Prophet Mohammad Essay

If I could travel back in time to meet a famous person from history, I would want to meet with Prophet Mohammad. He is well known across the world as the person who brought the Islamic religion to the Arab countries. His teachings can be found in the Holy Quran (Madelung, 87). It is said in Islam that Mohammed is the last of all the prophets God will send to all the people on the earth. Mohammed is very famous because he brought a religion to the world by the orders of God and in only a short time, it became well known everywhere. Even today, there are over 1 billion people in the world who are Muslims. Only a great person like Mohammed could have created a religion in his lifetime that would have captured the attention of all people. Islam started when God sent down angel Gabriel to Mohammed at the mountain Hara. He was first told, â€Å"Okra† which means â€Å"read†. The amazing part about this is Mohammed could never read nor write before meeting the angel. From this time at 40 years old until he was 63 years of age, he received many rules and wisdom from God. His instructions were to advise the people of God’s rules and how they should live, for they were living in â€Å"haram† or sin (Watt, 48). Mohammed was born and raised in Mecca. Read more:  How to write an essay about someone you admire His father died before he was born and he lost his mother too at the age of six and thereafter lived with his paternal grandfather Abd al-Muttalib as an orphan (Andrea, 78). Growing up as an orphan in Mecca was never easy even though he was well fed by his guardians. At a tender age of twelve, Mohammed had started engaging in trading journeys with his uncle. He therefore started to develop interest in commercial trade probably because that was the only option he had because he grew up as an orphan. Mohammed took up the career as a merchant in his later youth and was highly regarded as trustworthy and later nicknamed â€Å"al-Amin†. Mohammed’s youthful days are really admirable and inspiring at the same time (Madelung, 59). He not only had an upright character but was also a very hard working young man who tried and beat the odds despite his humble background. It was for his reputation that a forty year old widow called Khadijah who asked for his hand in marriage which he accepted and lived happily thereafter (Turner, 89). After the death of Khadijah, Mohammed married other women numbering about thirteen and he was survived by nine of them. One of them was called Aisha, who according to the Sunni Muslims was Mohammed’s favorite companion. She is known for her instrumental work in bringing together the many scattered Mohammed’s sayings that later formed the Sunni’s hadith literature. As a husband, Mohammed had a great reputation at a time when women were lowly regarded in the society. It is said that he participated in house chores like washing, cooking and even sewing clothes. Although women were never treated fairly during the prophet’s time, Mohammed was extremely exceptional with his women. He not only listened to his wives’ advice but also engaged them in dialogue and arguments. This is worth emulating in today’s Muslim societies where women continue to suffer in the hands of their men (Andrea, 75). Mohammed’s future prophetic life was said to have been prophesized by another Christian monk he met his way to his many caravans from Mecca to Syria (Watt, 56). At the onset of his prophetic life, Mohammed was fond of visiting a cave in Mount Hira every year where he would meditate for weeks. According to Islamic teachings, it was during one of the ritual meditations at Mount Hira when angel Gabriel descended and instructed him to say the following words: â€Å"Proclaim! or read! ) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, – He Who taught (the use of) the pen, – Taught man that which he knew not† (Qur’an 96: 1-5). Mohammed was very much disturbed by these revelations and knew the task required of him. He went home and shared with his wife Khadija and Khadijah’s Christian cousin who consoled and reassured him that nothing bad would happen (Ramadan, 45). He was afraid of the news and did not know how he could get others to listen to what he was to say. His wife was the first to tell him she believed him and that Mohammed must do what was told. The amazing thing about Mohammed is his faith and willingness to do what God commanded. He never gave up in his prayers even after a pause of almost three years after the initial revelation. He prayed continuously until God finally commanded him to start preaching the word to his people. He was living in Mekkah of Saudi Arabia when he began his teachings to the people. According to Islamic teachings, Mohammed’s wife was the first person who believed that he was a prophet. His younger cousin called Ali Abi Talib and best friend Abu Bakr as well as his adopted son Zaid were to follow in believing in his prophesies (Turner, 102). Many of people from Mecca did not like or accept this way of life and tried to kill Mohammed. He would be mocked or chased away by the Meccans who could not believe or understand his new way of life. The opposition to Prophet Mohammed in Mecca began when he started preaching against worshiping of the idols that was a common feature in Mecca city. He also became a threat to the wealthy religious leaders who depended on the Kaaba, a major defining traditional feature of the Meccan religion which Mohammed’s teachings would render obsolete. Due to these, most of his new converts were killed by the wealthy merchants and other opposing groups who never wanted their traditional religions interfered with. But Mohammed had to endure insults and ridicules only and could not be harmed or killed because he came from the Banu Hashim clan (Madelung, 56). He left and traveled to different places including Yemen before he went back to Saudi Arabia to live in the city called Medina. The people of Medina were accepting of him and listened to his advice. There were some people there who professed to Jewish or other religions, but they did not fight with Mohammed. He had a good reputation in Medina where he helped to solve a long standing inter-ethnic conflict. A delegation comprising of representatives from all the clans involved in the fight between Jewish and Arabs in the Yathrib was sent to get Mohammed to arbitrate in the conflict. This did not only help him to escape the hostile city of Mecca but also enable him spread his teaching to various communities and clans in the greater Middle East (Ramadan, 83). Mohammed’s teachings really formed the foundation of the Islamic religion. One of the Muslim’s sources of spiritual inspiration is the Sunnah. The sunnah according the Islamic religion are deeds and sayings of the prophet Mohammed as preserved in the hadith and includes a variety of activities as well as beliefs such religious rituals, burial rituals, personal hygiene and the love between man and God. It is supposed to guide every Muslim and so far has been a great influence to the Muslim culture allover the world. For example, Mohammed taught Muslims a greeting to offer one another – â€Å"may peace be upon you† is wide used by Muslims from all corners of the world (Rahman, 69). The Sunnah has played an important role in the establishment and development of the religion’s sciences. Much of the prophet’s deeds and sayings have particularly contributed to the establishment of the Islamic law in the early years of the Islamic religion (Madelung, 78). The Sufis who sought to understand the inner meaning of the holy book, Qur’an and the true nature of the prophet, considered Mohammed not only as a mere prophet but as a perfect saint. Their spiritual descent is traced back to Prophet Mohammed (Rahman, 45). Mohammed was not liked by many of the outside tribes living throughout the Middle East and they wanted to hurt him, they taught their children to throw stones at him during his travels (Andrea, 65). A great quality of Mohammed that I look to is his patience. He taught to others that a very important behavior in life is to have patience with all issues. People would come to Mohammed with many complaints or questions to try and trick him (Madelung, 56). Others would do many things to him so he would go away. In all of these events, he would wait quietly and think before he answered or acted. I admire his ability to restrain himself and not fight small issues. In this world today, I think that everyone could benefit from this lesson of patience. Too many people die and are left hurting from wars between people who have little patience. During the spread of Islam, Mohammed gave people a choice to convert to Islam or if they did not want to, they would need to pay money that is like a tax. The Muslims and other people who would pay could live in harmony, but the tribes who refused to pay and resisted the teaching of Islam would end up in a war. These people had killed family members of Mohammed and wanted to fight him. So Mohammed and a small army would go out to fight, for example the Battle of Badr City (Andrea, 67). The small Muslim army won the battles because God had given them the strength to fight an enemy who hated God and worshipped idols. When the battles were over, Mohammed never took prisoners and killed them on purpose. He showed mercy and compassion. Like the Prophet Jesus had taught the way to live is with mercy, compassion and love. It is the only way to live a correct life. If you look to any of the prophets, they are famous and different from all of the other people because they took chances and were disliked. They had to remain strong in their faith of God and be patient. It was no different for Mohammed. There are many times in my life that I become angry because people are mean or I lose patience with them but I try to look to the example Mohammed made for the Muslims to follow. I sit and read the Quran and hope to find a peace. Conclusion When the word was revealed to Mohammed, the world was in a bad situation. People were worshipping idols and hurting the less fortunate and women. It was like these people were acting like animals. Mohammed was very scared of how he would be accepted by the people and if they would reject the word of God. I admire the strength of Mohammed when he was faced with danger. I sometimes wish to have that strength, so I must remain strong in my faith to God and look to Him for guidance. This was an important teaching of the prophet Mohammed. When I came to America, I was afraid because I was new and did not know many people. Also, the news shows things that can make people afraid of Muslims and I know some people will not like me because of it. I try hard to live by the example Mohammed set for the Muslim people so I may have a good life. It has been good for me in America. By having patience, I have learned many things about this country and also made good friends. I hope that people can look past the bad news media makes for people and discover the good things about Mohammed because there are many lessons a person can learn from his life.

Melanophores and Microtubule Monorails: Insights Into Rapid

Fish and amphibians are able to change their color rapidly in response to a change of their surroundings. This phenomenon is done by melanophores, containing a pigment cell called melanin, being travelled along microtubules in their cells (Levi, Serpinskaya, Gratton, & Gelfand, 2006, p. 318). A microtubule, which is made of proteins located in cytoskeleton, is one of three filaments that is long, hollow stiff tube and responsible for intracellular transport. This transport system is driven by kinesin and dynein in microtubules and myosin in actin filaments, which are called motor proteins. Gross, Tuma, Deacon, Serpinskaya, Reilein, & Gelfand, 2002, p. 855). To understand how those movements along microtubules can make the rapid colour change possible, it is necessary first to find out how each component mentioned above carries out their roles in detailed in their specific area. Melanosomes move along microtubules by protein motors throughout the cell by aggregation and dispersion and the direction of their traveling is also changed frequently.In microtubules, most kinesins move towards the plus-end of the microtubule, which is called dispersion and dyneins move towards the minus-end of the microtubule, which is called aggregation. (Bouzat, Levi, & Bruno, 2012, p. 1). These dispersion and aggregation of melanosomes are affected by certain hormones such as melatonin and MSH and it make the color of their skin become darker or lighter depending on where they are (Bouzat et al. p. 10). One significant discovery is that those microtubule- and actin-based transport systems are in a tug-of-war.For instance, microtubule-based transport system can be altered by a loss of myosin function, which is actin-based transport system (Gross et al. , 2002, p. 855). This competition regulates their transport functions without a hitch and thus, it allows the movement along microtubules to constantly go on. Due to traveling of melanophores through those two filaments in cytoskeleton by motor proteins, fish, amphibian and reptiles are able to change their color very rapidly. Those are at any times ready for a response to a change of their surroundings and it directly happens as soon as they get something to trigger those functions start working.

Foundation of knowledge and Profesional Skills Essay

Foundation of knowledge and Profesional Skills - Essay Example Objectives. The author aims to establish that contemporary slavery exists and that there is need for more fair trade practices, and to explore how select marketing communications can enhance awareness, influence consumer perceptions and create actions that foment anti-slavery activities, human rights and fair trade in supply chains. The Rugmark and Cafedirect campaigns from the carpet and coffee industries respectively provide model cases for the study. Assumptions. The author's assumption is that, "Changing the nature of the coffee market to introduce fair trade, rather than free trade, would have immediate impact on several stakeholders in the supply chain and symbolic importance" which could "also influence trade practices in other commodities/industries." [pg. 646] Method. An interpretive research design, spread over three years, was adopted covering site visits, interviews, and examination of extant policies, documents and trends. [pg. 646] Eisenhardt's (1989) eight-step procedure for theory development was used. Analysis was done by a process of coding, memoing, and developing propositions, which were then confirmed through triangulation. When ambiguity arose respondents were invited to comment on the author's theoretical developments. The public confusion regarding the terms 'slavery' and 'fair trade' due to interpretations by various agencies is addressed by offering standard definitions. Slavery: People generally believe slavery to be a historical phenomenon abolished years ago. [pg. 648] Contemporary slavery is however a flourishing business despite its obvious cruelty and illegality (Lees, 1995; The Economist, 1996) and a matter of human rights. Anti-Slavery International (ASI) which works to promote 'the basic right of human beings to be subjects rather than objects' (Anti-Slavery International, 1995a) defines slavery as the status of a person on whom the right of ownership is exercised by capture, acquisition, disposal or exchange, tantamount to acts of trading or transportation of the individuals. Fair Trade. Culled from interpretations of several fair trade organisations including the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) the article suggests that when organisations benefit artisans, work with co-operatives employing democratic principles, reinvest profits to benefit communities engaged in production, and work towards moving more processes to the Third World, it constitutes fair trade [pg. 643] and their products display a fair trade label. The Rugmark and Cafedirect Campaigns. The Rugmark Campaign espoused by ASI in 1994 is an illustration within the UK of interconnections between the first and third worlds. A Rugmark label on hand-knotted carpets from India indicates that no child labour was used during production, and that workers were paid the prescribed minimum wages. The author agrees that the ASI initiative was intended more to convey to the developed world the alienation suffered by 'slaves' lacking the basic human right of freedom and how their efforts to merely subsist sometimes impacted environment, making it a green issue also, than an utopian effort to close the North-South divide. [pg. 650] As for Cafedirect, UK's pioneering fair trade coffee brand, its phenomenal success (4% market share since launch in 1992) was attributed to the impact on distributors and

Answer questions action reaserch Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Answer questions action reaserch - Essay Example Moreover, he has formatted the article well according to the guidelines of APA format. He has avoided the use of first-person throughout the paper, and ensured consistent use of third-person. He has also provided substantial justification of the research and projected the current and future effects of social on education. However, he has made several flaws that ought to be improved that include; lack of a strong thesis that can direct the readers on the emphasis of the paper, and complexity that limits the ability of readers to understand. These areas need to be improved through presenting interpretation of the hard vocabulary used in order to make it understandable to wide variety of audiences. French (2012) presents a qualitative study on the topic of effects of alcohol abuse among high school students on their academic performance. He introduces the research with a strong thesis that directs the readers to know what the research majors on. The article has a section entitled abbreviations and acronyms that provide meanings to the abbreviations contained in it. The author has used first-person intonation throughout the paper. Moreover, he has made the paper simple and presented all arguments in a clear manner in order to promote comprehension by the readers. However, there are several suggestions that were not followed that include; use of tense and definition statements. The author has used past tense throughout the article hence failing to provide the implications about future changes that should be done to control the problem of alcohol abuse. He also failed to define the key terms within the paper, and tell the readers about their operational definitions. Croix (2013) presents a quantitative research on unequal education opportunities between public and private schools in West Virginia. The author has obeyed several guidelines on writing style through providing a title and thesis for the research. He has gone ahead to identify the gaps that occur

The Woman in the Dunes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Woman in the Dunes - Essay Example Further examples are shown when he tries to escape the dunes, but failing to do so, gets to work and starts finding useful things to do, ultimately coming up with a ‘technology’ to get water from the dunes around him. These various examples all point towards the same human truth. Is that truth the adaptability of humans, or is it the helplessness of humans, which once resigned to is rewarded by fate? Ultimately, human beings are helpless creatures. While they have a certain amount of free will and control over their lives, they are in all actuality confined to live within a certain prescribed realm, and only able to excise free will within those conformities. No action can be made out of that predefined real, and any action made even within it is subject to many levels of unpredictability, leaving their resulting conclusion out of our hands. So what free will can a human being excise, knowing what he intends is exactly what will happen? Only the free will of emotions, fe elings and thought is in the control of a human being and that is what The Woman in the Dunes shows time and again. Jumpei could control none of the situations he was put in, but time and again, he decided to make the best of his situation and ended up for the better of it. When he is cast into the sand dune with the young widow he is initially hostile and tries to hold the woman captive, but ultimately resigning himself to his fate, he builds a life for himself and ends up falling in love with the very same woman. Later on, when he tries and fails to escape, he loses the idea of leaving his situation and instead focuses on accepting and making the best of his surroundings, so much so that he ultimately fails to even leave. Of these feelings, the choice we most often have to make is that of acceptance. Acceptance is a two faced coin, one showing the face of happiness and comfort, the other showing a malicious and conniving smile. By accepting the situations life puts us in we make o ur lives more acceptable and manage to extract from them virtues and benefits that contribute towards our well being, but at the same time, we experience the crushing blow of defeat by understanding that we have yet again been dealt an unfavorable hand and then made to smile about it – worse yet, made to do it willingly, of our own accord, but in exact accordance to what we were so against. It is a two faced paradox of irony and it is what a human being battles every day of his life, that is, whether to accept defeat and settle down in happiness, or to fight on and suffer every minute for it. It is a battle that every human being has to fight, whether it was the widow in the movie, whether it was Jumpei, or whether it will ultimately be the villagers, who seem to have lived life out of the way of harm and unhappiness. Hence it can be said that to fight an unchangeable factor is only going to bring unrest and disturbance. Just like beating a brick wall is going to do no more t han tire the beater, fighting against the situations we are put into will only result in discomfort and restlessness. It matters not who thrust who into the situation or whose fault it is.

Poverty and Violence in a Complex Relationship Essay

Poverty and Violence in a Complex Relationship - Essay Example This paper will put the complexity into perspective. The question posed by the ‘Economist’ deserves critical consideration because getting viable answers to the causes of violence and poverty can serve as a benchmark. Such knowledge would prove very useful in defining the global priorities in the long-term venture of promoting human development. The fact that peaceful nations in the developing world have registered positive growth In the recent past, in rates that are markedly higher than those in violent nations, establishes a pattern (Heitmeyer, & Hagan, 2003:24). This fact proves Aradau and Brown’s argument that human security is a precondition for human development very relevant (Butcher, & Papaioannou, 2012: 31). Without security, people live under constant fear. The constancy of fear among people has the potential of causing developmental paralysis. The case study illustrated in the ‘Economist’ comparing Burkina Faso and Burundi serves to provide more insight (The Economist, 2011:1). In 1990, the two African states presented an almost equal potential for economic growth. However, the violence that erupted in Burundi following the assassination of its president derailed the economic growth. After more than a decade of instability and violence in Burundi, a comparison to peaceful Burkina Faso portrayed the detrimental effects of violence. Burkina Faso was doing better and had registered a wealth gain of two and a half times. This serves to highlight that violence has the potential of making a nation poor. In the absence of the violence that resulted, probably Burundi would be an emerging economy in Africa.

The Rise of a Whole Deaf Identity Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Rise of a Whole Deaf Identity - Article Example The key concepts of these essays are the importance of rejecting traditional modes of communication and education that do not acknowledge and promote American Sign Language (ASL) as a natural, dynamic language system and the significance of continuously expanding access to and use of the artistic and literature channels by which the Deaf community can express themselves and become more visible to the public.Two articles underscore the theme of challenging traditional modes of communication and education that disenfranchise Deaf individuals from learning ASL as a natural and vibrant language system. Kuntze (2008) explained the differences between analogic and digital communication modes where analogic expressions include gestures and intonations, for instance, while digital communication consists of arbitrary symbols that a specific group has given meaning to (Kuntze, 2008, p. 148). He stresses that written communication falls under digital languages, while ASL combines analogic and d igital communication modes (Kuntze, 2008, p. 148). He compared the importance of making inferences and understanding visual language for both written language and ASL to prove that ASL is also a rich, visual language like the written and spoken word. Kuntze (2008) concluded that literacy cannot be measured through writing and reading skills, but on the ability to process content and to organize and express ideas to others (p. 154).

Organizational Diagnosis of Palm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Organizational Diagnosis of Palm - Essay Example The name 7S describes the seven elements of an approach to organizational design and review all starting with the letter S: strategy, structure, systems, staff, skills, style and shared values (Daniell, 2004). The strengths of the 7S model rest upon the variables included in it, which are generally deemed important for any organization; and that the inter-relationship between the elements is considered in the model. However, its weakness lies in the absence of an external environment and variables relating to performance (Burke & Litwin, 2009). It should not, therefore, come as a surprise that the 7s model has been singled out as the culprit in many unsuccessful bids at strategizing in the higher level (Daniell, 2004). Congruence Model The Congruence Model was formulated by Nadler and Tushman in 1977 based on their assumption that an organization is as open system. As such, an organization is affected by its environment in the same way, although not in the same extent that the organi zation molds its environment. As explained by Nadler and Tushman, it is not enough that inputs, outputs and components are listed and described. The Congruence Model depicts the organization as a dynamic entity and uses the term fit to measure the equivalence between two pairs of inputs, particularly between the elements of the transformation process (Burke, 2011). The main issues against the congruence model include: the equal weight given to each of the organizational dimension, which does not approximate the reality that in different organizations, one or more of the dimensions are ‘weightier’ than the others; and the fact that no recommendations were given to aid in determining whether or not congruence is in place. Burke-Litwin Model The Burke-Litwin Model operates on the belief that organizational change is brought about primarily by environmental factors. Various organizational factors are viewed as a collection of interdependent components which all operate on a common environment. The interdependencies present in the organization such as mission, strategies, leadership, and culture help effect organizational transformation and drive improvements in individual and organizational performance (Noolan, 2006). Six-Box Model Weisbord called his framework the six-box model to represent the six interacting variables, namely: purpose, structure, relationships, rewards, helpful mechanisms and leadership. Preziosi (1972) added a seventh box into the six-box organisational model when he prepared the diagnostic questionnaire to provide inputs on readiness for change among the members of organisation. The six-box model offers a method of examining the structure of an organisation and how the organisation functions in order to determine how a planned change effort can happen within such organisation (Shapiro, 2011). Ironically, Burke (2011) maintained that the strength of the six-box model also contributed to its weakness. Particularly, Burke (2011) not ed that the simplicity offered by the six boxes in understanding organizations suffers from the pitfall of complications arising from the six boxes under-representing the other variables involved in the diagnosis of an organization. However, its other strenghts are significant: the prominent position of leadership stresses its coordinating function, and its usefulness for fast and simple diagnostic

New England and Chesapeake Regions Essay Example for Free

New England and Chesapeake Regions Essay Although New England and the Chesapeake regions were both settle largely by people of English origin, the two regions developed differently. Certainly they eventually evolved into similar modern societies. However in their early years, they were very different. Thus, by 1700, the New England and Chesapeake regions had developed into two separate and distinct societies due to differences in social structures, political structures, and economies. The social structures of the two regions were very different, mainly in demographics and the incentives of the immigrants and religion. In the New England area, the early populations was mostly comprised of families with children and servants. This brought to the New World skilled craftsmen, farmers, and indentured servants to shape the economy. This also provided a relatively equal male to female ratio. They had longer life spans and less infant and childbirth related deaths. The incentives of the New England immigrants was to escape religious and political conflicts in England, thus shaping their religion. The religion of the of the New England settlers was very Puritan. They wanted to establish themselves as a city on a hill or a place of morality and social reciprocity to serve as role model for the rest of the Americas. The Puritan communities were strong and tightly knit and the Puritan marriages were stable and most lasted until death. The religion of these settlers greatly influenced their politics; their form of government was a theocracy. The Chesapeake immigrants were many teenage boys and very few women. The women who did immigrate there had great choice in husbands. They married young, widowed, and usually remarried, carrying on the plantations of their late-husbands, resulting in greater economic freedom for women Most of the male immigrants were seeking gold in the New World and prone to fights from the start. The Chesapeake was very diverse in religion. This diversity nearly required religious toleration to some extent. As a result, the community life was very unstable. The political structures of the New England colonies and the Chesapeake colonies, too, were different. In the New England colonies, the  government was a Puritan theocracy. Each town had an agreed upon covenant or promise of not only moral, but social commitment. Established and enforced by their government and covenant were fair and set wages, shared property, and public schools. Each town had a annual town meeting during which the male voters would appoint men to govern for the coming year. In the Chesapeake there was at first general chaos. The councilors appointed by the English king wanted to just go back home to England. The established governments were oligarchies and aristocracies, breeding social unrest in the lower classes, as is very apparent in Bacons Rebellion. In the Chesapeake, there was a system of headrights or one of land grants to people who were willing to either immigrate to the colony or pay for the voyage of another. Also different were the economies of north and south. The New England economy was primarily sustained on agriculture and some fur trading. As governed by their Puritan ideals, goods and foods were traded for need, not profit. The Chesapeake colonies were mainly plantation colonies. The main crops was tobacco, but cotton, indigo and rice were also grown. The labor intensity of the crops grown in the Chesapeake, the bad soil, and unfavorable growing conditions gave rise to slavery in the south. All the crops grown were grown for profits, so there was a very competitive system of plantations. The New England and Chesapeake colonies were settle mostly by the English, but they developed differently. By 1700 the two areas had two very different had developed into two very separate and very distinct societies due two differences in social structures, political structures, and economies.

The well-being of looked after children

The well-being of looked after children Wellbeing is a subjective issue, with many attempting to define it. Recent government policies have attempted to create guidelines to improve services; however looked-after children generally have poorer wellbeing than other children. Looked-after children of school age in my area are allocated a named nurse from the school nursing team. The term looked-after refers to children who are subject to care orders and those who are accommodated voluntarily (The Childrens Act 1989). The focus of this essay will be on the wellbeing of looked-after children of 14-18 years of age, as this is when children are approaching the end of care often a time of great disruption to their wellbeing. Furthermore, the wellbeing of looked-after children is particularly vulnerable during the transition period from childrens to adult services. In 2008 there were 59,500 looked-after children in the UK (Department of Health 2009). Evidence shows that a higher percentage of looked-after children will enter the criminal justice system, become teenage parents and have a higher need for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), with behaviour and emotional problems being linked to frequency of placement moves and lack of attachment. (House of Commons 2009, Department for Children, Schools and Families 2009, Barnardos 2006, Department for Education and Skills 2003, Office for National Statistics 2003). To promote the wellbeing of looked-after children extra help from other agencies is required, with the emphasis on holistic assessment. Commissioned Services introduced statutory guidance and named nurses to address this (Open University 2010, Unit 6, page 82-83). It is important as a named nurse that wellbeing is defined and understood in practice. Gough et al (2006, pp4) states à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦wellbeing is an umbrella c oncept, embracing at least objective wellbeing and subjective wellbeing. Ereaut and Whiting (2008) believe that wellbeing is a cultural construct for what people collectively agree makes a good life. The Scottish Government (2011) identifies that a safe and nurturing environment is fundamental to developing into a confident and resilient adult, looked-after childrens emotional health is often affected by experiences prior to care entry. Dimigen et al (1999) identified that the level of mental health need in looked-after 11-15 year olds were 55% for boys and 43% for girls compared to 10% for other children aged 5-15. Haywood et al (2008) concur that looked-after children enter care with poorer health than their peers due to the impact of poverty and chaotic lifestyles. The UNCRC commissioners guide (2008) recognises the widening gap between rich and poor in the UK, and associated disparities in the childrens wellbeing. A UNICEF report (2007) places the UK bottom of 21 industrialised countries for child wellbeing. Forrester (2008) believes that children in care can achieve equal wellbeing to other children, and advocates the European model that entry to care can be beneficial for a child living in deprived circumstances, rather than the UK view of care as a final resort. A study by Helseth (2010) found that quality of life is about a positive self-image, good friends and family looked-after children often do not have these resources. Graham and Power (2004) state there is evidence that childhood disadvantage is linked to adulthood disadvantage, emphasising the importance of wellbeing during childhood. The Department of Health (2000) considers there are seven dimensions of wellbeing health, education, identity, emotional and behavioural development , family and social relationships, social presentation, and self-care. To measure child wellbeing, the UK governments Every Child Matters system of five outcomes is used: be healthy; stay safe; enjoy and achieve; make a positive contribution; achieve economic wellbeing (Department for Education and Skills, 2003), which aims to intervene before crisis point is reached (Barker, 2009). The outcomes relate to the 1990 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and are co-dependent. If children are not achieving any of the five outcomes, then the Framework for Assessment of Children in Need is utilised (DoH 2000). This assessment is based on needs in three domains: Developmental Needs, Parenting Capacity and Family and Environmental Factors (Appendix 1) and contributes towards the Common Assessment Framework (CDWC 2009). The CAF is used across agencies to prevent children having to undergo multiple assessments and to aid sharing of information. In practice this does not always work, as a social worker may emphasise a childs social needs compared to health issues. 30% of looked-after children are placed outside their local authority, which has implications for commissioned health services (Doh2009). This can have a negative effect on wellbeing of children as their needs may not be met due to the lack of joined up services. In practice safeguarding supervision helps to identify children whose wellbeing may be at risk, but cross-county collaboration would help minimise these risks further. Although looked-after children can achieve all five outcomes on paper, they may not necessarily feel a sense of wellbeing: they may be unhappy, feel different to other children and have upsetting memories (McAuley and Davis 2009, Fleming et al 2005). It has been found that more emphasis may be placed on one outcome depending on an agencys role, creating a disparity in definitions of wellbeing between agencies. Other criticisms of Every Child Matters are that cultural needs, disability, resilience and emotional health are not taken into account (Chand 2008, Sloper et al 2009). Parton (2006) voices concerns that a low mandatory information sharing threshold could compromise confidentiality. Children leaving care have specific needs when it comes to maintaining their wellbeing, having a lasting effect on their adult lives; care leavers are more likely to be unemployed, to become homeless, to spend time in prison and often have trouble forming stable relationships. One in seven young peo ple leaving care are pregnant or are already mothers. They have to learn how to cope financially (Barnardos 2011). A Panorama documentary (BBC 2011) recently showed care leavers struggling with basic living skills. This is supported by what is seen in practice; many foster carers refuse to allow children assist with preparation and cooking of meals, or ironing in case they may burn themselves. It should be raised with the independent reviewing officer that these skills are beneficial, which should then be recommended formally as part of the care plan. Foster carers now attend mandatory training, and are conscious of health and safety regulations. Often they think they are acting for the good of the child or being nurturing, but in reality they are impeding the childs developing life skills to live independently. A looked-after childs statutory annual health assessment is at odds with them living as normal a life as possible other children do not have an annual medical assessment. Fleming et al (2005) identified a low uptake (56%) and few health issues arising from the assessment, questioning its value. Bundle (2001) found that many health assessments were used as a screening exercise rather than a health promotion opportunity. The feeling in practice is that there is a responsibility by the state to ensure that all health appointments and immunisations are up to date looked-after children generally have a poor history of routine health check-ups at entry to care. Furthermore Coman and Devaney (2011) believe that a good quality holistic assessment is the only way to achieve a meaningful measurement of outcomes for a child. The health assessment also provides an opportunity to support the child with other aspects of health which affects wellbeing such as personal issues and emotional health issues which a child may normally go to family members with (Hill and Watkins 2003). Health assessments can be a strain on resources in practice to provide a good quality assessment an hour should be allowed, with the assessment preferably done in the childs home to observe interactions in their home environment. It also provides an opportunity to discuss leaving care, and to ascertain whether the young person is receiving appropriate services and support. This may require acting as an advocate for the looked-after child at their review, to ensure there is an adequate service provision. Therefore, practitioners must keep up to date with government policy, best practice, evidence, multi agency working and services available in their area. The tool used to assess emotional wellbeing is the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman, 1997), however this can cause frustration when problems identified cannot be addressed due to lack of services (Whyte and Campbell 2008). Healthc are professional have a duty of care to ensure that the young person leaving care knows where to go and how to make appointments for different health services. Models such as Maslows Hierarchy of Needs (1943) and Roper,Logan and Tierneys Activities of Daily Living (2000) form the basis of the adult Single Assessment Process (Department of Health 2002), however when holistically assessing childrens wellbeing the five outcomes of ECM are used, this can create a situation where as little as a days difference in age could result the SAP being used rather than ECM to assess a young persons wellbeing. The transition to adult services would benefit from an additional framework for assessment for young people between 18 and 25. To assess the wellbeing of an 18 year old using the same framework as for a 90 year cannot be in the best interests of the young person. To develop and introduce such a framework would be costly and cumbersome; however as the importance of health promotion is increasingly recognised by the government, it would be worthwhile investigating this further. Studies of young people leaving care show that their health concerns are s imilar to all young people with the additional stressor of learning to live independently. Local studies identify that young people value approachable healthcare professionals, and would prefer to have specific young person-friendly and accessible clinics (National Childrens Bureau 2008, Stanley 2002 ). NICE guidelines (2010) recommend that there is an effective and responsive leaving care service for young people in transition between age 16 and 25. A key leaving care worker can help with the transition however the level of support is varied (Goddard and Barrett 2008). To help a child with the transition leaving care social workers, pathway plans, open door placements and other services should be provided (DoH 2001), but for a young person leaving care many of the domains which contribute towards wellbeing such as housing, income, family relationships, stability and safety are in turmoil and wellbeing suffers greatly as a consequence. Some looked-after children become very emotionally withdrawn leading up to their eighteenth birthday, when they will no longer be a child in care and make the transition to adult services. In 2008 the UK Childrens Commissioners Report found that children felt pressurised to leave care at sixteen, and recommended that no child leaves care before eighte en. Occasionally foster carers allow the child to stay within the family, however in practice when the financial incentive ends, the child has to leave. Resilience has a significant impact on the wellbeing of a child leaving care, resilience is understood as having the capacity to resist or bounce back following adversity and is generally considered to be made up of individual, family and community factors (Glover 2009). Scudder et al (2008) believe that resilient children have belief in their ability to succeed and achieve their personal goals, and that resilience is a dynamic characteristic that can develop over time. Newman and Blackburn (2002) found that children today are less resilient compared to earlier generations, perhaps because of being sheltered from challenging opportunities, however Drapeau et al (2007) state that resilience can be nurtured in children for whom it does not occur naturally. The practitioner should believe in the childs potential and allow them to set t he level of intervention. Ahern et al (2008) suggests referring children with low levels of resilience to services such as CAMHS or peer-support groups. In practice, by addressing one problem at a time enables the child to experience and build upon success, rather than setting a huge unobtainable goal and setting the child up to fail. Wellbeing is believed to include many factors besides health, emphasising the importance of a good quality holistic assessment and appropriate intervention. There are many additional needs for looked-after children, particularly with emotional health, if they are to achieve wellbeing. They are often poorly prepared for independent living when they leave care, and learning life skills should be emphasised during reviews of children approaching the end of care. Upon leaving care, the transition to adult services can be very traumatic and detrimental to wellbeing for looked-after children. As practitioners we should be encouraging looked-after children to prepare for independence and to take responsibility for their own health. To work towards this goal the statutory child in care health assessment should be an exercise in partnership with the child, rather than a professionally led assessment. For a looked-after child to achieve the same level of wellbeing as other children depends on variables such as resilience, attachment and ongoing support which cannot always be provided by the state. There needs to be more research into factors care leavers consider important for their health and wellbeing, which could inform an interim assessment tool between ECM and the SAP providing enhanced transition services for all children.

The economic problems faced by Hindustan Unilever Limited

The economic problems faced by Hindustan Unilever Limited The problems that Hindustan Unilever Limited currently facing is increasing input costs and operations costs due to rise in raw material costs, increasing imitative and spurious products, and stiff competition from other FMCG players. There is slowdown in the global economy and the problem that started in the financial sector extended rapidly to other sectors affecting not only the US but the global economy. Most of Indias domestic sectors are also affected including countrys exports performance and FMCG sectors. There is an unprecedented volatility in raw materials price contributed largely by increasing crude oil prices. Unprecedented volatility in raw materials price associated with uncertainties in the commodities movement needs a desperate careful management in the FMCG companies. Although some companies managed to do well categories like detergents met decreasing sales. Hindustan Unilever Limited has a large brand portfolio consisting number of brands. It will be difficult to manage such extended brand portfolio by any company but it is the nature of FMCG industry and company. The current global scenario with swinging raw material prices and intense competition faced by the company needs a careful management. Major issues or problems The problem that the company is facing for long time is the increasing imitative products. The popularity of the HULs brand and the reach it possess drives the local manufactures to imitate the products leading some to produce even the fake products. The fake products are seen highly in rural markets. This greatly affects the brand equity of the HUL. The company is facing increasing input costs due to increase in price of the raw materials. There is a potential impact on the company due to rising inflation, freight costs and raw materials. Hindustan Unilever Limited is facing tough competition than years before from ITC, Procter Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, Nestle and Godrej. ITC is competing toughly with HUL through various brands that are market leaders. The competition is further intensified by several new entrants. This intensified competition already witnessed by HULs losing market share in certain segments and also increase in operation costs. STRATEGY FORMULATION: Strategic alternatives: The strategic alternatives for HUL to address the issues of increasing input costs and operations costs due to rise in raw material costs, increasing imitative and spurious products, and stiff competition from other FMCG players are, Leverage and Proliferation of brand portfolio Competitive pricing Cost efficient initiatives Leverage and proliferation of brand portfolio: HUL has gained reputation of meeting customer needs through various products in different segments. HUL has strong supply chain and distribution network meeting customer needs. This gives competitive advantage for HUL over its competitors. The proliferation of brand portfolio will protect customers especially in rural markets from purchasing spurious products. HULs product of different brand in same category will back the revenue generating brand from imitative products. Competitive pricing: Hindustan Unilever Limited facing stiff competition from organized as well as unorganized players in the industry. This is an industry where buyers have numerous choice of brand to shift one brand to another brand if not affordable. Rising inflation in the country makes the companies to increase the price of their product. Competitive pricing will get the local manufactures and organized players on their feet. Cost efficient initiatives: Increase in the raw material price and uncertainties in the commodity movement rises the operation costs of the company. The company is in desperate need to do some initiatives like cutting down the advertisement cost and also to cut down the cost in its operation rather than worrying about the increase in raw material price. Alternative Evaluation: Leverage and proliferation of brand portfolio: Leveraging and proliferation of brand portfolio by introducing new brands will help the company to compete with the spurious products and competitors brands by providing the customers a variety of brand in the same category. This will prevent the customers from shifting to imitative products and competitor brands thereby retaining the customers. Hindustan Unilever Limited has a competitive advantage of robust supply chain and distribution network. This will help the new brand in reaching the customers effectively. The disadvantage is that the company will have various brands in the same category which may make difficult to manage them. Competitive pricing: This strategy of competitive or decreasing the price of companys product will not to efficient. The company is dealing with increase in input and operation costs. Reducing the price of the products will decrease the profit margin. Moreover it will start the price war in the industry which is not good for the company as well as to the industry. Most of the HULs market leader brands are being closely chased by its competitors with only slight difference in the market share and lot of local products. Also, in many categories in oral, skin care segments the competitors are having market leader brands with strong foothold. Initiating the price war will have a drastic impact on all the segments also will not increase the profit margin. Cost efficient initiatives: The cost efficient initiative like reducing cost over advertisement and reducing the operation cost will help the company to gain competitive advantage in its operations. However FMCG industry requires consistent advertisements and promotional effects to stay in the minds of customers. Cutting down the expense on advertisement will let the competitor to gain advantage over HUL in reaching the customers mind. Also the organization cannot do much about the increasing raw material cost where they have a choice of only optimizing the procurement procedures. Alternative choice: Leverage and proliferation of brand portfolio is the optimal choice to address the problems that the company is facing. HUL has a competitive advantage of possessing many strong brands with robust supply chain and distribution network. They have a strong resource that they can allocate to proliferate the brand that can cover different market segments at different price points. This will prevent the price wars as it will give consumers a wide choice of brands that can cover different market segments at different price points and simultaneously retain the customers from shifting to competitors brands. This will give wide choice to customers and back the revenue generating brands from its competitors. This is an industry which is difficult to retain the customers. So it is risky to go head on head with the competitors with revenue generating brands. Proliferation of brand will increase the volume growth and profit margin. STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION: HUL will not require any culture or structural changes in the organization to implement the strategy. The organization with its robust supply chain and distribution network will help the brand to reach the customers like other brands. Immediate action plan: The company has to first differentiate the strong performing and revenue generating brands from the non-performing brands. It is important to determine brand relevance and assessing the key competitors in the category. Short term action plan: The company has to decide the segments in which they have proliferate the brand portfolio. A research has to be conducted to analyze the performance of existing brand and that of the competitors brand. Long term action plan: After determining the category they need a well designed performing monitoring system to analyze the performance of brands before and after the introduction of new brand.

Human Responses to the Human Split Brain :: Biology Essays Research Papers

When neuroscientists first made direct contact with the right hemisphere of the brain, during neurological tests of "split brain" human subjects, it was as if they had found intelligent, albeit speechless, life on Mars. At a time when brain imaging techniques were crude or nonexistent, the only way to observe and communicate with the brain's right hemisphere unimpeded by the left hemisphere was by testing split brain subjects (1). The right hemisphere, previously supposed mute, illiterate, mentally retarded, and completely subordinate to the left hemisphere, had a mind of its own (1). While it could not speak, it could respond to commands and questions via its contralateral control of the left hand. It had different abilities and even opinions and emotional states than the neighboring left hemisphere (2). These discoveries led to a model of hemispheric specialization of normal human brain function, with an analytic, verbal, problem solving left hemisphere and a visuospatial, syntheti c, creative right hemisphere (1, 2). The formation of this model in turn offers insight into the brains of the observers as well as the observed. The observers' behavior supported some of their own hypotheses about the human brain, split or unsplit. The term "split-brain" is commonly used to describe a person whose corpus callosum has been surgically severed (3). The corpus callosum, comprised of approximately 200 million neuronal fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of brain, exists only in mammals' brains, and is largest in human brains (1, 3). Until the 1960's neuroscientists were unsure what purpose the corpus callosum served (3). By observing deficits in split brains' functions, scientists could better assess the corpus callosum's function (1). Roger Sperry and his colleagues pioneered the operation severing the corpus callosum, known as callosal commisurectomy, in the 1960s, as a last ditch effort to control the seizures of life threateningly severe epilepsy by creating a fire wall to prevent electrical impulses from traveling between hemispheres (1). This treatment was successful, and after recovering from the surgery, the split-brain patients appeared normal in every day interactions and even during a routine physical exam (1). However, Sperry and his colleagues, after extensive and specific neurological tests of split brain patients, posited that the corpus callosum communicated stimuli and responses between the two hemispheres, each specialized for different cognitive functions (1). Using a tachistoscope, Sperry delivered visual stimuli to a single visual field of the subject (1). He discovered that, with the exception of olfactory stimuli, the hemispheres of the brain receive sensory stimuli and exercise motor control contralaterally (1, 3, 5).

Flute Acoustics Essay -- acoustic sound

A flute blows a rapid jet of air across the embouchure hole. The pressure inside the players mouth is above atmospheric (usually 1kpa: just enough to support a 10cm height difference in a water manometer). (http://newt.phys.unsw.edu.au/music/) The work done to accelerate the air in this jet is the source of power input to instrument. Sound requires an oscillating motion or air flow. In the flute, the air jet, and the resonance in the air in instrument produces an oscillating component of the flow. As the air starts to vibrate some of the energy (sound ) is radiated out the ends and through any open holes. Most of the energy is lost as a sort of friction (viscous loss) with the walls. The pitch or note can be altered very slightly by breath and lip adjustment, but if changed completely the length of the air must change. This is why the holes in the flute are used to remove the constriction of the air at that particular point. The resonance of the air column in the flute mostly determines the playing frequency which is the pitch. (http://newt.phys.unsw.edu.au/music/) Since the...

GLOBALIZATION AT GENERAL ELECTRIC Essay

1.Why do you think GE has invested so aggressively in foreign expansion? What opportunities is it trying to exploit? ïÆ'ËœI think GE acted so aggressively because they saw a great opportunity to expand the company and if they didn’t do so, another company would have grabbed the opportunity and purchase the companies that were in trouble. In order for a company to grow at a rapid pace, it would have to take over other companies that are in financial jeopardy. Going international allowed the company to reach millions of new customers. ïÆ'ËœThe opportunities that they are trying to exploit are (1) the economic weakness in certain parts of the world with the aim of investing to the region, but in fact to acquiring companies, (1) to take advantage of economic uncertainty caused by the currency market collapse for the aim of purchasing or acquiring companies, (3) to help in process of development in under develop areas with the aim of profiting from it later 2.What is GE trying to achieve by moving some of the headquarters of its global businesses to foreign locations? How might such moves benefit the company? Do these moves benefit the Unites States? ïÆ'Ëœ GE strongly believes that to succeed internationally, it must be close to its customers. That’s why it builds or transfers its headquarters abroad. ïÆ'Ëœ The company might benefit from more attractive location, Tax advantages, Lower wages, well-educated labor force, Costs reduction, Industry of specialization, Foreign government invitation, Good infrastructure. ïÆ'ËœThe USA can benefit from good reputation of American companies, can establish diplomatic relationship with foreign counties, there might be a potential influence on Gross National Product (GNP). 3.What is the goal behind trying to â€Å"internationalize† these ranks? What do you think it means to â€Å"internationalize† these ranks? ïÆ'ËœThe goal behind internationalization is to get closer to its customers and have better knowledge of the local market, local culture and language of the country that they are doing business. ïÆ'ËœInternationalize is the integration of the local market knowledge and application of cultural sensitivity approach through engaging their local managers in the managerial decision-making process. 4.What does the GE example tell you about the nature of true global business? ïÆ'ËœGE’s example tells us that the true global business is a business that is headquartered locally (in overseas) for the aim of getting closer to its customers. It exploits their local market knowledge as well as their local culture and language knowledge.

Red Badge of Courage Naturalism

Naturalism in the Red Badge of Courage Naturalism is the belief that nature and fate is a far larger force than man. Another words, no one can control their fate because there are far larger forces than man. There were many examples of naturalism in R B O C. One example was on page 796 in chapter one where the union soldiers were waiting around in camp with absolutely no control over when they were going into battle. The reason this was considered naturalism is because the larger force was the generals and people in charge of the war. The soldiers could not attack the south until told to do so by there commanders. Another example that I found was when the tall soldier (Jim Conklin) dies. One of the reasons his death was so important was because it gave Henry somewhat of an understanding that war is not glorious and people die. Another reason his death was so important is because it basically tells everyone that life is unfair and even if someone such as the tall soldier is the notable soldiers in camp, when it is your time to die, you are going to die. The reason that this is an example of naturalism is because no one except god himself had control over the tall soldier’s death. The final example of naturalism is how nature completely ignores the war and what ever people are doing. In the beginning of the novel, Henry has the perception that war is glorious and will turn him into an instant hero. He had dreamed of dodging bullets, saving people, and doing things that no one else would do which is a highly romanticized version of how war really is. The reason this was thought of as a naturalistic element is because nature doesn’t care about the war, its colors are the exact same color and shades of brown, green, and other nasty colors, opposed to the colors that Henry imagined of royal blues, purples, reds, and gold’s, which hardly ever occur in nature.

Chemical Equilibrium: Le Chatelier Principle Essay

This experiment entitled â€Å"Chemical Equilibrium† aims to help students to investigate the effects of concentration and temperature upon the position of equilibrium in a cobalt chloride solution, Co(H2O)62+. In this experiment, cobalt crystal is dissolved with distilled water and ethanol which the initial colour is purple-pinkish and a few drops of concentration of HCl is added to the test tube, the final colour is in deep blue colour. Upon the effect of concentration and temperature, the equilibrium will shift backward in the reaction with accordance with Le Chatelier’s principle producing more HCl molecules. This means that equilibrium rate of forward and backward reactions were met. In result, this reaction is endothermic. Introduction Chemical equilibrium is the state in which a chemical reaction proceeds at the same rate as its reverse reaction; the rate of forward and reverse reaction are equal, and the concentration of the reactants and products stop changing1. When this condition was met, there was no change in the proportions of the various compounds involved, and the reaction ceases to progress. The equilibrium state has a dynamic – that is, active – nature being characterized by the simultaneous and continuous formation of products from the reactants and reactants from the products2. But these simultaneous reactions do not necessarily follow that the concentrations of the reactants is equal to that of the product(s). Instead, the ratio of the concentrations of the reactants to the concentration of the product(s) raised to their coefficient in the balanced equation is Keq, a constant. Taking the Le Chatelier’s principle into consideration, there are factors that may shift or influence the position of equilibrium4. The Le Chatelier’s principle states that if stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the equilibrium will tend to shift in the direction which will relieve the applied stress. Some factors that can affect are concentration, temperature and pressure. Alterations in the system’s conditions at equilibrium may favour either a forward or backward shift. The objectives of the experiment are: to evaluate how the change in concentration and the change in temperature affect the equilibrium system, to explain the effects of these changes in the equilibrium system, and to interpret the results based on the Le Chatelier’s principle. Experiment Materials & Equipments: †¢3 Test tubes †¢Cold water bath †¢Concentrated HCl †¢60mL of Ethanol †¢Cobalt (II) Chloride crystal †¢Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) †¢H2O, distilled water Changes in color (specifically intensity), appearances and reactions should be observed and taken note of throughout the experiment. To begin this experiment, cobalt (II) chloride crystal is added into a new test tube and dissolve it with distilled water. Make sure the solution is mixed well before adding concentration of HCl. Continuously adding drops of concentration of HCl into the test tube until the solution turns deep blue in colour. After that, separate the new solution to 2 new test tube. Test tube 1 is placed into a cold water bath to analyse the final colour of the solution when it encounters cool surrounding. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) is added into test tube 2 and is mixed well. Observations were recorded, and direction of shift was deduced from the observations. If the reagent caused the mixture to shift to a lighter colour, then the direction of shift is backward. If the reagent caused the mixture to shift to a darker colour, then the direction of shift is forward.

Human Resource Management in the Public Office Essay

Is money the most important incentive tool in the public sector? Is performance-based pay an effective way to motivate employees to be more productive? Discuss the positive and negative benefits associated with broadbanded pay systems. The public sector mainly deals with the economic and administrative delivery of goods and services from the government to the nation’s people. Such a role requires true commitment to service and to the objective of improving the general welfare of individuals. Moreover, public servants uphold such commitments with a unique set of priorities that are not centered on material and financial gains but rather on what their capabilities and achievements could contribute to others’ betterment. This ideal may just as easily set public servants apart from members of the labor force that render their services for profit. This in consideration, financial rewards may not be the top priority of public servants but it is definitely an effective incentive tool across sectors from private to public. A way of granting incentive to employees is thru performance-based pay. This compensation scheme entails salary increases and rewarding of bonuses to employees that were able to achieve or surpass the goals related to their scope of work. Under such a scheme, employees become more motivated to produce high quality service with the end goal of producing evidently positive results. At the same time, since such a scheme requires that the salary increase be justified by the exemplary performance of the employee, there would be less incidences of increases and promotions made on the mere basis of office politics. Once it becomes evident to employees that they now have an equal playing field, this would additionally motivate them to prove themselves worthy of recognition and incentives. In line with effective human resource management, public sectors are developing broadband pay systems, which essentially implement broad pay ranges to groupings formed on the basis of like duties while maintaining high flexibility in order to cater to the needs and demands of a diverse workforce. Such pay systems may pose both advantages and disadvantages to the employees and agencies. An example of advantages to the employees is that the method of grouping may provide an opportunity for their positions to be reclassified to a higher grade as indicated by the complexity and breadth of their responsibilities. This would probably work in the favor of an employee who handles several tasks that are usually performed by more than one person in some offices. Another advantage is for the part of government offices because by utilizing high technology and efficient information systems to implement the broadband pay mechanisms, an optimized data gathering method shall be in place and process will be systematized. This would ultimately lead to more practical and efficient use of available human and financial resources, and big cumulative savings for the government. On the other hand, a disadvantage for the agencies could be that negotiations on job classifications or groupings might require them to disclose to labor unions sensitive information that might result to operational security concerns. How can an organization utilize employee benefits as part of its recruitment and retention efforts? How can an organization’s commitment to learning result in lower worker turnover? How do issues related to employee benefits and learning affect worker performance? Human resource is the best asset that any establishment could possibly have. Every day, a great number of organizations and establishments rise up or crumble by the excellence or mediocrity of their employees. In fact, any institution may employ the best possible technologies and may even be in the most dynamic and progressive industry but all these would not make the business a success if without talented and skillful employees. Thus to ensure the best possible recruits and the capacity to retain the most seasoned and esteemed talents, organizations build attractive compensation packages and employee development programs. By nurturing employees under these development programs and with attractive rewards, organizations hope to keep the loyalty of their talent pool and add new recruits that possess the same aptitude and skills. All these steps are taken by organizations under the knowledge that all employees would base their employer preferences that cater to their needs and growth t he most. Furthermore, these needs and growth expectations must be taken to mean not just financial benefits but more importantly how the organization could enrich one’s talents and allow him or her to maximize potentials. In order to nurture its talent pool, organizations may enroll their employees to various classes that teach or further establish the knowledge that they have related to the tasks that they perform in the office. Through these classes, employees develop a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction because they find that they are able to tap in to more of their potentials. Thus, with the knowledge that there are more things that they could learn and do, they find that they also have more to offer the organization that they are part of. By allowing their employees to grow into high potential individuals, organizations not only keep their employees loyal and their turnover rates low, they also gain from the enriched talents and skills that their human resources apply in their day to day work. An organization’s spending on training and development programs for its employees is part of its human resource investment. As with products sold in banks or stock market, or purchases of equipments by production companies, expenses incurred by organizations related to employee training are acknowledged with the expectation that they will bring forth returns to the organization by way of improved employee performances that lead to better working processes and achievement of the organization’s vision and mission. Pershing, Stolovitch, and Keeps (2006) further support the relationship between employee performance and learning by stating that the latter allows the workforce to become more connected to the organization through an increased knowledge of how better he could be of service, and that the nurturing process offered to these employees allow them to be better prepared for changes and more open to process improvements. In essence, all employees are practical individuals in that they stay in the organization that appreciate them the most and reward them sufficiently for the quality of work that they render. It is with this knowledge that organizations build progressive employee benefit and retention programs. These organizations know all too well that employees perform best under development and reward programs that offer holistic growth. Such growth pertains to several factors in the lives of an individual. Compare and contrast the difference in terminating workers in public organizations versus private companies? What at the implications of at-will employment for public sector workers? One of the major differences between public organizations and private companies is the objective or mission with which their workforce operates. As established earlier, public sector workers can be largely considered as volunteers for social, economic, and even political causes whereas the workforce of private companies are mostly there for profitable gains. This in mind, the mere concept of a decrease in the workforce in the public sector poses several challenges because it may not be easy for the organization to come by public servants who are willing to work for the same cause. One way in which the workforce of any institution is reduced is thru employee termination. Termination is the process by which the organization puts a stop to an individual’s membership or service to the organization against his or her will. There are various reasons why termination is imposed on an individual. It may be that the employee has violated certain organizational policies or ethical standards, or rendered unsatisfactory job performance, or may even have been because he or she had a conflict with his or her supervisor. On the other hand, the employee may also be subject to termination when the company undergoes a restructuring phase that necessitated downsizing in its workforce, or if the employee’s responsibilities have been found to be redundant. Employee termination occurs in both public and private offices but there are some notable differences. One such difference is that employees of private companies are often hired under contract whereas those working in public offices are often employed at-will, meaning that they do not have a formal employment contract binding him or her and the employer. Although all employees are protected by labor laws, employees in the public sector are more vulnerable to termination because of the at-will nature of their employment.

Sports Performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sports Performance - Essay Example 17-55, 1987). The agents include the players, the coaches, as well as the referees. Ball allocation and play calling are examples of the numerous tasks involved, whereas the contexts can be during play as well as timeout. These factors interact together in different ways, and create several unique combinations, each of which requires a unique decision. This results in a wide array of situations in sports where decisions are required. One important step to learning about decision-making from sports is thus to weed out the main features of sports performance which make it practical and easy to study. Locating these features provides us with an essential step in comprehending the importance of sports as an epitome of decision-making situations. Studying decision-making (Diederich, pp. 157-166, 2003) in laboratory has one making disadvantage: the results may be inaccurate due to the unnatural environment. In sports, however, the player the researchers observe is under real pressure, and is fully responsible for his or her decision, which ultimately leads to their decision resembling the decision-making found in the real world. This advantage of studying decision-making is one that has only recently come into being appreciated for its worth (Bacharach, pp. 17-55, 1987). ... This feature of sports points out the danger of simulating a natural environment, and the importance of a naturalistic observation setting. The dynamics of sports decisions (Gold & Shadlen, pp. 10-16, 2001) are the second reason why they are ideal to study for the sake of decision-making research. The affect of this dynamism is twofold, to be found in both internal and external dynamics. Internal dynamics hold significance as they show that each decision is made over a course of deliberation, rather than spontaneously. Instead of simply making the decisions as they come, the player/decision-maker accumulates relevant information over a course of time and evaluates it at the time of decision-making. External dynamics, on the other hand, show that the situation itself fluctuates from time to time. At one moment, if the information is available (goalie position), it may be out of reach a second later due to obstruction in the view. These and other variables such as available options rev eal the dynamic nature of sports. Research (Gold & Shadlen, pp. 10-16, 2001) finds that decisions are made either ‘online’, or on a reflective basis. This also links the nature of sports to the dynamism earlier mentioned. Online-made decisions are examples of when the decision is made during the task, or under similar shortage of time. A player will make online decisions during the game. This is as opposed to the coach making the game strategy beforehand, using reflective decision-making techniques, which make thorough use of all the relevant information available. Movement control and decision-making (Mayes, pp. 441-461, 2003) go hand in hand when studying sports performance and this can be aided by cognitive modeling. Cognitive

Persuation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Persuation - Essay Example Instead, they take advantage of the fact that people will feel sorry for animals and thus be forced by their emotional situation to believe that indeed human beings have been mistreating animals (Quist 101). One of such images is that of the limping dog. To help in capturing the viewers’ emotions, the commercial uses vivid language to present the image of exactly what the animals go through in the hands of brutal human beings. An example of vivid language in the commercial is when Sarah McLachlan, one of the ASPCA supporters claims that animals that had been victims of violence are out there calling for help. Most of the words and phrases that used in the commercial are aimed at appealing to the viewers emotionally instead of intellectually. This is because the main aim of the commercial is to emotionally connect the viewers to whatever the animals might be going through in terms of brutality. A good example the use of emotional language is the phrase which says that, â€Å"for hundreds of others help came

Going for Growth by Investing in People, Products and Plant Essay

Going for Growth by Investing in People, Products and Plant - Essay Example In addition, Hazlewood Sandwiches has invested ?25 million to build a factory site named Manton Wood in order to prepare several quantities of sandwiches. This factory site of the company is regarded as the largest sandwich producing plant in the world (Driver &Temple, 1999). Conclusion Investment appraisal is one of the crucial factors that for obtaining internal and external source of funds. Hazlewood Sandwiches has made two significant capital investments in the past years. The primary objectives behind the company’s substantial capital investments was to avail the prevailing opportunities in the UK sandwich market to gain higher rate of return on the capital invested and thereby to attain superior growth and expansion (Driver &Temple, 1999). References Driver, C. & Temple, P., 1999. Investment, Growth and Employment: Perspectives for Policy. Routledge. Gessinger, G. H., 2009. Materials and Innovative Product Development: Using Common Sense. Butterworth-Heinemann. Lumby, S. , 1988. Investment Appraisal and Financing Decisions the VNR Series in Accounting and Finance. Taylor & Francis. Question 2: Discuss the differences, advantages and disadvantages of the three investment decision techniques mentioned in the case. Introduction Hazlewood Sandwiches undertook three primary methods of investment appraisal namely payback method, Net Present Value (NPV) and Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) method in order to apprise and evaluate the value of the investment made by the company (Gotze, & et. al., 2008). Discussion The payback method critically considers the length of time in order to recover capital invested by the company. It is worth mentioning that the payback method takes into concern cash flow activities. The major advantages of this... This paper approves that investment appraisal is one of the crucial factors that for obtaining internal and external source of funds. Hazlewood Sandwiches has made two significant capital investments in the past years. The primary objectives behind the company’s substantial capital investments was to avail the prevailing opportunities in the UK sandwich market to gain higher rate of return on the capital invested and thereby to attain superior growth and expansion. This paper makes a conclusion that the three primary methods of investment appraisal and evaluation have their own distinctive advantages and disadvantages that facilitate the management of Hazlewood to select one of the any aforementioned methods. Notably, payback method can be considered as the simplest method of all the other two methods. This is owing to the reason that payback as well ARR method does not take into consideration the time value of money. On the contrary, NPV method expresses in dollars instead of percentage that often makes it difficult to appraise the investment. The role of workforce from both the functional perspectives of HRM and accounting is pivotal for any organisation. In this current business environment, workforce of any organisation is required to perform multiple tasks in order to conduct their business operations successfully. Thus, it can be stated that skilled and competent workforce in the business is the greatest asset of a specific organisation.

Future of Print media and impact of online journalism in the UK Dissertation

Future of Print media and impact of online journalism in the UK - Dissertation Example This essay discusses that in the modern world online sources of media and entertainment has been highly significant in respect to development of the process of spreading news and information across countries. Although popularity of hard copies of newspapers are still at very high level, large section of people in the world are investing significant time of their daily routine in reading newspapers online. In the United Kingdom, large number of people is shifting their choice towards reading online newspapers. The habit of reading online newspapers is also helping professionals and students to increase their knowledge about what is happening at present all over the world. Improvements in technology are also encouraging people to use online sources of media and news in comparison with hard copies of newspapers. Hence, newspaper companies are also shifting their production structure away from hard copies of newspapers. This shift in the production process is increasing the profit earnin g ability of business organisations and is also reducing the time required by newspaper readers in respect to spending time in other works. Also the increased share of the total market consisting of newspaper readers is also getting reduced in the UK at slow speed. Online journalism is considered as one of the most important concepts in modern system of spreading knowledge and information and updating news across the globe. In modern system of journalism, online journalism is the most crucial concept essentially popularised for speed and efficiency. In businesses where

Business Strategy and the Role of Information for the Organization Term Paper

Business Strategy and the Role of Information for the Organization - Term Paper Example Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (2003) argue that the mission statement of the organization is the element that reflects upon the core strategies of the organization itself. This makes it clear that the mission statement is the critical element for the successful evaluation of the existing strategies in an organization. In light of the aforementioned arguments, the mission statement for the organization under scrutiny is presented below. From the mission statement, it is clear that the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitors office are predominantly involved in accomplishing effectiveness in legal services provided to the customers through gaining efficiency in performance. The mission statement also reveals that the quality of service is the critical element for the organization in both the external and internal customers scenario as mentioned in the strategy statement of the Office of the Attorney General. From the review of the strategy statement of the Offic e of the Attorney general, it is clear that the organization is not only striving to accomplish effective customer service through improving quality but also increasingly focusing upon the development of the human resource as well as the overall organization status in the public. The presence of the Management Advisory Committee in the organization as the monitor 'to ensure that all key strategic, business and management decisions for the Office are discussed collectively before any relevant issues are further developed in a partnership approach involving management, unions, and staff', further justifies that the strategic positioning of the organization   as argued by Richard Lynch (2003) is the key to effectiveness in performance within the organization.   

Unacceptable governance Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unacceptable governance - Research Paper Example In many circumstances refused to assent to laws.â€Å"He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.†2. He forbids his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance.A head of state must encourage governors to pass important laws.The king of Great BritainDuring governors meetings, he has always forbidden governors to pass laws.â€Å"He has made it inadmissible for his Governors to legislate on delicate issues unless he assents to it, and even when he permits, he neglects them.†3. He refuses to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people.A good government must derive its powers from the consent of the governed.The King of Great BritainMany people allege that The King of Great Britain passed laws for his own interest.â€Å"He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of districts with high populations unless the populations would not a representation in the Legislature, a right unfat homable to them and only suitable to tyrants.†4. He calls together a legislative body at unusual, uncomfortable, and distant places in order to fatigue members and make them comply with his measures.A common comfortable meeting place for legislators symbolizes good government.The King of Great BritainLiterature provides enough evidence of the King calling meetings at remote places.â€Å"He has assembled legislative bodies surprisingly at unusual places, deplorable, and away from reach to their documented public Record.

The ability to learn faster than your competition may be the only Essay

The ability to learn faster than your competition may be the only sustainable competitive advantage - Essay Example marking is an externally focused quality improvement technique that looks at the best practices of departments within the organisation, competitors and organisations with activities that are deemed to be functionally similar. As long as superior performance is identified the next step is to gain an understanding of the enablers or drivers of such performance and then apply them to the organisation (Swanson 2005, p. 243). Benchmarking is one of the strategies used in order to compete effectively in the market. It is a process that is used by organisations in order to target the key areas in their operations that can be used to improve competitiveness, productivity and quality. Organizations use benchmarking when they compare their performance against other companies doing similar business (Gitlow 2005, p.195). Quality needs to have a basis for comparison and so organisations use this strategy to determine how they are performing in comparison with their competitors. This allows them to remain competitive. Comparison is normally done with the best performing organisations. Every organisation can benefit from benchmarking as it is highly unlikely that an organisation does everything well or has nothing to learn from the successes of other organisations (Swanson 2005, p. 203). Benchmark is done as a structured process so as to improve performance and achieve improvements. Benchmarking simply put, is the practice of being humble enough to admit that someone else is better at doing something, and being wise enough to learn how to match and even surpass them at it (Williams 2004, p.226). Benchmarking as mentioned is done so as to set performance standards and so as to achieve superior performance that will result to having a competitive advantage in the industry (Peters 2007, p.89). The 2 basic types of benchmarking are internal and external. The internal aspect of it involves self analysis of a company’s own activities so as to determine its strength and

Goals for Creating the New City Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Goals for Creating the New City - Essay Example Since it is a new city, it has not yet had universities constructed. Since it is aimed to be a center for academic achievement, it has plans for the construction of institutions of higher learning. Many people have been attracted to the city. This is due to its fame of having a high rate of civic involvement. There is a lively democratic process within the city. This makes it attract people from different parts of California and from other parts of the globe. Residents are not only involved in politics, but issues including crime prevention, disaster readiness, and lack teamwork remain to its main challenges. Nonetheless, the city has remained the attractive place for people from all over the globe. The city is less good as Berkeley. This is because we have several colleges in Berkeley. The Vista Community College and the University of California are built in Berkeley. This makes Berkeley a better place for higher education than in the city (Wilson et al. 23). Nonetheless, the city i s similar to Berkeley; the only difference is the college and the university. However, there is no big difference of Berkeley from the city; education is highly valued in both cities. Democracy and security are considered basic for the residents. People within the cities are committed to the establishment of one economic center with the justified distribution of resources. The two cities are looking forward to working together to build their economy by becoming economic partners. Since the two cities are neighbors, they can be good business partners. Transportation of commodities from one city to the other would be efficient. Since the two cities have greatly invested in security, the establishment of security within the border would be ensured. Both the cities would work together to achieve improved security in their borders and within the cities.  

Nha trang station Essay Example for Free

Nha trang station Essay ?Unfortunately, at the time when the train came at nha trang station, its machinery was damaged. All of passengers on board received notice from the commander of the train is to stay in this city 2 days for them to repair machinery because no train to replace. Staffs at station guided passengers on board to the hotel to rest. Fortunately, I was visited one more a beautiful beach city on my travelling. First day, I woke up early and explored this city on the map. My family decided to travel by self-sufficiency. I went a round the city to watching the beach, it was so pretty and agreeable with fresh sea atmosphere, cool. The people are also very friendly and welcoming when I asked for directions or tourist places, even they willing take my family to tourist place and eating. My family started to go around to visit these beautiful islands by boat. I was so excited to be sitting on the boat for travel around of the islands. I was feeling like I mixed with the nature. Finally my family decided to stop one islands nearby for swimming and eating. An island was very beautiful with caves was created by natural. I went to swim and have fun with my family. I participated in these games service on the island such as diving or Jet Ski and eat seafood with my family on the coast. The whole day for swimming on the island, my family was so tired when we came back to the hotel. At night on this beach city was so dreamy with a lot of colorful brilliant. Everybody came to the coast for relaxing with the cool air, coffee, dinning and sing a song. I walk to coffee shop near the hotel to sit and watch the beach and living of the people present at night while my family was resting at the hotel. Nightlife here is very lively and fun. After that I returned to take a rest at my hotel. A second day, my family took a tour to seafood super market, temple, and some nice place. In the afternoon, my family came to the train station for continuing the journey to Hanoi.

Toyota Knowledge Management

Toyota Knowledge Management In present, most of the management professionals and academics have distinguished knowledge as a significant source of competitive advantage. Potentially, it is a substantial resource to a firm as it includes precious, unusual, unique and non-commutable features and an implicit aspect. Importance of knowledge is increasing day by day in the society and due to this a shift is occurring in individuals thinking regarding business innovations. These innovations can be technical, process or product innovation and strategic or operational. Innovations due to knowledge-based organizations are occurring all over the world and similar is the situation with Toyota Motor Corporation that is discussed in this report. In this report, existing knowledge management practices of Toyota Motor Corporation is discussed along with the interventions that it can use to improve its present KM practices and strategies. In this report, intervention proposed for Toyota is the use of KM as a management tool. As well, here, elements that are essential for effective KM strategy are also given so that the company can develop a new and much more effective KM strategy to deal with its existing KM flaws. The report provides all inclusive information about Toyotas past knowledge management strategies and some new effective strategies that it can used to make effective use of knowledge and its related aspects. Introduction The field of knowledge management has developed in concern to the management of the data, information and knowledge within an organization and as well as employing it to gain competitive advantage (Armistead 1999, p. 143). Knowledge management basically comprises of procedures and tools to efficiently captivate and share data. As well, it is also related to the potential use of knowledge of individuals within a firm. From last several years there have been serious discussions on the significance of knowledge management (KM) in our society (Hicks, Dattero Galup 2006, p. 19). Almost all researchers, scholars and management science professionals agree that substantial transformation had occurred and management of knowledge had become crucial. The excessive business operations failures, due to the traditional modes of operations have intensified the significance of knowledge and its management (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 204). In the increasing competitive situation, KM and associated strategy concepts had become essential and significant components for present organizations to survive and maintain their position in the long run (Armistead 1999, p. 143). Due to the significance and advantages of KM, it has become vital for executives and managers to deal with KM and related strategies. Nowadays, it is considered as a precondition for attaining higher productivity and flexibility in both the private and the public sector firms due to its significant advantages (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 204). Toyota Motor Corporation also makes use of knowledge management for managing its different business operations and processes. With this the company has become able in gathering, organizing, sharing and analyzing its knowledge in regard to resources, documents, and people skills. Here, in this paper the current role of KM in Toyota will be analyzed along with the specific recommendations in the form of new interventions will be presented to the company. This will enhance companys ability to manage all its resources in a way through which, it can enhance its knowledge organization and sharing (Wiig1997, p. 7). Existing Knowledge Management Plan of Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation has attained immense growth from the time of its initiation and with this the company have also confronted several troubles related to expansion and its management. In starting the company use to develop and produce cars only in Japan and export in some abroad countries but with increasing demand and globalization it started operating in several different foreign markets. With this increase in its operations base, the company confronted troubles related to management of its resources. For resolving this trouble the company made use of knowledge management as it become aware with its significance and need (Ichijo Kohlbacher 2006). The company operations started growing significantly and in this concern it also made use of several advanced approaches like lean production, total quality management etc. All these approaches assisted the company in attaining a significant place in emerging markets. In addition to these approaches, the company also understood the significance of knowledge and its use for company and its employees management (Armistead 1999, p. 143). The company understood that managing knowledge among its organization is essential and for this it adopted several knowledge management approaches like development of knowledge sharing networks and use of tactic knowledge (Pena 2002, P. 470). Knowledge Management The company management is aware with the fact that the creation of knowledge is not only an aggregation of information but it is a distinctive human process that cannot be decreased or replicated easily. The company management tries to alter data into information that can be used a knowledge for all by collection, organizing, summarizing, analyzing, synthesizing and making final decision (Alwis Hartmann 2008, p. 134). Management of Toyota is also aware that effective management of knowledge is essential that includes knowledge creation, sharing, security, and abandonment (Wang Ahmed 2005, p. 327). All this relies on enabling context that can be developed with the help of significant knowledge enablers that are as follows: Introducing a knowledge vision Handling conversations Displacing knowledge reformers Establishing appropriate context Globalizing local knowledge (Ichijo Kohlbacher 2006). All these knowledge enablers are introduced by Toyota that evidences its knowledge management practices. Although Toyota Motor Corporation has adopted a significant approach towards knowledge management and knowledge sharing but still it is not able to effectively manage knowledge among all its resources (Towill 2010, p. 335). Nowadays, the company is operating in different foreign markets but still it is not able to improve its production efficiency and quality and it is all because of lack of knowledge management and knowledge sharing (Bailey Clarke 2000, p. 236). The company management has still not gone through the fundamental issues of knowledge sharing or organizational learning that are key drivers behind a firms significant attainments. For attaining assured success in 21st century it is essential that its leaders develop intellectual capital with the help of knowledge creation and sharing on an international basis. The company had to work hard in the direction of knowledge sharing as its main issues are related to knowledge sharing. If company adopts effective approaches and networks it can easily resolve its issues related to knowledge sharing that in turn will render it with competitive advantage (Pena 2002, P. 470). For successful execution and operations, it is essential that the Toyota Motor Corporation significantly improves its knowledge management issues. Without this, it would not be possible for the company to manage its leading position in the long run as now knowledge has become crucial for running a business successfully (Randeree 2006, p. 145). The company had effective knowledge management plan but it is lacking at some aspects that if improved can deliver it with substantial advantages of knowledge management and business operations management (Jost 2010). Knowledge Management Interventions for Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation that is the Japans largest company and the worlds second leading automobile company is known as the worlds paramount knowledge company (Jost 2010). Till now, the company has three times, won the Global Most Admired Knowledge Enterprises (MAKE) Survey 4. As well as, it is also a five-time winner of the MAKE Japan Survey. This award is given for the unique practices in the field of Knowledge Management. These awards were given on the basis of measures like knowledge-based culture and products, knowledge sharing and cooperation and organizational learning (Bateman n.d.). All these aspects were managed effectively but still the company need to take extra efforts as it is lacking in some aspects of knowledge management. The most substantial aspect that needs to be improved is sharing knowledge and it can be done only if knowledge management is used as a management tool. The most substantial KM intervention that can be used by Toyota Motor Corporation is the use of KM as a management tool (Jost 2010). By making use of knowledge management as a management tool, the company can effectively improve all its existing flaws of KM in regard to its business operations. In addition to this by understanding the concept of intellectual capital also the company can improve its KM practices. The company management needs to understand that KM is a vital part of the wide concept intellectual capital because KM itself is about the management of the intellectual capital. Intellectual capital can be understood with the help of two terms strategy and measurement (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 205). Strategy pertains to the formation and utilization of knowledge and as well on the association between knowledge and value creation (Rao 2005). Other aspects of intellectual capital that is measurement concentrates on the development of new information systems that are proficient to measure non-financial data along with traditional financial data (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 206). The abstract bases of intellectual capital that can be used by Toyota can be understood in this figure. The company management should try to make attempts for exploring the creation and use of knowledge in a way through which it can be leveraged into value as given in the figure. By managing intellectual capital the company can significantly enhance its existing knowledge management practices and improve the flaws in KM. This will also assist the company in making use of KM as a management tool that is essential for making it effective in all aspects of a business (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 206). Knowledge Management as a Management Tool: Usually, KM is depicted as a management tool but it is made up of two aspects in which first is KM as an informational handling tool or operational tool and second is as a strategically focused management tool. By managing KM as operational and strategically focussed management tool, Toyota can easily increase knowledge sharing and organizational learning among its business processes (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 209). If company and its management handle both the aspects of KM, it can significantly attain all essential benefits of KM for its business and its assured growth. Knowledge Management as an Information Handling Tool In the field of knowledge management, knowledge is usually considered as an information handling trouble. It basically includes the formation, organization and utilization of knowledge (Morey, Maybury Thuraisingham 2002). Toyota Motor Corporation also need to use KM as an information handling tool that can be done by managing different but associated stages. In the first stage, the company should acquire information and in the second stage the collected information should be entered into storage system and then need to be structured rationally (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 209). KM is all about the attainment and reposition of employees knowledge and making this information available to others so that they can also use it. This can be done by making use of several advanced technologies like Internet and databases. In this way, the company can transform tactic knowledge to explicit knowledge that can be used by everyone for increasing their efficiency and productivity (Rao 2005). By storing information in several company databases the company need to initiate third stage that is related to make stored information accessible to maximum employees of the firm (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 209). Knowledge Management Stages This third stage is related to the maximum delivery and use of information. In the last stage, the company management can significantly utilize information. This process of information utilization can be commenced by employees sharing knowledge and socialising with each other. As well as information can also be utilized or shared through digital and in analogue pattern. Knowledge Management as a Strategic Management Tool: The next substantial aspect of KM that needs to be managed by Toyota is KM as a strategic management tool. It is said by management professionals that effective knowledge management begins with a strategy. In concern to a KM strategy, knowledge is distinguished as a most valuable and less used resource (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 210). For improving knowledge sharing and existing knowledge management practices, it is essential that the company improve its existing KM strategy as it plays a substantial role in successful knowledge management. For creating an effective KM strategy, the company need to develop systems that significantly capture and reassign internal knowledge into unique practices. The company management need to consider all of its aims, objectives and anticipated results in regard to KM as it varies for organization (Rao 2005). Sometime, KM can be worked out as a way to enhance performance, productivity, collaboration and competitiveness and sometimes it may be used for meliorating effective attainment, sharing and utilization of information within the company (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 210). In addition to this it can also be used as a technique for enhanced decision making, a tool to captivate unique practices, a way to become an innovative firm etc. The purpose of employing and using KM should be clear as in this way only the company can effectively manage its KM practices and strategy. By working on all these things, the company can develop an effective KM strategy (Reimer Karagiannis 2006). Recommended Strategies for Implementing Proposed Interventions For implementing proposed interventions, the Toyota Motor Corporation needs to consider following elements and strategies: Interrogative Questions and Assessments: First substantial element that should be included by Toyota at the time of creating and implementing its KM strategy is interrogative questions and assessments. The company management should associate its KM strategy with what it wants to attain as well as with it aim and objectives. This can be done with the help of interrogation and assessments of different aspects like what company want to attain and in which aspect it wants improvement (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 211). How its KM strategy will render it towards benefits and increase in employees performance etc. By identifying the answers of all these questions, the company can develop an effective KM strategy. Effective Communication: In most of the companies effort to implement KM strategy, a significant problem that has occurred is about ineffective communication. For successful implementation, effective communication is essential and similar is the case with Toyota (Hlupic 2003). For its successful KM strategy implementation, the company should develop an effective communication plan that should be flexible enough to adopt changes in communication pattern at the time of critical business decisions. Well developed communication plan will also help the company in increasing its knowledge sharing and becoming a learning organization (Morey, Maybury Thuraisingham 2002). Top Management Support: For successful implementation of KM strategy, it is essential that the company management have significant support from its top management. The company management should try to convince top management for promoting procedures that will prop up learning and sharing. Top management should be convinced in a way that it helps in setting-up fund knowledge networks and promotes further improvements (Reimer Karagiannis 2006). If, Toyota become able to receive full support from its top management it will substantially become able in developing and implementing a successful KM strategy (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 211). Significance of People and Culture: The next substantial element in concern to the development and implementation of an effective KM strategy is people and culture. Successful execution of KM is significantly associated with a firms people and culture. The management of Toyota also needs to develop an effective association between its KM strategy implementation its people and culture. By focussing on its employees and their significant role, the company can have a distinctive KM strategy implementation (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 211). The company that concentrates on its people and culture are much more able to attain its goals in comparison to the firm that concentrates more on technology. This should also be understood by Toyota and then only it will become proficient in the thriving implementation of its KM strategy (Jasimuddin 2008, p. 59). By understanding that the people and culture plays a central role in the creation of thriving knowledge based firm the company management can easily resolve all its people and cultural related issues. These issues are vital to be handled in a timely manner as otherwise it may direct company towards several disadvantages (Morey, Maybury Thuraisingham 2002). Adoption of Creativity: The next substantial element that should be considered by Toyota for improving its existing KM practices is the inclusion of creativity as it is vitally linked with strategy. By establishing a link between strategy and creativity, the company will become able in maintaining its position in the long run (Hlupic 2003). By associating KM and creativity, the company management can attain business creativity so it is essential to consider creativity at the time of developing a KM strategy. Creation of Learning Networks: One more critical element of KM is the creation of learning networks so that employees can learn from each other and maximize their knowledge. By creating learning networks, Toyota can also resolve its existing troubles of knowledge sharing and becoming a learning organization (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 212). In present employees of the company are not so focussed but by evidencing them KM benefits, they can be encouraged for the development of learning networks. Significance of Sharing Knowledge: Another important element that needs to be included by Toyota at the time of developing and implementing its KM strategy is sharing knowledge. The company strategy is lacking in concern to this element and should work hard for improving it and including it in its KM strategy. Nowadays, it is seen that employees does not prefer to share their knowledge with other due to increasing competition (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 211). Management of the company should try to build a positive environment in which everyone like to share knowledge with others so that they can increase their knowledge (Liebowitz 1999). In this concern, the company management should try to share existing knowledge with its new and present employees through groups discussions and regular seminars. They should try to develop an open and flexible environment in which everyone has intensity to increase its existing knowledge base. By adopting these approaches employees habit of sharing knowledge can be intensified in a significant way. Appropriate Incentives to Employees: The next critical element in regard to KM strategy is the creation of appropriate incentives for employees to share and implement knowledge. In present, Toyotas reward system does not support its sharing knowledge culture so by making changes in it, the company can improve its troubles related to sharing knowledge. The company management should try to develop a reward system that encourages its employees to use their expertise and understand the importance of KM (MaÊrtensson 2000, p. 212). All aspects related to employees and their knowledge sharing should be involved in company reward system as it may come from any level of organizational structure (Despres Chauvel 1999, p. 112). Effective Evaluation System: The last substantial element that is vital to consider is the employment of effective evaluation system for evaluating the efforts made in the direction of making use of KM. The creation of system can range from informal to formal system. Toyota should also develop effective evaluation system so that all its knowledge practices and strategies can be evaluated in a timely manner and deliver effective use of KM (Reimer Karagiannis 2006). By following all these elements, the company can develop an effective KM strategy that in turn will assist Toyota in sharing knowledge and creating a learning organization. KM as a management tool will direct Toyota towards the development of successful KM strategy and implementation (Liebowitz 1999). Conclusion With the help of above discussion, it becomes evident that the Toyota Motor Corporation needs to improve its existing KM practices and strategies. For this, the company should adopt suggested interventions that are related to use KM as a management tool. By making use of KM as a management tool the company will become able in resolving its difficulties related to operation and strategy (Reimer Karagiannis 2006). KM as a management tool will serve the company with an ability to handle its information handling issues and becoming strategically focussed (Quality Counts 2008). In this way, it can be said that Toyota should adopt the above discussed interventions and should try to develop a new and effective KM strategy. For the development of effective KM strategy the company should consider all the above discussed elements as it will render it with specific and distinctive approach to KM and its utilization. By adopting recommended strategies the company can develop a new and more effective KM strategy that will help it in resolving all existing KM related issues like knowledge sharing and becoming a learning organization (Liebowitz 1999). The proposed interventions will direct Toyota Motor Corporation towards the development of effective and distinctive KM strategy.