Monday, September 30, 2019

How does Owen show that even Nature has turned against the soldiers Essay

Wilfred Owen was an officer who fought throughout the war and achieved admirable accomplishments. He was not a man who was unpatriotic and he believed in the war as a whole as he thought that this was necessary to overcome the pure evil demonstrated by the opposition and achieve a greater good for the rest of mankind and future generations. He was seen as a man that did not agree with the events and suffering that occurred within the war, and believes that some of this was not necessary, although it did ultimately achieve a better world in his viewpoint. He was a strong believer in God, as is evident by his early background; the fact that he starting reading the Bible at a very young age and was raised in a typical Christian family; however during the war Owen questioned his views on religion, the war and its effects in every aspect. Although his beliefs were strong at the start, they weaken throughout the war and as he familiarises himself with the terror of war, he learns the extent in which himself and the soldiers are driven to. I am going to analyse the poem ‘Exposure’, which clearly displays all of Owens’s thoughts, doubts and fears. I will particularly focus on the fact that Owen emphasises nature as an enemy to the soldiers as well as the opposition. The poem does not only use nature in one context, it varies throughout and I will how he creates this effect and why it is so effective to express his views. Firstly, the title ‘Exposure’ can be drawn to a number of metaphorical conclusions by the reader as it is a deliberately ambiguous title. For example, it could be the physical exposure to which they are revealed, the conditions that are expressed, the uncovering of the soldiers fears and doubts, all exposed within war situations. However, another conclusion that could be drawn from this title could be the fact that they are exposed to extreme weather conditions, which in those conditions, can be more of a threat than the actual scene of the fight and waiting for the next vicious attack. By the title alone, Owen reveals that the soldiers are exposed not only physically by the weather, but also mentally as it slowly crumbles them. These views become more blatant as the poem progresses. The first line immediately captivates the readers’ attention, drawing the reader into the theme of the nature against them from the beginning. Owen relates to the weather harshly and within that line, the reader has learnt the mood of the poem. ‘the merciless winds that knife us’ refer to the wind as being very icy blowing from the east; this is then also personified as an opposition who would knife them as it draws nearer as it is in close contact with them. The gust is displayed as being ‘merciless’, which means that the weather is enjoying their suffering and does not care about the consequences the soldiers are left with and this also emphasises the brutality of the attack and the way the surroundings made their world crumble. The weather does not alter because it strives on the fact that the soldiers are hurting and the fact the defences weaken as a result. The weather is personified constantly to develop its own human-like characteristics and demonstrate its sole purpose: to attack. It ‘attacks once more’; this develops the weather as another army; another enemy, who is attacking repeatedly and obviously does not need, nor is willing to, discontinue the violence, even for a while. This is significant because as the opposition begin the attack at dawn, it is suggested that the weather takes a turn for the worse then also to add to the terror that occurs daily at that particular time. The snow is demonstrated as being ‘flowing’, which means that it is happy and is fulfilling its purpose and Owen is suggesting this purpose is to bring fear to the soldiers. In contrast to what snow is normally related with; all things that bring happiness to people, typically for example, Christmas, the scene of children running around playing and snow mans, this seems a very different image for the reader to come to terms with. The line ‘flakes with fingering stealth come feeling for our faces’ is particularly significant of this observation and the snow is given a nasty human-like characteristic and this also projects a definite strong image to the reader by the alliteration that attract the reader to this phrase. Owen then says that the flakes ‘flock, pause and renew’, suggesting that it does indeed feed off the soldier’s deep sadness. They are also described as ‘wandering up and down the wind’s nonchalance’, which again displays the image of the snow and the wind working as the opposition, uniting with one another to deepen the blanket of sadness masked over the soldier’s eyes. The mad gusts of wind are also described as men ‘among its brambles.’ This demonstrates the delusion and hallucinations by each of the soldiers’ intensified by natures’ input in the battle. However, this phrase could also be seen as portraying another of the weathers’ characteristics; the fact that it mocks them. It does this by teasing the soldiers and reminding them of the terrible events that occurred here before in Owens opinion. He also describes the wind as nonchalant, meaning that this again has a selfish and evil characteristic. Another technique that Owen uses is changing a stereotypically good thing into something that would be seen as the complete opposite. One of the examples of this is the context in which he uses dawn as a ‘poignant misery’ that begins to ‘grow’. Dawn is traditionally seen as a particularly holy time of the day, along with being seen as good and happy. However, in ‘Exposure’, it is seen as an awful time of day, this is because it reminded the soldiers of the cycle of vicious attacks they lived through and experienced day in and day out. It was a constant reminder of the way of life and a reminder that they could never go home it seemed, and they are again captured by the blanket of sadness. Owen uses this effect once more in the poem in relation to the snow. As stated earlier in the essay, snow is supposed to be a happy type of weather that brings joy to most people. However, Owen says in this poem that the air ‘shudders’ black with snow’. Although on the surface, it is established that the wind is viciously cold and this is emphasised by the fact Owen uses the word ‘shudders’, it is also noticed that the air is ‘black’. The blatant meaning of this phrase is that the war has turned the snow black because of the riots there, however, looking at the phrase from a metaphorical point a view, another perception that could be perceived is that war even drains a completely pure concept; this is highlighted by the fact that the snow is white. It is noticeable that within the poem, Wilfred Owen also allows the weather to change along with the soldiers’ thoughts, feeling and deepest hope and dreams. They tend to slip in and out of reality and the weather ultimately changes to represent these thoughts in their own wandering minds. There is a particularly noticeable and interesting phrase at the point where the soldiers are slipping in and out of reality between one line and the next. It says that Owen and his men ‘stare, snow-dazed’, which represents that their minds are at their time in with the battle surrounding them. However, on the next line, it says that the men ‘drowse, sun-dozed’. These are two key lines in the poem because not only does the sibilance draw the reader’s attention to it, the consonance allows these words to be looked further into, which then creates a much harsher effect than the traditional standard rhyme pattern. This is a very remarkable way of exploring the soldier’s thoughts because firstly, they are in contrast to one another and they instantly change, which shows the men finally crumbling. Secondly, the fact that Owen uses the weather to contradict itself is because he wants to establish the fine line between what is real to them and what is scenery is waiting in their mind. It also highlights the differences between their time and another entirely, one that doesn’t exist to their conscious mind. Another example of Wilfred Owen’s contrast in weather that exists in their thoughts is when he says that they are deep into ‘grassier ditches’, with ‘blossoms trickling’. This is a beautiful image and a deliberate contrast to how the weather was related to beforehand, but now the group are imagining themselves in warmer times, and nature is a good way of explaining this. The reader will notice that nature has a very strong impact on the soldiers’ thoughts and feelings. The men’s way of how they think and feel is a reflection of the weather and the after-effects of nature are displayed clearly throughout the whole poem. The first time the soldiers crumble because of nature is when Owen states that they only know ‘war lasts, rain soaks and clouds sag stormy.’ This shows that the war and nature have shrunken their reality down to what is their life at the moment and it seems that they have forgotten what their life was like before nature turned against them and before war affected their lifestyle. Another way in which they are affected is the fact that they obviously think that nature is much more of a threat to them than the actual war. Owen thinks this because he believes that a bullet can quickly end the pain, however nature threatens to torture you to death, which is to the extreme of unbearable for him. This is evident by the way he states that bullets are being fired, but are ‘less deathly than the air’. This also allows the reader to feel involved in the poem and creates a certain atmosphere so that they feel extremely overcome with the blanket that Owen feels saddens him. He then goes on to state how nature has affected his feelings toward religion and that they should never see a clear field with trees of fruit again; this intensifies the extremes of the weather and how it could almost drive them insane. It also shows that because since the early times God has been traditionally in unity with the weather, he is certain that God somehow does not love him and if He does, how is it possible if He has no mercy either? The last significant image that Owen displays in the poem is toward the end when he states that, referring to the men that have died, ‘all their eyes are ice’. This means that not only has death occurred, it partially means metaphorically that nature was part of the death and has taken over the body in the death process and that overall; nature is but a sign of death for the soldiers and all that is the circle of life now involves nature hunting them down, and when it finally does it will still be with their body and captivate them even when they die. It also provides a strong image of the circumstances in which they die in, and the reader learns that this is truly awful, furthermore, it is known that in religious mythology, one of the circles of Hell punishes sinners by trapping them under ice and they are open and staring, which also has an effect on the men and makes them fear death more than the situation they are in at the moment. Throughout the poem, there is a repetition of ‘†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s. This could be the length of time that the soldiers are waiting for the next event to occur, but it could also be when they are waiting for nature to attack once more. As already partly mentioned, some words and phrases are highlighted through the consonance, for example, ‘army’ and ‘stormy’, this is meant to grasp the attention of the reader and portray the key concepts and words. Alliteration and some sibilance techniques also add to discovering the key phrases, e.g. ‘streak the silence’, ‘field, or fruit’. In conclusion to this exploration of Wilfred Owens’s poem ‘Exposure’, I have looked at various aspects of the poem relating to the theme of nature, and also how and why this link is connected. In my opinion, Owen clearly states his point of view and the other soldiers’ throughout the natures input and use this as another aspect of the war to think about that wouldn’t at first come to mind when readers hear about the war initially. He also tries to show other sides of the war that wouldn’t have been revealed before, and discusses how everyone had similar thoughts and feelings to him as he relates to them almost as a unity. He always describes the events as ‘we’. I believe that altogether this poem reflects, in more than one way, how the war was harsh and the effects that this had on the groups of soldiers’ there. I think that the poem does this effectively, as described beforehand and would overall say that the war was an awful place to be, which obviously deludes the soldiers so much so that there is a fine line between the sane and the insane.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The sights of leadership

Every leader must master three aspects of visionary sight – 1. Hindsight: The ability to reflect and learn from the past 2. Insight: The ability to interpret and respond to the present 3. Foresight: The ability to predict and prepare for the future But while every leader must operate in all three aspects of vision, which focus they rely on most will have far-reaching implications for their lives and organisations they build. Which focus do you favour? Hindsight Leadership: Tends to emphasise the value of experience and evidence. They look at the future through the eyes of the past. Like a lawyer they tend to look for a precedent for every decision. They’re hoping it’s true that â€Å"history repeats itself†. Although we absolutely must reflect on the past and learn the lessons it offers us, we cannot afford to become overly focused on the past in our leadership any more than we can afford to drive whilst staring in the rear vision mirror. Insight Leadership: Tends to emphasise the value of tactics and reality. They look at the future as an extrapolation of current events and trends. Finely tuned to what is happening around them, they hope that by responding correctly now they will experience success in the future. Although they’re not spending a lot of time looking backwards, they’re also not spending much time looking ahead. The focus becomes about where we are now and what step we could take next. For this leader the old adage not to â€Å"climb the ladder only to find it’s leaning across the wrong wall† contains an important warning. Foresight Leadership: Tends to emphasise possibilities and innovation. They look at the future as uncharted territory or a clean slate. Although they reflect on the past and respond to the present, they are much more concerned with preparing for the future. They drive their organisations with glances in the rear vision mirror and awareness of their surroundings but more than anything else they have clear focus on where they are going and what’s coming up on the road ahead. I often advocate insight which is the moment, that is the balancing or transformation point between hindsight and foresight. Insight is neither hindsight nor foresight. This point is also the birthplace of the two endpoints because what you do at this point of insight becomes your past and determines your future. The problem we so often experience is that we give our attention to the past or the future, at the expense of attending the all-important present moment. We worry about our past or fret about our future and in that process we give up our opportunity to exercise any influence we have in our lives, which can only happen in the here and now

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Social Causes of Drug Abuse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Social Causes of Drug Abuse - Essay Example In childhood, one's family is the model for social norms and acceptable behavior. Thus it stands to reason that a child's family has the most significant sway over the lifestyle choices that the child will make in the future. Studies have shown that parents' perceived positive or neutral attitudes towards drug use tends to increase their child's likelihood of engaging in drug use (McDonald, Towberman). Parents' direct involvement in some form of substance abuse also increases their child's likelihood of developing a substance abuse problem. In a 1988 study conducted on drug use and familial attitude toward substance use, 25.4% of teenagers who admitted to having used drugs had at least one parent who was a heavy drinker (McDonald, Towberman). Furthermore, the child's relationship with his or her parents also affects his/her likelihood of drug experimentation. Studies have shown that children with strong and healthy relationships with their parents are less likely to use drugs (McDona ld, Towberman). ... On the other hand, though, studies have found that teenage drug users are likely to have either authoritarian or uninvolved parents (Jenkins). The most consistent risk factor in studies on teenage drug use is peer influence. A study was conducted which analyzed significant risk factors in teenagers in grades 8, 10, and 12. In all three grades, the most significant predictors of drug use, ranked from most to least significant, were (1) number of drug-using friends, (2) average grade in school, and (3) involvement in an enjoyable extracurricular activity (Jenkins). In grades 8 and 10, average grade and involvement in extracurricular activities pose a substantial variance, but in grade 12, they have little to no significant determination on the likelihood of the teenager's use of drugs. The study ultimately found that, overall, involvement in extracurricular activities or after-school employment have little to no bearing on the prediction of future drug abuse. One study found that the number of drug-abusing friends a teenager had and a positive attitude towards drug-use accounted for 55% of the variance in drug use, with the n umber of drug-using peers accounting for twice as much variance as a favorable attitude towards drug-use (Jenkins). While these studies clarify the definite link between the likelihood of drug use and the number of drug-using friends a teenager has, they do not tell us whether drug use results from these relationships or whether teens with a proclivity for substance abuse tend to gravitate together. R. Michael McDonald and Donna B. Towberman suggest that the most effective deterrent to future drug abuse is to encourage children to bond with their parents and other children

Friday, September 27, 2019

Product Life Cycle Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Product Life Cycle - Assignment Example They also had to determine the properties of the material required in the construction of the television box. Finally, they had to produce a prototype of the real model for testing. Other processes involved in the production cycle include simulation under software such as Matlab and Auto Desk (Theis, 2013). The second phase is the growth stage. The television industry has registered growth in a number of ways. For example, manufacturers have extended their services to incorporate the production of Blueray Discs and DVRs used to stored data and information. The data may be in the form of sound or videos. The maturity stage of the television industry was characterised by the production of DVDs. DVDs are better than DVRs because they have more storage capacity and store more quality data than the Blueray discs. Precisely, this is the current state of the television industry (Zhu, 2013). The final phase is usually the decline phase marked by reverting to the old processes and technology used by an organization. For the case of the television industry, the use of video cassettes would mark the onset of the decline of the

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Education and training Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Education and training - Essay Example In this age that Smart calls the Symbiotic Age, machines will be called upon to interpret human language and intent. And it is in this regard that the conversational interface technology will become irreplaceable. So what exactly are CUIs? A simple definition would be to refer to CUIs as technologies that shall enable us to use our natural communication modes such as gestures and speech to communicate with computers and other digital systems. This would naturally eliminate the need for users to frequently undergo special training as newer technologies emerge because the future gadgets will be tuned to comprehend our voice, gestures and even intent. CUIs are currently categorized into three. The most common CUIs that we use on a daily basis are the directed dialogue CUIs such as the automated customer care machines that are typical of mobile phone providers. Here our options are restricted through guided dialogue. We also have free-form CUIs and mixed initiative or mixed dialogue systems. free-form CUIs are where humans have full control and mixed dialogue systems resemble face-to-face conversations, where both machines and humans are equally empowered (Glass et. al., 2005). With increasing emphasis on online and e-learning we find that conversational interface technology would facilitate personalization of learning communication which is essential for student-based learning. A renowned scientist and expert in human cognitive development, Vygotsky’s stated that more learning takes place outside the classroom and in an era of increased social networking, we are of the opinion that CUIs could be used to promote collaborative learning through such social sites. However, a survey conducted by Rossett and Marshall in mid 2009 in the US inform us that we are still have a long way to go. Use of online discussions, Web 2.0 tools and e-learning to

Personal Entrepreneurial Viewpoint Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Personal Entrepreneurial Viewpoint - Essay Example Although the writer (student) may not be able to start his own business, he may not be happy if there is no chance in his work and life to articulate his creativity. He may problems in bringing his ideas to success despite his inventive nature, and other people may end plagiarizing hid ideas. Entrepreneurship enables one to describe an enterprising person as he or she possesses entrepreneurial traits. There are different types of energetic people just as there are various types of entrepreneurs distinguished by their association with business owner management, involvement with new technology, business, motivation, and growth orientation. The inclination to start up and manage projects is referred to as an enterprising tendency. The most ambitious individuals put up projects more frequently and place more innovative projects. This implies that they have to be opportunistic and good at utilizing resources, which include organizational, physical, technological and human resources. The following are qualities of an extremely enterprising person: he takes charge, have a high need for achievement, use of resources to achieve plans and seek opportunities. Others are being innovative and their ability to take risks. Currently, the economy has undergone a transformation from knowledge-based activities to imagination, entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity (Van den Broeck et al. 2008). Increasing technology and globalization impacts have resulted in more business opportunities, but the marketplace has become more crowded and competition has rise (McMullan & Shepherd 2006). Creativity assists the entrepreneur to take action on these opportunities in ways that can result in competitive advantage for the business. It can offer a basis for business growth and innovation as well as leading from the positive impact on the society in general (Bilton 2007). Entrepreneurship happens to all sizes and

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Normative Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Normative Theory - Essay Example The documentary presented various photographs that revealed the truth about the killings and violation of the human rights. The personal experiences of a U.S. Marine Captain, Brian Steidle were important in contributing towards the film. This example illustrates the importance of the role of media professionals in revealing the truth and how they can be inhibited by local governments who try to exert influence. The assumption of restricted autonomy of the media professionals implies that the government is not always appreciative of the efforts of media and may also feel threatened. This causes them to exert influence on media professionals thereby obstructing the flow of transparent information. But there are other reasons as well why media professionals may not be completely independent. The degree to which a media professional is conscientious various widely and some professionals may be driven by personal motives and interests that can result in deviation from ethical standards. T he case is not new but some media professionals may readily be influenced when given unethical monetary benefits. The influence can be exerted by any institution or individual. However, such cases are common where the government hold is not strong and regulated, and therefore, various other players have immense power to influence. Such governments are characterized by weak relationships between the media and the government due to lack of support and insecurity. The postulate that media professionals possess the right to security and protection in view of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights becomes important when media professionals are threatened due to their profession. Media professionals may be threatened due to various reasons and in most cases is due to the content of their... The assumption of restricted autonomy of the media professionals implies that the government is not always appreciative of the efforts of media and may also feel threatened. This causes them to exert influence on media professionals thereby obstructing the flow of transparent information. But there are other reasons as well why media professionals may not be completely independent. The degree to which a media professional is conscientious various widely and some professionals may be driven by personal motives and interests that can result in deviation from ethical standards. The case is not new but some media professionals may readily be influenced when given unethical monetary benefits. The influence can be exerted by any institution or individual. However, such cases are common where the government hold is not strong and regulated, and therefore, various other players have immense power to influence. Such governments are characterized by weak relationships between the media and the government due to lack of support and insecurity. The postulate that media professionals possess the right to security and protection in view of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights becomes important when media professionals are threatened due to their profession. Media professionals may be threatened due to various reasons and in most cases is due to the content of their work. The matter can sometimes become so serious that a professional threatens his or her life in bringing out the reality.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Library Information Studies-The Information Society (Unit)-Essay Assignment

Library Information Studies-The Information Society (Unit)-Essay ( )-Is Australia an information society - Assignment Example According to Boyd and Ellison (2007), the network society is comprised of production, power and experience, which build a culture of virtuality in the universal surges that transcend time and space. Since the latter years of the twentieth century, it has become humdrum for critics to announce that the world we live in is an information society. Therefore, if this is wholly genuine, then we must certainly have key ramifications for the information sciences. It is beyond hesitation that social concerns impinge upon the work of information intellectuals and professionals similarly. As we look at the definitions of what an information society is, it is important that we first put into account the nature of, and standard for, an information society (Bawden & Robison, 2012). According to Bawden and Robinson (2012), the most objective perception of the information society is founded on economics. Thus, when most of the economic activity and assets of a community is based on insubstantial, information based goods and products, then it appears justifiable to explain this as an information society. An analogous case is founded on occupations. Bowen and Robison (2012), assert that when people are employed as information employees, as opposed to manual workers, then the community should be termed as an information society. Whereas these economic and occupational assumptions appear collectively persuasive, they have been dismissed on a number of grounds, most specifically since supporters of the perceptions have the tendencies to espouse a vague, and may be irrationally extensive perceptions of what may be considered as information society. Bawden and Robison (2012), thus far argues that this is an option, and may be the most popular explanation based on technology. When a community has adequately dominant and extensive information and communication technologies,

Sunday, September 22, 2019

In what ways are MNEs developing new business networks with an ethical Essay

In what ways are MNEs developing new business networks with an ethical orientation Using examples, explain why these developmen - Essay Example The sheer size of these corporations have made them almost like political actors, in the countries they are present and it is believed that their decisions and actions can affect the demography in both positive and negative ways (Holland, 2010). The emergence of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be traced to this very point which is concerned with the issue of reducing negative impacts of the corporate on the population of the country. The CSR deals with the ethics and social responsibility of the company, the two major factors in the strategic management process of a country (Godiwalla and Damanpour, 2006). Ethical conduct is a major requirement of the MNEs in countries in which they operate. The expectations of the countries, in which these companies operate, are the major determinant of the ethical and social conduct of an organization. This essay aims to understand the ways in which MNEs are expanding their new business networks, considering the ethical considerations and the way these contribute in building competitive strength of the companies. Business Ethics: Definition There are numerous definitions of business ethics that can be considered. For the purpose of this essay, business ethics can be defined as the principles, values and standards, which guide the business in its conduct with the external world (Ferrell, Fraedrich and Ferrel, 2011). Principles include the basic rights like, freedom of speech, justice and equal rights, which are universal and form the basis of the rules. Values, on the other hand, comprise of social norms established by conventions in the society which are socially enforcing. These include integrity, accountability and trust and the standards for these are largely determined by investors, employees and interest groups and influence the society’s acceptance of what is permissible or not by the business. Strategic ethic management has the potential of improving both the economic and ethical goals of MNEs, whe n they consider expanding the existing business to new geographies. Research work has shown that there is a positive correlation between ethical business conducts and long-term financial development of the companies (Takei, 2011). This prompts companies to take ethical issues seriously in their expansion. The causality relationship between the profitability growth and business ethics are yet to be confirmed. Empirical evidences show that there are positive correlation between financial growth and ethical considerations. These discoveries imply that the strategic management must take into consideration the aspect of business ethics in their management process (Krishnamurthi, 2008). Rationale for business ethics Business ethics forms an important responsibility of the manager who conducts the business. The need for implementation of business ethics is more severe for managers who have the responsibility of conducting foreign operations as they face more pressing ethical issues which a re absent within the domestic borders (Luminita and Constantin, n.d.). There are various reasons responsible for this difference like: Firstly, the difference in the legal and political structure of a country in which the business is likely to operate. These differences are further pronounced by the ethical and traditional conventions of the society. Secondly, the differences between the economic organizations of countries in

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Secondary labor market Essay Example for Free

Secondary labor market Essay Many Liberal feminists believe that gender role of socialization is the major reason for sexual division of labor. The main act which is responsible for this change is because of the activities and nurturing that is been followed right from the home of the girl or the boy. At homes there is mainly manipulation and canalization where in girls or boys are forced to use things or do acts which are gender specific. For example, a girl is assumed and encouraged to be emotional and caring while a boy should be brave and strong at heart. In certain cases, a woman is still expected to be associated with the typical roles of a housewife / mother which restricts her from being a career oriented individual. Most of the time they take a back seat for their children’s upbringing , because they have been nurtured from home to be the nurses of the family and are known to be the maternal nurses. According to Marxist feminist, these inequalities will end once capitalism ends. Racial discrimination starts from home in the relationship between a wife and a husband. The way men would behave with women at work is directly related in majority of cases with their behavior with women at home. There are different reasons for gender inequalities. The reason is not always that a woman is forced to remain at home but in most of the cases she chooses to be. But most of the feminists deny this theory as they feel this inequality is due to the employer’s attitude then mere women’s choices. Even in instances where in a women may be career oriented but still will be differentiated based on the salary front. Women are also considered to be slow at work and less committed and unskilled which prevents them in the eyes of the employer to take on higher posts. There are two kinds of labor market that exists, Primary labor market which comprises of managerial and professional workers and Secondary labor market comprises of unskilled and semi skilled workers. Most of the instances show that if a women have taken a 5 year break from their career for their children then getting back in the job industry will be very difficult for her as she is considered to be less skilled for the same job. Hence they are restricted to be promoted at higher levels of the management. Employers consider women as a reserve or a back up labor force in companies as they will recruit them only if they have certain less skilled jobs to be carried out. Shifts in the gender inequalities are mainly differentiated based on ethnic groups, age and geographical regions. The expectations according to UK labor are that women will be â€Å"individualized† and will be economically better advanced. But still women are disproportionately employed as part time employers and are sometimes not paid even. Certain studies show that production and reproduction are required for the existence of human society but for women to bear children is incompatible. Low fertility of women, maternal responsibilities often are the causes of women’s underachievement compared to men at the working place.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Business Essays Environmental Management System

Business Essays Environmental Management System Environmental Management System Abstract The number of enterprises certified an Environmental Management System due to the Eco – Management and Auditing Scheme (EMAS) and to other Environmental Management System raised in the last few years. Especially companies from the industry sector realized how important it is to be certified. The majority use and implement environmental management systems due to the Eco – Management and Auditing Scheme (EMAS) or due to the ISO 14001 regulation. Lots of them prefer to implement the ISO 14001 regulation because of the worldwide acceptance but others prefer the EMAS norm because the ISO 14401 certificate is absolutely contained into the EMAS regulations. The EMAS certification seems to be very interesting for entrepreneurs because of the incorporations of all employees of a company. This can result that employees could get more ambitioned and the employee loyalty could rise. Additionally, companies often get subsidized by the European Union. Organisations have to pass several stages to achieve the certification, the EMAS registrations and to benefit from it. Chapter 1 Introduction Implementing an environmental management system (EMS) is one of the best ways to show how an enterprise can act environmentally interested and efficient (Emilsson, 2002). An EMS due to EMAS regulations shows to clients and the public that entrepreneurs take care about environmental impacts which are caused by the productions of goods. Additionally, the implementation of efficient environmental management systems improves a company’s processes and brings other economic benefits. Now more and more companies realise how important an EMS is and how much they can profit from it. The two most important and famous regulations are the international standard ISO 14001 developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the regulation the Eco-Management and Auditing Scheme (EMAS). The majority of the companies certified their EMS under these two systems because of the worldwide acceptance of the ISO 14001 regulations and the European Union regulation EMAS, which was developed by the European Union. The EMAS regulation is European wide accepted but the included ISO 14001 regulation is as mentioned before worldwide into force. Because of the additional cost and the additional time which is needed to implement an EMS due to the EMAS regulation a lot of companies decide to implement an EMS due to the ISO 14001 norm. The purpose of the following study is to demonstrate how an EMAS EMS should be constructed in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). In order to get a better overview the current Business and Environment will be defined and Environmental Management Systems will be elucidated with the corresponding literature. The Stages of an EMS due to the EMAS regulation will be shown with its relevant literature in the literature review chapter as well. In addition, the differences between the EMAS regulation and the ISO 14001 norm also were examined and are being treated in the literature chapter review. Followed with the methodology chapter in which the author presents how the corresponding research is done by using the relevant literature research in the secondary research area and by doing a questionnaire in the relevant primary research part. In chapter Four the author presents the results which where discussed in the preceding research and analyses the results which where worked out with the help of the primary and secondary research. Chapter Five considers the research and a conclusion can be worked out. 2 Literature Review 2.1 Business and Environment 2.1.1 Identification of Business Business has experienced dramatic change since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution which took place in Western Europe two hundred years ago (Blair, 2001). New businesses appeared such as chemical industry, motor industry, and retail industry; new technology was applied in everywhere; and new market was opened all over the world. All these changes of business area caused environmental impacts which totally different from two hundred years ago. In order to discuss the environmental impact of business we have to answer a basic question: what is business nowadays? Strictly speaking, business is the range of commercial organizations and their activities that characterize the way in which trading is conducted in a capitalist economy (Blair, 2001). However, commonly the words â€Å"industry† and â€Å"business† are used interchangeably and this is the case in this article. Business with the same meaning of industry which is seen as the collection of firms who operate essentially the same series of processes that result in a related set of products (whether tangible products or services) that a third party wishes to buy (Blair, 2001). By convention, industries are divided into primary, secondary and tertiary industries. Primary industries include fishing, forestry, agriculture and the extractive industries (essentially, the quarrying and mining of minerals). They involve the collection, harvesting and exploitation of resources directly produced by physical processes. Secondary industries are the manufacturing industries. They take raw materials and by a variety of processes produce tangible goods by adding value to the raw materials. The tertiary industries produce services, for either individuals or for other organizations. The way in which primary, secondary and tertiary industries effect the environment are seen as being sufficiently different to warrant separate analysis. 2.1.2 Environmental Impact of Different Businesses The environmental impacts of different industrial sectors vary enormously (Welford, 1998). For example, the oil industry may cause serious environmental impacts while the retail industry has less direct impacts to the environment. This is because the oil industry belongs primary industries while retail industry belongs tertiary industries and the characteristics of these two industrial categories are totally different. Because of their intimate relationship with the environment, the primary industries have a widespread and significant environmental impact. Firstly, they cause high pollution. For example, oil and gas flares, which happened in oil industry, contribute to global warming. Additionally, oil spills can cause great localized harm to marine ecosystems. Secondly, the primary industries generate considerable wastes. The fossil fuel and mining industries are the main culprits in waste generation. However, the wastes of factory farming also should not be neglected. Thirdly, farming and forestry of the primary industries have the greatest overall impact on habitats because they occupy the greatest areas of land. The type of farming or forest has a profound influence on the nature of flora and fauna of a region. Finally, farming and forestry also has significant landscape impacts because they form important landscapes in much of the developed world. Manufacturing is the core of the secondary industries. Raw materials and components are brought together and manufactured into either end product or a component for some other manufacturing process. Manufacturing processes consume huge amount of energy and inevitably produce waste products and pollution. Waste is seen as part of the process, whereas pollution is seen as an inevitable consequence of the process that should not happen in the perfect industrial process but which, in practice, results in the degradation of some physical resource. This is most usually the air, watercourses or the ground. Sound and visual impact may also be included under the broad banner of pollution. In addition to the manufacture process, the products itself also cause environmental impact during its delivery, use and disposal. Tertiary industries or so-called service businesses received relatively little attention on their environmental impacts. This may be because in comparison to primary or secondary industries they appear to depend far less on physical resources and they often deal with a more intangible product. However, the environmental impact of tertiary industries is less obvious but does not mean that it does not exist. For example, compared to an oil refinery, a supermarket seems to be much less environmental impact but it is not without impact. The transfer of goods within the supermarket chain, and the customers travel to the store especially those suburban stores all cause air pollution. Other environmental impacts which tertiary industries cause include energy consumption in heating, lighting and equipment, pollution through the travel of their employees and clients, produce waste from canteens, consume waster and materials and certainly produce large volumes of paper waste. 2.1.3 Strategy Towards Environmental Impacts Since the 1960s, there has been a growing interest in the environment, or more specifically in the damage being done to the environment (Welford, 1998). During the first two decades, it was felt that growth and development and protection of the environment could not go hand in hand. Hence most of the theories that developed during this period were anti-growth. However, the 1980s witnessed a shift in thinking. The concept of ‘zero growth’ was replaced by sustainable development which has been broadly accepted nowadays. Sustainable development, in its simplest form, is defined as development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). It implies that it is possible to make development and environmental protection compatible. However, the old ways of development which cause pollution and atmospheric damage, disrupts traditional ways of living, destroys ecosystems and feeds more and more power into international oligopolistic industrial structures must be changed into sustainable ways (Welford, 1998). The Brundtland Report, commissioned by the United Nations to examine long-term environmental strategies, argued that this would require quite radical changes in economic practices throughout the world. As an ultimate objective, the concept of sustainable development is immensely valuable. However, strategies are needed to translate conceptual theories of what sustainable development means into practical ways of achieving it over time within the corporate context. Firms clearly have a role to play in the development of substitutes for non-renewable resources and innovations which reduce waste and use energy more efficiently. They also have a role in processing those materials in a way which brings about environmental improvements. Additionally, firms have the opportunity for considering both the use and disposal of the product during the design period. In order to achieve these goals, companies must seek to develop management strategies which will improve their environmental performance (Welford, 1998). 2.2 Environmental Management Systems Many companies have adopted environmental policies and carried out environmental audits or reviews in response to legislative pressures, green marketing opportunities, increased public pressure, ethical concerns and the commitment of local and central government (Netherwood, 1998). However, companies still be faced with a problem of finding a systematic way of implementing commitments to environmental management within their existing organizational structure. In practical, one tool which companies have generally accepted to facilitate implementation of environmental policy is an environmental management system (EMS). An EMS is defined by the British Standards Institute (BSI) as: the organizational structure, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for determining and implementing environmental policy (Netherwood, 1998). Similar definitions are found in the EU eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) and ISO 14001. Not like legislation, EMS is a voluntary tool which can help companies to control environmental impact caused by their operations (Roberts, 1998). Despite the fact that different companies may develop different environment management system, usually there are some common steps can be found in these EMSs. This is because most of them were designed based on the steps of quality management system such as ISO 9000 (Netherwood, 1998). Therefore, it is possible to create a standard for environmental management systems in order to ensure a certain quality for the EMS, and to encourage organizations to improve their environmental performance. In the last few years a number of voluntary environmental management schemes have been developed. The standard-BS 7750- was published by BSI in March 1992 and was the world’s first environmental management system standard. At the same time that BSI began work on BS 7750, the European Commission was setting out its proposal for an eco-audit scheme and it was from this proposal that EMAS eventually emerged in 1993. In the same year of EMAS publishing, the activity relating to environmental management system standardization began on the international scene. And after a development time of a little under three years, ISO 14000 series were published in October 1996. The standardized environmental management systems are voluntary and are designed to be externally verified by nationally accredited bodies, in a similar way as the quality standard ISO 9000. It is argued that companies which register with the schemes, gaining the EMAS and ISO14001 accreditation, will experience added value such as market advantages, and legal compliance (Netherwood, 1998). 2.2.2 Stages of Standardized Ems Environmental management systems are very much related to quality management systems. They are mechanisms that provide for a systematic and cyclical process of continual improvement. As can be seen in Figure 1, the cycle itself begins with planning for a desired outcome (i.e. improved environmental performance), implementing that plan, checking to see if the plan is working and finally correcting and improving the plan based on observations form the checking process. Logically then, if the original outcome desired remains the same, a system of this nature will, by default, generate increments of progress that continually move toward the desired outcome (Roberts, 1998). In order for a company to achieve environmental performance through a management loop as mentioned above, it will need to define responsibilities for environmental management, deploy resources to ensure that action is taken on environmental issues, train staff to become aware of their environmental responsibilities, monitor environmental performance and audit and review the system of achieving environmental improvement. The basis of all of this activity is an organizational commitment to continual environmental improvement and an environmental policy (Netherwood, 1998). The stages of a typical environmental management system were shown in Figure 2. 2.2.3 Why Develop an EMS? Develop an EMS within a company will definitely cost resources such as time, human resource, and money (Bansal, 2002). Such costs become more apparent when a company applies certification for their EMS. Furthermore, it has been suggested that EMS and the standards will just add another layer of bureaucracy for the company. So why do a company need an environmental management system? The answer is creating a successful EMS could bring more benefits than the costs. The advantages of improved environmental management can be divided into two broad categories (Roberts, 1998). The first category addresses the fact that improved environmental management is good for our planet and a fundamental requirement of global sustainability. This is because respecting that present business patterns are fundamentally unsustainable, improved environmental management will serve at least to move our business patterns towards sustainability. The second category, which seems have a more direct relationship with companies, addresses the fact that improved environmental management could benefit the company a lot. The table 3 lists some of the benefits. 2.3 ISO 14001 2.3.1 Background Information of ISO 14001 ISO 14000 is a series of international standards for environmental management. In order to satisfy the increasing demand of establishing international environmental management standard, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) started to develop it in 1993 and after nearly three year’s development, ISO published this series of standards (ISO 14001 and ISO 14004) in October 1996. It is the first such series of standards that allows organizations from around the world to pursue environmental efforts and measure performance according to internationally accepted criteria (Roberts, 1998). The 14000series consists of over a dozen separate standards. But all these standards are fallen under two categories: specification standards and guidance standards (Krut, 1998). ISO specification standards are prescriptive documents: they describe what a company must do or not do in order to get certification. ISO 14001 is a blueprint for the company’s environmental management system, and it is the only specification standard in the ISO 14000 series. It describes how a company might manage and control its organizational system so that it measures, controls and continually improves the environmental aspects of its operations (Krut, 1998). ISO 14001 is intended to be applicable to ‘all types and sizes of organizations and to accommodate diverse geographical, cultural and social conditions’ (ISO, 1996). The overall aim of both ISO 14001 and the other standards in the 14000 series is to support environmental protection and the prevention of pollution in harmony with socio-economic needs. ISO 14001 applies to any organization that wishes to improve and demonstrate its environmental performance to others through the presence of a certified environmental management system (Roberts, 1998). With the exception of requiring the commitment to continual improvement and commitment to comply with relevant legislation and regulation, ISO 14001 does not prescribe environmental performance requirements. ISO 14001 specifies the requirements of the management system itself, which, if maintained properly, will improvement environmental performance by reducing impacts such as air emissions and wastewater effluents (Roberts, 1998). 2.3.2 Stages for Implementing ISO 14001 2.3.2.1 Environmental Policy Environmental policy is a formal and documented set of principles and intentions with respect to the environment. Essentially, the environmental policy is the guiding document for corporate environmental improvement and adherence to it is fundamental to the integrity and success of the entire EMS (Roberts, 1998). A policy must contain commitments to: Continual improvement; Prevention of pollution; and Complying with relevant environmental legislation and other relevant requirements. 2.3.2.2 Planning The company must then set itself objectives and targets relating to its three policy commitments and devise a plan to meet these objectives and targets. Here the environmental objectives are the broad goals that your organization sets in order to improve environmental performance while environmental targets are set performance measurements that must be met to realize a given objective. All environmental objectives must have at least one target (usually more) and all targets must relate directly to a stated objective (Roberts, 1998). 2.3.2.3 Implementing and Operation Having devised its plan, the organization must then put in place the various elements necessary for its successful implementation and operation. 2.3.2.4 Checking and Corrective Action Having implemented its plan, the organization must then check to see whether it has been successful in meeting its objectives and targets. If any have not been met, then corrective action must be taken. The entire management system must be periodically audited to see that it meets the requirements of the standard (Welford, 1998). 2.3.2.5 Management Review Management must periodically review the system to ensure its continuing effectiveness and suitability. Changes are made to the system as and when necessary. 2.4 Eco-Management and Auditing Scheme (EMAS) 2.4.1 Background Information of EMAS EMAS the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, is a voluntary initiative designed for companies and other organizations to evaluate, report, and improve their environmental performance. It should be highlight that EMAS is a European Union Regulation, which applied within the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA) — Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. An increasing number of candidate countries are also implementing the scheme in preparation for their accession to the EU (EMAS, 2004). The scheme has been available for participation by companies since 1995 (Council Regulation (EEC) No 1836/93 of 29 June 1993) and was originally restricted to companies in industrial sectors. The aim of EMAS is to recognize and reward those organizations that go beyond minimum legal compliance and continuously improve their environmental performance (EMAS-UK, 2004). In addition, it is a requirement of the scheme that participating organizations regularly produce a public environmental statement that reports on their environmental performance. It is this voluntary publication of environmental information, whose accuracy and reliability has been independently checked by an environmental verifier, that gives EMAS and those organizations that participate enhanced credibility and recognition. In June 1997 The Commission undertook a 5-year review of EMAS, taking into account experience gained during its operation. The final revised Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 761/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2001) published in April 2001, is often referred to as EMAS II. This new Regulation has been open to all economic sectors including public and private services. In addition, EMAS II was strengthened by the integration of EN/ISO 14001 as the environmental management system required by EMAS; by adopting an attractive EMAS logo to signal EMAS registration to the outside world; and by considering more strongly indirect effects such as those related to financial services or administrative and planning decisions. 2.4.2 Stages for Implementing EMAS The objective of EMAS shall be to promote continual improvements in the environmental performance of organizations by (EMAS, 2001): (a) The establishment and implementation of environmental management systems by organizations as described in Annex I (b) The systematic, objective and periodic evaluation of the performance of such systems as described in Annex I (c) The provision of information on environmental performance and an open dialogue with the public and other interested parties (d) The active involvement of employees in the organization and appropriate initial and advanced training that makes active participation in the tasks referred to under (a) possible. Where they so request, any employee representatives shall also be involved. 2.4.2.1 Conduct of an Environental Review Consider all environmental impacts of the organization’s activities: production processes, products and services, assessment methods, the legal framework as well as existing environmental management practices and procedures. 2.4.2.2 Establish an EMS Based upon the results of the environmental review, establish an effective environmental management system aimed at achieving the organization’s environmental policy as defined by the top management. The management system needs to define responsibilities, objectives, means, operational procedures, training needs, monitoring and communication systems. 2.4.2.3 Carry Out An Environmental Audit Assess the management system in place and the organization’s environmental performance in light of the organization’s environmental policy and programme as well as of legal requirements. 2.4.2.4 Prepare an Environmental Statement The environmental statement should specify the results that have been achieved against the environmental objectives of the organization. It should also lay down the means by which the organization plans to continuously improve its environmental performance. 2.4.2.5 Get Independent Verification By an EMAS Verifier An EMAS verifier accredited with an EMAS Accreditation Body (UKAS in UK) of a Member State must examine and verify the environmental review, EMS, and audit procedure as well as the environmental statement. 2.4.2.6 Register With The Competant Body of the Member State The validated environmental statement must be sent to the appropriate EMAS Competent Body for registration and be made publicly available. 2.5 Drivers and Barriers of EMS Implementation In SMEs SMEs face internal and external barriers when seeking to address their environmental issues and adopt and implement EMSs, but it is the internal barriers that initially have the more significant role in impeding progress (Hillary, 1999). Negative company culture towards the environment and the disassociation between positive environmental attitudes and taking action cause the uptake of environmental performance improvements and EMS adoption to stumble at the first hurdle (Hillary,1999). On top of this general culture of inaction on the environment, SMEs are also very sceptical of the benefits to be gained from making environmental improvements (Hillary, 1999). In many cases, especially for the smaller organisations, low awareness and the absence of pressure from customers (the most important driver for environmental improvements and EMS adoption) and insufficient other drivers mean that no efforts are made to address environmental issues (Hillary, 1999). SMEs also face the problem of locating, and having the time to locate, good quality advice and information. Once a SME has embarked on EMS implementation the process is often interrupted and resources are frequently diverted to core business activities (Hillary, 1999). It is the lack of human resources, not financial ones, which SMEs find most difficult to secure and maintain for EMS implementation. The more multifunctional the staff, as is common in micro and small companies, the more likely the process of implementation will be interrupted. Some studies indicate that SMEs, once on the route to certified EMSs, face inconsistency and high charges in the certification system. SMEs are subjected to a variety of stakeholder pressures related to their environmental performance and their adoption of EMSs. Customer and supply chain are also prominent in driving SMEs environmental improvements (Hillary, 1999). However the regulator and local authorities exert greater influence on the general environmental performance of SMEs, in particular medium-sized enterprises, than customers. 3 Methodology 3.1 Introduction This chapter provides a detailed explanation of the research methods used by the author in order to complete the study. White (2000) stated that â€Å"research should be focused, not general† therefore the research conducted for the study will be to specific objectives. Academic theory is used to explain the advantages and disadvantages of research methods. The study will also aim to outline research limitations at the end of the chapter. 3.2 Quantative Approach In this thesis a study is applied to gain information and to fulfill the purpose: â€Å"how can small and medium sized enterprises profit from environmental management systems†. Questionnaires are made with people from 12 different German companies. Two types of methods can mainly be used in the scientific research, they are positivism and hermeneutic. Positivism starts with one well defined knowledge as an ideal, while the hermeneutic methods relate to different knowledge (Proctor, 2003). Conclusively can be said, that the hermeneutic method is about the interpretation and the usage of feeling and understanding when interviews are performed, which is also known as qualitative approach (Thomas, 1997). Thus the quantitative approach has received some critique, mainly when the data is collected. The risk is that the researcher could handle the topic to much facile way, without being aware of it (Thomas, 1997). 3.3 Why Qualitative Approach? The choice of the research of the core and the structure of environmental management systems has led to the discretion of the quantitative approach which was essential due to the interpretation of the environment and the experiences of several companies (Deacon et al, 1999). Furthermore, since the authors wanted to examine the meaning of environmental management systems on different levels, it is preferably to use a quantitative research method (Casell Symon, 2004), given that environmental management systems have potential exploration. What differs a qualitative method from a quantitative method is that the qualitative method a first qualitative perceptive of the fundamental motives and reasons is received, in the quantitative method the researcher is generalizing data from a sample to the population. To enhance the reason of using a qualitative method in this thesis the quantitative approach will help to develop a good definition and a highly topical view of environmental management systems. This is due to the fact that the author will have a better understanding of the different definitions that exist today. 3.4 Literature Study The process of gathering data starts with the secondary research existing of the study of literature such as articles, books and journals. The author chose to use literature resources of the library of Northumbria University and furthermore literature such as articles and journals via databases like Emerald, Ebsco Host, Business Source Premier, FT.com (Financial Times), Science Direct and Nexis. The usage of keywords was as follows EMAS, ISO 14001, sustainability, environmental management systems and continual improvement, thus several gave more hits than other. In order to cover other aspects, in especially the theoretical framework the author tried to use other keywords connected to the specific area. Also sources more connected to the entrepreneurial part of marketing have been used in order to get a broad and specific picture of environmental management systems due to the EMAS and ISO 14001 regulation. The author pointed out that the literature parts into primary and secondary sources. Primary resources are written by an author that also took part in the research behind it. Secondary sources are literature that covers a certain topic but without a specific research behind it. Secondary literature sources do not always give enough

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Cannibalism Essay -- essays research papers

There are so many bad things in the world but according to many, cannibalism is considered just about the worst. Depending on your point of view, it rises above even such criminal abominations as, rape and genocide. Then again, we live in a culture, in which people would run vomiting to the bathroom if they saw what went into making their McDonald's hamburgers. Cannibalism, also known as anthropophagi, is defined as the act or practice of eating members of the same species. The word anthropophagi comes from the Arawakan language name for the Carib Indians of the West Indies. The Caribs are well known for their practice of cannibalism. Among humans, this practice has been attributed to people in the past all over the world, including rituals connected to tribal warfare. There are two kinds of cannibalism -- sociological and pathological. Sociological means living and eating in a culture where cannibalism is accepted, and the pathological means practicing cannibalism within a culture where it's not accepted. Much controversy exists over the idea of sociological cannibalism. Reports of social cannibalism are mostly pointed at the Americas and Africa, since these were the primary continents subjected to European killing and conquest sprees from the Middle Ages through modern times. Despite what anyone says, there are documented examples of cann ibalistic cultures and practices. It was usually a spiritual ritual. In some cases, the bodies of enemies were consumed in order to abso...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Solar Energy Essay -- Energy Sources, Solar Power

Someday, our energy sources are going to run out. What will we do? What can we do? Our major source of energy now is fossil fuel. If that were to run out, there must be an alternate way to get energy. Because of this problem, there has been a lot of research going on. Through that research, alternate ways to get energy have been developed. They include wind energy, solar energy, nuclear energy, tidal energy and many more. In this paper I will focus on the aspects of solar energy. I will look at the history of solar energy, cover the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy and then finally I will talk about the concept of solar energy (how it works) and ways that solar energy can be used in your everyday life. First let’s look at the history of solar power. It has been more than a century ago that solar power was first looked into. Some people believe that the reason for alternate energy sources came in the 1970’s when there was an energy crisis. But according to history, the first look at alternate energy sources came when a scare of running out of fossil fuel came about. Many different things were looked at, but solar power somehow was the one that was looked at the most seriously. Once solar power was focused on, years later, there were ways that were invented to obtain the radiation from the sun and use it to make things work. However, the development of solar power faded when World War I came along. After the war, energy was in demand and therefore, solar power took a back seat in science. Fossil fuel still remained the main source of energy at that time. Most of the credit for solar energy should go to the man by the name of Auguste Mouchout. Although he was a mathematics instructor, he did qu... ...ren. â€Å"Technologies and Applications.† 10 October 2014. http://www.canren.gc.ca/tech_appl/index.asp?CaId=5&PgId=121 Darvill, Andy. â€Å"Solar Energy.† 10 October 2014. http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/solar.htm The Alternate Energy Institute. â€Å"Solar Energy.† 10 October 2014. http://www.altenergy.org/AEI/6 â€Å"The Future of Solar Energy.† 10 October 2014. http://www.history.rochester.edu/class/solar/future.htm The Solar Cooking Archive. 10 October 2014. http://www.solarcooking.org/ Smith, Charles. â€Å"History of Solar Energy.† 10 October 2014. http://www.solarenergy.com/info_history.html Solar Electric Power Association. â€Å"Solar Power Basics.† 10 October 2014. http://www.solarelectricpower.org/power/what_are_pvs.cfm SunWind Solar Industries. â€Å"Uses of solar energy.† 10 October 2014. http://www.web.net/~sunwind/solar/solar_energy_uses.html

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Why You Should Purchase a PC :: essays research papers fc

Why You Should Purchase A PC Computers are capable of doing more things every year. There are many advantages to knowing how to use a computer, and it is important that everyone know how to use them properly. Using the information I have gathered, and my own knowledge from my 12 years of computer experience, I will explain the many advantages of owning a computer and knowing how to use a PC and I will attempt to explain why you should purchase a computer and learn how to use one properly. Webster's New World Compact Dictionary defines a computer as "an electronic machine that performs rapid, complex calculations or compiles and correlates data" ("Computer."). While this definition gives one a very narrow view of what a computer is capable of doing, it does describe the basic ideas of what I will expand upon. We have been living through an age of computers for a short while now and there are already many people world wide that are computer literate. According to Using Computers: A Gateway to Information World Wide Web Edition, over 250 million Personal Computers (PC's) were in use by 1995, and one out of every three homes had a PC (Shelly, Cashman,& Waggoner, 138). Computers are easy to use when you know how they work and what the parts are. All computers perform the four basic operations of the information processing cycle: input, process, output, and storage. Data, any kind of raw facts, is required for the processing cycle to occur. Data is processed into useful information by the computer hardware. Most computer systems consist of a monitor, a system unit which contains the Central Processing Unit (CPU), a floppy-disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, speakers, a keyboard, a mouse, and a printer. Each component takes a part in one of the four operations. The keyboard and mouse are input devices that a person uses to enter data into the computer. From there the data goes to the system unit where it is processed into useful information the computer can understand and work with. Next the processed data can be sent to storage devices or to output devices. Normally output is sent to the monitor and stored on the hard-disk or to a floppy-disk located internal of the system unit. Output can also be printed out through the printer, or can be played through the speakers as sound depending on the form it takes after it is processed. Once you have grasped a basic understanding of the basic parts and operations of a computer, you can soon discover what you can do with computers

Purchasing Behaviours of Three Major Races in Malaysia

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT III Name: FAWWAZ AIMAN SAKARIA Student Id: 2012645664 Programme: BBA (Hons) Marketing Part: 3 Course: Understanding Consumer (MKT531) Lecturer: Mdm Sharifah Nurafizah Date: 16/11/2012 Answers There are only few differences that can be found on the three major races of Malaysia (Malays, Chinese and Indians) in terms of purchasing behaviour. Based on the household expenses, the Malays purchasing behaviour are influenced by the Islamic religions needs and regulations which concern on the ‘HALAL’ label of the product.Islam constitution plays roles in the daily life of the Muslims. In addition, the Malays are quite incompetent in handling product and market information which may result in the confusion and information overload. From the perspective as consumers, Malays shows much interest in acquiring technologically produced and high quality products, without being materialistic or conspicuous buying.Chinese is the second largest groups in Malaysia and they are viewed as the powerful economics compare to the other two groups. For the Chinese, it’s important to conduct wide information achievement to reduce the uncertainty purchases. The self-pride also play the important roles for the Chinese to decide on their products purchasing. For instance, the more expensive of the products, the more it reflects to the wealthy and level of socials of that person.Indians in Malaysia has quite similar with the Malaysians Chinese buying behaviour but they are viewed as a high degree in product value orientation. Indian consumers are also concerned with the values of natural, care and affection. These values are far more dominant that values expensive and social level purchasing style. The preference for the Indians is more to the traditional products value rather than buying the technology invented products. (253 WORDS)

Monday, September 16, 2019

Analysis McDonald’s Franchise in Viet Nam Essay

McDonalds’s is a business corporation system of fast food restaurants with approximately 31,000 restaurants in 119 countries to serve 43 million passengers a day under its own brand. The McDonalds’s restaurant concept was introduced in San Bernardino, California by Dick and Mac McDonald’s in May 15, 1940. It was modified and expanded by their business partner, Ray Kroc, of Oak Park, Illinois, who later bought out the business interests of the McDonald’s brothers in the concept and went on to found McDonalds’s Corporation in April, 15, 1955. I.2. Mission and Vision Mission McDonalds’s brand mission is to â€Å"be our customers’ favorite place and way to eat.† Our worldwide operations have been aligned around a global strategy called the Plan to Win centering on the five basics of an exceptional customer experience – People, Products, Place, Price. We are committed to improving our operations and enhancing our customers’ experience. Vision â€Å"McDonalds’s vision is to be the world’s best quick service restaurant experience. Being the best means providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness, and value, so that we make every customer in every restaurant smile.† I.3. Business objective The business objective of McDonald’s, which is a fast food restaurant, is to be the world’s best quick service restaurant experience. They also aim at being the best establishment by providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness and value. II. SWOT Analysis II.1. Strengths Strong brand name, image and reputation: McDonalds’s is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 34,000 local restaurants serving nearly 69 million people in 118 countries each day. The McDonalds’s image is easy recognized everywhere. This brand is in top ten of the most powerful brand name in the world. Large market share: McDonald’ss is considered as the largest player in size and global reach. When Wendy’s or Burgers King are losing market share in 2006, McDonald’ss still increases its market share. Market share of McDonald’ss in the recent time is about 19% while Yum! Brands is 9% and both Wendy’s and Burger King is 2% Specialized training for managers: McDonald’ss is very serious on training managers. This company has its own program to train managers the most professionally, which is called Hamburger University. As a result, McDonald’ss has many good managers who can help company development well. Locally adapted food menus: The fast food chain is operating in many diverse cultures where tastes in food are extremely different than those of US or European consumers. Thus ability to adapt to local tastes is one of McDonald’s’s strengths. Partnership with  best brands: McDonalds’s offers only most popular brands in its restaurants, such as: Coca Cola, Dannon Yogurt, Heinz ketchup and others. Technology Innovative: McDonald’s’s is keeping at the forefront of technology around the globe II.2. Weaknesses Unhealthy food: As we know, there are foods in menu of McDonald’s largely formed of unhealthy meals and drinks. Nowadays, people have trend to be take care them health, they tend to be use healthy food. High employee turnover: Although McDonald’s has many good managers as well as skillful employees, the turnover rate is still high. Every year many of their employees are fired out of the restaurants. Moreover, many others quit their jobs, especially part time employees because of low salary as well as too high working pressure. Problem related to health issue: McDonald’s use Trans – fat and beef oil in their food. Although it is not illegal, it affects badly on customer’s health because Trans – fat is causes of some kind of cancer. Consequently, a number of customers who care about their health stop eating at McDonald’s restaurants. It makes revenue of company decrease. Price quiet high: Compare with other traditional fast food in Viet Nam, the McDonald’s product’s price quiet high, it’s not suitable with almost personal’s income in Viet Nam. II.3. Opportunity Growth of the fast food industry: Fast food market in Viet Nam is a potential market. Demand of people is in big cities are increase. In recent years, growth rate of fast food market continue to increase. Diverse tastes and needs of customers: Customer’s tastes now become more diverse. As a result, they require new format of service in order to satisfy them. Changing customer habits and new customer groups: Nowadays, Vietnamese are more adapt with tastes of West. Almost people are trending use fast food by conveniently, especially majority young people in Viet Nam. II.4. Threats High competitive with other brand: McDonald’s will be high competitive with other big brand stay in Viet Nam in long time such as; KFC, Lotteria, Jollibee, Pizza Hurt, Buger King, etc. Differences culture: Differences culture also a threat with McDonald’s when come to Viet Nam. Trend towards healthy eating: Due to government and various organizations attempts to fight obesity, people are becoming more conscious of eating healthy food rather than what McDonalds’s has to offer in its menu. III. Advantage and disadvantage of MacDonald franchise III.1. Advantage First of all, fast food has become part of daily life of young people, because of the speed of urbanization increase rapidly, consumer demand enhances, qualities of life are also stability, and it ensures that piece of fast food market constantly enlarged. Surveyed fast-food industry made ​​by Nielsen Vietnam in 2010 shows that 86% of consumer this product under the ages of 20-35. So as a latecomer, McDonalds’s will also benefit from the achievement that KFC has efforts to build fast food habits for the Vietnamese. McDonalds’s will not meet too many difficulties to complete a supply chain standards system for their restaurant in Vietnam, because the domestic producers now have plenty of experience coordinating with system fast food before. In additions, Food Culture of McDonalds’s has existed in 118 countries around the world so convincing taste of Vietnam is probably not too difficult problem for this giant. About Place, the latecomer these positions favorable are occupied, but beautiful place to McDonalds’s developing restaurant will not too scare if they active spending. Besides that, infrastructure in Viet Nam are developing, system buildings, supermarkets and modern commercial centers are rising steadily, and trend urbanization has created more beautiful space for fast food chain in Vietnam. GDP per capita is currently at 1,500 USD / year is low compared with the other area, but look at GDP per capita in two biggest cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City higher than the national average pretty much (2012, Ha Noi at around $2,200 /person is Ho Chi Minh City is $3,600 / person). This income is sufficient to will sufficient to consumer willing spend from 4 – 6 dollars for a meal. Certainly two locations will be first place McDonalds’s open restaurant. Although McDonald’s is a latecomer but not likely other fast food brand, McDonald’s has special advantage of their own. That is the advantage of who hold the number one position fast food in the world. III.2. Disadvantage Besides there are advantages, McDonald’s have disadvantage when come to Viet Nam, they will fail if they do not understand Vietnam. First off all, the difference culture, culture of Vietnamese cuisine is rich and varied, taste of East difference taste of West. Thus, McDonald’s should consider this problem when offer food on menu. In addition, strengths of McDonald’s in the U.S. market are breakfast (accounting for one quarter of total revenue) is not applicable in Vietnam. Because the habit of Vietnamese considered breakfast is snacks. McDonald’s will be face fierce competition with other brand such as KFC, Lotteria, Jollibee, and these competitors has existent more than 15 years and has significant market share of the fast food market. One thing important franchisee of McDonald’s in Viet Nam will face that is place rental costs are very expensive. One the other hand, there are conveniently local are occupied by other brand. Thus, franchisee in Viet Nam will effort find out local put McDonald’s restaurant. The problem about price also an obstacle with McDonald’s, compare with other country Viet Nam’s GDP per capita is still low. Thus, fats food brands are still being compete on price. Thus McDonald’s should consider this problem if they want to competitive with other brands. IV. Investment decision Consider all aspects of McDonald’s franchise in Viet Nam, I see that although a latecomer they have some difficult and challenge but fast food market is still potential. McDonald’s has competitive advantages compare with other brands, especially with the position of World No. 1, McDonald’s already challenge with any competitors on fast food market in Viet Nam. If I have a chance I will investment franchise McDonald’s brand in Viet Nam. V. Summary Viet Nam is the next destination when McDonald’s has officially announced they will open their first store in Viet Nam at beginning 2014 year. This is good news because when fast food tycoon comes to Viet Nam, fast food market will compete more fierce and meanwhile the biggest beneficiaries none other than will be the consumer. Because of the presence of McDonald’s will make all other fast food chain must work harder if they do not want to be ‘swallowed’ market share. VI. References list Jerome Katz / Richard Green, Entrepreneurial Small Business – 4th Edition,Graw-Hill International Edition. Essentials of Services Marketing – 2nd Edition, Vochen Wirtz, Patricia Chew, Christopher Lovelock. Principle of marketing – fourteenth edition- Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company.html http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/our_story/our_history.html http://www.strategicmanagementinsight.com/swot-analyses/mcdonalds-swot-analysis.html http://www.dna.com.vn/vi/tinh-huong-thuong-hieu/s/mcdonalds-se-that-bai-neu-khong-hieu-viet-nam/

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Evaluating Selected Human Resource Essay

Purpose – The purpose of this report is to evaluate the actual practices in terms of two themes Decision Making and Use of teams and groups, and find that both of them are useful to be in criticically analyzing and understanding the selected organization Beijing YanJing Brewery Co.,Ltd (YJB). Definition- Decision making and use of teams and groups are both important in organizational management. Decision Making is understood as management’s task par excellence-the bureaucratic cogito (the thinking brain) whose decisions the corporate body should follow (Clegg, Kornberger,Pitsis, 2008, p.286). The organization, which can make efficient and effective decisions can have a major impact on business sustainability and agility. (Metcalfe, 2003). Simultanelouly, according to some scholars, teamwork also plays an important role in ensuring human relations within organizations; that they are productive, cohesive, and aligned with the organizations outcome while also balancing people’s desire for meaning, autonomy, and social relations (Clegg, Kornberger, Pitsis, 2008, p.122). Structure – The report is mainly divided into three sections: 1. Briefly introducing YJB’s background, including: the number and type of employees and numbers and roles of managers. 2. Describing the actual practices of the YJB in terms of the above two themes; 3. By critically analyzing the actual practice, including the positive aspects, as well as negative aspects, the author gives a brief assessment of how useful the two themes can be in critically analyzing and understanding YJB. First, to help find the negative aspects, which need to be improved; Second, to help find the factors that cause these problems. The last is to help find ways to improve. 1 Background The author has worked as a secretary in YJB for the past four years after graduate from the university, where the main tasks include writing reports and documents for the managers. YJB is one of the top 500 lucrative industrial enterprises of China, one of the top 100 breweries. The Corporate Culture is dedication, creation, collaboration and master spirits. At present, it boasts of 29 affiliated companies, including 21 breweries and 8 relevant or attached enterprises ( Li 2007). 1.1.1The Structure of Management It Sets up Shareholders Meeting, Board of Directors and Board of supervisors Meeting. Shareholders Meeting is the company’s highest authority; The Board is the main decision-making Agency; The Board of Supervisors Meeting are directing the above managers. The organization structure is broken down further as follows: * Members of Board: There is one Chairman (Li Fucheng), two Vice Chairman(Zhao Fang and Li Hua) , ten directors, and five independent directors. Li Fucheng is the Chairman of the Board and also the General Manager. * Supervisory Board members: There is one Board of Supervisors President (Zhang Ming ), two Supervisors (Gong Ming and Sun Chao) . * Other Deputy managers: There are Seven Deputy managers.They are responsible for Finance, Infrastructure, Service, Technology, Production, Marketing and Archives Business. The specific roles of the managers see Chart 1. Chart 1: Beijing YanJing Brewery Co., Ltd. Organization and Management 1.1.2 The Structure of Employees YanJing has a total of 29,275 employees, and can be divided into five types: production 17,466, sales 5,203, technique 4,267, finance 497?,administrative staff 1,842?. High school (including technical secondary school) or higher education accounted for approximately 57.8% of the total number of companies. Various types of professionals are with 43% of the total number of workers, production and marketing of first-line account for 80% of the total number of workers. 2 Findings 2.1 Decision Making 2.1.1 Decision-making styles In YJB, centralized decision making is in place, the most important decisions are made at the upper management. In other words, the Parent company’s board has the final decision-making power; the subsidiary managers have no authorization to make the important decisions, such as investment. Thus, they are required to continually submit periodic reports. 2.1.2 Decision-making Levels Company takes Shareholder Meeting, Board of Directors, General Manager hierarchical decision-making system. * Strategic decisions Strategic decisions are decided by the Meeting of Shareholders, which has the highest authority. The strategic decisions are those that affect the general direction of the organization (Davis, D 2004, p.3). In YJB the strategic decisions include those, such as product of market development, investment decisions, etc. * Tactical decisions Tactical decisions are mainly decided by the Board. The examples of tactical decision making in YanJing are those, such as budget allocations, personnel assignments, minor resource commitments, promotional mix decisions, and other short-term internal assignments. * Technical decisions Parts of the technical decisions are decided by the Deputy Managers. Technical decisions are routine in nature and deal with the control of specific tasks ((Davis, D 2004, p.4). This includes quality control, payroll, scheduling, and credit acceptance or rejection. Athough aspects can be decided by the deputy managers, the final decision is controlled by the Board ( General Manager). 2.1.3 Decision-making Process * Problem recognition: The first step, the YJB decision-maker receive the problem from Subsidiary or departments, including production, sales, research and development. The recognition process begins when management acknowledges that some situation exists, or will exist, that needs to be acted upon in the near future. * Information search: An information search is the second major stage. YanJing Company use a combination of technologically sophisticated searches by experts and data collection strategies to help identify and solve problems. * Problem analysis: The Company holds a senior management meeting and invite outside experts to discuss the issues, to ensure the problem is thoroughly analyzed. SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities?Threats) are usually used by the company, especially in the investment decisions. * Feasible evaluation. By using project selection models (Meredith & Mantel Jr, 2009, p.42) this allows the Company to make further assessments. The Criterion includes: investment risk, rate of return, consulting costs and acquisition times, etc. * Final decision. Through careful comparative study, from several options, the Board selects the most viable. However, typically, the final decision-making power remains in the hands of the Chairman ( General Manager). 2.2 Use of teams and groups 2.2.1 Rational division of labor YJB Mainly takes three stages to achieve the rational division of labor: * Pre-job training. This stage focuses on theoretical training. As part of the Corporate culture new staff must undertake three months professional training. The once they have pass the final examination, they are eligible for next phase. * Practical tests. After passing the examination, the new staff progress into the operational phase. There is a three-months trial period. Only the new staff who meets job requirements, will ultimately be retained. * Job rotation. Every new staff member in the first year of work period must be tempered to different positions. In YJB, employees are mainly divided into five types: Production, sales, technitical, finance and administrative staff. By rotation. The company can ultimately achieve rational division according to each person expertise. However, the final decision is made by the General Manager Li Fucheng, other managers or low-level personnel have no authority to review, analyze, critique, and recommend courses of action. * 2.2.2 Open discussion. It is usually encouraged that employees actively provide suggestions through various channels, including written reports, direct mail or discussion with the Deputy Managers and any other forms. Moreover, the senior managers frequently come to the production line to listen to staff suggestions and give the feedback on deadlines. To the rationalization proposals, YJB will not only adopt but also give awards to the provider. To some extent this reduces team conflict. 2.2.3 Motivation * Creating motivated work environment: In order to give employees a better working and living environment, the Trade Union usually books the Train tickets for employees to return home. Furthermore, in Women’s Day, the trade union will purchase vouchers or well-being insurance, by which the employees’ belongingness is enhanced. * Performance Award: The employees will be awarded because of high-performance or innovation in the work field. The incentive system includes: bonuses, travel or holidays, etc. * Promotion:It establishes a reasonable promotion system. The staff, regardless of age, qualifications, or who have capacity and outstanding performance, can have the opportunity to be promoted. However, in fact, work experience is considered for promotion more rather than the individual capacity. 2.2.4 Training and development * Top-level training: Company develops and implements a human resources development plan, which includes promoting a number of ability and political integrity of the young top managers into key positions training each year. By doing this, YJB tries to setup a strategic reserve of talent, who understand business, and are good at management. * Low-level training. Staff training is regarded as the core links to improve employees overall quality. YJB invites experts and professors to hold specialized seminars for low-level managers each year; In addition, it organizes technical training for nearly a thousand employees on regular full-time, and selects technicians to advanced countries to study each year. 3 Discussions 3.1 Decision-making Decision Making is important for organization long-term development. Efficient and effective decisions will ensure the company will perform well. Whereas, poor decision making significantly affects company productivity and profit (Sutcliffe & Mcnamaron, 2001, p.357). On the basis of the above analysis, the author learned the following aspects: 3.1.1Positive aspects Generally speaking, YJB takes efficient and effective decisions, which ensure the company’s health and sustainable development. The process of decision-making of YanJing is rational. It is consenus with the rational decision-making model (Robbins, Judge, Millett, Jones, 2010, p.95). As earlier mentioned, YJB’s decision process is broken down into a series of interrelated activities that leads to a choice among alternatives. Apparently, it is actually rational, Open, and transparent. Decision makers in YanJing make judgments that are logical and internally consistent with their goals and preferences. They select the alternative with the highest subjective expected utility, and they follow a systematic process from problem identification to implementation of the selected alternative ( Murray, Poole, Jones, 2006, p.164). In the author’s opinion, that is a main reason to explain why it is only been 30 years that YJB has spent to suppress the development history of other world beer enterprises with 100 years experience. 3.1.2 Negative aspects The power is highly centralized. YJB centralized decision making is in place, most important decisions are made at the top. Subsidiary managers have no authorization to decide the important aspects, regardless of the employees. The reasons to produce this problem may be the Chinese traditional culture impact. Firstly, Culture difference is reflected in values, which in turn affect behavior, including the way in which decisions are made (Albaum, Yu, Wiese, Herche, Evangelista, Murphy, 2010, p.142). In China, Stemming largely from Confucian ethics, these values legitimate paternalism at the levels of family and organization, and patrimonialism at the state level, and provide a moral justification for hierarchy by stressing reciprocal vertical obligations (Child & Warner, 2002, p.30). Secondly, Managerial behavior in modern China has been greatly influenced by political circumstance and the institutional regime. Initially, the PRC managed its labor using a ‘top-down’ model that endured for half a century ( Child & Warner, 2002, p.34-35). The firms tend to operate in a highly centralized manner, in which the entrepreneur-owners tend to maintain their authoritative position through keeping tight control in information and decision making. However, such centralized decision making can stifle the creativity, and flexibility needed by the subsidiary (Luthans, & Davis, 1991, p.179). For example, in domestic situations, with the competition increasing, if the top managers do not decentralize authority and give the local managers greater decision-making power, this will increase the time needed in responding to competitive threats. 3.2 Use of teams and groups Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results (Shelton et al., 2010, pp93-114). Effective and proper using of teams and groups will produce positive and satisfactory results (Gilley & Kerno, 2010, pp46-60). Learning from the above analysis, the author found the following aspects: 3.2.1 Positive aspects The YanJing team is united and highly-efficient. The employees worked in YanJing are full of collaboration and master spirits. As management scholars have stated: teams and groups can be the most rewarding ways of doing things. But at the other times teamwork can be frustrating, riddled with conflict and even counterproductive (Clegg, Kornberger, Pitsis, 2008, p.122). However, by taking some useful measures, which include Rational division of labor, Open discussion, Motivation and Training, YJB successfully reduces, even avoids groupthink, social loafing to create. These ways not only promote enterprise development which plays a certain role, it also greatly enhances employee sense of ownership. Moreover, it creates a warm, homelike atmosphere, establishes a high-performance working teams and forms a good corporate culture. This explains why YanJing will get success. 3.2.2 Negative aspects Although, the way of using teams and groups is worthy to be recognized in YJB, there are still some insufficient aspects, such as â€Å"Lack of empowerment†, which needs to be improved for its long-term development. Empowerment means helping to develop in others a sense of self-efficacy, self-determinism, personal control, meaning and trust (Carlopio & Andrewartha, 2008, p.428). To empower means to enable. It means to help people develop a sense of self-efficacy, or to feel successful or effective at a particular task (Geller, 2003). Accordingly, empowered employees are more productive, psychologically and physically healthy, proactive and innovative. They are higher morale and commitment than employees who are not empowered. While, without empowered, employees, organizations cannot adapt, survive or succeed in the long run. However, there is less empowerment in YJB. The reason may also be connected with the different culture impact. Chinese culture has on a high level power distance (Jaw, Ling, Wang, Chang, 2006, p.128). Because of relatively high degree of rights, and there more strict hierarchy this distance between the powers of all levels is large, which the author have mentioned in Assignment 1. A large ‘power distance’ tends to be maintained between top managers and other members of the organization, with relatively little delegation of authority and a strong emphasis on vertical links within hierarchies (Child, J & Warner, M 2002, p.35). 4. Conclusion In summary, after evaluating the practices in above two themes Decision Making and Use of teams and groups, it is found that both of them are useful to be in criticically analyzing and understanding the selected organization YJB. The two themes can help one understand the following three aspects: * Finding the organization management deficiencies, which aspects need to be improved. * Understanding the corporate culture and know that what factors that cause these problems. * Understanding the style of the organization management and whether it is suitable if considering the long term benefits to the company. If not, how to improve. 5 Recommendations & Implementation Taking above analysis into consideration, the findings and discussion in this report support the following recommendations: * YJB should combine both centralized and decentralized decision making, a model like Japan (Luthans,F & Davis, k 1991, p.178). Top management still exercises a great deal of authority over what will be examined at the lower levels. However, working within this framework, lower level personnel have authority to review, analyze, critique, and recommend courses of action. The final decisions are made at the top level after elaborate examination of the proposal through successively higher levels in the management hierarchy, and results in acceptance or rejection of a decision only through consensus at echelon of the management structure. * Within a reasonable range, it should give employees sufficient empowerment and delegation. For example, Managers can by breaking apart large tasks and giving employees only one part at a time. The manager watches for small successes achieved and then highlights and cilebrates achievements (French, Maule, Papamichail, 2009, p.410). Finally, the employees can generate a sense of movement, progress and success. Reference Albaum, G, Yu, J, Wiese, N, Herche, J, Evangelista, F, Murphy, B 2010, ‘Culture-Based Values and Management Style of Marketing Decision Makers in Six Western Pacific Rim Countries’, Journal of Global Marketing, vol.23, no.2, pp.139-151. Carlopio, J & Andrewartha, G 2008, Developing Management Skills: A Comprehensive Guide For Leaders, PEARSON, Australia. Child, J & Warner, M 2002, ‘Culture and Management in China’, in M Warner (ed.), Culture and Management in Asia, Routledge, Britain. Clegg, S, Kornberger, M,Pitsis, T 2008, Managing & Organizations, SAGE,London. Davis, D 2004, Business research for decision making, 6thedn, South-Western College, USA. French, S, Maule, J, Papamichail, N 2009, Decision Behavior: Analysis and Support, CAMBRIDGE, New York. Geller, E 2003, ‘People-based safety’, Professional Safety, vol.48, no.12, pp.33 Gilley, A & Kerno Jr., SJ 2010, ‘Groups, Teams, and Communities of Practice: A Comparison’, Advances in Developing Human Resources, vol.12, no.1, pp.46-60 Jaw, BS, Ling, YH, Wang , YP, Chang, ‘WC 2006†², The impact of culture on Chinese employees’ work values, pp128-144. Li, FC, 2007, A Brief Introduction of YanJing Beer group, accessed 30/07/10 http:// yanjing.com.cn Luthans, F & Davis, k (ed.) 1991, International Management, McGraw-Hill, USA. Meredith, JR & Mantel Jr, SJ 2009, Project management, 7thedn, Wiley & Sons, USA. Metcalfe, D 2003, Enterprise Visibility Makes Decisions Profitable, Cambridge, MA, Forrester Research. Murray, P, Poole, D, Jones, G 2006, Contemporary Issues in Management and Organizational Behavior, THOMSON, Australia. Robbins, SP, Judge, TA, Millett, B, Jones, M 2010, OB The Essentials, PEARSON, Australia. Shelton, P, Alina, M & Makela, C2010, ‘Highly effective teams: A relational analysis of group potency and perceived organizational support’, Advances in developing human resources, vol.12, pp.93-114 Sutcliffe, KM, G Mcnamara 2001, ‘controlling decision-making practice in organization’, Organization Science, vol.12, no.4, pp.484-501. Appendix: The history of corporation( YJB) : The YJB was established in 1993, but early in 1980 its brewery was founded. It elaborately creates its corporate culture by a long-term cultivation of the spirits of â€Å"being whole heartedly dedicated to work, starting an undertaking through hard labor, struggling against formidable tasks, working with the overall situation in mind in tandem with the colleagues, and sharing the worries of the enterprise as the enterprise owner†. At present, it possesses tangible assets valued at 10.7 billion RMB Yuan and the capacity of the annual beer production has surpassed 3 million kiloliters. Which makes it rank at the first place in the output and production of beer nationally, and this position has been kept till today. In the course of 30 years’ development, YanJing has taken the road of development by inner expanded and insisted on annual technology reconstruction. There is progress every year. And the development has undergone four stages: 1980-1988: complete the transformation from a small-scale brewery to a large-scale brewery; 1989-1993: complete the transformation to a large-scale brewery; 1994-1998: complete the transformation to a large-scale beer enterprise group; 1999 to now: increase over 300,000 tons each year; complete the transformation from a regional enterprise and brand in Beijing to a nationwide large-scale enterprise and nation-famous brand. It is only 30 years that YJB has spent to suppress the development history of other world beer enterprises with 100 year!