Monday, September 30, 2019
International Business Ethics Essay
A business colleague once recalled a situation in which a former employer had to decide whether gift-giving or bribery was ethically acceptable. In an international business situation, bribery is often a way of cutting through bureaucratic red tape and expediting deals. American companies consider bribery unethical because the American way considers bribery an unfair advantage and does not condone the practice. On an international level, bribery is often an accepted part of local culture and not seen as unethical, but as a way to achieve a quick win-win deal for all parties involved. American business has long been accused of cultural imperialism, the practice of promoting the culture of one nation into another nation by force (wikipedia, 2007). American businesses feel that the American way of doing business is the only way all international businesses should operate, regardless of a locally accepted practices or culture. American companies that are not willing to accept that bribery is an ethical and integral part of performing business on international soil are severely short selling business opportunities. While bribery has resulted in unethical practices on American soil, the same is not true in many international settings. Extra payment for services is seen as good business and often the only way to get any business completed in a timely fashion. While some companies may use bribery on international soil to a disadvantage, most local business cultures simply will not do business without the bribery payments. Globalization has increased the pressure on international business members to regulate many business practices such as bribery. American businesses need to be cognizant of international cultures and take into consideration that accepted practices in a global setting may not be the same as on American soil. Global regulation should strive to be free of American cultural imperialism to be accepted and respected on an international level. Reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_imperialism
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Billing system Essay
The Information Flow Model (IFM) is used to understand the sources and destination of information flow, which is required to execute the business process as shown in Figure 3.5. In IFM, information or data generators and processors are brought together to explain the flow. This could be documents, e-mail, or voicemail. The contents of the flow could be text, images, or diagrams. The purpose of the flow is to take the process further to its logical conclusion. For example, a customer order is to be processed for delivery or to be rejected, and necessary data or information input has to be provided progressively in the process. IFM is generally a high-level model showing main flows, internal flows of information from sources, such as product catalogs, and manufacturing schedules. Customer profiles and accounting information are not shown. These are presumed to be present. In an information flow model, each processing stage is described as one of the following stage classes: 1. Data Supply Ãâ" where data suppliers forward information into the system. 2. Data Acquisition Ãâ" the stage that accepts data from external suppliers and injects it into the system. 3. Data Creation Ãâ" internal to the system, data may be generated and then forwarded to another processing stage. 4. Data Processing Ãâ" any stage that accepts input and generates output (as well as generating side effects). 5. Data Packaging Ãâ" any point at which information is collated, aggregated and summarized for reporting purposes. 6. Decision Making Ãâ" the point where human interaction is required. 7. Decision Implementation Ãâ" the stage where the decision made at a decision-making stage is executed, which may affect other processing stages or a data delivery stage. 8. Data Delivery Ãâ" the point where packaged information is delivered to a known data consumer. 9. Data Consumption Ãâ" as the data consumer is the ultimate user of processed information, the consumption stage is the exit stage of the system. Data moves between stages through directed information channels Ãâ" pipelines indicating the flow of information from one processing stage to another and the direction in which data flows. An information flow model is represented by the combination of the processing stages connected by directed information channels. Once the flow model has been constructed, names are assigned to each of the stages and channels. An information flow model can be used to identify the source of a data quality problem. The effects of a data quality problem might manifest themselves at different stages within an information flow, perhaps at different data consumption stages. However, what may appear to be multiple problems may all be related to a single point of failure that takes place earlier in the processing. By identifying a set of data-quality expectations and creating validation rules that can be imposed at the entry and exit of each processing stage, we can trace through the information flow model to the stage at which the data quality problem occurred. Fixing the problem at the source will have a beneficial effect across the board, as all subsequent manifestations should be eliminated!
Saturday, September 28, 2019
The Points Based System makes migration work for Britain Essay
The Points Based System makes migration work for Britain - Essay Example Second, regulation of migration has become necessary in the face of the threat of terrorism and abuse (Sutherland, 2009). Third, to protect the interests of the citizens of Britain and the society. Combining all these factors together, it becomes clear why there is a ongoing effort from various sectors of the government in coming up with plans and programmes that will limit the influx of migrant applicants without discouraging those talented people who are needed in UK and contribute to UKââ¬â¢s economy. In order to achieve this end, one of several measures that have been undertaken is the implementation of the Point Based System. The Point Based System is primarily intended to replace the ââ¬Ë80 work permits and entry schemeââ¬â¢. The ââ¬Ë80 work permits and entry schemeââ¬â¢ are the 80 different ways and routes that can be used if one seeks to work, study to train in UK. This migration policy has been developed piecemeal depending on whatever need arises (Casciani, 2 008). In this regard, the migration network of UK is considered complex. However, with the implementation of the Point Based System, the 80 scheme is superseded, and it has made UK migration system a lot simpler and more effective in identifying people and talents that are needed in UK. As such, the Point based System will make it easier and faster for employers and education to identify the people that they will need. In the Point Based System, the more skills the person has, and the more the skills, that the person has is in demand, the higher the points that one gets, thus increasing the likelihood that the person may enter UK. In this regard, the Point Based System intends to identify and attract workers that can contribute most to UK, to achieve a more efficient and transparent system of application, increased support from employers and educational organization, thereby increasing g compliance and reducing abuse and finally, it seeks to curb low skilled workers from outside EU (www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk). This set up is patterned after Australian Point System, which is considered as one of the simplest and most effective migration in the world. The system will not affect the mobility of European Union workers (Casciani, 2008). The Point Based System is made up of five tiers. Tier One: Highly Skilled. In this tier, the most skilled can have the opportunity to enter UK even without any job offers or employee certification. This means that if the application is successful, then the applicant can have the right to immigrate to UK and have full and free access to the employment market. This includes scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs and business people. As such, a successful applicant under Tier 1 will be permitted to live and work in the UK, seek and undertake employment, establish business, make a substantial investment, or be self-employed (www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk). There are four classifications under Tier 1; general visa, post study work visa, entrep reneur visa and the investor visa. A minimum of 80 points is required to qualify in Tier 1 general visa. The categories in which points are awarded include age, qualifications and earnings. This tier offers the opportunity for the successful applicant in becoming naturalise British citizen. Tier Two: Skilled Work Permits. This is similar with the previous work permit scheme. This tier intends to cater to people who have
Friday, September 27, 2019
Energy Economic Study Questions 2 Research Paper
Energy Economic Study Questions 2 - Research Paper Example If there is excess demand and low supply prices increase. ââ¬ËCheatingââ¬â¢ by OPEC members refers to a situation where members do not comply with quotas set by OPEC. It involves member countries producing more than the quantity required by OPEC. Some members such as Nigeria produce more than the set quantity because of their economic status. Cheating by member countries affects the supply of oil hence affecting prices set by OPEC. World oil situation refers to the current quantity of oil available and the prevailing prices. Improved world oil situation refers to a situation where oil producing countries produce oil in sufficient quantities to meet demand. The availability of oil and in standard prices is considered the normal situation. OPEC have the power to influence the world oil situation by producing more or little oil. Energy efficiency has contributed to improved world oil situation by reducing over reliance on oil e.g. use of electric trains. This causes people to slowly shift from the use of no renewable oil to use of electricity hence reducing the strain on oil resources. New technologies for finding and extraction of oil have contributed to increased oil situation. This has made it easier to discover more oil wells. More oil wells will lead to increased supply hence improving the world oil situation. Also, better understanding of the local geology is a contributing factor. Jaccard uses economic concepts such as consumer response to prices, greater use of coal and near perfect substitution in his argument that depletion of conventional oil resources is unlikely to be cataclysmic. When price of a good increase, there is slow response initially, and this keeps the price constant for a while. This slow response is equivalent to fall in demand for the product. This is because people look for other alternatives. In the case of oil, money might flow from gas and oil to other alternatives. Jaccard believes that with oil, coal is an alternative.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Environmental Law Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Environmental Law - Research Paper Example The decisions of the Agency unavoidably comprise value judgments, and the resolutions should be reached within a web of political restrictions. The EPAââ¬â¢s administrator is the legal authority on any specific resolution; nevertheless, the job is appointed by the President, and the administrator performs his/her tasks under the Presidentââ¬â¢s authority (Glicksman 53). Moreover, regulatory agencies are largely controlled and affected by the manpower and budgetary proposals of the Office of Management and Budget, by the outcome of Congressional inspection, and by the Congressââ¬â¢s supervision (Glicksman 61). EPA should essentially moderate its decisions and activities with a certain level of political sense. In fact, political circumstances may prevent regulatory decisions that seem to be constitutional, and even important, under related statute. Furthermore, since regulatory activities carried out by EPA in Washington should be overseen either by the EPA regional departmen ts that are supervised by independent local and state governments or by fairly autonomous appointees, EPAââ¬â¢s decisions should be appropriate to an even wider array of political interests and should predict difficulties in implementation (Rom 82). This research paper argues that the EPA should have the authority to change policy and implement those policies concerning the health of the nationââ¬â¢s population without causing a political conflict in Washington over the economic impact of government regulations. In essence, this paper argues that EPA should be highly involved in the decision-making process, but it should not be in conflict with the economy and the government. Protecting the Environment and the Economy The regulation of activities that have an effect on the environment has been current event in the United States, but it is a perfect case of the economic involvement of the government for a social reason. Since the 1960s, Americans became more and more worried ab out the effect of industrial progress on the environment (Heyes 61-62). For example, engine exhaust from numerous vehicles was held responsible for air pollution in major urban areas. Pollution corresponded to ââ¬Ëexternalityââ¬â¢, which is defined by economists as ââ¬Å"a cost the responsible entity can escape but that society as a whole must bearâ⬠(Heyes 62). Because market dynamics are not capable of addressing these issues, numerous environmentalists asserted that government has a moral responsibility to safeguard the planetââ¬â¢s delicate environment, even though doing so entails that a certain level of economic progress be given up. Several major laws were ratified to prevent and regulate pollution, such as the 1972 Clean Water Act and the 1963 Clean Air Act. Environmentalists accomplished a very important objective in 1970 with the creation of EPA which merged into a single organization numerous federal projects focused on environmental conservation. The EPA e stablishes and implements acceptable regulatory practices, and it provides timetables to encourage polluters to conform to these norms. Because majority of the prerequisites are current, industries are granted a substantial amount of time to abide by these rules (Schoenbrod 25). The Agency also has the power to organize and
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Major Problems in Dealing with Health in Rural India and Advise on how Article
Major Problems in Dealing with Health in Rural India and Advise on how to Address the Problems - Article Example Even though the government has introduced various health policies for example the 2005 National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Policy to the Indias in rural areas as a way of providing quality and affordable health care, low consideration has been given to the system of medicine in rural areas (Kaveri 47). For example, modern medical training, an initiative that is funded by local people has failed to meet the needs of rural dwellers that form the biggest percentage of Indian residents. This is based on lack of proper skills by practitioners to provide adequate health care. For example, 79 % of the practitioners in rural areas who practice allopathic medicine have no appropriate training (Ashok et al 24). Poor accessibility of health care One of the major causes of problem when dealing with health care in Tamil Nadu and other regions is lack of adequate access to health care (Ashok et al 13).This is based on the fact that most of the health care centers are aimed at benefiting the urban dwellers and the upper class (World Health Organization 25). While the health care in urban areas is been provided by properly equipped dispensaries and hospital that are managed by corporate and other organizations, health services in rural areas especially those related to family planning and immunization are addressed by rural health centers that have inadequate facilities leading to high rate of child. Misallocation of financial resources and inadequate public expenditure on health Only 0.9% of the gross domestic product (GDP) is allocated to public health which is not adequate to meet the health needs of rural people Considering that more than 80% of the Indians reside in rural areas, and only 10% of the health budget is directed to rural areas, it is clear that the health problems are real challenges in rural areas (World Health Organization 25). Commercialization of health services Due to the failure of the government to provide adequate drugs in rural hospitals, rural resid ents have continued to seek the services of the private sector. This is despite the contributions of the public towards national budget through income and value added taxes. Based on the high level of poverty by rural residents, it has become a challenge to acquire drugs from the private health care providers. In the same way, drugs that are not recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) have dominated Indian market as dealers focus at maximizing their revenue (World Health Organization 17). Important advice to solving these problems In order to ensure the health of rural people residing in Tamil Nadu and other states is enhanced, it is vital for the government to provide cheap cell phones that are connected to the internet. In this way, communication between health providers will be improved. In addition, it would help in bringing about accessibility of the hospitals by the rural residents . Another way of enhancing accessibility of health care is incresing the number of mobile vans that are already been in use in India. Such vans will also be essential in entering areas where public health services have not reached. It is also important to ensure that states appropriately uses the budgetary allocation of the finacial resources allocated by NRHM. For example, in 2008-09 fiscal year, out of 33.5% of the resources allocated to Uttar Pradesh, 41.7% was unspent (Kaveri, 36). The lack of spending of the
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
The imitation Game Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
The imitation Game - Essay Example He has no knowledge about which of them is a machine and which is the person. The aim of the interrogator is to correctly identify the machine and the person. Meanwhile, the machine will try to cause the interrogator into wrongly identifying it as the person; and the person will try to help the interrogator identify correctly.According to Turing, in fifty yearsââ¬â¢ time, it will be possible to program computers so that the average interrogator will not have more than 70 percent chances of correctly identifying after five minutes of questioning. However, despite the long time that has passed, the Turing test has not yet been completed by anyone.There are two main objections raised against Turing test. Firstly, whether we will actually have computers with so much intelligence, that they have a less than 70 percent chance of correct identification. Secondly, even if the average interrogator had a less than 70 percent chance of correct identification, can we conclude that the machine has demonstrated a certain level of thought, intelligence or mentality?Although the Turing test seems highly impractical to achieve, it serves to remain as a benchmark for Artificial Intelligence researchers and developers. However, there are other competitions which are considered to be more challenging and practical to achieve.The interrogator is allowed to communicate with both the machine and computer and puts up questions to them. The interrogator is in a separate room from the machine and the computer.
Monday, September 23, 2019
School counseling website review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words
School counseling website review - Essay Example In specific, the researcher has carried out critical analysis of different websites related to school counseling, and this paper now includes discussion of related concepts and personal perspective regarding the same.Particularly, school counseling, a vital constituent to studentsââ¬â¢ accomplishment is a ââ¬Ëcomprehensive program that helps students learn through personal/social development inside the school setting.ââ¬â¢ In this regard, analysis of Columbia Public Schoolsââ¬â¢ website (CPS, 2011) indicated that professional school counselors have a smallest of a master's stage in school counseling. In alignment to help the development of all scholars, they have introduced a broad variety of therapeutic interventions in the form of a ââ¬Ëcomprehensive school improvement planââ¬â¢ (CPS, 2011) encompassing school guidance on topics, for instance, parent involvement, high qualified staff, and governance that will enable the schools to improve their efficacy on a five- year planning. Besides Columbia, review of website of Massachusetts Department of Education (MDESE, 2011) identified their efforts on different aspects of counseling, such as disquiet administration, assembly and one-by-one counseling, vocation checking and designing, parent and educator discussion, and advocacy for schemes change. Research on this website showed that these services have been playing a critical role in advancing studentsââ¬â¢ learning success. ... different assessment procedures such as ââ¬ËELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment), MEAP-Access (alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement), etcââ¬â¢ (MDE, 2011). Another website included during the review was of the Education Trust (2011) that seems to be advocating the significance of school counseling in an efficient and interactive manner by components of Transforming School Counseling, such as ââ¬Å"guidance curriculum, counseling, vocation development, conferring, coordination of assets, authority and advocacy, advancement of a protected and polite weather, responsibility, administration of lawful and ethical matters, and expert developmentâ⬠(Education Trust, 2011). Moreover, scrutiny of the Education Trustââ¬â¢s website pointed that this occupation has amplified and refocused over the 100 years to rendezvous the desires of scholars, they have evolved a kind of interventions. The four prime interventions encompass ââ¬Ëcounseling, lar ge-group guidance, discussion, and coordinationââ¬â¢ (Education Trust, 2011). Although counselors enlisted in this website for one-by-one counseling with scholars, it would be inefficient, if not unrealistic, for counselors to supply one-by-one counseling to large figures of students. Consequently, the same website (Education Trust, 2011) indicated that assembly methods have been evolved to rendezvous certain characterized scholar desires, for example, contending with end wedding ceremony, evolving an affirmative body likeness, or advancing communal skills. Moreover, the website has emphasized importance of large-group guidance, which boosts educators to incorporate guidance data into their living curricula, comes to an even larger number of students. In addition, consulting and collaborating with educators,
Sunday, September 22, 2019
A Monologue for Love Essay Example for Free
A Monologue for Love Essay What becomes of the broken hearted? Nothing. You think you know love then that love turns out to be an egotistical self-involved bastard whos no braver than the house mouse living in your walls waiting til you least expect it. Ive made mistakes before. But nothing compares to the ones made with him. The ones made in his arms, his unloving false arms embrace that somehow once made me feel warm and made heart be tender. And in that false embrace I made mistakes under false illusions. Illusions that this.. boy, this child, could love me and make me feel like a woman! A woman I am not, I am but a child, a girl who has been broken by the same boy too many times and more. I tried to end it once, twice, and ended it be on the fifth. But this was all too little too late, as he had touched me and I him. And is it so much to ask that I be loved again? It must have been for once another man loved me A man this time. Not a child, a boy. A man. And this man I turned down. I gave him false reason. For the real reason was that I did wish to be with this man but I was too afraid. The fear growing inside of me, a seed planted by a boy. And in the heat of the moment I fell for that man only to wake the morrow to tell him it cannot be. Months later now, I thought I had convinced myself of this false reason. But in a moment of peace, no distractions to cloud my judgment, my heart caught up to my head and told me of the real reason. And now I am dead. The seed has stopped growing. But its venomous flower has already bloomed and done its damage. I am but one of many broken hearted souls with many mistakes done and many more to proceed, to follow. And I ask of you now What should a girl do? When she no longer welcomes love But instead wishes it she had never known?
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Democracy - Essay Essay Example for Free
Democracy Essay Essay Introduction Democracy, it is generally believed, had its roots in Ancient Athens. We know it spread its stems to most of Europe and later to parts of Asia by mid 19th century , mostly in the form of parliamentary democracy. But in the context of this paper,we are not interested in the histrocity of the idea or concept of democracy, but in the idea itself. That is to say we want to analyze the meaning of democracy and its different forms, study its efficiency (so to say), ponder over its limitations and compare it to other forms of government. Whether democracy was conceived of in Athens, Sparta or India is not a topic of interest in this paper (although there may be references to historical events in the evolution of the idea when pertinent). What does democracy mean? Democracy comes from the greek ââ¬Å"rule of the peopleâ⬠. But as I searched for a definition of democracy in the course of research for this paper, a consistent defintion of it seemed to elude me. So we must examine some of these definitions and try to find a core to the idea of democracy, if there exists one. Bunch of different ideas and quotes are out thr on internet put about 4-5 of them here and discuss if them from a current or historical perspective..ive written down one for u: ââ¬Å"The right to dissent without repercussions to ones personal well-being is the core value of Democracyââ¬Å" * Nathan Sharansky Discuss quotes such as this to evaluate how these ideas are implemented in practice.. All this should take up about 500 words..à The only core value seems to be people get to elect their governement..how much of the peoples rights are respected after that greatly varies.. Forms of democracy Representative..constitutes parliamentary and liberal(most democracies areà these) Constitutional Direct Socialist Totalitarian ..discuss all thseabout 300 words.. A critique of democacy An illusion There was no stone-pelting, nothing.There was no curfew They fired indiscriminately. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/kashmir-burns-again-as-india-responds-to-dissent-with-violence-2045905.html). The above was said by Abdul Rashid, a Kashmiri youth whose friend was gunned down by Indian army officials for holding a peaceful, nonviolent, anti-government rally in the summer of 2010. But this was not an anomoly in the process of democracy in India. Kashmir still remains the most militarized zone in the world with about a half a million troops on active duty (for the sake of comparison, the United States had about 165,000 troops in Iraq at its peak)(i read these figures on cia.gov..i dont remember the exact link ). How is that a government for the people is killing its own citizens for holding a nonviolent demonstration? How is such a huge militarization of a province in a democracy justified? Even a basic understanding of the ideas of freedom and liberty that democracy ent ails shows how abhorrent these actions are. But these things happen, not just in India, but in other developed counties like the United States (Japanese americans in 1942), where the rights of their citizens are violated just when they would want to exercise them. So one must ask, are democracies really for the people? A study of history of goverment brutality in countries like India and the United States seem to suggest otherwise. The almost forceful takeaway of land by the Indian goverment in eastern India from farmers (actions which directly led to the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, something the current prime minister of India called the single biggest internal security challenge ever faced by our country.( http://www.ploughshares.ca/libraries/ACRText/ACR-IndiaAP.html)), seem to suggest otherwise. The locking up of Japanese Americans in internment camps in 1942 by Franklin Roosevelt and the Unites States government seem to suggest otherwise. The indiscriminate shooting ofà unarmed, nonviolent Kashmiri youths (some as young as 9 years old)shouting ââ¬Å"azadi!azadi!â⬠(ââ¬Å"freedom!freedom!â⬠) by Indian security officials seem to suggest otherwise. One gets the idea. So maybe people like Vilfredo Pareto and Gaetano Mosca are correct after all. The masses are always characterized by apathy and division, the powers to be by drive and unity (Femia, Joseph V. Against the Masses, Oxford 2001). Maybe all democracy does is shift the power scale, from domination by a despotic leader to manipulation by a democratic government. Maybe the people donââ¬â¢t really have much of a say after all. Maybe itââ¬â¢s just an illusion. Majority rule Majority always gets its way..discuss gay rights..civil rights in us..womens rights historically..religious parties like shiv sena in Mumbai..rising intolerance of secularism in india..majority rule can get tyrannical and the minority issues ignored when people get to decide resolutions to minority issues. The irrational voter ââ¬Å"The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter.â⬠ââ¬â Winston Churchill Talk about how the common man is largely ignorant about serious issues and hence can vote against his/her interests..u can greatly discuss the recent midterms in us to make this pointbasically ur sayin if we must solve economic issues we talk to economist..if we must solve environmental issues we talk to climate scientists..if we are talking abt what to teach in science class we take the consensus of scientist not what the common people of the state think (talk abt teaching creationism in schools..a lot of states in us have majority of it people wanting creationism be taught as science even though almost no scientist believe it to be science)not everything should be up for a vote.. Economically Ur a better person to write abt this Idealistic Show how its hard to apply democratic principles in practicecorrupt officials..apathetic citizens..uprisings etc.. Instable Frequent elections make the government instableshitload of examples on the internet abt this.. Best we have? ââ¬Å"It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.â⬠- Winston Churchill Compare democracy to other forms of governments like dictatorships, communist states, anarchist, socialist,etc..define and discuss each with respect to western liberal democracy..ive done some of it for anarchist Anarchist Anarchists are those who advocate the absence of the state, arguing that common sense would allow people to come together in agreement to form a functional society allowing for the participants to freely develop their own sense of morality, ethics or principled behaviour. (from wikipedia). One such current society is Somalia, and it would not be hyperbole to suggest they are not doing very well. The lack of a state and police have led to nationwide lawlessness, violence and spiralled the country into utter chaos. I think Somalia really characterizes the severe consequences of not having a state and is not a direction one would want their country to go in. Giving people all the power has resulted in the most powerful and the most brutal of them to take power and the rest of people losing all freedom(ironically).
Friday, September 20, 2019
Fedex Competitors Analysis and Customer Retention Strategies
Fedex Competitors Analysis and Customer Retention Strategies Introduction It is apparent from FedEx Corporationââ¬â¢s (FedEx) track record of success; it is clearly a leader in the industry. Ranked the worldââ¬â¢s #1 express transportation company with 3 million packages delivered daily, FedEx surely knows what it is doing to keep the business growing and prosperous (Williams 2005). However, like most businesses these days, there are always trials and tribulations. Important decisions must be made everyday, it is critical that quick thinking and a clearly defined method of operations management must be followed to keep things running smoothly. Of course, the true test to whether or not a solid operations management flow is in place is how the company is able to deal with the unexpected. This brief will examine who makes up FedExââ¬â¢s complete customer base and how the company attempts to satisfy and retain its customers. As well, the risks taken in day to day business will be evaluated coupled with the manner FedEx is able to manage the chances it must often take. Another item for discussion is the impact of sudden demand for the industry and specifically for FedEx. Finally, FedExââ¬â¢s top competitors will be studied, weighing strengths and weaknesses of each company. An evaluation will be presented as to how FedEx would fair if one of its main competitors would try to win a valued client based on the strength and weaknesses outlined. The Customers As with most successful businesses, FedEx is aware that it has a variety of different customers, including internal and external. Both external and internal customers need to be satisfied with the performance of the company to keep things on track. Reviewing the importance of both external and internal customers is critical. The internal customer for FedEx is obviously its own employees. 250,000 strong in 2005 with a 27 percent growth rate from 2004 shows that FedEx is growing quickly (Williams, 2005) and that type of growth needs to be managed appropriately. To maintain employee satisfaction, FedEx offers a competitive salary, fair working conditions, and the ability to ââ¬Å"climb the corporate ladderâ⬠if desired. Employees boast of their success at FedEx and their true delight at working for this company throughout the company website (Fed Ex Company Website 2005). Externally, there a few more customers to consider including corporate, consumer, shareholders and stakeholders. Corporate clients, including Dell and Hewlett Packard, expect their products to be delivered on time and in good condition. As well, consumer clients expect to receive their products on time and in good condition. Shareholders, since FedEx is a public company, expect profits to be up and costs to be down. Finally, stakeholders are those people affected by the corporate actions of FedEx. Are its operations interfering with something in the community? Are its airplanes breaking noise ordinances? The bottom line is that the customers for FedEx are many and their needs are different so FedEx must consider the management of its operations from many angles. The risks There are many risks that one of FedExââ¬â¢s packages not to arrive at its intended destination on time including unexpected volumes, weather, misrouting, and bottlenecks at customs. Luckily, FedEx has put into place the appropriate controls to prevent a delay of any package. As mentioned earlier, in efforts to prevent the loss of clients, FedEx has adopted policies and practices that have proven successful. To address the issue of unexpected volumes and weather problems, FedEx has built in quite a bit of redundancy into its systems. Its contingency planning is superior with proactive monitoring of weather and air traffic. As well, managers stay in close communication each day to plan, always staying one step ahead of the game. Additionally, FedEx actually has multiple hubs across the world in the case that packages need to be redirected. The automation of the sorting process keeps packages that are misrouted to a bare minimum. Packages that need special customs attention are also proactively reported to local authorities so there is minimal opportunity for those packages to slow the process. Even with these modern forms of automation in place, FedEx still prides itself on providing a human touch and treating each package as a ââ¬Å"golden packageâ⬠(FedEx Company Website 2005). Of course, if packages are delayed or do not ship to the accurate address, the company runs the risk of losing clients. Corporate clients can decide to take their contracts elsewhere and consumers will lose their feelings of loyalty if FedEx does not deliver the service it promised. FedExââ¬â¢s philosophy of ââ¬Å"Absolutely, Positively, Whatever it takesâ⬠(FedEx Company Website 2005) as discussed on its website is a direct reflection of what FedEx is willing to do to get the job done. In the unfortunate case where something goes awry with a package, FedEx also wants it customers to know there is a place to go for help and someone available at the end of the line to help work through issues. Indeed, FedEx offers many online tools to track packages as well as a phone number with live support staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (FedEx Company Website 2005). The effects of sudden demand The effects of an unexpected and sudden demand increase can be challenging for any company. In not managed correctly, a myriad of problems can result in the express service industry. This is a direct result of the company not being able to inventory products when the demand arises (Melnyk Denzler 1996 p.447). Specific issues that can arise when sudden demand occurs include late shipments, incorrect shipments, bottlenecks, scheduling difficulties, cost increases, and capacity issues. Externally, late or incorrect shipments affect the customer relationship and have a negative impact on future business. Internally, bottlenecks can cause major issues in making shipment deadlines. In addition, without appropriate notice, staffing can be off and there can be inadequate human resources available to meet the unexpected demand. Directly, if staff needs to be scheduled at the last minute, there is a good chance that overtime wages will be required and costs can skyrocket. Finally, capacity issues are created by the unexpected demand and lack of equipment to actually transport the additional packages. Overall, to regulate unexpected demand, the operations manager needs to focus on mastery of forecasting coupled with having a flexible base of resources (Melnyk Denzler 1996 p.448). Luckily, FedEx is well positioned with its contingency plans. Like David Rebholz, executive vice-president of FedExââ¬â¢s US operations and systems states ââ¬Å"Ninety percent of the package flow is predictable ââ¬â but that other 10 percent can really throw youâ⬠. All FedEx, like any other company, can do is have the procedures in place to manage that 90 percent perfectly and have the contingency plans to deal with the other 10 percent when it happens. The Competition According to a recent article in the World Trade publication (The Big Three: UPS, FEDEX and DHL 2005 p.20), FedEx, UPS, and DHL are referred to as ââ¬Å"the big threeâ⬠in the express service industry. Another formidable competitor in this market space is TNT Logistics. To consider what type of threat each one of these competitors may pose to FedEx, it is important to review each of its competitorââ¬â¢s strengths and weaknesses as well as their market positions. Specifically, it is important to analyze each companyââ¬â¢s history, leadership, market presence, and potential for future growth. UPS History The United Parcel Service (UPS) began in 1907 as the American Messenger Company and has continued to grow and flourish every since (UPS Company Website 2005). The companyââ¬â¢s ability to continually reinvent themselves to fit the markets needs has kept them at the top of its game. Leadership Michael Eskew, the current Chairman and CEO for UPS, has been at the helm in his current post since 2003. Although relatively new in this leadership role, he has served with the company since 1972 as a faithful and forward thinking employee. Ninety percent of the company is owned by managers, employees, founders, and families. This ensures that those with a vested interested in the company are represented from the front lines to upper management (UPS Company Website 2005). Market Presence UPS has established itself as the largest package delivery company in the world. To grow its express delivery services, it recently purchased Overnight and is also committed to provide its customers a full line of supply chain management services. Potential for future growth As mentioned, UPS has a strong history of positioning itself for growth during times of change and shifts in the marketplace. Last year, employee growth was 8.2% and Net Sales Growth was 9.2% (Williams, 2005). DHL History Thirty Five years ago in 1969, DHL Worldwide Network took shape as the ââ¬Å"low cost delivery serviceâ⬠as it entered the marketplace and attempted to carve a niche for itself as the low cost provider. Since then, the company has been working hard to gain new customers and convince them that with lower costs, quality need not be sacrificed (Hannon 2005). From the start, DHL has committed itself to providing what it customers need. As early as the 1970s, the company realized that the globalization of trade was playing a key factor in the current business climate and adapted itself to be able to provide the services required for success in the international arena. Leadership Dr. Klaus Zumwinkel, current Chairman of the Board, is leading the way to establish DHL as a premier service with the highest quality at competitive prices (DHL Company Website 2005). Market Presence Ranked as the world leader in cross border express deliveries, DHL is spreading its wings to capture even more of the delivery services market. Setting its sights on winning more of the ground delivery business, it recently acquired Airborne. In addition, DHL seems to be stepping it up a notch in focusing on its human touch for customers as Karen Johns reports, ââ¬Å"customers say we are much more responsive, flexible and human to deal with (Hein 2005).â⬠Potential for future growth Another company that seems positioned as ready for growth, DHLs net sales grew by 21.6 percent last year while the employee count grew by 7% (Williams 2005). TNT History Thomas Nationwide Transport (TNT) began back in 1946 as the first express delivery service. In the 80s, the company began to offer more logistical services as they understood the market demand for it. In the 90s, the company also began to offer supply chain solutions and looked to establish themselves as innovators in the total supply chain arena (TNT Company Website 2005). Leadership Dave Kulik, Group Managing Director, is at the forefront of leading the company with new ideas in the supply chain and express delivery services industry. Leadership in the company seems to embrace advancement from within and reflects a true commitment to employee growth through many initiatives, including ââ¬Å"Investors in Peopleâ⬠( TNT Company Website 2005). Market Presence Although TNT offers only about 1/6 the sales numbers of its major competitors like DHL, UPS, and Fed Ex, their customer list is impressive. A key to TNTs focused success is the targeting of specific industries. Their client list includes big users such as BMW, GM, and Proctor and Gamble (TNT Company Website 2005). Potential for future growth Although TNT appears to be flexible in adding new products and services to offer its client base, it does not seem to be as aggressive in earning additional market segments as some of its competitors. However, for the last six years, the company has recorded 22% revenue growth each year (TNT Company Website 2005). In addition, back in 2004, TNT launched a $115 billion, six-year improvement program to keep its business up to speed (Keane 2004). FedEx History Frederick W Smith had the vision for FedEx while attending Yale back in 1965. His dream became a reality in 1973 when the company first became incorporated (Journal of Business Strategy 1988, pp.15-21). Leadership FedExââ¬â¢s original founder is still the CEO, Chairman, and President of the company. Since the beginning, Smith has positioned FedEx as the industry standard setter and has given all others a bar to reach for in terms of overall performance. Market Presence FedEx is the #1 express transportation company in the world and continues to grow and diversify. Its recent purchase of Kinkoââ¬â¢s has helped to expand its retail presence as well as the supply chain management services it can provide to its customers. Potential for future growth FedEx has enjoyed exponential growth each year since the beginning and has always been able to manage the growth with ease. Last year alone, FedEx supported an 18.8% boost in sales and a jump in employees of 27.7% (Williams 2005). How does FedEx measure against the Competition? After review of FedEx and its main competitors, it is interesting to consider what may happen if one of its competitors would try to win clients from its customer base. Cleary, FedEx is a strong player in its field but the competition is fierce. In a competitive bid against its foes, FedEx would need to go on the offense, highlighting all of its attributes that make it stand out above and beyond. The best sales pitch is always a positive one, focusing on your companyââ¬â¢s strengths rather than bad mouthing the competition. In an effort to keep important client relationships, FedEx could highlight the following: Itââ¬â¢s original visionary and founder is still at the helm and directing the company that is still considered the industry standard setter. FedEx is the #1 express transportation company with sales revenue growth of 18.8% over last year, and net income growth 72.9% over last year (Williams 2005). FedExââ¬â¢s commitment to do ââ¬Å"Absolutely, Positively Whatever it takesâ⬠to keep the customer satisfied. Itââ¬â¢s positive track record in the industry and ability to adapt to meet the growing needs of its client base (i.e. the purchase of Kinkoââ¬â¢s). The commitment FedEx has to not only deliver on time but to treat each package like a ââ¬Å"golden packageâ⬠. In the case that questions arise regarding a delivery, there is always live support staff ready and available to field phone calls from consumers. Of course, packages can always be tracked on line. A competitive price offered for a competitive service with high quality standards. It appears that FedEx and UPS are both making plays to meet the end customerââ¬â¢s needs from both ends of the spectrum. FedEx got its start with the idea to guarantee delivery of overnight packages anywhere in the US. UPS, however, ramped up as a company focusing on ground deliveries. Both now are trying to get a piece of the otherââ¬â¢s pie, and both are attempting to do it through acquisitions (DNS Retailing Today 2005, pp35-37). Many analysts and recent articles have placed FedEx and UPS in a direct competition for each others market space. In the article ââ¬Å"Can FedEx Deliver More Than UPS?â⬠, it is reported that both companies are projected to do very well but there is a belief that FedEx will do better (Tsao 2005). Specifically, the more positive outlook for FedEx has much to do with their expansion into ground deliveries where margins are higher. Conversely for UPS, it is looking to expand into a market with lower margins. Conclusion After review of FedExââ¬â¢s specific customer base, the risks that it takes, the problems of sudden demand, its rivals, and a possible scenario of stolen customers, it is evident that FedEx is well positioned for success in the future. Existing competition in the marketplace will continue to put pressure on FedEx to provide high levels of service at a competitive rate. Overall, Fed Ex is well positioned to serve as an industry leader. References DHL Company Website 2005, http://www.dhl.com. ââ¬ËFederal Express Spreads its Wingsââ¬â¢ 1988, Journal of Business Strategy, vol.9, issue 4, pp.15-21. Retrieved on October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. ââ¬ËFedEx and UPS deliver much more than mailââ¬â¢ 2005, DSN Retailing Today, vol.44, issue 10, pp.35-37. Retrieved on October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. FedEx Company Website 2005, http://www.fedex.com. Hannon, D 2005, ââ¬ËDHL to focus on quality, not low-cost in US marketââ¬â¢, Purchasing, vol.134, issue 12, p.113. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. Hein, K 2005, ââ¬ËDHL Delivers Message: Weââ¬â¢ll Serve You Betterââ¬â¢, Brandweek, vol. 46, issue 32, p.4. Retrieved on October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. Keane, A 2004 ââ¬ËTNT Express Growing Plansââ¬â¢, Traffic World, vol. 268, issue 26, p.30. Retrieved on October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. Melnyk, S Denzler, D 1996, Operations Management; A Value-Driven Approach, William Schoof. Slack, N Chamber, S Johnston, R 2004, Operations Management, 4th Edition, Prentice Hall. Terrill, C Middlebrooks, A 2000, Market Leadership Strategies for Service Companies, NTC Business Books, Lincolnwood, IL. ââ¬ËThe Big Three:UPS, FEDEX and DHLââ¬â¢ 2005, World Trade, vol.18, issue 8, p.20. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. TNT Company website 2005, http://www.tntlogistics.nl. Tsao, A 2004 ââ¬ËCan FedEx Deliver More Than UPS?ââ¬â¢, Business Week Online, 9/10/2004. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from Business Source Premier Database. UPS Company Website 2005, http://www.ups.com. Williams, R 2005, ââ¬ËHoovers DHL Worldwide Network S.A./N.V Corporation Overviewââ¬â¢. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from http://www.hoovers.com/dhl. Williams, R 2005, ââ¬ËHoovers Fed Ex Corporation Overviewââ¬â¢. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from http://www.hoovers.com/fedex. Williams, R 2005, ââ¬ËHoovers TNT Logistics Holdings B.V. Overviewââ¬â¢. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from http://www.hoovers.com/tnt-logistics. Williams, R 2005, ââ¬ËHoovers United Parcel Service, Inc. Overviewââ¬â¢. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from http://www.hoovers.com/ups.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Megans Law Essay -- Megans Law Violence Sex Crime Criminals
Meganââ¬â¢s Law à à à à à When people think of their neighbors, do they think of violent sex crime offenders? Many people have to deal with this every day of life. There are now laws that inform people of a community when a sex crime offender moves into their town. These laws are said to keep violent sex crime offenders from striking again, but do these laws really work is the question that many people ask? The answer all depends on the opinion of the person who is being asking. Many supporters say that the law is keeping sexually violent predators from striking again, but many critics say that the law is unethical and breaks many amendments. This is another question proposed when the topic of Meganââ¬â¢s Law is brought up, is it breaking any of the amendments or is it necessary for community members to know whether a sex crime offender is living is in their neighborhood? The judge who was deciding this case ruled in favor of the critics, that Meganââ¬â¢s Law was in violation of the Constitution. But then finally President Bill Clinton stepped in and created a total package called the Jacob Wetterling Act. This Law was said to almost end all of the Sex crime cases to come in the future, but did it? à à à à à Meganââ¬â¢s Law has once played an intricate part in the life of my family members. In 1995 my aunt a resident of a nearby suburb of Seattle, Washington encountered a scenario which involved the notification of sex offenders. à à à à à She resided next to what appeared to be a pleasant and friendly bachelor. He was very out going and kind to the people in the community. The residents of the community had no idea he was once a child molester about to move in on his next victim. After living five months in this small community he sexually abused a seven year old girl. After going to jail citizens of the community discovered this was not his first offense. This brought great controversy in the notification of sex offenders in communities also known as Meganââ¬â¢s Law. Meganââ¬â¢s Law is said to be one of the most controversial topics among lawyers today. In this paper one will see how Meganââ¬â¢s Law is enforced, how the name came about, the regulations of Meganââ¬â¢s Law, how the federal government stepped in and created laws enforcing sex crime offenders to register with the townââ¬â¢s Police, some brief opinions of the people on how they would react if they knew that a sex crime offender moved i... ...w is one of the most controversial topics among lawyers today. Whether you are a supporter or a critic of Meganââ¬â¢s Law, every person is entitled to their own opinion over the issue. I know that if I had children I would sure like to know if there was a convicted Sex crime offender or a Child molester living in my community. Works Cited Aseltine, Peter. "Meganââ¬â¢s Law Upheld, With Limitations." Trenton Times, 23 February 1995. Bai, Matt. "A Report From the Front in the War on Predators." Newsweek, 19 May 1997: 67. Jerome, Richard. "Meganââ¬â¢s Legacy." People Magazine, 20 May 1995: 46-51. Mader, Anthony. "Meganââ¬â¢s Law." Trenton Times, 18 May 1996. Martens, Steven. "Law Gives Parents False Sense of Security." Iowa State Daily, 19 October à à à à à 1995. Reno, Janet. "Final Guidelines for Meganââ¬â¢s Law." 17 November 1999. Saunders, Stephanie Cara. "Meganââ¬â¢s Law." 19 November 1999. à à à à à Shank, Joshua Wolf. " Do Meganââ¬â¢s Laws make a difference." U.S. News and World Report, 9 à à à à à March 1998: 27. Verniero, Peter. "A Citizenââ¬â¢s Guide to Meganââ¬â¢s Law." 18 November 1999. à à à à Ã
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Affirmation of Adulthood in John Updikes A&P Essay -- A&P Essays
Affirmation of Adulthood in Updikeââ¬â¢s A&Pà à à à à Researching John Updikeââ¬â¢s story, "A&P", I found many readers agreed that the main character Sammy is viewed as a hero or martyr for quitting his job at an A&P store in a northern beach town. I did, however, find that critics disagreed on why Sammy quit. Initially it appears that Sammy quits his job to impress girls who were reprimanded for wearing bathing suits in the A&P. à Sammy did not ultimately quit his job to be the hero for three girls who happened to walk into this A&P. This is not just a story about a nineteen-year-old guy trying to impress a group of girls by quitting his job, but it is also a story describing in detail the day this nineteen-year-old realizes that sometimes, in the transition from boyhood to adulthood, one must take a stand and ultimately follow through with this affirmation of adulthood. From the beginning of the story Updike "uses Sammyââ¬â¢s youth and unromantic descriptive powers" to show his immaturity and apparent boyish nature (Uphaus 373). We see this in the opening line of the story: "In walks three girls in nothing but bathing suits" (Updike 1026). Even the voice of Sammy is very "familiar and colloquial" (Uphaus 373). Much of the information that Sammy relays about the three girls is sexually descriptive in a nineteen-year-old boyââ¬â¢s way: "and a sweet broad looking can [rear] with those two crescents of white under it, where the sun never seems to hit" (Updike 1026). It is apparent that Sammy looks at the three girls who happen to walk into the A&P only as objects of lust or possibly boyish desire. Thus, on the surface it is easy to take this story as that of a boy who would do something like quit his job to "impress" these girls. It is even ... ...omach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter" (Updike 1030). This was the day that Sammy grew up. Works Cited Greiner, Donald J. Short Story Criticism. Vol. 13 Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1991. 398-399. Updike, John. "A&P." The Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: HarperCollins, 1991.1026-1030. Uphaus, Suzanne Henning. Short Story Criticism. Vol. 13 Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1991. 372-373. Works Consulted Coffman, Kelly. "A Turning Point." Ode To Friendship & Other Essays. Ed. Connie Bellamy. Virginia Beach, 1997. 190-191. Hatcher, Nathan. "Sammyââ¬â¢s Motive." Ode To Friendship . Ed. Connie Bellamy. Virginia Beach 1997. 188-189. Luscher, Robert M. John Updike: A Study of the Short Fiction. New York: Twayne, 1993. Uphaus, Suzanne. John Updike. N Y: Frederick Ungar, 1986. Ã
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Coordinate Activities And To Use The Available Resources
A formal national EE scheme or policy though has every bit yet non been set up due to miss of political will ( Mayo et al. , 2008 ) , even though the National Environment Education Strategy Action Group was set up in early 1996 ( Department of Health Policy and Planning, 1997 ) . Research shows that EE has ingrained its roots in the primary educational field ( Pace, 1997 ) , where it is reasonably easy to incorporate cross-curricular EE in the schoolroom since most of the clip there is merely one instructor responsible for the instruction of all the topics. In the secondary educational field, it is less easy, since different topics are thought by different instructors and therefore acquisition is more disconnected. Pace ( 1997 ) argued that there are three obstructions which limit the extract of EE in secondary school course of study: stiff capable compartmentalization deficiency of preparation for learning forces stiff timetables and direction constructions Environmental surveies was introduced as a topic in the secondary course of study, but it is non implemented in public schools where they still have separate lessons and instructors for geographics, history and societal surveies. Still environmental issues are normally tackled in scientific topics such as incorporate scientific discipline, biological science, chemical science, natural philosophies and geographics. The EkoSkola programme though, in both primary and secondary schools, has successfully driven multidisciplinary EE in schools. The programme supports a whole school attack and weaves EE rules within a school ââ¬Ës direction policy and the mundane running of the school. In post-secondary schools acquisition is even more disconnected with different instructors learning non merely different topics, but besides different subjects within the same topic. Like in secondary schools environmental issues are normally addressed in science-related topics. In 1994, an intermediate degree certification in Environmental Science was launched. However, the class does non supply a holistic overview of environmental issues because the syllabus panel regarded the debut of socio-cultural facets as an effort to chant down the course of study ( Pace, 1997 ) . Students taking to inscribe into university, have to follow a Systems of Knowledge class which consists of four faculties. Module 4 is called ââ¬ËSustainable Development and Environment ââ¬Ë and apart from taking to further cognition on local and international sustainable development issues, it besides aims to further pro-environmental attitudes and values such as: The value of sustainable development as a merely method of covering with environmental issues Concern and duty for the environment Committedness to actively take part in enterprises aimed at protecting the environment ( Matsec, Syllabus 2011 ) The job with this class though is that it involves a concluding scrutiny and at least a base on balls is a demand for university registration. Harmonizing to Pace ( 1997 ) , the class ââ¬Ës purposes are non wholly fulfilled as the scholars ââ¬Ë chief concern is to obtain a certification in the topic instead than widening their cognition.2.2.2 Problems with Education for Sustainable DevelopmentHave pedagogues responded to the demand, values and methods of ESD? Harmonizing to Bybee ( 1991 ) , pedagogues have responded neither apà propriately nor sufficiently, but they have reacted chiefly by concentrating on modern-day jobs individually, such as the energy crisis, acerb rain or population growing, and the consequence has been uncoordinated, unconnected educaà tional stuffs. Sterling ( 2001 ) suggests that a ground why educational systems across the Earth have hardly responded to the challenge of reorientation may be that there has been deficient elucidation of the alterations in instruction that would be necessary for the ends of EE to be fulfilled. What has been losing is lucidity about the vision of the instruction that is needed, and besides a scheme of how to come on towards such a vision, bearing in head the power of the dominant societal and educational paradigms. Harmonizing to Pace ( 2005 ) , though, the major job is the inclination of educational establishments to take the easiest manner out ââ¬â the relabeling of traditional patterns such as Nature Study, as EE, instead than the restructuring of educational constructions. This might stem from the failure of policy-makers to understand what is needed to accomplish proper EE ( Pace, 1992 ) . Leal Filho ( 1996 ) suggests that this deficiency of apprehension, confusion and slow acceptance of proper EE has been aggravated by academic arguments about nomenclature. At this point, it is of import to separate between instruction about the environment and instruction for the environment. The first refers to geting cognition and consciousness about issues and roll uping informations on these issues ; the 2nd refers to utilizing instruction to construct a more sustainable hereafter. Education for the environment is more than cognition edifice. It includes new attitudes, positions and values that usher and tip people towards more sustainable life styles. Barriers to EE are non merely present on a national and institutional degree but besides on a schoolroom degree. Some barriers are external and logistic in nature such every bit such as deficiency of clip ( Ko and Lee, 2003, as cited by Kim and Fortner, 2006 ) . However, there are besides barriers that act more on a personal degree, such as instructors ââ¬Ë attitude, content cognition, and pedagogical cognition ( Kim and Fortner, 2006 ) . Harmonizing to Makki et al. , ( 2003 ) , it is besides non plenty to develop and implement a course of study in which EE is conspicuously represented. They continue to reason that even though an improved course of study may supply instructors and pupils with tonss of information, if it does non surrogate creativeness, involvement, and pupil engagement, the consequence will be deficiency of meaningful acquisition and motive. A critical, but by and large disregarded facet of EE is environmental political instruction, which teaches how alterations can be achieved via political activism directed at Governments, international administrations, and even corporations ( United Nations, 2004 ) . In other words, EE should be aimed at bring forthing environmentally responsible citizens, non merely green consumers.2.3 Young personEnvironmental issues affect immature people in a disproportional manner since they are the 1s who have to populate for a longer period of clip in a deteriorating environment handed down to them by old coevalss. Young people are the 1s that will decidedly necessitate to supply extremist solutions to the environmental jobs caused by contemporary actions ( Bradley et al. , 1999 ) . Young people should therefore be compelled to prosecute in new signifiers of action and activism that will bring forth effectual consequences in the field of environmental protection ( United Nations, 2004 ) . The h ereafter of the universe is, after all, their hereafter. The universe ââ¬Ës 1.2 billion immature people aged 15-24 constitute 18 per cent of the planetary population ( United Nations, 2007 ) . Young people play many functions in society. They are non merely scholars but besides consumers of many things including energy. They are intelligibly besides concerned by societal, cultural, economic and environmental issues. Young people therefore have a cardinal function to play in determining the hereafter, including in finding forms of energy ingestion, and other factors taking to climate alteration. The development of pro-environmental attitudes and behavior in young person is therefore seen as really of import for a sustainable hereafter ( Eagles and Demare, 1999 ) . The United Nations ( UNCED, 1992 ) identified young persons as cardinal stakeholders that have a alone part to do towards sustainable development, and dedicated Chapter 25 in Agenda 21 to the importance of kids and immature people in the engagement in determination devising to make their ain hereafter. Agenda 21 promotes the function of immature people in decision-making by withstanding the popular discourse that since immature people are inexperienced and unqualified, they should non be considered ( De Lucca, 2004 ) . Young people have a right to be listened to and involved in the issues and determinations that affect their lives, non merely today but besides in the hereafter. Besides, the experience of immature people populating in the modern universe, conveying alone positions that need to be taken into history, and their creativeness, open-mindedness, and energy enable them to seek out the alteration that they want to see and force for it. Therefore the engagement of immature peo ple in determination devising procedures will decidedly act upon the long-run success of sustainable development. The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, frequently shortened to Rio Declaration, is a short papers that was produced at the same conference ( Earth Summit ) . The Rio Declaration consists of 27 rules intended to steer future sustainable development around the universe. Principle 21 concerns youth, and suggests that the creativeness, ideals and bravery of immature people should be mobilised to make a planetary partnership that will vouch a better hereafter for everyone through sustainable development ( United Nations, 1992 ) . These two paperss ( Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration ) highlight the importance of young person to the future sustainability of our environment both in Malta and throughout the universe. The National Youth Policy ( Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sport, 2010 ) affirms that the State recognises ââ¬Ëthat young person engagement in preserving and protecting the environment is an of import part towards the attainment of sustainability ââ¬Ë ( 3.8.1.2 ) , and that it should seek schemes that promote and promote ââ¬Ëthe active function of immature people and their administrations in recommending steps to battle clime alteration, conserve bio-cultural diverseness and better the quality of human life ââ¬Ë ( 3.8.2.2 ) . ESD is truly the key to enabling young persons to accomplish a sustainable hereafter. Agenda 21 expects authoritiess to set up task-forces that include young persons and young person NGOs to develop ESD programmes specifically aiming young persons on relevant critical issues ( UNCED, 1992 ) . This is because ESD is the best tool to inform and call up all immature people, to take part actively in community activities that contribute to planet ary sustainable development, therefore authorising them to take part in social transmutation ( UNESCO, 2004 ) . One of the purposes of this research stems from the demand to do ESD more available to immature people, and is therefore to place some factors that encourage a alteration in behavior in immature people so that more effectual programmes could be developed. It is hoped that more immature people take the lead in sustainable development. Young person have a major function in political relations and they can utilize their influence as a long-run constituency to name upon political leaders to take more pro-environmental determinations ( United Nations, 2003 ) since they are the 1 that will confront the effects of bad determinations, for the longest period of clip. Today ââ¬Ës immature people have more power and possible to make alteration on planetary and local degrees than they have had in any old coevals ( Corriero, 2004 ) . This addition is due both to the increased attempts at inclusion by determination shapers who recognise the importance of the parts of immature people to determination devising and to the easiness of treatment and information exchange as a consequence of the Internet ( Arnold et al. , 2009 ) . In general, immature people are frequently more open to information about the environment than do people from older coevalss. In portion this is due to the handiness of more EE in schools, at least in the developed universe and possibly more periodically elsewhere ( United Nations, 2004 ) . Besides holding been more open to environmental issues by agencies of formal, non-formal and informal instruction, youth have lived all their lives in an epoch in which these issues have become rather seeable. Because young person have a stronger consciousness of the issues and a greater interest in sustainable development, this should be an country in which they ought to take the lead to advance more consciousness and to convey about concrete alterations. Young people surely rose to the challenge at the COP-15 of the UNFCCC in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December 2009. At COP-15, universe leaders met to negociate the protocol that will follow the Kyoto Protocol, upon its termination. The end was to hold on new adhering understandings to extenuate clime alteration. As those with the most to lose, 1000000s of young person from around the Earth gathered forces and campaigned, lobbied and protested to allow their leaders know that they care for their hereafter and that it must be protected. Despite the importance of young person battle in sustainable development, there has been small research conducted on immature people who are leaders in environmental action ( Arnold et al. , 2009 ) . This type of research will enable informed attempts to prosecute immature people in environmental issues. Such battle could hold deductions for their involvement and engagement in environmental action throughout their lives. The immature people involved in this survey have, for a figure of grounds, developed a deep concern for the natural environment, so much so that they have become portion of an administration that speaks out for the environment. They strive for the capacity to do alterations in those procedures of society which they consider to be impeding its sustainability.2.4 Research into Attitudes and BehaviourIt is clear that the attitudes, cognition, and concerns that immature people have about the environment will straight and indirectly affect nowadays and future determinations refering the environment and sustainable development. Therefore, if we examine immature peoples ââ¬Ë attitudes, cognition, and concerns about the environment around them, we can hold a better apprehension of the way we are headed. It is besides of import to larn about the direct parts that they are doing to prolong and back up the environment, and to observe the illustrations of good pattern. Young leaders of altera tion can move as function theoretical accounts for other immature people. Human behavior is seen as an of import subscriber to environmental jobs and their solutions ( Gardner and Stern, 2002 ; Nickerson, 2003 ) , and instruction purposes to determine human behavior ( Hungerford and Volk, 1990 ) . Therefore behavioral theories have been widely used to inform and develop EE. Ajzen and Fishbein ââ¬Ës ( 1980 ) theoretical account of sound action is one of the most often cited. Harmonizing to their theory, purpose to move has a direct consequence on behavior, and can be predicted by attitude. Attitude is formed by subjective norms and beliefs. From its origin EE sought to promote pro-environmental behaviors and in the beginning this was based on a behavioral alteration theoretical account that hypothesised a additive relationship among cognition, attitude, and action ( Hines et al. , 1986-1987 ; Hungerford and Volk, 1990 ) . Environmental pedagogues and research workers therefore thought that any cognition gained about the environment and environmental issues would ensue in the development of a pro-environmental attitude, which in bend would take to pro-environmental behavior. This premise is still present to some extent in the instruction community. Working under this premise, early EE research workers sought to happen out what cognition and experiences characterised people that held pro-environmental attitudes. The implicit in premise was that if this cognition and these experiences could be replicated through EE, pro-environmental attitudes would be fostered amongst the general populace, and pro-environmental behaviors would so ensue. Corraliza and Berenguer ( 2000 ) specify pro-environmental attitudes as people ââ¬Ës sensitivities, to pay attending to, be concerned about, and, finally, to move in the name of environmental protection. Harmonizing to Kraus ( 1995 ) , attitude is one of the most of import determiners of behavior. Therefore, understanding the footing of an attitude is of import if one is to seek and ease behaviors alteration. Since a clear end of EE is to alter behavior, Pooley and O'Connor ( 2002 ) suggest that it would be advantageous to first understand the footing of environmental attitudes and so utilize that understanding to ease altering environmental behavior. Attitude research could therefore besides be a utile vehicle for finally planing EE plans ( Newhouse, 1990 ) . Some surveies support the relationship between pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors ( Dunlap and Van Liere, 1978 ; Kaiser et al. , 1999 ; Meinhold and Malkus, 2005 ; Oskamp et al. , 1991 ) . Assorted other surveies though, have concluded that the environmental attitude-behaviour association is flimsy ( Axelrod and Lehman, 1993 ; Barrett and Kuroda, 2002 ; Kaplowitz and Levine, 2005 ; Kraus, 1995 ; Mogensen, and Nielsen, 2001 ; Newhouse, 1990 ; Schultz and Oskamp, 1996 ; Tuncer et al. , 2005 ) . Even though these surveies report a high degree of cognition and positive environmental attitude, behavior is reported to be non so positive. This was confirmed to be true to the Maltese islands every bit good. Mifsud ( 2008 ) studies that the overall attitude towards the environment, of pupils in post-secondary instruction appears to be strongly positive, but pupils by and large seem to execute small positive action towards the environment. Similar consequences were found in other surveies ( Grima, 2008 ) . So, even though many people view themselves as ââ¬Ëenvironmentalists ââ¬Ë ( Pieters et al. , 1998 ) , they do non interpret their attitudes into pro-environmental behavi or. One ground may be pro-environmental behaviors frequently does non ensue in an immediate single net income but in a long-run corporate net income, which is frequently non appreciated by the person. The single benefits obtained from going by auto and devouring endlessly, without consideration of negative environmental impacts, non dividing waste, and non conserving energy, are immediate, whereas the negative environmental effects of such behaviors are frequently unsure effects in the hereafter. Another ground for this spread between attitudes and behavior might be the manner in which we are presenting EE. The formal instruction system is strongly knowledge based and it is clearly non taking to the desired result. This clashes strongly with the proper purposes of EE which focus strongly on a alteration in behavior and life style. What is the benefit of EE if there is no action? Environmental jobs jeopardizing ecosystems and societies are due to human activities. To be reduced, they therefore require alterations in human behavior ( Pawlik, 1991 ) . It is therefore really of import to analyze other factors instead than knowledge that Foster a alteration in behavior. This will assist us to rethink instruction and happen new avenues of affecting immature people in positive environmental actions. There is in fact a big and invariably turning sum of literature that trades with the inquiry of how human behaviours that impact the natural environment can be explained and fostered. To successfully advance pro-environmental behavior, a better apprehension of the assorted factors that influence people to prosecute in such behavior is of import. Future EE attempts will definately profit from a closer consideration of hindrances to and incentives of pro-environmental behavior. It is non ever easy though to find such factors as sometimes, even if the behavior has a positive impact on the environment, it might be performed for other grounds than to protect the environment, for illustration, conserving energy in the family to salvage money or utilizing a bike alternatively of a auto to acquire some exercising. On the other manus, possibly we should non seek to extinguish these factors but see them at the same time with the ââ¬Ëpurely ââ¬Ë environmental grounds. After all to underst and and pattern sustainable development we need to incorporate environmental, economic and societal facets.2.5 Research on the Factors that Foster Pro-environmental Behaviour2.5.1 ValuessIt is frequently suggested that environmental attitudes and environmental behaviors are related to people ââ¬Ës values ( Poortinga et al. , 2004 ; Schultz and Zelezny, 1999 ; Stern, 2000a ) . Valuess are ingrained personal criterions that guide us through decision-making in life. Valuess are hence at the root of our attitudes and behavior. It has been argued that environmental jobs are mostly ingrained into the traditional values, attitudes, and beliefs of a given society ( Deng et al. , 2006 ) . Harmonizing to Johnson et Al. ( 2004 ) different populations with specific societal patterns and cultural traits are likely to keep different values
Monday, September 16, 2019
Should College Athletes Be Paid?
Should College Athletes Be Paid? Should college athletes be paid? This question has been the subject of debate for many years. There are pros and cons to both sides of the issue, but college athletes deserve to be paid for several reasons. One reason is that college athletes are not allowed to work and earn money when they are playing a sport. Another is that college athletes can contribute to a winning team that attracts fans and raises ticket sales and can bring in money through sponsorships and merchandising. Paying college athletes will also prevent them from accepting bribes, such as money, cars and clothes. Another consideration is how are athletes going to afford all the necessary expenses for college, especially if they come from poor families. Some people say that athletes are being paid with an education, but what if an athlete has an injury that requires surgery? Athletes and their families will need money to pay medical bills, which will be expensive. Surgery is not cheap and they may not be able to pay the medical bill. Lastly, paying athletes may help them stay in school longer rather than turning professional where they could stand to make a lot of money. ââ¬Å"Should College Athletes Be Paid? â⬠New York Public Library. 2003. 21 Dec. 2009 . ) College athletes should be paid because they are not allowed to work and earn money. (ââ¬Å"Slaves of Big Time College Sports. â⬠USA Today. 2000. Eitzen, D Stanley. 21 Dec. 2009 . ) Without that money, many athletes may not be able to afford college or the associated expenses, such as food or rent if they live off campus. Thi s defeats a key goal of college, which is to make students self-sufficient and be able to take care of themselves without their parents or guardians. Another reason that college athletes should be paid is that they attract fans and sponsors but receive none of the profit. It has been estimated that a Division One school can earn as much as $750 million from ticket sales and merchandising in just one football season. (ââ¬Å"Slaves of Big Time College Sports. â⬠USA Today. 2000. Eitzen, D Stanley. 21 Dec. 2009 . ). That amount equals almost $11. 3 million per player! The school should take some of the profit, and the college athletes should receive the majority of it, which clearly does not happen. Instead none of the money goes to the athletes. In addition to ticket sales and merchandising, schools also receive sponsorships. Merchandise brings in less than $1 million annually to the University of Florida compared to the $69 million total revenue. Again, this number would be significantly less in a school that did not win back to back-to-back championships. Merchandise is low on the list of revenue behind boosters, sponsorships, ticket sales, etc. (ââ¬Å"Should Student Athletes Like Tim Tebow Be Paid for Endorsements? â⬠The Bleacher Report. 2009. Brown, Jeremy. 10 March 2010 http://www. thebleacherreport. com). The head of the Tennessee womenââ¬â¢s basketball team receives $200,000 a year from sponsorships and radio and television shows, in addition to her $175,000 salary. The $200,000 she receives from sponsorships and radio and television goes directly to her: the athletes do not get a penny of it. (ââ¬Å"Should College Athletes Be Paid? â⬠Issues and Controversies. 1999. 18 Dec. 2009 . ) Paying college athletes would prevent them from accepting bribes. An opposing school could offer a key player on the team money to throw a game. That key player could be bribed into doing this. If athletes were paid, it would reduce the chances of this happening. Players may also be bribed with money or cars to go to a certain college. This would have the effect of making wealthier schools better at sports because they can afford to pay the players with bribes. Another reason for paying college athletes is to keep them in college. The truly good athletes may have the opportunity to turn professional in their junior year and make millions of dollars. If they are at least being paid some money in college, that could give them a reason to stay and complete their senior year and graduate. Some people say that college athletes are being paid with an education. An education is important and should be the priority, but the reality is many Division One athletes go to college to play sports with the hope of becoming professional. An education does not pay for food or clothes or an injury that may happen. Medical bills are expensive, and the athletes and their families might not be able to afford the necessary medical treatments. Furthermore, institutionsââ¬â¢ athletic scholarships in reality are not usually good enough to support entire teams. ââ¬Å"We examined such scholarships available at our institution, and it is clear that most scholarships arenââ¬â¢t ââ¬Ëfull rides. They fail to cover a lot of the expenses throughout the four years of college. In addition, there is no guarantee that an annual athletic scholarship will be renewed for every returning student athlete. â⬠(ââ¬Å"Should Student-Athletes Be Paid? â⬠The Sport Digest. Martin M. 2008. 9 March 2010 http://www. thesportsdigest. com. ) Athletes should be paid to play for many reasons. College athletes are not allowed to work and to earn money for school and related expenses. They also attract fans and raise money from ticket sales, sponsorships and merchandising to benefit their schools but do not receive any of that money in return. Paying athletes may also prevent them from accepting bribes such as money, clothes and cars. Lastly, if athletes were paid, it could help encourage them to stay in school and waiting until graduating before they turn professional. Bibliography Brown, Jeremy ââ¬Å"Should Student Athletes Like Tim Tebow Get Paid For Endorsements? â⬠The Bleacher Report. 16 November 2009. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 10 March 2010. http://www. thebleacherreport. com Eitzen, D Stanley ââ¬Å"Slaves of Big Time College Sportsâ⬠USA Today. September 26 2000. Sirs. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 1 December 2009. http://sks. sirs. com M, Martin ââ¬Å"Should Student Athletes Be Paid? â⬠The Sports Digest. 21 April 2008. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 9 March 2010. http://:www. thesportsdigest. com Shenk, David ââ¬Å"Should College Athletes Be Paid? â⬠New York Public Library. 27 July 2003. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 21 December 2009. http://nypl. org ââ¬Å"Should College Athletes Be Paid? â⬠Issues and Controversies. 4 June 1999. Facts on File. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 18 December 2009. http://www. 2facts. com Should college athletes be paid? Should college athletes be paid? Should College Athletes Be Paid? Should College Athletes Be Paid? Should college athletes be paid? This question has been the subject of debate for many years. There are pros and cons to both sides of the issue, but college athletes deserve to be paid for several reasons. One reason is that college athletes are not allowed to work and earn money when they are playing a sport. Another is that college athletes can contribute to a winning team that attracts fans and raises ticket sales and can bring in money through sponsorships and merchandising. Paying college athletes will also prevent them from accepting bribes, such as money, cars and clothes. Another consideration is how are athletes going to afford all the necessary expenses for college, especially if they come from poor families. Some people say that athletes are being paid with an education, but what if an athlete has an injury that requires surgery? Athletes and their families will need money to pay medical bills, which will be expensive. Surgery is not cheap and they may not be able to pay the medical bill. Lastly, paying athletes may help them stay in school longer rather than turning professional where they could stand to make a lot of money. ââ¬Å"Should College Athletes Be Paid? â⬠New York Public Library. 2003. 21 Dec. 2009 . ) College athletes should be paid because they are not allowed to work and earn money. (ââ¬Å"Slaves of Big Time College Sports. â⬠USA Today. 2000. Eitzen, D Stanley. 21 Dec. 2009 . ) Without that money, many athletes may not be able to afford college or the associated expenses, such as food or rent if they live off campus. Thi s defeats a key goal of college, which is to make students self-sufficient and be able to take care of themselves without their parents or guardians. Another reason that college athletes should be paid is that they attract fans and sponsors but receive none of the profit. It has been estimated that a Division One school can earn as much as $750 million from ticket sales and merchandising in just one football season. (ââ¬Å"Slaves of Big Time College Sports. â⬠USA Today. 2000. Eitzen, D Stanley. 21 Dec. 2009 . ). That amount equals almost $11. 3 million per player! The school should take some of the profit, and the college athletes should receive the majority of it, which clearly does not happen. Instead none of the money goes to the athletes. In addition to ticket sales and merchandising, schools also receive sponsorships. Merchandise brings in less than $1 million annually to the University of Florida compared to the $69 million total revenue. Again, this number would be significantly less in a school that did not win back to back-to-back championships. Merchandise is low on the list of revenue behind boosters, sponsorships, ticket sales, etc. (ââ¬Å"Should Student Athletes Like Tim Tebow Be Paid for Endorsements? â⬠The Bleacher Report. 2009. Brown, Jeremy. 10 March 2010 http://www. thebleacherreport. com). The head of the Tennessee womenââ¬â¢s basketball team receives $200,000 a year from sponsorships and radio and television shows, in addition to her $175,000 salary. The $200,000 she receives from sponsorships and radio and television goes directly to her: the athletes do not get a penny of it. (ââ¬Å"Should College Athletes Be Paid? â⬠Issues and Controversies. 1999. 18 Dec. 2009 . ) Paying college athletes would prevent them from accepting bribes. An opposing school could offer a key player on the team money to throw a game. That key player could be bribed into doing this. If athletes were paid, it would reduce the chances of this happening. Players may also be bribed with money or cars to go to a certain college. This would have the effect of making wealthier schools better at sports because they can afford to pay the players with bribes. Another reason for paying college athletes is to keep them in college. The truly good athletes may have the opportunity to turn professional in their junior year and make millions of dollars. If they are at least being paid some money in college, that could give them a reason to stay and complete their senior year and graduate. Some people say that college athletes are being paid with an education. An education is important and should be the priority, but the reality is many Division One athletes go to college to play sports with the hope of becoming professional. An education does not pay for food or clothes or an injury that may happen. Medical bills are expensive, and the athletes and their families might not be able to afford the necessary medical treatments. Furthermore, institutionsââ¬â¢ athletic scholarships in reality are not usually good enough to support entire teams. ââ¬Å"We examined such scholarships available at our institution, and it is clear that most scholarships arenââ¬â¢t ââ¬Ëfull rides. They fail to cover a lot of the expenses throughout the four years of college. In addition, there is no guarantee that an annual athletic scholarship will be renewed for every returning student athlete. â⬠(ââ¬Å"Should Student-Athletes Be Paid? â⬠The Sport Digest. Martin M. 2008. 9 March 2010 http://www. thesportsdigest. com. ) Athletes should be paid to play for many reasons. College athletes are not allowed to work and to earn money for school and related expenses. They also attract fans and raise money from ticket sales, sponsorships and merchandising to benefit their schools but do not receive any of that money in return. Paying athletes may also prevent them from accepting bribes such as money, clothes and cars. Lastly, if athletes were paid, it could help encourage them to stay in school and waiting until graduating before they turn professional. Bibliography Brown, Jeremy ââ¬Å"Should Student Athletes Like Tim Tebow Get Paid For Endorsements? â⬠The Bleacher Report. 16 November 2009. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 10 March 2010. http://www. thebleacherreport. com Eitzen, D Stanley ââ¬Å"Slaves of Big Time College Sportsâ⬠USA Today. September 26 2000. Sirs. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 1 December 2009. http://sks. sirs. com M, Martin ââ¬Å"Should Student Athletes Be Paid? â⬠The Sports Digest. 21 April 2008. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 9 March 2010. http://:www. thesportsdigest. com Shenk, David ââ¬Å"Should College Athletes Be Paid? â⬠New York Public Library. 27 July 2003. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 21 December 2009. http://nypl. org ââ¬Å"Should College Athletes Be Paid? â⬠Issues and Controversies. 4 June 1999. Facts on File. Croton Harmon High School Library, Croton on Hudson, NY. 18 December 2009. http://www. 2facts. com
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Amalise Strategic Management
Running Head: Amalise Strategic Management Name University Course Tutor Date Gauteng Provincial Government is working to the best of its capability with utmost dedication and efficiency to serve the citizens of Gauteng. It demands high performance and competence accompanied by motivation geared with ambition from the various departments it constitutes, to be able to prioritize and fulfill the needs of Gauteng citizens and development of the Gauteng province. The Gauteng Provincial Treasury department handles all the financial matters pertaining to the Provincial Government.It collects, manages and forms strategies to act as guidelines when planning on the usage of revenue contributed by the public. The treasury department works with diligence to ensure government priorities as outlined in a number of documents and key initiatives such as Gauteng Growth and Development Strategy (GDS), The Global City Region (GRC) strategic intent, the shared vision of creating a smart province and as reflected by the innovation programs such as the Blue IQ, Gauteng-online, Gautrain and the Batho Pele principles of delivering high quality services to the citizens of Gauteng are achieved.The treasury also works hand in hand with the provincial departments and municipalities to increase the capacity of financial management, achieve operational efficiency, promote accountability in government, provide strategic leadership and technical support in financial management and budgeting, develop and implement efficient internal systems and processes and provide guidance and leadership in the implementation of financial management reforms for both provincial and local government.To enhance effective and efficient allocation and utilization of fund geared towards fulfilling Gauteng Provincial Government priorities and improving the financial management system, the Provincial Treasury stipulated a statement of purpose to guide it. According to the Gauteng Provincial Treasury five-year strate gic and performance plans for the period 2009-2014 second draft (5th September 2008) the goal of the treasury was, ââ¬Å"to provide sound financial management leadership that maximizes service delivery through effective and efficient use of limited resources in the Gauteng Provinceâ⬠(p.36). The vision of the treasury was, ââ¬Å"to be the pioneer in financial management leadership and fiscal discipline within the public sector in South Africa thus enabling shared economic growthâ⬠(p. 37). The Gauteng Provincial Treasury five-year strategic and performance plans for the period 2009-2014 second draft (5th September 2008) states the mission that the Gauteng treasury follows to implement their vision.ââ¬Å"We strive to be an innovative, pro-active and value adding partner to our stakeholders, by: researching and implementing best practice approaches to financial management, enhancing vertical and horizontal alignment in government, promoting and encouraging more informed u nderstanding of the financial management framework, instilling accountability, sound analytical reporting, good enterprise governance and transparency as the norm, ensuring allocative efficiency and optimal utilization of resources facilitating strategic alternative funding solutions thereby supporting an environment of sustainable economic growth and social developmentâ⬠(p.37). The Gauteng Provincial Treasury exhibits reliability and efficiency by performing duties given to them in accordance to the legislative mandate. It ensures the principles it has formed are aligned in accordance to the Batho Pele principles by enabling the provision of technical assistance and analysis, ensuring the spending agencies value the function of money and thus do not misuse the money or misinterpret the role the treasury plays when managing the governmentââ¬â¢s financial materials.This is done through training programs such as CIBA and SAM. Also the treasury should promoting transparency by publication of their annual reports and budgets through local newspapers, budget statements and MTBPS. The treasury department also ensures the allocation of funds to every department are according to the provincial priorities which include building a competitive Gauteng GCR, implementing Gauteng social GDS and building the capacity and organization of the state.The Gauteng Provincial Treasury being an independent department has a critical role to perform thus needs to be able to motivate the program levels it is working with, to be able to achieve the stipulated goals. The treasury department should be able to plan, organize, have good interpersonal skills and be able to evaluate performance so as to run the duties outlined to it in the most competent and accurate manner (Rees & Porter, 2001).The head of the treasury department was able to show good leadership skills by involving each department in decision making, when reviewing and updating the strategic plan for the period of 2 009-2014, developing medium term tactical plans and outlining the methods to use when evaluating performance of the department after every year. In the period of 2006-2009 the treasury did not fully accomplish some of the roles it played.When formulating the strategic plan for the period of 2009-2014, it discussed ways of overcoming that short fall by improving and adding value to maximize their performance so as be able to raise the living standard of the Gauteng citizens, creating a parallel line between their corporate services function and their core strategies, using internal and external auditors to monitor and evaluate those sent to work in the municipalities to prevent creation of too much dependency which may bring undesirable outcome, interns and the credibility of their data.The results the auditors present should be discussed and the solutions given implemented to lay a competent foundation of performing duties in the most qualified way. The treasury department should fo rm a partnership with the Chief Financial officer (CFO) and professional bodies to enable it function in a reliable manner towards achieving the departmentââ¬â¢s vision. The treasury should work with the CFO working for Gauteng Provincial Treasury to be able to evaluate the performance of the department in reference to achieving the departmentââ¬â¢s vision.It should also liaise with other CFOââ¬â¢s to gain more knowledge and tactics of performing the role it has defined to fulfill the departmentââ¬â¢s vision. Strategies of communicating with other departments in the Provincial Treasury must be improved, to enable full understanding of the duties they perform. For the treasury department to set a good trend of performing the roles given, to enable the Gauteng Provincial Government achieve the goals it promised the citizens of Gauteng, unqualified municipalities should be fired.This means that the treasury should review its strategy of staffing to ensure that it has a qual ity staff in the right quantity. It should design KSAOs (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics of the organization) that it will use when staffing, to employ qualified and competent people who will work to the maximum of their capability to improve the overall performance of the treasury department. This will place the department in a better position to perform their duties according the preference and priority of the Gauteng citizens.The head of department in the Gauteng Provincial Treasury should have an ambition that drives him, so as to plan and organize the various departments under his disposal and the duties to be carried out by each department in an efficient way. He should have a power of influence and inspiration so as to win the trust of the subordinate leaders by leading the department in an appropriate manner that will accomplish their vision. The HOD should also be innovative and posses qualities of being able to implement and develop the ideas that ha ve come up and those that existed.This will enable excellent performance and smooth running of the treasury department and thus demolish the foundation of the risks that the Gauteng treasury department faced (Caroselli, 2000). By adopting the right staffing strategies the Gauteng treasury will have competent and qualified staff members that will be able to understand any policy or strategy formed for them to implement as they perform their duties, this will prevent the problem of under and over staffing, lack of motivation and good guidance to the staff and poor management in the departments (Rees & Porter, 2001).For instance due to poor strategies of staffing the Gauteng treasury was unable to implement the strategy given to it by the Gauteng provincial government (GPG). The HOD should evaluate the performance of the department on a regular basis to be able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of every member and delegate duties to them in a fair manner and according to their skill, capacity and competence. This will also help to raise any problem like lack of resources and technology and thus be in a position to provide them.The same system of organization and running of duties will be maintained eliminating the chances of a confusion cropping up during the performance period. This will curb the problem of lack of integration of financial systems (Caroselli, 2000). As the Gauteng treasury department continues to expand, appropriate measures should be carried out to also expand the working space and enable comfort to prevail to the staff as they are working.This will increase the overall out put and efficiency of each staff member. The HOD should set up a reliable information and technology management system to prevent loss of data that will give the treasury a history of their performance which is very important when evaluating the performance of the department. This will also prevent the loss of any current information or data being worked on thus mai ntain the efficiency of the department, because time will not be wasted repeating the same thing again.A back up measure that is reliable and easy to operate and manage should be devised (Rees & Porter, 2001). Administrative skills and policies have been implemented into each department, enabling good relationship to prevail in the treasury department thus contributing to the overall efficiency of performance in the department. This can be portrayed by the good relationship between the HOD and the employees, national treasury, implementation of NCOP, with the investors and human resource services among others.The Provincial Treasury must take care to prevent the functioning of the treasury to run under the influence of the politicians as this will make them rule biased decisions that favors only one party instead of working to satisfy the desires of the citizens of Gauteng. The treasury department should avoid over reliance to politicians to act as their guarantors in case of financ ial crisis but instead should work closely with the DED and GEP. Contracts formed must be fulfilled according to the terms agreed on this can be guided by implementation of SLA with ABSA.This will ensure trust between the treasury departments and the organization or person they are drawing a contract with is maintained. The HOD should ensure the municipalities are thoroughly audited to ensure the funds allocated to them are put in to their correct use and thus eliminate mismanagement of funds. Before initiating any planning methodologies, appropriate and sufficient research should be done to help accurate and adequate allocation of funds to every department in the treasury (Rees & Porter, 2001).Implementation of good leadership skills will enable the Provincial Treasury to meet their objectives which include; being recognized as the leading Provincial Treasury in South Africa, ensuring good governance of all financial matters in the province, promoting integration and alignment of p lanning processes within the Province, exploring, implementing and managing strategic financing solutions, ensuring the effective and efficient management of Gauteng Provincial Treasury and to be a preferred employer, attracting and retaining high performing individuals (Caroselli, 2000).The strategic management of the Provincial Treasury department should implement good management and leadership skills in the period of 2009-2014, to enable the department to go by their goal, vision, mission and objectives and uplift the performance of the Gauteng Provincial Government. This will make the Gauteng citizens to trust that the Gauteng Provincial Government will act on their needs and will re-elect it back to power.Word Count: 1930 Reference List Caroselli, M. (2000). Leadership Skill for Managers. New York: Mc Graw Hill Professional. Five-year Strategic Plan and Performance Plan (Second draft). (5th September 2008). Gauteng: Gauteng Provincial Treasury. Rees, D. W. and Porter, C. (2001) . The Skills of Management. 5th Ed. Bedford Row, London: Cengage Learning EMEA.
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