left on their own they are to have indulged in sexual intercourses, thus, all ought to be done to avoid these situations from happening. Notably, physical separation of sexes attributes to daily life in Islam. Thus, any man or woman regarded as prospectively sexually appealing to the other and is kept away from each other (Islamweb English). Islamic civilization promotes women to remain indoors as well as perceives women as servants. Men are given the ability and rights to hold their women at home. Typical house, in this case, is designed with walls on the outside and windows facing the inner country yards, hence increasing privacy. Inside the house, the construction also splits the male from female places. (Koshhal).

Use of new forest product technology for making paper by Consolidated Papers Inc.

Use of new forest product technology for making paper by Consolidated Papers Inc. The fast pace at which the use of new forest product technology for making paper, recycling and pulping signifies development and need for efficiency in the forest industry. As this paper shall examine from a case study on the use of forest product technology by Consolidated Papers Inc, a leading North American Producer of super-calendered and coated printing papers, the use of technology in the forest industry in America is a powerful force that is changing the forest product market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Use of new forest product technology for making paper by Consolidated Papers Inc. specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Forest product technology for papermaking Gas-fired paper dryer A gas-fired paper dryer is one of the new technologies used by Consolidated Papers Inc. in its paper making processes. This innovative system incorporates a dimpled heat transfer surface and a ribbon burmer to increase efficiency and energy needed for effective drying of papers. This machinery has been lauded as a useful and valuable technology by the Groupe Laperriere and Verreault (GLV) in the USA and Boise Paper Solutions which have tested and demonstrated its efficiency. The gas-fired paper dryer is a new tool with a high drying capacity. Uwasu et al (2012) indicate in that this system has a drying drum through which surface temperature is increased. Traditionally, companies in the forest industry have relied on steam system to dry papers during paper making process. Inasmuch as the system has been effective, the aforementioned new technology introduces efficiency and is a direct replacement of other drying methods. The gas-fired paper dryer works through coming into contact with surfaces of the drum that are hot which provide a drying effect. Laser-ultrasonic web stiffness sensor This new technology is the only sensor that is being used to measure stiffness of light weight papers online. It works throu gh a non-contact sensor. In addition, it controls and guides real time processes essential for reducing costs due to waste reprocessing and to optimize paper quality during manufacture. This technology was developed by the Institute of Paper Science and Technology at Georgia Tech and demonstrated at Boise Mills and MeadWestvaco. Figure 1: A diagram showing a Laser ultrasonic sensor Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Dumont et al (2006) indicate that this technology is significant in the sense that its non-contact characteristics ensure no downtime production or risk of tearing. Besides, it is highly efficient because unlike contact sensors, its abrasive and hot web does not cause overheating, drift damage and wear. It is imperative to highlight that in comparison to the paper mill, the LUSS offers continuous monitoring of an out-of-plane shear and flexural rigidity w hen constructing reel. In addition, it reduces off-spec product waste, improves product uniformity and decreases energy consumption. Dumont et al (2006) add that the value of this technology in paper making is vast. His argument hinges on the notion that it provides room for feedback critical for using right specifications and measuring product properties during a manufacturing process. Natural resources will be saved if such values are adopted and embraced as part and parcel of conserving the ecosystem. To sum up, the new technologies employed in papermaking are very effective compared to current systems being applied in the forest industry. For instance, the LUSS is unique and there is no any other online tool with similar measuring qualities for paper bending stiffness. In addition, the thickness of the paper can be accurately calculated by making use of the optic capacity. References Dumont, G.A., Stewart, G.E., Davies, M. S. Yang, D. W. (2006). Modelling paper machine cross di rection slice lip responses close to sheet edges. Pulp Paper Canada, 107(1), 43-47. Uwasu, M., Hara, K., Yabar, H., Zhang, H. (2012). Analysis of Energy Productivity and Determinant Factors: A Case Study of Chinas Provinces. Journal of Sustainable Development, 5(6), 1-9.

Gun control Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gun control - Annotated Bibliography Example or public safety over guns; and the core of the debate is but the very Second Amendment, which has reduced the public response to the gun-aided carnage to mere outrage. The author notes with some sense of certainty that though defeated in the past, attempts at gun control legislations is not over, and will soon raise its head yet again and again. He singles out the â€Å"defense† aspect of the Second Amendment noting that the law has always recognized the right to one’s security, liberty, and private property, and it is from these fundamental rights that necessitate the right to bear arms just in case â€Å"the sanctions of society and/or laws are insufficient to restrain oppressive violence.† It is on this account that laws that infringe on the right to self-defense have and will fail the constitutionality test, hence the Heller setting a dark cloud over gun control laws enacted [and to be] in the United States. Like other academics and law experts, Chemerinsky concludes that the debate over the Second Amendment is far from over, but will never get resolved. His opening comment that â€Å"guns have become an important symbol of freedom to a majority of American public† is but a perfect description of the American public over guns, and that it is harder to envisage any side of the debate giving room for opposing arguments. This article, without a doubt, makes a fundamental contribution to the gun debate, more particularly with regards to navigating the muddy arguments that threaten to overrun public safety as evident by the incidences of gun violence witnessed so far. By no surprise, Desmond Cameron, like many other scholars begins his narrative with the Virginia Tech gun tragedy, terming it the â€Å"deadliest† as any other would call it. Indeed, as he notes, the incident, like no other, has kept the debate on gun control much alive that any other in the history of the United States, with gun control proponents blaming easy access to guns while gun rights

Developing and using power and influence tactics to influence people Article

Developing and using power and influence tactics to influence people - Article Example Different leadership techniques have to be adopted under different circumstances and for different purposes. For instance, to get a project through, people need the support of others. The first action taken by the leaders is to adopt the project as their own and show personal commitment to it. They then work towards generating support from others in the organization. They have knowledge about the company and know how to use the company’s informal system of relationships. Markham (1998) indicates that some types of influence tactics are more successful like the logical argument. Some prefer to use the coercive and persuasive techniques rather than confrontive influence strategies even when they expect resistance although threatening tactics are unsuccessful influencing people. Use of personal power or positional power would depend upon target commitment. Expert power has been more useful than reward or legitimate power sources. Although leaders may use enthusiasm and drive to make their projects successful, these have a detrimental effect on projects and targets according to Markham. This requires influencing many people who may not wish to be influenced and the end result may be tension and conflicts. The project leaders may not be trained enough in interpersonal relations, which imply that being a project leader does not give an individual the power or ability to influence, although Carson and King (2006) believe that empowerment leads to self-leadership. Today’s work environment call for self-leadership, say Carson and King. Empowerment implies to delegate power from the higher organizational levels to the lower ones. Employees must be given the power to take decisions rather than just making suggestions. This leads to self-leadership which involves an analysis of how and why a task should be completed. It is the process of influencing oneself. This helps to improve direction and motivation within