Environment Either Negatively Or Positively-Myassignmenthelp.Com

Short Critical Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Short Critical Reflection Paper - Essay Example It can store misleading statements that take on the appearance of reality. You may locate an incredible response to an inquiry on the web, but since it isn't from a solid source, it might be incorrect. Anyway the libraries of the19th century were not exceptionally simple to access and it was hard to locate the applicable data. They were likewise not very refreshed. Interestingly Google is an exceptionally productive and powerful asset to look through specific data. Is email dead for adolescents? Clarify. In spite of the impact that email holds among grown-ups as a primary method of individual and expert correspondence, it's anything but an overwhelmingly significant piece of the correspondence munititions stockpile of today’s youth. Just 14% of all youthfulness report moving of messages to their companions every day, making it the least respected type of day by day social correspondence on the record. Indeed, even among multi-channel youth, who are bound to take advantage of a ny correspondence channel they approach, simply 23% proclaim they send email to their contacts day by day. Secondary school age doesn't use email by any stretch of the imagination, they send documents through AIM and chat with their mobile phones, face book and IM. When they are into the school they are authorized to utilize email for classes however they scarcely ever use it to be in contact with companions.

Setting up a Finance Department

Setting up a Finance Department © Shutterstock.com | SFIO CRACHOSetting up a finance department is perhaps the most significant steps to starting an organization. In this article, we will look at 1) what exactly a finance department is, 2) the main objectives of this department, 3) the functions it carries out, 4) the elements comprising this department, 5) positions required to run this department, and lastly 6) the importance of knowing information technology when running the finances of an organization.WHAT IS A FINANCE DEPARTMENT?As the name suggests, a finance department is that imperative and highly significant component of a business which is responsible for managing and organizing the flow of cash and all things related to it. This department can be considered the sole and core crux of a company’s growth and development. How well a finance department functions shows how well the company performs. This department is responsible for all activities related to finance which include:Organizing financesManagin g themAuditing themControlling and distributing themPlanning themAnd accounting themMAIN OBJECTIVES OF A FINANCE DEPARTMENTThe main and perhaps the most significant objective of the finance department is to ensure the control and management of all finance related topics. In turn, the department ensures that those finance topics are delivered and utilized in such a manner that the highest aims of the organization are achieved (e.g. profit maximization).With a well-functioning and a smoothly running finance department, the company is given the opportunity to be able to make well-informed decisions. These decisions hold great significance and oftentimes have a direct impact on the growth of the company and the received profit. The finance department, therefore, is held responsible for being able to maintain records over a long period. This helps the managers and decision makers of the company to be able to see the impact of the finance on the company, and thus decide better for all fut ure prospects.This department aims at diligently keeping a track record of all financial transactions for future references. It also carries out audits with the help of professional auditors to ensure and calculate where from and how the company went into a loss or gained a profit.While a CEO is an individual who is responsible for running a company, there is a CFO role of a person who manages the finances of this company. For CEO and management of the company it is essential to know how well or how poorly the finances are being received. The reason for that is that all decisions for the better performance of any company are solely sprung from the finances. Therefore, the members of the finance department are desired to keep thorough and continuous communication with the managerial people. The track records kept over the years also help them for example to decide whether they want to continue working with a particular client or not.Thus, it is safe to say that any company or organiz ation cannot run or perform smoothly without a well-functioning finance department. The aims this department aspires towards are significantly essential to result in the expansion of the company.FUNCTIONS CARRIED OUT BY A FINANCE DEPARTMENTThe finance department has the very delicate responsibility of keeping the financial records under check so that when the time comes for example to make payments or assess records, everything is available in an updated form. If necessary, companies go into a debt or take a loan from a bank to make sure they get back on track. At times like these the manager or one sole individual does not take up the responsibility of tracing when the loan is taken and returned. Nor do independent partners of the business run these services themselves. This is the function of the financial department always to be aware of where payments need to be made and where payments need to come from and when. If the finance department does not carry its functions with regula rity then, a company can very easily be sued due to an unpaid debt and even go into an irrecoverable loss.Following are some of the key functions carried out by finance departments all over the world.The preparation and creation of all financial recordsThis involves the thorough preparation of ultimately creating concrete financial records based on where they are being sent and where the finances are being received from. They also keep bi-monthly to annual records of all the profitable investments and losses made by the company. Thus, they maintain the data in order to ensure that all future decisions are well-informed and based on previous profits.It is the responsibility of the finance to keep track of all departments using up the finances of the company. They also then in turn need to provide records that show where the money was spent and for what purpose.Prepare and plan internal financial informationEvery company needs a budget according to which they function. Without a budge t, a company cannot function wisely. This is another responsibility of the finance department; to provide the decision makers with a rough budget they can base their decisions off of.Analyze current financial performanceThe finance department is responsible for reviewing financial performance throughout the year and analyzing how fast funds are being spent, how quickly revenue is being generated, and anticipate financial trends for the year.Pay creditorsThe finance department needs to make sure creditors are kept track of and payments are made in time. They generally keep track of larger loans and investments that need regular monitoring, or make a larger impact on the business.Pay employees wages and salariesMost significantly, when it comes to the paychecks and the salaries to be given to the workers and the employees, it is this department’s job to do so.Therefore as it can be seen above, all delicate matters of finance, payments and salaries are the core functions of the finan ce department. They ensure a smooth flowing system at the back-end so the company can function seamlessly.SETTING UP A FINANCE DEPARTMENTThe development of a finance department involves a lot of research over a period of time. Here are the elements that need to be kept in mind.Financial ReportingThese are the reports on the basis of which the manager and other members of the finance department can track and anticipate the extent on which they are achieving their aims. It is with the formation of these reports that the organization is governed, monitored and to an extent controlled. These reports include the culmination of information and data in black and white from all sub departments; taxation, auditing, sale, purchase and others. These reports provide to the company a written proof of how well or how poorly they performed allowing them to improve their stance for the future.Accounting Records and Source DocumentationAs the name suggests, this involves the documentation of the pos ition of the finances in terms of how they are being used by the organization in sale and in purchase. The documentation of this progress allows the department to make well-informed decisions in the future.Internal ControlThe individuals at the managerial position in the finance department hold the responsibility to ensure that the system is under control. They manage and maintain the internal control of the system by keeping a check on the employees, the assistants and the accountants to ensure they perform their job well. By doing so they are able to implement policies when need be and carry out certain positions if they feel the job is not being done as it should. The sole purpose of ensuring that all members within the department perform their individual duties ultimately ensures a profitable future for the organization. Thus to maintain an internal control, the managerial members of the department sustain the environment of the work area. They make sure that the accounting syst em is updated at all times and has been reviewed. Lastly, they also take control of all managerial to minuscule procedures to ensure nothing goes out of hand.Cash ManagementAny running organization is always dealing with finances at various levels. This is why it is essential for them to secure the management of their cash flux allowing the guarantee that the company has a record of all the cash leaving and being received by them, to have definitive records of this cash flow and always remain aware of who they need to pay and who needs to pay them.HIERARCHY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENTThere is a team of several people that ultimately make up the financial department in every company. While setting one up, following are the members that must be appointed to ensure a smooth performance of the system.Financial directorThe responsibilities of the individual in this position are perhaps the most significant as this particular figure makes all the financial decisions. It is the financial directo r’s job to ensure that the performance of the company does not falter; the management and assessment of all finances, the approval and disapproval of budgeting and above all directing and assessing other members of the department is done flawlessly.Chartered accountantThis particular individual working as a chartered accountant holds the responsibility towards preparing tax statements for the smooth running of the company and its accounting system. By carefully scrutinizing the accounting records of the past, the accountant reviews current records as well. The Chartered Accountant must run audits by meeting with the clients in their own businesses to ensure and keep a check on the financial position of their organization. Some accountants work in the tax area of the finance department and some in the auditing; both with independent responsibilities ensuring there is no hindrance in the way of the company’s financial growth.Financial manager for accountThe basic responsibilities of a financial manager in the finance department are to manage and analyze the funds. This particular individual manages a record of all the funds and allows their flow in and out of the company. On the basis and assessment of this information the manager then creates a budget for the company to provide it with the closest most profitable strategic plan and direction. Thus, this particular individual possesses a great degree of responsibility not just in the department but in the company as a whole.Manager for financial servicesThe function of the manager of services is simple; to keep track of the law changes that may be announced in finance legislation. It is the job of the manager of services to ensure that what the company plans on doing is in coherence with what the law allows. In order to ensure nothing hinders this growth they keep harmonious relationships with all bankers, auditors and other organizations.AccountantThe purpose of an accountant is to perform several minuscule tasks such as analyzing and collecting the data later required by the manager. This individual is required to analyze the trends and the requirements of a company to review and produce budgets and accounts for a project in the near future. Thus they serve several financial tasks.Finance assistance for sale and purchaseThe finance assistant for sale is required to formulate a budget plan for the organization to keep a thorough record of all the sales made. This includes everything from paying the employees, financing adverts to promote the company and paying off debtors and all else. Their job is to ensure that all the money leaving the company is being recorded for a better sale in the next year. Similarly the job of a finance assistant for purchase is to keep an efficient record of all items that have been bought or purchased to ensure which profited the organization and which did not. These are the members that make up a smoothly functioning and well-performing finance department .IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN FINANCEThe running of a finance department always includes several records of significance and demands constant documentation of these records, all of which cannot be run without the help of a software. It simplifies the lengthy task of maintaining records, renewing them, updating them and then saving them. Hence the software being used holds a great significance in the smooth functioning of a company’s finance department. Here are some benefits of financial software.Automation: Everything is automated: a change made in one record is immediately updated in all other files.Reporting: It helps in reporting; it helps in the quick formation of reports following the formal business language.Function: It helps in functioning. Any data that ever needs to be transferred from one department to another can easily be done so by the click of a button. Transactions can be allowed or prohibited even when the bank itself is out of service so the organizat ion suffers no halt.Convenience: It allows quick and hassle free deposits and transactions alongside receipts for future records. Everything needed to know about all employees can be stored in one place and looked at whenever. All record can be updated without any time wastage.Budgeting and bookkeeping: It helps in budgeting. A system provides a quick review of all past budgets allowing it to be easier for them to formulate and anticipate budgets for the future.Therefore the significance of a finance department in an organization is colossal. Without a well-functioning and a smoothly running finance department, no organization can anticipate succeeding in the market. The ability to succeed and anticipate things before time are all instigated by the performance of this department, allowing the organization to make well-informed decisions and be able to control and maintain its overall performance.

Profile of Enheduanna, Priestess of Inanna

Enheduanna is the earliest author and poet in the world that history knows by name. Enheduanna (Enheduana) was the daughter of the great Mesopotamian king, Sargon of Akkad. Her father was Akkadian, a Semitic people. Her mother may have been Sumerian. Enheduanna was the appointed by her father to be priestess of the temple of Nanna, the Akkadian moon god, in the largest city and center of her fathers empire, the city of Ur. In this position, she would also have traveled to other cities in the empire.  She also apparently held some civil authority, signaled by the En in her name. Enheduanna helped her father solidify his political power and unite the Sumerian city-states by merging the worship of many local city goddesses into the worship of the Sumerian goddess, Inanna, raising Inanna to a superior position over other deities. Enheduanna wrote  three hymns to Inanna which survive and which illustrate three quite different themes of ancient religious faith. In one, Inanna is a ferocious warrior goddess who defeats a mountain even though other gods refuse to help her. A second, thirty stanzas in length, celebrates Inannas role in governing civilization and overseeing the home and children. In a third, Enheduanna calls on her personal relationship with the goddess for help in regaining her position as priestess of the temple against a male usurper. The long text that tells the story of Inanna is believed by a few scholars to be mistakenly attributed to Enheduanna but the consensus is that it is hers. At least 42, perhaps as many as 53, other hymns survive that are attributed to Enheduanna, including three hymns to the moon god, Nanna, and other temples, gods, and goddesses. Surviving cuneiform tablets with the hymns are copies from about 500 years after Enheduanna lived, attesting to the survival of the study of her poems in Sumer.  No contemporary tablets survive. Because we dont know how the language was pronounced, we cannot study some of the format and style of her poems. The poems seem to have eight to twelve syllables per line, and many lines end with vowel sounds. She also uses repetition of sounds, words, and phrases. Her father ruled for 55 years and appointed her to the high priestess position late in his reign.  When he died and was succeeded by his son, she continued in that position. When that brother died and another succeeded him, she remained in her powerful position.  When her second ruling brother died, and Enheduannas nephew Naram-Sin took over, she again continued in her position.  She may have written her long poems during his reign, as answers to parties that rebelled against him. (The name Enheduanna is also written as Enheduana. The name Inanna is also written as Inana.) Dates:  about 2300 BCE - estimated at 2350 or 2250 BCEOccupation:  priestess of Nanna, poet, hymn writerAlso Known as:  Enheduana, En-hedu-AnaPlaces:  Sumer (Sumeria), City of Ur Family Father: King Sargon the Great (Sargon of Agade or Akkad, ~2334-2279 BCE) Enheduanna: Bibliography Betty De Shong Meador. Inanna, Lady of Largest Heart: Poems of the Sumerian High Priestess Enheduanna. 2001.Samuel N. Kramer, Diane Wolkstein. Inanna: Queen of Heaven and Earth. 1983.

The Effect Parents Have on Their Children. Essay - 1733 Words

Why is it important that parents make wise decisions? It is important because these choices not only affect themselves but also affect their children. Parents and caregivers are vital to the development and growth of children. Parents play a crucial role in every stage of childhood and can play a positive role in helping them get the best out of life. The most simplest decisions in a parents life could damage the life of a child. Thats why the way parents raise their children play an important role and have different effects on their childs life. All parents have different views on how they should raise their children and different parenting methods. While having children may be doing what comes naturally, being a good parent is much†¦show more content†¦Parenting is like taking on a jobof its own, its a job like no other where u have to offer everything from silly giggles and heart-warming smiles to harsh attitudes and angry tears. Yet not everyone is cut out to be a parent and take on such a responsibility, some people are still stuck in a habit of only thinking of themselves. So what happens when other things become the number one priority and a child comes second to last? There are a lot of things that can have a negative effect on a child and how they grow up. When parents just cant seem to get along, when their arguing more than talking, and when or if the situation turns violent it effects a child too. Children who arent use to witnessing so much hate and anger can be negatively affected by such surroundings. One important question is if its better to stay together or be apart? Although a child can seem hurt by the splitting of parents, its probably less painful for them to be apart then it is for them to be together. Children who are a witness to hate and loud arguing do become hurt by seeing two people whoare supposed to love each other and teaching the importance of love doing nothing but argue. They become confused and have a difficult time trusting people as they grow up into adulthood. A parent should always think of the child in situations such as this, because sitting down and discussing the whys and hows of the situation can help heal little broken hearts. When things go notShow MoreRelatedNegative Effects Of Single Parenting1033 Words   |  5 Pages Throughout history a one-parent household has been viewed as a nontraditional family, but in today’s society, it seems one-parent homes are shockingly common. Although the reasons and causes vary in every family, each year the number of children raised by a single parent increases. A countless number of people fail to realize the importance of children being raised by two parents, majority feels it is insignificant and has no direct effect on the children. This logic that todays society has adoptedRead MoreThe Impact Of Single Parenting On Children1494 Words   |  6 Pagesparenting on children in the Unites States .Over the years the â€Å"normal family† form has changed due to the increase in the numbers of children born outside of marriages and the increase in divorce rates. Now many children live in households other than the two-parent household. Single-parenting is the lifestyle chosen by many parents, though the majority of single-parent households are regulated by the mother. Research shows there are many different effects on children raised in single-parent householdsRead MoreEffects of Divorce on Children Essay869 Words   |  4 Pagessituation when there are children involved. The psychological effects from the dissolution of a marriage are harder on children because they usually feel it is their fault that mommy and daddy are not together anymore. However, there are some instances where divorce is less stressful on the children, even the whole family unit, than the actual marriage itself. Lets explore both scenarios. Divorce can cause stress and anxiety on a child of any age. Depending on the age, children of divorce suffer psychologicalRead MoreEffect Of Divorce On Children1045 Words   |  5 PagesINTRODUCTION Many studies have shown that the effects of divorce on children are hard to handle. In some cases, they are extreme and require counselling and therapy to help. In other cases, the child doesn’t even realize anything is wrong or is too young to understand it. Divorce causes many different types of issues in the parents; including depression. Which then in turn, affects the children. Divorce has many life changing effects on the whole entire family. Studies have proven that there are manyRead MoreRelationship Between Parents And Children924 Words   |  4 PagesWhen a person finds out it is their turn to be a parent, the first thing that comes to mind is not going to be, â€Å"what style of parent should be utilized in this situation?† They are more worried about the child being healthy, which parent it will look like, and what will they name it? So many things cross a parents mind before they think of what kind of parent they will be. Will they be strict, will they be relaxed, or will they find a happy medium? So many questions to be answered that come in timeRead MoreThe Negative Effects Of Divorce1447 Words   |  6 Pagestheir beliefs. People have an opinion they want heard, which, in many circumstances, turns into a national debate. A well-known controversy that is increasing worldwide is divorce. Research has shown that there is a significant amount of effects on children after a divorce. This is most likely because of the mental and physical chaos the children are feeling. In many divorce cases, there are long-term effects that hinders children from having a peaceful adult-life. These effects include: relationshipRead MoreDivorce Has A Huge Impact On My Life1668 Words   |  7 Pages When I was about 14 months old, my parents separated which then led to a divorce. Since I was extremely young, I cannot remember how it affected me. But once I got into grade school, I was in great knowledge that something was different. I then started to understand the affects my parents’ divorce had on me such as anger, resentment, feeling of loneliness, and prob-lems with communication. Now that I am a young adult, I still feel like I am being affected by those same problems except now I amRead MoreThe Struggle of Divorce1040 Words   |  4 Pagesgreat deal of tension for the children. Many children become very stressed during this process because they do not want their parents to separate (â€Å"The Truth About Children and Divorce†). The tension of divorce negatively affects children’s everyday life because the parents are not taking the child’s opinions into consideration leaving the children feeling left out and rejected. The decision of whether to stay together or divorce should be difficult. Children should have the opportunity to expressRead MoreDivorce Is Becoming A Worldwide Occurrence1530 Words   |  7 Pagesaffecting children’s well being. It radically alliterates their future causing damaging effects. According to (Julio Cà ¡ceres-Delpiano and Eugenio Giolito, 2008) nearly 50% of marriages end with divorce. 90% of children who lived in the USA in the 1960s stayed with their own biological parents, whereas today it makes up only 40% (Hetherington, E. Mavis, and Margaret Stanley-Hagan, 1999). Many children after a split of parents are exposed to a number of changes in the future. Their reaction to divorce canRead MoreThe Effects of Video Games on Children1610 Words   |  6 Pagesparticipants also suggested that the games caused the children to have strong imaginations, while a few disagreed. 61.0% said that electronic games did not cause the children to lack good behavior. The surve y also showed that electronic games do not cause the children to be skilled in terms of their self expression, and do not cause them visual stress. On the issue concerning obesity, the percentage of the respondents who said that electronic games caused children to be obese was equal to the fraction that

Geox and the Footware Industry Free Essays

The footwear Industry is a mature market with any International competitors. In Europe, the footwear Is dominated by many small game; medium enterprises, which gives firms more flexibility to cater to specific consumer needs. The basic drivers for consumers buying decisions include demography, disposable income, basic needs, style and new materials. We will write a custom essay sample on Geox and the Footware Industry or any similar topic only for you Order Now Fashion trends have a major influence on the footwear industry as well as new technology. The industry Is very labor intensive and most companies follow a idealization manufacturing strategy to capture lower labor costs, The primary market segments include Sport,’Atheistic, Work and Brown. Goes competes mostly In the Brown market UT acts as a competitor in the Athletic market because of their focus on technology. Competition is harsher in the Sport/Athletic market as it is the largest market in the footwear industry. Goes should continue to exploit new market opportunities embedded in technological innovation and should focus on allocating their resources to maximize returns. They should continue to search for ways for knowledge spill- over as It has lead to positive effects and complementary actively. Goes needs to effectively communicate Its brand and Innovation by creating uncontested market space and a niche Goes, an Italian based company, was started as a small family handicraft firm that evolved Into a multinational footwear manufacturer. It has been operating In the footwear industry since the sass and became public in 2004. Goes core concept for starting a footwear company was to offer high comfort footwear by applying a microprocessor membrane to the sole of the shoe to allow air moisture to exit without reentering. Goes developed its brand and position in the footwear market through its genealogical advances In footwear material. Goes dominated in the global footwear market with their cutting edge technological Innovation. However, despite their recent dominance, tenure nave Eden many changes In tenet competitive environment that could hinder their performance or slow their growth in the future. Environmental Analysis (PEST) Observing the social aspect of the market, there has been an increasing trend towards footwear companies that targeted very narrow and differentiate market niches with a clearly definable brands and images. Additionally, there has been a detectable trend towards shoes acting as fashion and lifestyle symbols with many reputable fashion designers endorsing them. The economic landscape of the market has shifted and focused more on the rise of Southern Asian countries who have been growing very quickly over the past decade. With the growth of the middle – and upper class, there has been an increase in demand for mid-high end shoes with reputable brands. Analyzing the technological aspect of the market, most of the technological advancements arise in the athletic and sportswear segment. The main reason for this is the consistent demand of material and fabric innovation for optimal reference. Because of the effects the fashion industry has on the footwear industry as well as the seasonality of the business, product innovation and obsolescence is very high. After analyzing some of the major social, economic and technological aspects of the industry, Goes is in a good position to leverage new technology in order to gain a competitive advantage and outperform competition. 1. 2 Competition Analysis The current footwear industry is divided into three primary segments based on different consumer styles, which include Sports wear, Work and Brown (casual, formal ; traditional). All three segments consist of homeowners, menswear and childlessness. The largest firms are in the sports segment, which is more concentrated due to higher impact on brand awareness and technical innovation in fabrics and materials. The U. S. Accounts for the majority of global competition including such brands as Mike, Rebook, Brown shoe, Timberland etc. Currently, the majority of footwear making companies, including the aforementioned competitors, have moved their core manufacturing activities overseas to increase productivity and take advantage lower labor costs. Goes direct competitors include Wolverine and Geneses as both firms compete in between the Leisure and Formal/Classic market segments. However, both firms are positioned more in the mid-high to high end price points while Goes is closer to mid-high, which gives Goes a competitive advantage in terms of price. Indirect competition consists of Checkers, Brown Shoe, Timberland and other competition in the sports segment. Checkers and Brown Shoe are positioned fairly close to Goes. Checkers strategy is focused on the casual market with a mid to high price range while Brown shoe’s strategy is targeted more towards the formal wear. Therefore, leaving a gap in the markets space for Goes to exploit new opportunities and capture new market share. 1. 3 Competitive Forces (Porters 5 Forces) Looking at the competitive rivalry in the footwear industry, there are many competitors within the industry with very low product differentiation. There is also a more mature growth rate with the market slowly becoming saturated. The potential entry Darkles wilt ten Industry are very null Decease AT ten massive Minimal investment in order to begin operating. How to cite Geox and the Footware Industry, Essays

Winnie the Pooh and Wind in the Willows Essay Example

Winnie the Pooh and Wind in the Willows Essay The first book is all about the story of Winnie-the-Pooh. It is a book that captured the interest of many children. Winnie-the-Pooh tales and poems tells about different events in the life of its main character Winnie the Pooh and his friends.The story and characters was originally created in 1926 by A.A. Milne then later become one of the well known Disney characters. Winnie the Pooh is a portly little bear known by his bewildered sense of things and endearing discoveries that made him loved by his group of friends.The Hundred Acre Wood is the place where Winnie the Pooh and his friends come alive. The animal characters together with Winnie the Pooh include Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Tigger, Kanga, and Roo. Christopher Robin on the other hand is the human boy in the story that takes care of these animals.So what is the story all about? The Winnie the Pooh tales feature about the way children think and play. It especially guides young children to the world of childhood experiences and the cause and effects of their actions. There is no sort of magic but just simple solutions to the problems they encounter everyday. Like other children what they do are play versions of the real life experiences of an adult.Winnie the Pooh and friends is a bunch of animals that have distinct personality traits. Tigger which is described as a bouncy animal has an impulsive and energetic personalityEeyore is somewhat his opposite since he is always gloomy. Piglet is a humble animal and easily frightened. Kanga is a no nonsense kangaroo while Rabbit and Owl are both self- important. Lastly is the simple and direct Winnie the Pooh.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is a mixed of different characters. They could be like any group of children brought together by chance. It teaches important lessons on friendship and love for adventure. Positive values and character traits are observed and encourage upon the story.The Wind in the WillowsAnother story with similarity to Winnie the Poo h by A.A. Milne is The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. This book has also animal characters in the cast. It also values friendship and quest for adventure.The story all started with Mole a small furred burrowing animal. Mole spent most of his time at home. One spring time, he gave up his house cleaning and began to wander in the fields and meadows. Going out of his comfort zone he explores the world outside of him and found everything around him new. Then he found a river which he saw for the first time. In this place he met Water Rat who then invited him to a boat ride. Rat has explained to Mole everything. They also had a picnic during their time together.After this they both paid a visit to Mr. Toad. Toad is happy to have them to join him in his cart and horse trip. They have an adventure on open road. Their cart was wrecked on the high road so the automobile becomes the new craze.After this adventure he journeyed to the wild wood and there he met Mr. Badger. The three of them then went to the Toad Hall to help Mr. Toad who had done so much reckless driving. After which there are many more events that happened in the lives of Mole and his friends.Positive character traits are also been tried to develop on each of the four main characters. They have their own shortcomings too that sometimes lead them to trouble. It gave emphasis on positive character traits like kindness, patience, hard work and faith. Like Winnie-the-Pooh this story encourages creative play and the need for good times and not just all work. It’s a story specially made for children with its different animal characters and their exciting world of adventures and experiences.The World Is Not a Garden of EdenMost fictional stories and children stories are written to fascinate and entertain the readers. Like in the two stories people can observed this fact that these stories are just fictional effort to mediate between the seemingly perpetual human desire for a perfect Garden of Ed en in which to live and the realization that the world is rather an imperfect, demanding and hostile place to live.The story depicts the world in which we just dream of, world that’s always full of fun, carefree and adventurous. It was sad to realize though that the real life is not what the stories really show or expect life to be. Fictional stories are just childhood fantasy and not for real.Just like children when they are young nothing really matters much but to play and play but when people get old they will realize that life is not for playing only. Children will realize that life is tough, full of challenges and risk.Fictions stories always expose us to pleasant moments of life and that everything is fun and exciting and full of memorable moments. In real life not everything is as easy at it seems. Certainly there are many limitations in doing what we really like.The Garden of Eden is a perfect place, no cruelties, no difficulties and people can live happily every time . Everything we want is within our reach. In reality life seems to be full of complexities and troubles which people must accept as ordinary part of life. Life as what this stories display is not as sweet or as good as it seems.In the story of Winnie the Pooh the different situations and event in the life of the character reflect some childish, simple way on how man should deal with life’s problems and difficulties. People can relate to the characters on their personality traits. In the story of Wind in the Willows one can also see the same pattern of the story. It emphasized on the need for adventure and leisure. There are unrealistic twist and turns of events which sometimes stay away from the true nature of real life.Referencesâ€Å"The Wind in the Willows: Book Summary†. EDOCERE A Resource for Catholic Education. Retrieved December 06, 2008, from http://www.edocere.org/â€Å"Winnie the Pooh: Book Summary†. EDOCERE A Resource for Catholic Education. Retrieved December 06, 2008 from http://www.edocere.org/

Themes of All the Kings men essays

Themes of All the King's men essays In the novel All the Kings Men by Robert Penn Warren, Sadie Burkes mind is pulled in conflicting directions by two opposite forces. Although only a minor character, Sadies personality displays enough depth to contribute the themes in the novel. Caught in between loving and hating Willie, Sadies mind became the ultimate tug-of-war. Even though Sadie appears to not care for Willie, I dont care whether he ever gets there; it wont be skin off my nose (Warren 85), she is really the reason Willie flourished the way he did. According to her, she took him when he was the Sap of the Year and put him in big time. (Warren 142) So, while Sadie pretends to remain stoic on the outside, it becomes apparent that Willie subsists more than just her boss. The outcome of this scenario concludes that Sadie fell into a twisted love relationship with Willie. When Willie takes a trip to Chicago, he and his friends decide to visit a night club where a little tart with fake Swedish hair on her head and skates on her feet and practically nothing on in between (Warren 143) becomes very friendly with Willie. When Sadie finds out about this, she goes into hysterics. She exclaims that its going to be like that-its always been that way, and itll keep on-being like that- (Warren 144). This conflict illustrates the theme that power confuses the means of how we got where were we are, and that man is a flawed character. Despite the actions taking place by Willie, Sadie states that hell always come back, because he cant do it without me, and he knows it. (Warren 144). As expected, Willie continues doings things to push Sadie over the edge. Sadie has always used the threat Ill kill him, I swear to God, Ill kill him! (Warren 141) She finally could take no more as Willie was throwing her over and pr...

Donald Trump Biography

Donald Trump Biography Donald Trump is a wealthy businessman, entertainer, real estate developer and president-elect of the United States  whose political aspirations made him one of the most polarizing and controversial figures of the 2016  election. Trump ended up winning the election  against all odds, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton, and took office on Jan. 20, 2017. Trumps candidacy for the White House began amid the largest field of presidential hopefuls in 100 years and was quickly dismissed as a lark. But he won primary after primary and quickly became the most unlikely presidential front-runner in modern political history, vexing the pundit class and his opponents alike. Presidential Campaign of 2016 Trump announced he was seeking the Republican presidential nomination on June 16, 2015. His speech was mostly negative and touched on themes such as illegal immigration, terrorism and the loss of jobs that would resonate throughout his campaign over the course of the election cycle.   The darkest lines of Trumps speech include: The U.S. has become a dumping ground for everybody else’s problems.Our country is in serious trouble. We don’t have victories anymore. We used to have victories, but we don’t have them.When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.Sadly, the American dream is dead. Trump largely funded the campaign himself. He was criticized by many leading conservatives who questioned whether he was really a Republican. In fact,  Trump had been registered as a Democrat for more than eight years in the 2000s. And he contributed money to the campaigns of Bill and Hillary Clinton.   Trump  flirted with the idea of running for president in 2012, too, and was leading that years field of Republican White House hopefuls until he polls showed his popularity sinking and he decided against launching a campaign. Trump made headlines when he paid private investigators to travel to Hawaii to search for President Barack Obamas birth certificate amid the height of the birther movement, which questioned his eligibility to serve in the White House. Where Donald Trump Lives Trumps home address is 725 Fifth Avenue in New York City, according to a statement of candidacy he filed with the Federal Election Commission in 2015. The address is the location of Trump Tower, a 68-story residential and commercial building in Manhattan. Trump lives on the top three floors of the building. He owns several other residential properties, however. How Donald Trump Makes His Money Trump runs dozens of companies and serves of numerous corporate boards, according to a personal financial disclosure he filed with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics when he ran for president.  He has said he is worth as much as $10 billion, though critics have suggested he is worth much less.   And four of Trumps companies sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection over the years. They include the  Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey;  Trump Plaza in Atlantic City;  Trump Hotels and Casinos Resorts;  and Trump Entertainment Resorts. Donald Trumps bankruptcy was his way of using the law  to save those companies. â€Å"Because I have used the laws of this country just like the greatest people that you read about every day in business have used the laws of this country, the chapter laws, to do a great job for my company, my employees, myself and my family,† Trump said at a debate in 2015. Trump has disclosed tens of millions of dollars in earnings from: Residential and commercial real estate ventures, his most lucrative occupation.  Operating the Trump National Golf Club, which maintains 17 golf courses and golf resorts across the world including those in Scotland, Ireland, Dubai.Running the Mar-A-Lago Club resort in Palm Beach, Florida.Owning the Miss Universe pageant, from which he reported $3.4 million in income.Operating restaurants.Operating an ice skating rink in New York City, for which he listed $8.7 million in income.Speaking engagements, some of which bring in $450,000.A pension from the Screen Actors Guild that pays him $110,228 a year, from his roles in movies on television dating back to  The Jeffersons in 1981. Trump also appeared in Zoolander and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.His appearances on the reality television show  The Apprentice  and Celebrity Apprentice, which paid him $214 million over 11 years, the campaign said. Books By Donald Trump Trump has written at least 15 books about business and golf. The most widely read and successful of his books is The Art of the Deal, published in 1987 by Random House. Trump receives annual royalties valued between $15,001 and $50,000 from sales of the book, according to federal records. He also receives $50,000 and $100,000 in income a year from sales of  Time to Get Tough, published in 2011 by Regnery Publishing. Trumps other books include: Trump: Surviving at the Top, published in 1990 by Random HouseThe Art of the Comeback, published in 1997 by Random HouseThe America We Deserve, published in 2000 by Renaissance BooksHow to Get Rich, published in 2004 by Random HouseThink Like a Billionaire, published in 2004 by Random HouseThe Way to the Top, published in 2004 by Bill Adler BooksThe Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received, published in 2005 by Thomas Nelson Inc.  The Best Golf Advice I Ever Received, published in 2005 by Random HouseThink Big and Kick Ass, published in 2007 by HarperCollins PublishersTrump 101: The Way to Success, published in 2007 by John Wiley SonsWhy We Want You to Be Rich, published in 2008 by Plata PublishingNever Give Up, published in 2008 by  John Wiley SonsThink Like a Champion, published in 2009 by Vanguard Press Education Trump earned a bachelors degree in economics from the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Trump graduated from the university in 1968. He had previously attended Fordham University in New York City. As a child, he went to school at the New York Military Academy. Personal Life Trump was born in the New York City borough of Queens, New York,  to  Frederick C. and Mary MacLeod Trump  on June 14, 1946. Trump is one of five children. He has said he learned much of his business acumen from his father. I started off in a small office with my father in Brooklyn and Queens, and my father said - and I love my father. I learned so much. He was a great negotiator. I learned so much just sitting at his feet playing with blocks listening to him negotiate with subcontractors, Trump said in 2015. Trump has been married to Melania Knauss since January 2005. Trump was married twice before, and both relationships ended in divorce. Trumps first marriage, to  Ivana Marie Zelnà ­Ã„ kov, lasted about 15 years before the couple divorced in March 1992. His second marriage, to  Marla Maples, an lasted less than six years before the couple divorced in June 1999. Trump has five children. They are: Donald Trump Jr. with first wife Ivana.Eric Trump  with first wife Ivana.Ivanka Trump  with first wife Ivana.Tiffany Trump with second wife Marla.Barron Trump with third wife Melania.

Work Plan for a Formal Business Report Assignment

Work Plan for a Formal Business Report - Assignment Example The report will compare the types of wiki used by the two companies in order to determine a suitable type of wiki for Home Bank. The report will also include subtopics such as: benefits and costs, risks, training needs, and recommendation. Benefit and Costs will be an important part of the report because it will inform the supervisor about the feasibility of the wiki, so that it can be rejected if it has more costs than benefits and accepted if it has more benefits than costs (Brown, 2006). This report will not include wider elements of a wiki that do not apply to the bank. The business investigation report will be conducted in a sequence of steps. This will involve the use of mainly secondary sources of data. First, the investigating team will collect data from the relevant secondary sources and record them for analysis. The team will then analyse the data objectively. The analysed data will then be discussed and appropriate recommendations are provided based on the

Corporate Social Responsibility and Mass Media Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility and Mass Media - Essay Example The Story of Corporate Social Responsibility (2006), Dunne said that corporate social responsibility has eventually come to mean â€Å"responsiveness†. â€Å"Responsiveness† does not imply any particular action but a range of actions or range of possible responses based on a company’s perception of social or consumer needs and the company’s role in responding either to society’s or the consumers’ needs. Carroll (1999, p. 268) explained that meaning of corporate social responsibility has undergone an evolution from its â€Å"beginning in the 1950s, which marks the modern era of CSR.† Carroll (1999, p. 268) pointed out that the â€Å"alternative themes† in corporate social responsibility â€Å"included corporate social performance (CSP), stakeholder theory, and business ethics theory.† Against the Dunne (2007) viewpoint, the Carroll (1999, p. 268) viewpoint is that corporate social responsibility is â€Å"a core construct that yields to or is transformed into alternative thematic frameworks.† On investigating whether corporate social responsibility adds to financial return, Cardebat & Sirven (2010) concluded that the results of their study do not provide evidence that the adoption of corporate social responsibility improves corporate financial performance. Cardebat & Sirven (2010) used statistical and econometric methods in testing hypotheses on the role of corporate social responsibility on company financial performance. On the other hand, the work of Ali et al. (2010) indicated that the practice of social responsibility may or may not promote the retention of consumer. Based on the study, it can nevertheless be argued however that the practice of corporate social responsibility can promote the retention of the customer base. In my study, I have chosen two cases: the case of the Aviva plc and the case of Thames Water Company. For reasons that will be explained later, Aviva appears to be a lead ing example of a company based in the United Kingdom that espouse corporate social responsibility consistently and diligently for the last several years and has gained additional prominence for the espousal as well as practice of that responsibility. Aviva claims to have â€Å"300 years of insights† which can be interpreted as having 300 years of engagement in the same or similar business (2011). Alternatively, the company â€Å"300 years of insights† is also described as â€Å"300 years of heritage† (2011). In contrast, Thames Water, a water company appears to have experienced a period in which its public image was at its worst. Lately, however, data are suggesting that Thames Water has invested in corporate social responsibility and may be profiting today in the said investment. Nevertheless, it appears that there are still avenues through which Thames Water’s practice of corporate social responsibility can be improved and which the company can exploit for greater profitability. II. Case 1: Aviva plc Aviva claims to the â€Å"world’s sixth largest insurance group and the biggest in the UK, with 36,100 serving around 44.5 million

Habit of mind :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A habit of mind is a way of thinking that one acquires over time. It is a type of thought that involves thinking beyond what society considers right or wrong, but acknowledging through complex thought, what is morally right. It is not easily achieved and is somewhat like a muscle, in that you have to build it up over time through intellectual work and hardship. Not everyone can achieve a strong habit of mind, in fact most don’t. The habit is a way of thinking that allows one to communicate with knowledge when the answer is not initially apparent. In order to think in this complex manner a person has to be well educated in all subjects of intelligence. Having a good education goes hand in hand with having good habits of mind, because in order to have positive functioning habits, a person has to be well rounded enough to considered every possible solution to the problems or questions posed. Being able to use a habit of mind also requires a type of thinking w here others nor any outside force constrains any ideas or solutions . This by definition is a habit of mind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The characteristics of a good philosopher are someone who possesses the qualities to use their habits of mind and be able to think on a higher level than most do. Though everyone has their own unique habits of mind, philosophers are trained to think at a level where their habits of mind are stronger, and thus are always looking for, and usually come up with the best solution to questions, or problems posed. Plato is an example of a philosopher; he wrote a book, The Republic, which is a novel outlining the steps in order to become a good philosopher. Plato speaks through Socrates in the book, and Socrates gets involved in many challenging debates and philosophical conversations with people along his journeys, allowing him to strengthen his habits of mind. Philosophers are posed with the challenge of attempting to solve many of life's unanswerable questions. One example would be the question as to whether abortion is right or wrong. Both sides can be argued, pro lif e or pro choice, and both have sufficient evidence supporting its side. Although it would make sense that the person who’s fully informed on the subject and has the best ability to argue their contention will prevail in the conclusion of the argument, a solution is not usually possible.

Examining The Implications Of Process

Modern decision-making support system (DAMS) technology is often also needed for complex SAD, with recent research calling for more integrative DAMS approaches. However, scholars tend to take disintegrated approaches and disagree on whether rational or political decision-making processes result in more effective decision outcomes. In this study, the authors examine these issues by first exploring some of the competing theoretical arguments for the process-choice-effectiveness relationship, and then test these relationships empirically using data from a crisis response training exercise using an intelligent agent-based DAMS.In contrast to prior research, findings indicate that rational decision processes are not effective in risks contexts, and that political decision processes may negatively influence both response choice and decision effectiveness. These results offer empirical evidence to confirm prior unsupported arguments that response choice is an important mediating factor betw een the decision-making process and its effectiveness. The authors conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings and the application of agent-based simulation DAMS technologies for academic research and practice.Keywords: Agent Software, Agent Technology, Decision Support Systems (ADS), Distributed Decision Making Systems, Knowledge Management, Security Management, Strategic Planning Introduction Strategic decision-making (SAD) involves the methods and practices organizations use to interpret opportunities and threats in the environment and then make response decisions (Shirtwaists & Grant, 1985). Modern decommissioning support system (DAMS) technology is DOI: 1 0. 4018/just. 0100701 01 often also needed for complex SAD, with recent research calling for more integrative DAMS approaches (Moral, Foregone, Cervantes, Carried, Guppy, & Agleam, 2005; Phillips-Wren, Moral, Foregoing, & Guppy, 2009). Such DAMS technologies offer the type of rich and powerful research tec hnology littorals with a high degree of external and internal validity as well as reliability required for integrated decision support (Moral et al. , 2005; Ill, Duffy, Whit- Copyright 0 2010, GIG Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of GIG Global is prohibited. International Journal Of Decision Support System Technology, 2(3), 1-15, July-September 2010 field, Bayle, & McKenna, 2009; Linebacker, De Spain, McDonald, Spencer, & Clottier, 2009; Mustachios & Susann, 2009; Phillips-Wren et 2009). Conditions of uncertainty in highly turbulent environments (e. G. , crisis espouse), by nature, further complicate the SAD process, and may limit decision making effectiveness (Ramirez-Marquee & Afar, 2009). At issue is the presumed need for speed of response where logic dictates that a satisfactory decision that is made quickly is superior to an optimal decision made too late.Two of the most commonly accepted, and widely employed decision makin g processes in these contexts are political behavior and procedural rationality (Frederickson & Mitchell, 1984; Hart, 1 992; Eisenhower & Kickback, 1992; Dean & Sherman, 1993; Hart & Binary, 1994; Reader, 2000; Hough & White, 2003; Elba & Child, 2007). ROR research advocates that ‘political' processes will be more effective in these contexts, and that ‘rational' decision processes will be less effective in unstable environments (Frederickson & Mitchell, 1984).Subsequent research considered the effectiveness Of processes in ‘high velocity environments and advocated that rational decision-making processes will allow for faster response and will be more effective than political decision-making processes in these contexts (Bourgeois & Eisenhower, 1 988; Eisenhower, 1989). Hart (1992) later expanded on these arguments to develop a framework for session-making processes involving a variety of forms stemming from political or rational bases, and also argued that ‘ra tional' approaches should relate positively to effectiveness, while more ‘political' approaches should not.Collectively, the literature on the effectiveness of these SAD processes across a variety of settings is in conflict as some studies suggest that rational decision-making processes will be positively related to effectiveness (Bourgeois & Eisenhower, 1988; Eisenhower, 1989; Hart, 1992) and political decision-making processes will not be effective (Hart, 1 992), while Others advocate for political decision- aging processes and against rational decision-making processes (Frederickson & Mitchell, 1984).Given this conflict, and the fact that these differences are largely unresolved empirically, one contribution of this study is that we examine the effectiveness implications of political and rational SAD processes. Through doing so, we offer some clarification and resolution of the conflicting predictions and findings of Frederickson and Mitchell (1984), Bourgeois and Eisenhowe r (1988), and Hart (1992). Further, while the inclusion off mediating role for response choice is well theorized, it is also largely untested empirically in prior work.Therefore a further contribution of this study is that we also seek to take into account this mediating role of choice on decision effectiveness. In this study we address several specific research questions: 1) Does variation in the decision-making process result in variation in response choice; 2) Does variation in response choice result in variation in decision effectiveness; and 3) Can we also trace the effectiveness of different SAD processes as mediated through particular response choices?Since management can influence the SAD processes, question three is likely to be of more interest than question woo. However, if we only look at the direct relationship between SAD processes and effectiveness (I. E. , Dean & Sherman, 1996), we might be attributing differences in effectiveness to process variation when these vari ations did not actually influence choices. Thus, we need to adequately discern which SAD processes are more effective in these situations and produce the most effective outcomes.Addressing these questions helps to clarify the integrated influences of process and choice on strategic decision-making effectiveness. This paper proceeds as follows: 1) We review related research on SAD, and leverage prior theory to develop hypotheses for an integrated process-choice-effectiveness SAD model; 2) We examine the model and hypotheses through empirical analysis of data from a crisis response training exercise using an agent-based simulation decision support system technology; 3) We present and discuss the results Of our analyses in relation to the model and hypotheses; Copyright 0 201 0, GIG Global.Copying or distributing in print or electronic September 2010 3 and 4) We conclude with a discussion of our findings along with implications for practitioners and future academic research. Theory' de velopment Prior work by Dean and Sherman (1993, 1 996) offers an integrated decision-making model, for framing this study of SAD process-cooperativeness's. Their work examines the assumptions underlying the relationship between decision- making processes, response choices, and SAD effectiveness.The model proposes that variation in decision-making process (political or rational) will produce different response choices, which result in variation in SAD effectiveness. However, empirical testing of their model is limited to the relationship between political and rational decision-making processes and variation in effectiveness alone, excluding the intermediate response choice arable.As the potential mediating implications of the response choice intermediate variable are thereby unexamined, we extend and examine Dean and Chairman's (1996) model to clarify the conflicting arguments in the prior SAD literature. We do this through examining the full model with the inclusion of the mediating relationship of response choice through our application to an extreme decision-making context (crisis response).Our approach is as follows: 1) We extend Dean and Chairman's (1996) strategic decision-making relationship and effectiveness model of variation in process, response choice, and effectiveness by expanding heir effectiveness model to include the potential mediating effects of intermediate choices; and 2) We then examine the competing arguments for process effectiveness in this context from Frederickson and Mitchell (1984), Bourgeois and Eisenhower (1 988), and Hart (1992). In Dean and Chairman's (1996) model variation in the strategic decision-making process (e. . , Political or Rational approaches) produce variation in response choice, resulting in variation in effectiveness. The effectiveness outcomes therefore depend on the following: 1) The strategic decision-making process utilized, and 2) The response strategy choices implemented. In order to clarify the conflicting d ominant arguments in the literature for process effectiveness under uncertainty, as well as test the theorized mediating role of choice, we develop several base-line hypotheses to be roughly consistent with the previous literature.Replicating Dean and Chairman's (1996) model: Hypothesis 1 : Variation In strategic decommissioning process will be related to variation in effectiveness. Examining the sub elements of the implied Dean and Sherman (1996) model: Hypothesis 2: Variation in strategic decommissioning process will be related to variation in response choice. Hypothesis 3: Variation in response choice will be related to variation in effectiveness.To examine the full model as proposed by Dean and Sherman (1996), which proposes a mediating relationship but only examines the direct relationship, we distinguish between the direct effect of SAD process on effectiveness (HI) and a mediating relationship acting through response choice. Whereas, Dean and Chairman's (1996) original model has choice as endogenous to the strategic decision-making and effectiveness relationship, we model response choice as an intermediate step and consider this as an expansion of the strategy decision-making and effectiveness relationship.We therefore derive hypothesis 4 to examine whether response choice has both a mediating and direct effect Examining the full Dean and Sherman (1996) model: Hypothesis 4: Variation in strategic decommissioning process and variation in response choice will be related to variation in effectiveness. Copyright C 2010, GIG Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic 4 International Journal of Decision Support System Technology, 2(3), 1-15, To examine the conflict in the literature regarding the inconsistency among the Frederickson and Mitchell (1984) andBourgeois and Eisenhower (1988) propositions for uncertain and high velocity environments, as well as the Hart (1992) propositions for effectiveness by type of decision-making process, we develop hypotheses AAA and b: Hypothesis AAA: In highly turbulent environments, Rational decision-making processes should be positively related to effectiveness, while Political decommissioning processes should not have a positive relationship with effectiveness (Bourgeois & Eisenhower, 1 988; Hart, 1992).Hypothesis b: In highly turbulent environments, Rational decision-making processes should be negatively related to effectiveness, while Political consummating processes should have a positive relationship with effectiveness (Frederickson & Mitchell, 1984). Analytical considerations Study context Crisis events (I. E. , natural disasters, terrorism, etc. ) are environments characterized by varying levels of turbulence and ambiguity (National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, 2004).While government organizations differ from those in the private sector, research in the management field on SAD may be applicable to government organizations dealing with crisis events. For example, the core task o f organizations is the creation and/or maintenance of a fit between the organizations' internal strengths and capabilities and the demands placed on them by their environments.Government organizations must also draw upon unique resources and capabilities across various departments and levels of government to respond to challenges in their environments. Similarly, the levels of turbulence and ambiguity present in a government agency operating environment may also be direct contributors to the difficulties inherent to SAD in these contexts. The nature of the environmental pressure, turbidity, and outcome implications make this a unique and challenging operating environment.Prior related work on this topic from other fields includes the development of homeland defense strategy for the White House (KUDUS, 2004), the modeling of disease outbreaks (Ravager & Longing, 1985; Kurd & Hare, 2001; Kaplan, craft, & win, 2002, 2003; Bank, Gull, Kumar, Marathon, Cravings, Tutorial, & Wang, 2004; C raft, Win, & Wilkins, 2005). Further uses have included numerous academic, government, and practitioner publications on epidemiological, terrorism response, and homeland security and defense strategies (Deutsche, 1 963; Hoffman, 1981; Hugh & Selves, 2002; Ramirez-Marquee & Afar, 2009).Sample data We test our model and hypotheses using data collected from a multi-step approach consisting of an experiment (a U. S. Department of Homeland Security training exercise called Measured Response (MR.)) in conjunction with an intelligent agent-based simulation. We use this data to examine the extended Dean and Sherman (1996) model and the associated hypotheses for variation in SAD process, choice, and effectiveness. We use a computational experimentation methodological approach to do this.This approach consists of two steps: 1) Using a validated survey instrument to collect data on strategy process and choice from a lab experiment with actual practitioners grouped into several response teams; and 2) An intelligent agent-based simulation utilized in the exercise to produce data on the effectiveness of the groups' SAD processes and response choices. We test our model and its hypotheses through empirical analysis of a sub sample of 268 combined observations from the survey and simulation data collected from the exercise. Better 2010 5 Measured Response Exercise. The MR. Homeland Security training exercise consisted of nine teams of human agents comprised of three to five individuals each (representing their actual functional responsibilities in most asses) to play the roles of the Departments of Homeland Security (DISH), Health and Human Services (DISH), and Transportation (EDT) at the local, state, and federal levels.These human agents operated In a â€Å"Joint Operations Center environment where they were able to execute a variety of decisions and respond interactively to changes in the simulated environment the rough the exercise. Simulation Model. The Measured Response training exercise utilizes a synthetic environment as the decision support system technology for the exercise. This system uses a dynamic virtual computer simulation environment to simulate the outbreak ND dispersion of a biological agent on a mid-sized city in the United States.This outbreak affects tens of thousands of computer-based intelligent agents. These agents approximate the diversity of behavioral characteristics and demographics of the actual modeled population for the city. Additionally, we utilized pathogen-specific data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the simulation model to ensure the attack takes place in a realistic manner on the virtual population of intelligent agents. Further, the organizational aspects of the simulation model incorporate data from actual DISH and CDC response plans.The simulated scenario therefore replicates the actual characteristics Of a real-world attack in which the decommissioning process and response strategy choice can sign ificantly affect outcomes in terms of infection rate, contagion spread, population death rate, and public mood. Given these factors, these types of decision support system technologies offer a rich and dynamic simulation environment, which largely alleviates the common concerns previously associated with using simplistic homegrown or off-the-shelf simulation tools in academic research (Linebacker et al. 2009; Mustachios & Susann, 2009). Specifically, our training exercise utilizes thousands of different participant decisions on a variety of teams, at multiple levels, which affect thousands of computerized agents who respond dynamically to the collective participant inputs, as well as each Agnes response behavior to the inputs (See Structured, Meta, & ornerier, 2005; Harrison, Line, Carroll, & Carrey, 2007 for more detail on simulation modeling).Additionally, conflicting criteria prevent exercise participants from â€Å"gaming† the system and drive the multiple measures of eff ectiveness. Thus these types of decision support system technologies offer the type of rich and powerful research technology littorals with a high degree Of external and internal validity as well as reliability required for integrated decision support (Lie et al. , 2009; Linebacker et al. , 2009; Mustachios & Susann, 2009). Measures Dependent variables. The dependent variable in our study consists of an integrated composite measure for decision effectiveness.This approach is consistent with recent research advocating integrated process and outcome measures for decision-making support system evaluation (Moral et al. , 2005; Phillips-Wren et al. , 2009). While the decision objective is to contain or control the outbreak and minimize totalities, the need to maintain acceptable levels of public mood complicates this objective. Therefore the decision makers must consider the outcome of their decisions choices in terms of containing the outbreak and impact on public mood. Examining The Implications Of Process Therefore a further contribution of this study is that we also seek to take into account this mediating role of choice on decision effectiveness. In this study we address several specific research questions: 1) Does variation in the decision-making process result in variation in response choice; 2) Does variation in response choice result in variation in decision effectiveness; and 3) Can we also trace he effectiveness of different SAD processes as mediated through particular response choices?Since management can influence the SAD processes, question three is likely to be of more interest than question two. However, if we only look at the direct relationship between SAD processes and effectiveness (I. E. , Dean & Sherman, 1 996), we might be attributing differences in effectiveness to process variation when these variations did not actually influence choices. Thus, we need to adequately discern which SAD processes are more effective in these situations and produce the most effective outcomes.Addressing these questions helps to clarify the integrated influences of process and choice on strategic decision-making effectiveness. This paper proceeds as follows: 1) We review related research on SAD, and leverage prior theory to develop hypotheses for an integrated process-choice-effectiveness SAD model; 2) We examine the model and hypotheses through empirical analysis of data from a crisis response training exercise using an agent-based simulation decision support system technology; 3) We present and discuss the results Of our analyses in relation to the model and hypotheses; Copyright C 2010, GIG Global.Copying or distributing in print or electronic September 201 0 3 and 4) We conclude with a discussion of our findings along with implications for practitioners and future academic research. Theory development Prior work by Dean and Sherman (1 993, 1 996) offers an integrated decision-making model, for framing this study of SAD process-cooperativeness's. Their work ex amines the assumptions underlying the relationship between decision- making processes, response choices, and SAD effectiveness.The model proposes that variation in decision-making process (political or rational) will produce different espouse choices, which result in variation in SAD effectiveness. However, empirical testing of their model is limited to the relationship between political and rational decision-making processes and variation in effectiveness alone, excluding the intermediate response choice variable.As the potential mediating implications of the response choice intermediate variable are thereby unexamined, we extend and examine Dean and Chairman's (1996) model to clarify the conflicting arguments in the prior SAD literature. We do this through examining the full model with the inclusion of the mediating allegations of response choice through our application to an extreme decision-making context (crisis response).Our approach is as follows: 1) We extend Dean and Chairm an's (1996) strategic decision-making relationship and effectiveness model of variation in process, response choice, and effectiveness by expanding their effectiveness model to include the potential mediating effects of intermediate choices; and 2) We then examine the competing arguments for process effectiveness in this context from Frederickson and Mitchell (1 984), Bourgeois and Eisenhower (1988), and Hart (1992).In Dean and Chairman's (1996) model variation in the strategic decision-making process (e. G. , Political or Rational approaches) produce variation in response choice, resulting in variation in effectiveness. The effectiveness outcomes therefore depend on the following: 1 ) The strategic decision-making process utilized, and 2) The response strategy choices implemented.In order to clarify the conflicting dominant arguments in the literature for process effectiveness under uncertainty, as well as test the theorized mediating role of choice, we develop several base-line hy potheses to be ugly consistent with the previous literature. Replicating Dean and Chairman's (1996) model: Hypothesis 1: Variation in strategic decommissioning process will be related to variation in effectiveness.Examining the sub elements of the implied Dean and Sherman (1996) model: Hypothesis 2: Variation in strategic decommissioning process will be related to variation in response choice. Hypothesis 3: Variation in response choice will be related to variation in effectiveness. To examine the full model as proposed by Dean and Sherman (1 996), which proposes a mediating relationship but only examines the erect relationship, we distinguish between the direct effect of SAD process on effectiveness (HI ) and a mediating relationship acting through response choice.Whereas, Dean and Chairman's (1996) original model has choice as endogenous to the strategic decision-making and effectiveness relationship, we model response choice as an intermediate step and consider this as an expansio n of the strategy decision-making and effectiveness relationship. We therefore derive hypothesis 4 to examine whether response choice has both a mediating and direct effect Examining the full Dean and Sherman (1996) model: Hypothesis 4: Variation in strategic decommissioning process and variation in response choice will be related to variation in effectiveness. Copyright 0 201 0, GIG Global.Copying or distributing in print or electronic 4 International Journal of Decision Support System Technology, 2(3), 1-15, July-September 201 0 To examine the conflict in the literature regarding the inconsistency among the Frederickson and Mitchell (1984) and Bourgeois and Eisenhower (1988) propositions for uncertain and high velocity environments, as well as the Hart (1992) propositions for effectiveness by type of decision-making process, we develop hypotheses AAA and b: Hypothesis AAA: In highly turbulent environments, Rational decision-making processes should be positively related to effectiv eness, while Political decommissioning processes should not have a positive relationship with effectiveness (Bourgeois & Eisenhower, 1 988; Hart, 1992). Hypothesis b: In highly turbulent environments, Rational decision-making processes should be negatively related to effectiveness, while Political decommissioning processes should have a positive relationship with effectiveness (Frederickson & Mitchell, 1984). Analytical considerations Study context Crisis events (I. E. , natural disasters, terrorism, etc. Are environments characterized by varying levels of turbulence and ambiguity (National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, 2004). While government organizations differ from those in the private sector, research in the management field on SAD may be applicable to government organizations dealing with crisis events. For example, the core task of organizations is the creation and/or maintenance of a fit between the organizations' internal strengths and capabilities and the demands placed on them by their environments. Government organizations must also draw upon unique resources and capabilities across various departments and levels of government to respond to challenges in their environments.Similarly, the levels of turbulence and ambiguity present in a government agency operating environment may also be direct contributors to the difficulties inherent to SAD in these contexts. The nature of the environmental pressure, turbidity, and outcome implications make this a unique and challenging operating environment. Prior related work on this topic from other fields includes the development of homeland defense strategy for the White House (KUDUS, 2004), the modeling of disease outbreaks (Ravager & Longing, 1985; Kurd & Hare, 2001; Kaplan, craft, & win, 2002, 2003; Bank, Gull, Kumar, Marathon, Cravings, Tutorial, & Wang, 2004; Craft, Win, & Wilkins, 2005).Further uses have included numerous academic, government, and practitioner publications on epidemiological, terroris m response, and homeland security and defense strategies (Deutsche, 1 963; Hoffman, 1981; Hugh & Selves, 2002; Ramirez-Marquee & Afar, 2009). Sample data We test our model and hypotheses using data collected from a multi-step approach consisting of an experiment (a U. S. Department of Homeland Security training exercise called Measured Response (MR.)) in conjunction with an intelligent agent-based simulation. We use this data to examine the extended Dean and Sherman (1996) model and the associated hypotheses for variation in SAD process, choice, and effectiveness. We use a computational experimentation methodological approach to do this.This approach consists of two steps: 1) Using a validated survey instrument to collect data on strategy process and choice from a lab experiment with actual practitioners grouped into several response teams; and 2) An intelligent agent-based simulation utilized in the exercise to produce data on the effectiveness of the groups' SAD processes and resp onse choices. We test Our model and its hypotheses through empirical analysis of a sub sample of 268 combined observations from the survey and simulation data collected from the exercise. Copyright C 201 0, GIG Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic September 2010 5 Measured Response Exercise.The MR. Homeland Security training exercise consisted of nine teams of human agents comprised of three to five individuals each (representing their actual functional responsibilities in most asses) to play the roles of the Departments of Homeland Security (DISH), Health and Human Services (DISH), and Transportation (EDT) at the local, state, and federal levels. These human agents operated in a â€Å"Joint Operations Center environment where they were able to execute a variety of decisions and respond interactively to changes in the simulated environment throughout the exercise. Simulation Model. The Measured Response training exercise utilizes a synthetic environment as the dec ision support system technology for the exercise. This system uses a dynamic virtual computer simulation environment to simulate the outbreak ND dispersion of a biological agent on a mid-sized city in the United States. This outbreak affects tens of thousands of computer-based intelligent agents.These agents approximate the diversity of behavioral characteristics and demographics of the actual modeled population for the city. Additionally, we utilized pathogen-specific data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the simulation model to ensure the attack takes place in a realistic manner on the virtual population of intelligent agents. Further, the organizational aspects of the simulation model incorporate data from actual DISH and CDC response plans. The simulated scenario therefore replicates the actual characteristics Of a real-world attack in which the decommissioning process and response strategy choice can significantly affect outcomes in terms of infection rate, contagi on spread, population death rate, and public mood.Given these factors, these types of decision support system technologies offer a rich and dynamic simulation environment, which largely alleviates the common concerns previously associated with using simplistic homegrown or off-the-shelf simulation tools in academic research (Linebacker et al. , 2009; Mustachios & Susann, 2009). Specifically, our training exercise utilizes thousands of different participant decisions on a variety of teams, at multiple levels, which affect thousands of computerized agents who respond dynamically to the collective participant inputs, as well as each agent's response behavior to the inputs (See Structured, Meta, & ornerier, 2005; Harrison, Line, Carroll, & Carrey, 2007 for more detail on simulation modeling).

Corporate Social Responsibility Group Paper - 1344 Words

MGMT 2130 (Section 002) Corporate Social Responsibility Group Paper Brenda Lang Marisa Arnholtz, Kyla Mackie, Cassidy Makus October 19, 2015 Corporate Social Responsibility Group Paper In 1955, the McDonald’s franchise was established by Ray Kroc. Since then, it has been a growing success in the food and drink industry, directly and indirectly employing over 200,000 people throughout Canada. (McDonald’s, 2015, para. 2). McDonald’s is generating nearly $4.5 billion in the local annual Canadian economy, while spending $1.5 billion on annual costs for energy, maintenance, landscaping, operating supplies, wages, and benefits (McDonald’s, 2015, para 9-14). McDonald’s values are clearly explained in the form of a quote, â€Å"Our goal is†¦show more content†¦Throughout Canada, McDonald’s Ronald McDonald House Charities provide a welcoming place for families to stay near hospitals while their sick children undergo treatment, including programs offering everything from education to meditation (Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada, 2013, para. 4). Located acros s from the Alberta Children’s Hospital, the Calgary Ronald McDonald House location welcomed over 140 families last year, accomplishing their efforts of keeping families together during difficult times. (Ronald McDonald House Charities Southern Alberta, n.d., image). Although McDonald’s succeeds in the community involvement aspect of their business, some stakeholders may believe there is more room for improvement in the company as a whole. While McDonald’s seems to abide by ethical practices in the public eye, many believe that they are not as dedicated as they appear. 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