International Management Case Study Essay

1. What are the advantages of a small business going international through incremental stages rather than as a global start up? There are many advantages of a small business going international through incremental stages, rather than as a global start up. First of all a startup that utilizes the small business stage model where it has an incremental process of internationalization gives that them a much larger chance of sustainability and success, rather than trying to start large which puts them at more risk. This usually occurs passively, where a small business doesn’t solicit international business, but eventually conducts business internationally by filling normal orders, and as the business grows and receives more orders, they also increase the amount of international business they conduct. In the small business stage model of internationalization there are six typical stages that a company goes through. These are: * Stage 1 – Passive exporting * Stage 2 – Export Management * Stage 3 – Export Department * Stage 4 – Sales Branch * Stage 5 – Production Abroad * Stage 6 – The Transnational These stages transition a small business from merely filling international orders that aren’t solicited, to seeking out export sales, to using significant resources to increase sales which creates a high enough demand to open local sales offices, which leads to production abroad and then finally developing a global network and the company becoming a transnational corporation. The benefit of a company going through these incremental steps to develop its international business is based upon the company having a strong domestic customer base within their business system. Having a strong domestic business allows the small business to have a solid foundation of revenue which allows them to not have to rely on their international business to survive. This mitigates the risks from having the liabilities of smallness, which are the challenges facing a small business in getting access to necessary resources to internationalize. By having a strong business domestically, those challenges and risks can be taken as the survival of the company doesn’t depend on obtaining those resources to internationalize. Another benefit of a company going through incremental steps is that they also have the small business advantage. This advantage is from fast moving entrepreneurs that can use their competitive advantage of speed. Being first to market, they can capture significant sales before large competitors react. This allows a small business to adapt to market changes as they go international and allows them to more competitive as they expand into international markets. Companies can quickly change products, advertisements and operations to be able to meet the needs of the international market which is usually done with evolving technologies. This is where the larger corporate competitors are slowing as there are usually many policies and procedures that must be adhered to that slows them down, and makes them either late to the market with the change or they miss it all together. This is extremely important not just in established international markets, but also emerging and new international markets. Furthermore, reaching customers by teaming up with foreign partners such as distributors, joint venture partners, or licensees is another benefit. By working with these partners who are in direct contact with customers is of utmost importance, as they have a direct line to the point of sale. It’s not easy to find partners, but by incrementally going international and growing a business, the resources also grow and opens up many more points of contact. As the business grows and these points of contacts grow, the possibility for partners grows as well. Some of the ways a small business can find these partners are through trade shows, catalog expositions, international advertising agencies and consulting firms, government sponsored trade missions and of course direct contact. These partners are a great help in getting a small business’ products further into the international market and in the hands of their customers. It is not impossible for a company to go global from the first day that they start their business, but the odds are not in their favorite. It is very difficult to start out targeting such a large market. It is much easier for a small business to start domestically and build up a solid foundation for their business to gradually expand into the international market. This sets up a small business for the best chance for success to go from a small company and turning it into a corporation. Resources Cullen, John B., and K. Praveen Parboteeah. Multinational Management – A Strategic Approach. 5th ed. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning, 2008. Print.

Aviation, Aerospace or Airport Industry Essay

In order to assess aviation, aerospace or airport industry practice to the field of Marketing I have chosen to focus on the aviation industry and the marketing practices they have adopted in order to deal compete effectively in the current recessional environment.   This document focuses on the 4 P’s of Marketing (Kotler, 2008) and discusses how airlines have altered their approach to Product, Price, Place and Promotion in order to continue to successfully compete and respond to the changing needs of their customer base.   One company in particular, Southwest Airlines, will be explored in more detail with the marketing practices forming the basis for further exploration of the key themes. The Aviation Industry The events of September the 11th coupled with a growing economic recession have created an extremely challenging environment for the airline industry.   Forecasts produced by the Civil Aviation Authority indicate that the situation may not improve for quite some time with passenger traffic not expected to fully recover in the next five years (Figure 1). Figure One:   Actual and Forecast Traffic (m) 2007-2012 Fiscal Year No. Passengers Domestic (US) No. Passengers International (US) No. Passengers Total (US) 2007 577.8 53.6 631.4 2008 (F) 590.4 54.2 644.7 2009 (F) 610.9 54.9 665.8 2010 (F) 639.8 56.4 696.3 2011 (F) 626.7 56.7 683.4 2012 (F) 576.8 50.8 627.6 In order to deal with this airlines are significantly altering their marketing practices and methods of distribution in order to operate more efficiently and competitively.   Major changes have been observed over the past couple of years with some of these constituting complete overhauls of the traditional operation of the industry.   Southwest Airlines is an airline which has strongly positioned itself on â€Å"being different† through all elements of its service and product. At its core is its mission, which specifies that the airline is dedicated to â€Å"the highest quality of customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit†.   At first glance the concept of â€Å"high quality† and â€Å"low cost† appear to contradict one another.   However, Southwest airlines maintain that this is not the case and they have not compromised on quality or safety.   Awards such as â€Å"Triple Crown† which is awarded for low customer complaints, flight timeliness and baggage turnaround times, indicates that this may indeed be true. In order to better understand the key industry trends and how airlines have attempted to use these to their advantage, it is worth considering the marketing mixes of aviation companies such as Southwest Airlines and assessing how these have been altered in order to attract and retain a diminishing customer base. Marketing Practices Product The product element of the marketing mix concerns offering the right product to the right target market.   The products on offer through the airline industry have changed significantly over the past twenty-five years. Flying, which at one point was exclusively for the wealthy, has become more accessible and today there are a large numbers of airlines that cater for even larger numbers of customers.   In order to compete in this environment airlines have invested significant amounts of money in distinguishing their products and services from their competitors. For Southwest Airlines, this has entailed differentiating their product through redesigning the service their provide to customers.   Although, on the surface, their â€Å"no frills† concept appears very simple, delivering it in a way that doesn’t negatively impact customer experience is somewhat of an art.   In order to successfully implement this business model Southwest airlines have invested significant amounts of money in understanding their customer needs and motivations and used this as the basis for their value proposition. Through researching their customer base they have been able to identify which services were not valued above price by the customer and have eradicated them, thus lowering their operating costs and passing these savings directly onto the customer.   In addition to that, the involvement and support of their staff is paramount.   This is achieved through the company culture, a family orientated set up which promotes teamwork and values employee’s opinions and suggestions for improvement.   Southwest Airlines have recognized that employee participation and support is critical to the achievement of their aspirations and have successfully build a team of 29,000 with the lowest turnover rate in the industry. Price Since the deregulation of the airline industry in 1978, the airline industry has become highly price sensitive and many customers will generally purchase from the most competitively priced airline, viewing separate company’s offerings as perfect substitutes.   In order to maximize the profit from each flight, many airlines operate a variable pricing approach that is based on the needs of individual customers.   This approach attempts to identify and separate those customers who are concerned about price from those who are willing to pay more in order to attain a seat on the flight. As well as partitioning flights into first, business and economy classes, airlines attempt to maximize their revenue by offering a mixture of full price and discounted tickets within these segments.   Using detailed information related to market trends, forecasts and seasonal variations the major airlines implement inventory management approaches that help to define the demand and subsequent price for each seat on the flight. More than 90 percent of the tickets sold by U.S. airlines are now discounted (Costello 2001) and in the last twenty years flight prices have dropped by approximately 75% (Miller, 2007). According to a renowned marketing strategist, David Aaker (2001), one of the ways in which companies can successfully compete in a price sensitive marketplace is to offer higher value to their customers.   This view is supported by many theorists, many of whom believe that the industry is currently â€Å"giving away† flights (Marketing Week, 2003, p.35).   This view however, is challenged by the success of low cost airlines such as Southwest (US), JetBlue and Ryanair (UK) who have redefined their value propositions by stripping down their services in order to offer rock bottom prices. In order to competitively price their offering Southwest Airlines focused on streamlining their operations.   The idea behind this was simple, by lowering their costs, Southwest could offer reduced prices to their customer base.   This was achieved by removing services that were not valued in the eyes of the customer, such as physical ticketing, amenity kits, onboard snacks and seat reservations.   The customers get what they pay for and pay for what they want. Place Airlines predominantly operate through two distribution systems; the ticket and the flight. The Ticket Historically ticket sales were conducted through travel agents and brokers who liaised with the customer on an airline’s behalf.   However, in recent years the growth in popularity of the internet as a medium through which flights can be booked has led to increased levels of direct relationships between the airline and the customer base during the ticketing stage.   Through interfacing directly with the customer many airlines have reduced their distribution costs by as much as 10% (Miller 2004) and have subsequently been better placed to compete on a price basis in the marketplace. The Flight Marketing practices relating to the flight itself have also seen changes in recent years.  Ã‚   Historically, the flight represented a direct relationship between the customer and the airline but the increasing trend towards inter-airline alliances such as Star (United Airlines, Virgin, BMI, Thai etc.) Oneworld (American Airlines, British Airways, Quantas etc.) and SkyTeam (Delta Air Lines, Air France, and AeroMexico) has transformed the distribution channel from direct to indirect with airlines placing trust in their competitors to service the customers appropriately. Although this may be perceived as a risky approach, the benefits gained from such agreements are of significance.   Through forming partnerships airlines can gain additional routes, marketing power and global presence.   Southwest Airlines have gone one step further in the design of their place strategy.  Ã‚   Through focussing of the short-haul domestic market in the US they have ensured that the average duration of their flights is less than one hour.   This increases their probability of meeting desired time schedules and subsequently directly improves customer satisfaction. Promotion One of the most popular marketing tools within the airline industry is the frequent flyer program.   Airlines reward loyal customers by giving them extras such as upgrades, additional luggage allowance, priority booking and access to business lounges.   Such programs are clearly very popular with approximately 25% of Americas belonging to at least one loyalty program. (Costello, 2001, p.B9). The customer experience itself represents another key area in which aviation companies strive to successfully promote their offerings.   Areas of the operation such as baggage turnaround, timeliness of flights and numbers of customer complaints are measured through Key Performance Indicators and communicated openly to customers and employees. The understanding here is that high service quality will lead to happier customers, higher sales and higher profits. (Czaplewski, Ferguson, Milliman, 2001, p.14-17). Southwest Airline’s latest promotional program is â€Å"Ding†, a real time notification system that informs their customers of the latest offers and developments.   The messages communicated to customers are carefully targeted and segmented and utilize SMS and email systems to deliver the communication directly to the right customer. Conclusion In order to be successful in the current market, airlines need to develop a deep understanding of their customer base.   Through understanding their customer’s motivations, hot buttons and unmet needs (Aaker, 2001) they can develop marketing practices which allow them to compete in this demanding environment. The market is seeing significant changes as companies develop different approaches to increasing their sales or lowering their costs and a carefully designed and implemented marketing mix is critical to success in this environment. References Czaplewski, A.; Ferguson, J.; Milliman, J. Southwest Airlines: How Internal Marketing Pilots. Success, Marketing Management,   2001, p. 14-17 Costello, J. (2001, November 6). Gounded: Airlines Attempt to Win Back Former Frequent Flyers International Civil Aviation Authority, Airline Traffic Forecasts and Financial Trends — 2006 to 2008, I, January 2007. Miller, W. (2004, August 16). Airlines take to the internet. Industry Week, 248(15),   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   130-133. Retrieved March 23, 2008 from ProQuest database. Newsweek. (2003, September 18). Good times in the skies. p. 58. AAker, D, 6th Ed, 2001, Strategic Market Management Kotler et al, 13th Ed, 2008, Marketing Management www.Southwest airlines.com

Primewater Csr

Primewater Infrastructure Corporation ABOUT US ? PRIMEWATER – a â€Å"public service† oriented company ? CUSTOMER SERVICE FRIENDLY ? 24-hour customer service ? Primewatch ? Payments †¢ Over the counter †¢ Electronic channels ? Application on-line ? State of the art water treatment technology Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation ABOUT US PRIMEWATER Infrastructure Corp. ? PRIMEWATER has gone from the traditional service of providing basic utility to one of the top service rovider of its kind in the industry. Central Water System, Inc Northwell Waterworks, Inc, Basic Utility Southwell Waterworks, inc. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation ABOUT US ? The management and staff of Primewater Infrastructure Corporation, including its technical manpower is composed mainly of mechanical, civil, electrical and chemical engineers who are all seasoned and very well capable in the management, operation and maintenance of water system facilities. All are regularly updated through through trainings and seminars from NWRB, LWUA, PWWA and DENR. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation OUR OFFICES LUZON AND METRO MANILA CEBU ILOILO CAGAYAN DE ORO Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation SERVICE AREAS NORTH-EAST AREA – NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION ? Caloocan City ? Quezon City ? Valezuela ? Taytay ? Novaliches Teresa ? Marikina City ? Cainta ? Pasig City ? Antipolo ? San Jose del Monte Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infr astructure Corporation SERVICE AREAS SOUTHERN AREA – NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION ? Bacoor ? Las Pinas ? Imus ? Muntinlupa ? Dasmari nas ? Paranaque ? General Trias ? Tanza ? Noveleta Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation SERVICE AREAS KEY PROVINCIES AND CITIESPampanga Tarlac Pangasinan Tuguegarao Ilocos Norte Isabela Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation SERVICE AREAS KEY PROVINCIES AND CITIES Batangas Laguna Naga Legaspi Cebu Bacolod Leyte Iloilo Cagayan de Oro Davao General Santos Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ? A 30-year professional expertise on water supply set-up and design Access to high quality standard ope rating procedure developed by years of service ? Highly organized management structure specifically crafted for water system management ? Efficient systems control and productive evaluation report ? Links/Ties with premiere consultants, traders and distributors in the water industry Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation TECHNICAL SERVICES ? Water System Development ? Deepwell construction monitoring ? Pump, motor, and control design and nstallation ? Pump, Motor and Control ? Preventive maintenance ? Motor rating sizing ? Water Tank Design and Fabrication ? Power Efficiency ? Power consumption monitoring ? Electrical loading analysis Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation TECHNICAL SERVICES ? Well maintenance and rehabilitation ? Aquifer level and status monit oring ? Deepwell rehabilitation ? Well disinfection ? Underground Televised Inspection ? (Deepwell Camera Logging) ? Research and Development Introduction of new technologies ? Service improvement ? Vertical Development ? Boosters ? Motor control and drives Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation TECHNICAL SERVICES ? Maintenance Projects ? Water tank cleaning and chlorination of water facilities ? Water analysis and treatment ? Leak repairs and pipeline replacement ? Customer Complaints and Homeowners Associations’ Concerns ? Capex Projects and Development ? Water Quality Monitoring and ImprovementProviding safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation TECHNICAL SERVICES ? Production Monitoring ? Project Identification and DMA Formation ? Implementation and Project Monito ring ? Water Meter Testing Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation TECHNICAL SERVICES NRW REDUCTION ? Control of System Loss ? (Soundsens, X-MIC, and ARAD Meter Testing Equipment) ? Geo-Referencing and VirtualMapping ? (Accounts’ Mapping Sysem) Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation TECHNICAL SERVICES ? Hydraulic Analysis and Design ? (Integration of Epanet and Subdivisions’ Satellite View with GIS) ? Water Analysis and Treatment Process ? Sewerage Treatment Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation CUSTOMER SERVICES BILLING AND COLLECTION ? Meter Reading of Water Meters Uploading of Read Data and Checking ? Bill Generation and Printing Pro viding safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation CUSTOMER SERVICES BILLING AND COLLECTION ? Modes of Payment Transaction ? OVER THE COUNTER Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation CUSTOMER SERVICES BILLING AND COLLECTION ? Modes of Payment Transaction ? ELECTRONIC CHANNELS ONLINE ATM PHONE BANKINGProviding safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation CUSTOMER SERVICES BILLING AND COLLECTION ? Modes of Payment Transaction ? ELECTRONIC CHANNELS Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation OTHER SERVICES ? Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) of a Water System ? Build, Operate and Owned (BOO) Scheme ? Develop Water Source and Supply Bulk Water to an Existing Waterworks Management and Operational/Maintenance Contract to an Existing Water System Facility ? Design and Installation of Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation ORGANIZATION AFFILIALIATIONS LOCAL ? Philippine Water Works Association – PWWA ? Philippine Water Partnership – PWP ? Water Environment Association of the Philippines – WEAP ? Well Drillers Association of the Philippines – WELLDAPHIL Providing safe water for the people and the environment.Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation ORGANIZATION AFFILIALIATIONS INTERNATIONAL ? Water Environment Federation – WEF ? AQUAFED ? GLOBAL WATER PARTNERSHIP – GWP Providing safe water for the people and the enviro nment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation MOVING FORWARD ? PRIMEWATER envisions expanding its operations to all untapped areas with potential. ? Consequently, we are moving towards providing our services to a significant number of locations and communities.A move that will maximize investment expenses and therefore give PRIMEWATER a leverage to offer the products and services at the least possible cost to the community. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Primewater Infrastructure Corporation CSR Project: Gawaran Heights Source flow meter or Utilities Bulk Meter Coordinators Dist. Line †¢ Coordinators /collectors: appointed by the contracting party †¢ Flexible collection: depends on the source of income of the consumer †¢ Non revenue water: 5-waterfor the people and the environment.Providing safe water for the people and the environ ment. Providing safe 10% Primewater Infrastructure Corporation Application Fee: Php. 3,500. 00 + Tech. Cost Rate: Php. 10. 00 per Drum Note: the Coordinators are allow to sell water up to Php. 15. 00 per Drum. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment. Providing safe water for the people and the environment www. primewatercorp. com

The Challenger and Columbia Shuttle Disasters Case Study

The Challenger and Columbia Shuttle Disasters - Case Study Example All these changes are clearly directed towards strengthening the internal control of the organization in order to trace down the factors that can pose risk to shuttles. The establishment of a specialized group for review of the design of the shuttles and the evaluation of the critical items was a clear attempt towards increasing the safety and quality of the shuttles and to avoid any further disasters from happening. Aspects of NASA Practice after Columbia Disaster In 2003, another disaster was faced by NASA when shuttle Columbia broke up. It was found out that the cause of the disaster was a 1.67-pound slab of insulating foam that fell off the external fuel tank, hit the left wing and caused a breach in the tiles. Another cause that was disclosed was lack of proper funding. There was a policy called â€Å"Faster, Better, Cheaper† emphasized by the NASA Administrator that impacted the shuttle program. There were a number of management reforms done after the Challenger disaster but despite of the changes, the Columbia disaster took place. It was observed that the changes done were merely for creation of specialized groups in order to increase safety but the organizational culture of NASA remained the same. Even after the Challenger disaster, deviations from expected performance were ignored. There was lack of testing in order to determine safety and reliability and reliance of past practices was placed in place of conducting comprehensive testing. Different Factors and their Contribution to Sustaining Change It has been observed that NASA recommended and implemented the change after the Challenger disaster but the agency could not sustain the change. The organizational culture reverted back restraining the change and the bringing the agency back to the manner it was operating before the disaster. After the Challenger disaster, there were a number of reforms done by the agency and there were a number of policies and procedures set up to ensure safety and q uality of the shuttles. However, with the passage of time, these policies and procedures were ignored and reliance was placed on the past successes of NASA. Therefore, it can be said that sustaining a change may be challenging. Thus, in order to sustain a change, other factors may be used. Such factors include; redesigning the roles of the employees of the organization, introduction of reward policies and linking of selection decision to change objectives. Such policies would help in increasing the motivation of the employees who would work more efficiently as a result. It has been observed that there is a hierarchical structure at NASA and the employees at lower levels remain silent due to lack of authority. Even if there is a critical issue, it is not communicated to higher levels on a timely basis. Thus, redefining their roles and introduction of rewards and whistle blowing policies can help NASA sustain the changes implemented. Similarly, measuring the progress can also help in sustaining a chang

Drug Dose and Its Concentration at Receptors Essay - 1

Drug Dose and Its Concentration at Receptors - Essay Example These factors are discussed in more detail below, based on the description of Goodman, et al. (2011, ch. 2). The characteristics of the drug molecule itself that affect the drug’s concentration at the receptor site include its molecular size, degree of ionization, lipid solubility, and its affinity for serum and tissue proteins. The plasma membrane (of skin or intestinal cells, for example) is a common barrier to drug distribution; drugs that are not lipid soluble will not be able to permeate the membrane and not reach the target site. A drug of small molecular size will travel more easily through the membranes than a larger molecule, reaching the target in higher concentrations. Ionized molecules, and those that bind to proteins, also have difficulties in passing through the membrane. If the drug has a tendency to ionize at the pH of the intestinal lumen or the blood, the ionized form will have difficulty passing through lipid plasma membranes. If the drug interacts with tran sporter proteins on the cell membrane, its uptake into the cell may be increased or decreased, depending on the direction in which the transporter moves the drug. For example, the P-glycoprotein in enterocytes limits the oral absorption of some cancer chemotherapeutic agents by exporting them back into the lumen of the GI tract. Similarly, it has been found that multidrug transporters such as P-glycoprotein (PGP) and members of the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) family are over-expressed in capillary endothelial cells in epileptogenic brain tissue, and, by transporting anti-epileptic drugs out, these proteins may be responsible for the pharmacoresistance of the epileptic brain to anti-epileptic drugs (LÃ ¶scher and Potschka, 2002).

Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Project Management - Essay Example Moreover, these activities are assumed to accomplish, their objectives within financial constraints as well. In the light of above discussion the projects are conceived to attain the certain goal or set of goals in a given time frame, therefore it could be established, that the time is the most important feature of these activities. Generally, the resources are deployed in an organization to carry out its normal functions, but the nature of a firm is pretty much stable, as compared to that of a project. This fact places a premium on the timely execution of the projects. The project could also be defined, a set of interconnected tasks, which should be completed to execute, the entire project (Blackstone, Cox, & Schleier 2009). However, this observation leads to the implication of interdependence of one task on to the completion of another one. This interconnectivity compels the project management to hire experts of every area affected by the project. Next, this paper will shed some li ght on the interesting facts, about the revolution of project management as a science, which are as follows The process of project costing got better, because the cost overruns dropped from 180% to just 56%, in past ten years (Blackstone, Cox, & Schleier 2009) The time overruns are also decreased from 164% to 84% in the same period of time (Blackstone, Cox, & Schleier 2009) These improvements are caused, by the excessive utilization of information technology, to integrate the decision process, between various people working on the project. However management information systems helped a lot in terms of effective and efficient project execution, but they by themselves are the most difficult ones to manage. The case of NHS IT program is a real world example. The major purpose of projects is to create something new, such as new product development. Therefore, they carry a higher level of risk, which requires an able management team that was lacking in the NHS project. The projects are believed to be the only credible source of development in the dynamic world of management, because they provide, the opportunity to the business persons around the world to experiment with something new (Zdanyte & Neverauskas 2011). However the rate of failures among these activities is overwhelmingly high. This fact is partially caused by the inadequate level of knowledge about this particular field among practitioners. This trend also played a significant role in making the IT project of NHS a failure, where the large level execution was attempted without any prior planning. The modern method of project management entails, dividing a whole project into smaller ones, and then considering each one separately (Gorog 2011). In this way the commitment of resources is well divided among the various stages of the project, so it becomes relatively simple to track the investments. Another benefit of this approach is the clear and logical interdependence between the different phases of the project gets highlighted, which gives clear sense of direction to those working on it. This above mentioned approach was the ideal one to implement on the venture

Worldview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Worldview - Essay Example According to Walters, a worldview can be defined as a manner through which an individual comprehends and makes sense of what is around him this means that one’s worldview essentially includes aspects such as reality, emotions, cognition as well as a person’s ability to give meaning to or interpret the happenings of the world (33). An atheistic worldview puts forward the concept of â€Å"naturalism† as its foundation; this notion postulates that the world we see around us is all there is (Walters 36). Therefore, atheism does not advocate the existence of any supernatural or mystical entities nor does it believe in any form of spiritualism. Baggini notes that the definition of atheism is exceptionally straightforward – it is a credence which says that there is no God (4). From this belief stem several ideas, according to which it is understood that there is in fact no life after death and consequently, no heaven or hell (Baggini 6). Therefore, when a human b eing dies that is the end of their life; atheism does not support the existence of spirits or mystical souls. The most important question that arises however is that, if there is no divine creator or Supreme Being, how would an atheist explain the nature of the universe? Dawkins argues that simply relying on the theory that the complexity of living organisms is an evidence of God is not enough. In fact, evolution by natural selection competently elucidates the complexity of all living creations which in turn defines the nature of the universe (Dawkins). Baggini observes that there exists a general perception which implies that since atheism negates the existence of God, consequently, an atheistic worldview might also challenge morality and not hold confidence in doing good and being good to others (5). However, that is not the case. While, atheism views the existence of a divine creator negatively, it does not advocate pessimism in other facets of life (Baggini 5). A sound and solid upbringing that is guided with and shaped by education develops and enhances an individual’s ability to reason, think and distinguish between right and wrong, thereby, instilling morals and ethics to abide by in life. Baggini argues that unlike an individual who follows religion, an atheist is frequently bombarded with questions such as; if there is no God then what is the meaning of life? While, it is believed that the religious do not have problems in defining the purpose of life (84). The meaning, point and purpose of life is to be happy, prosperous and satisfied throughout one’s existence, it is to live with no regrets or disappointments. In comparison with an atheistic worldview, a Christian worldview encompasses the incorporation and integration of the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible into one’s life. According to Goheen and Bartholomew the religion of Christianity requires a believer to abide by a Christocentric belief system that comprehensively covers each and every aspect of a follower’s life (14). Therefore, a Christian worldview is centered around accepting the teachings of Jesus Christ, accomplishing salvation and acknowledging the nature of the universe as guided by the Old Testament’s outlook of creation (Goheen and Bartholomew 14). Several prominent writers on the concept of the Christian worldview have suggested that impartial and rational human reasoning which is not barred by any preconceived notions or ideas is most likely to side with Christian ideologies (Goheen and Bartholomew 16) rather than supporting any contradictory beliefs. However, commentators who believe in this idea have failed to present scientific evidence and logical arguments to support their

Impact Of Cultural Intelligence On Job Performance Coursework

Impact Of Cultural Intelligence On Job Performance - Coursework Example In addition to CQ studies also focused on organizational perspective. Cultural intelligence can be explained on organizational perspective. Organizational cultural intelligence is the capability of an organization to function and manage successfully in the host diversified culture, Koen. Organizational cultural intelligence reflects how responsive organizations are and how they work in the cross-cultural environment. Organization CQ helps firms to effectively adjust in the diversified environment and achieve organizational goals. Based on different theories of cultural intelligence, irrespective of their focus on domestic culture or multinational cultural perspectives relating to diversity in companies; research suggests that cultural intelligence and be developed or learned through education, training, interaction. Furthermore, research findings also show that higher level of cultural intelligence can be achieved by working on different cultures. Therefore, employees can improve CQ by proper learning and exposure to different culture. Furthermore, motivation is the important factor for improving CQ because the role of motivation in improving CQ involves personal and cultural values of employees Mol, Tulder, & Beige. Personal and cultural values establish the general benchmark for employees to access their perceived desirability of different outcomes and actions. Efficacy and expectation also play their role by providing the ability to set individual goals and achieve those goals.

Analyzing the impact of Chinese FDI Africaa and Ghana Essay

Analyzing the impact of Chinese FDI Africaa and Ghana - Essay Example ping countries of the world to attract foreign direct investment as a way to spark production and manufacturing capabilities within the country, while hopefully benefitting the region as a whole in terms of economic development. Foreign direct investment is not easy to attract. Because such sources of capital often come from individuals or companies, stakeholders involved expect a reasonable return on their investment, along with management and control interests with minimal risk. This is even more important when the source of foreign direct investment comes from a country that must answer to the local taxpayer. In such situations, concessions will need to be made to insure that the investments are properly handled and become beneficial for both parties. Unfortunately, the developing countries of the world often lack the political stability to make this happen. In addition, there are logistical, cultural, and economic barriers that cause many investors to be hesitant when asked to provide direct aid to a particular country or region. In order to open up opportunities, countries such as those in Africa will need to examine existing economic policy and find ways to make investment in their countries more attr active moving forward. Ghana and Nigeria serve as the focus for this project because of the complementary economies. In addition, they are two developing nations that have seen recent success in attracting foreign direct investment. In order to provide a model for other developing nations to observe, it is important to determine the benefits that are being realized from these increased investments and what has been done to further spark the economic growth in the region. The country of focus, from an investment standpoint, is China. China has been willing to fund various projects within this West African region, in exchange for benefits received back home. The study discusses how the partnership is faring and what Ghana and Nigeria can do to attract

Collapse of the Pension Schemes Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Collapse of the Pension Schemes - Case Study Example The court did not oblige the government to provide for the compensation of all the victims. The Prime Minister stated that his government has already set up 1.8 billion pounds for its Financial Assistance Scheme. Even though he sympathized with them, the Prime Minister expressed that the solution should be affordable. He also expressed his concern over the decision which may hold the government always responsible for the collapse of any pension scheme which would mean billions of pounds exacted upon the government. Conservative leader David Cameron called for discussions among the government, opposition and representatives of the victims of the collapsed pension scheme to come with compensation packages. David Laws, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions spokesman, expressed his intent to call for the amendment of the Pensions Bill so compensations could be provided. John Hutton, Work and Pensions Secretary of the Government, stated that he government would carefully consider the ombudsman's report. Society owes a big debt to the victims of collapsed pension schemes since these people have been paying taxes. Even though resources are limited, they still deserve help. The government has to set a good example by helping these hardworking people and think of creative ways to solve the pensions crisis. Henry Bradley and Bob Duncan expressed their delight over the decision. The Guardian: Pensions - Back to Basics John Benson, a victim of the collapsed pension scheme, was delighted over the decision of the high court after having suffered so much. All those affected are entitled to two kinds of justice- individual and social. The former concerns their right to receive pension because they paid their dues while the latter concerns the principle that people who have been working hard all their life are entitled to a decent living. The question of who is responsible and to what degree is still unclear even after the judgment but the court has ruled that the government is partly responsible for encouraging the people to invest in such schemes. The work and pensions secretary, John Hutton, is now responsible for the compensation of the affected person due to legal and humanitarian considerations PM Blair's concern regarding the ruling also deserves attention as it may provide the employer the opportunity to transfer the burden of compensation to the government. The government should see to it that the taxpayers are well informed about the repercussions of employers collapsing pension schemes even though it this possibility has already been minimized. Governments are still the only reliable form of material security. The Turner Commission report and the ruling recognize the role of the government in providing that security. On whether the government should compensate The dilemma that now faces us is whether the government should provide for the pension of its constituents who have become victims of collapsed pension schemes. It has been argued that these people deserve some form of compensation because they paid their dues and have been good taxpayers and it is therefore only right for them to be given what is due to them. If the government does take this responsibility, then

Self-confidence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Self-confidence - Essay Example Self-feelings may be either active or passive. On the one hand, one may have a feeling or attitude of self-assertion, of confidence, of being in control of the situation, of directing oneself forward in a purposeful activity. On the other hand, one may have the feeling of being the victim of circumstances, of being helpless and dependent, and of having things happen to one's self over which one does not have much control. Normal living is a combination of these dual feelings of self-direction and helplessness. For this student who is transferred from a self contained class for emotionally disturbed children needs some time to get settled in a class of normal students. This change in the beginning would effect his self confidence as in the new class there would be good interaction between students. Secondly these students would be sharper and sometimes more intelligent from the students in the previous class. The methods I will use are the Self Esteem Therapies in which I will try to find out how the student's self-esteem was destroyed and what were the factors present which refrained him to develop his socialization process. After getting this integral information I will try to curb down all these factors affecting his self-confidence building.

The Benefits and Downsides of Intermingling Languages Essay Example for Free

The Benefits and Downsides of Intermingling Languages Essay While bilingualism has always been an object of interest and thorough research for scientists of various fields, mixing languages had been, until the last few decades, cast aside as its defective by-product. However, recent linguistic studies show that intermingling languages should not be considered an ill-conceived overlapping tendency that implies carelessness and a improper use of language, but a linguistic phenomenon with its own intricate rules and purposes. The addition of objectivity towards this subject has enabled linguists to describe in length the downsides and benefits of intermingling languages. None of the pros and cons can be treated with absolute certainty as language mixing itself is often subject to different interpretations. The term ‘intermingling languages’ is sometimes replaced with ‘code switching’ or ‘code mixing’, and the latter two treated as synonyms, although their meaning differs in multiple aspects. Code switching implies that the alternation between languages takes place after longer periods of time. Since code-switch mostly occurs at a clause or sentence boundary, it is referred to as intersential switching. According to the Sridhar brothers (1980) code mixing comprises of changing languages after shorter utterances within a single sentence, and can therefore be considered intrasential. Unlike code switching, it is not accompanied by a shift in speech situation. Code mixing also differs from borrowing, which is a less comprehensive form of using multiple languages in a short period of time. Code mixing, unlike borrowing, is not necessarily caused by a lexical gap in the host language. Neither are the mixed elements limited to a collection of terms accepted by the speech community. The mixed sequences are longer than single words (as is immanent to borrowing), but they are not always assimilated into the base language according to usual grammatical rules. The greatest difference of the two linguistic devices is probably the fact that code mixing is inevitably the result of bilingualism, however, borrowing can also occur in monolingual speech. (Sridhar Sridhar 1980) Despite the availabilty of aforementioned precise definitions numerous studies use code/language switching, mixing and intermingling synonymously without notable deficiency in the results, since these definitions tend to not hold a high level of importance when it comes to analysing the reasons, benefits and downsides of mixing languages. Contrary to popular belief, code mixing is not necessarily a sign of improperly acquired languages or inability to switch from bilingual to monolingual mode. Instead, the contradicticting mixing occurs when the usage of a single language no longer efficiently conveys meaning that is appropriate to a certain situation. According to Crystal (1987 cited in Rezaei Gheitanchian 2008) the benefits of code-switch become apparent when solving co mmunication problems in three types of situations. The most obvious reason for a switch in languages being the difficulty in expressing oneself due to a deficiency in the base language. This shortage of a lexical item may come about because the expressed concept has no equivalent in the culture of the other language, or simply because of a momentary inability to remember said term in the host language. This type of code switching is especially prone to happen when the speaker is upset, tired or distracted in some manner. Work related mixing also falls into the ‘lexical gap’ category. For example, code switching becomes a useful tool when individuals lack the appropriate jargon while speaking about a particular topic. One may mix languages when talking about work because the technical terms associated with work are only known in one language. The second important cause in switching is the wish to ensure social belonging. An individual my want to express solidarity with a particular social group. In this case rapport is established between the speaker and the listener if the latter responds with a similar switch. Code mixing may also be used to exclude people from a conversation: for example, when travelling companions switch to their native language when mentioning things they do not wish to convey to the surrounding people; or when bilingual parents mix languages to keep their monolingual children from understanding private conversations. Thirdly, the reason for switching may be result of the wishing to convey one’s attitude towards the listener. Whereas monolinguals can express attitudes by means of variation in the level of formality in their speech, bilinguals have an extra device in this situation – code switching. When two bilinguals are accustomed to communicating in a fixed language, switching to the other is thought to create a special effect. This idea suggests that code switching can be used as a socio-linguistic tool, that aids bilinguals to emphasi se a particular point in a sentence. While these benefits have been pointed out only during the last few decades of language studies, the downsides of code switching have always been an emphasised parallel to bilingualism research. The most common allegations have been the inability to fully comprehend either language; delays in thinking, speaking and understanding; language pollution and deterioration. The notion that intermingling languages is a results of insufficient knowledge of either of the languages, their grammatical structures and syntax, can be dismissed with the aid of the Equivalence Constraint by Poplack: â€Å"Codeswitches will tend to occur at points in discourse where juxtaposition of L1, and L2 elements does not violate a syntactic rule of either language, i.e., at points around which the surface structures of the two languages map onto each other.† (1979 cited in Sridhar Sridhar 1980). This means that when the two languages have very different syntactical rules, the mixing is done in a way tha t switches occur in those parts of the sentence that allow the presence of a foreign word without causing grammatical discrepancies. However, when this is not possible the following principle of linguistics minimises the incongruity of the situation: â€Å"Dual Structure Principle: the internal structure of the guest constituent need not conform to the constituent structure rules of the host language, so long as its placement in the host sentence obeys the rules of the host language. † (Sridhar Sridhar 1980) Another problem associated with intermingling is the claimed time delay that occurs in switching. However, Gollan and Ferreira (2009) suggest that bilinguals switch languages only when non-dominant language responses are easily accesible and the switching does not occur with the price of accuracy, or if the switches improve accuracy. Furthermore, if the switches are not forced, bilinguals can actually make up for some of the costs linked with language mixing, including the small costs in time. The uncertainties that bilinguals experience when expressing emotions can also be considered a problematic asp ect of language mixing. The common belief that emotions conveyd in the mother tongue have the most strength and sincereness, implies that code switching somehow lessens the truthfulness of one’s emotions. In contrast, Grosjean (2008) points out that the notion of bilinguals always expressing their emotions in their first language is a myth. The opposite can be true when a childhood in one language lacked affection or had an abundance of distressing events – in that case, the second language may be used more often as it has stronger reaffirming emotional tones. Despite the emergence of the previous pattern, there are instances where a person might benefit more from using an emotionally less-dominating language. For example, code switching is sometimes strategically used in psychological counseling. This can be accounted to the usefulness of speaking in a second language when trying to distance oneself from emotional events. Language switching becomes a defence mechanism because of usaging a language that is not associated with such a broad range of emotions (often L2). (Altarriba Santiago Riviera 1994 as cited in Altarriba, Heredia 2001). Language mixing is an important aspect of bilingualism, and a natural occurence the conversations of bilinguals. Some linguists see it as a polluting factor which indicates the lack of language proficiency. This notion is supported by findings alike the apparent delays that switching has shown to occasionally cause in speech formation and comprehension. The claim of language mixing resulting in improper use of syntax has been counteracted with proving the well-formed and grammatically correct unwritten rules of code switching. Therefore, most of the downsides of code mixing have either not found enough proof or are minimised by counteractive processes. Analysing the reasons for language mixing has enabled us to point out its benefits. Intermingling may be induced by a simple lack of a lexical term, the need to build rapport with a fellow bilingual, a wish to restrict the conversation from surrounding monolinguals or the necessity to convey a different tone or opinion towards what is being expressed. When the problemic conditions that triggered code switching are solved this linguistic devices proves its usefulness. Keeping these notions in mind, it is easy to agree with practitioners, who despite some downsides, see language mixing as an inevitable linguistic occurance that enhances communication rather than decreasing its quality. Intermingling strengthens the content and the essence of the message, thus becoming an important social funtion of communicating. References Altarriba, J. and Santiago-Rivera, A.L. 1994. Current perspectives on using linguistic and cultural factors in counseling the Hispanic client. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 25, 388–397. Altarriba, Jeanette and Heredia, Roberto R. 2001. Bilingual Language Mixing: Why Do Bilinguals Code-Switch? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 10: 15, 164-168. Crystal, D. 1987. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge. Gollan, Tamara H. and Ferreira, Victor S. 2008. Should I stay or should I switch? A cost-benefit analysis of voluntary language switshing in young and aging bilinguals. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 35: 3, 640-665. Grosjean, Francois. 2008. Studying Bilinguals. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. Poplack, S. 1979. Sometimes I’ll start a sentence in Spanish y termino en Espanol: Toward a typology of codeswitching. Linguistics, 18: 7-8, 581-618. Rezaei, Seyyed Hassan Seyyed and Gheitanchian, Mehrnaz. 2008. E-proceedings of the International Online Language Conference (IOLC), 61-67. Sridhar, S.N. and Sridhar, Kamal K. 1980. The Syntax and Psycholynguistics of Bilingual Code Mixing. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 34: 4, 407-416.

Adolphe Appia and Edward Gordon Craig

Adolphe Appia and Edward Gordon Craig Adolphe Appia and Edward Gordon Craig never collaborated with each other in work or spent any significant time in each others company, but their names are linked together before they had met or corresponded and have remained so to this day. Appia and Craig worked independently of each other to lay the foundation of modern three dimensional theatre practices. Adolphe Appia Adolphe Appia (1862-1928), was a Swiss lighting design innovator who saw the possibility of using light during scenic changes and with striking special effects. Appia was the first to develop and use multi-directional colored lighting to paint the stage and move in harmony with the theatrical production (Brockett 78). Adolphe Appia believed that light was a medium capable of conveying both external and internal meanings. Appia observed contemporary theatre and thought that most productions failed to use light and its potential to serve a production. The newly introduced electrical lighting was utilized with a dull notion of how light can work and appeared exceptionally bright, which destroyed any sense of dimensions and depth. Appia began to study light and plotted a detailed course to follow in order for light to become a set of principles underlying and guiding the medium. With this concept in mind, he theorized that light must break away from its enslavement to painted scenery (Beacham 25). Appia stated that an object lit from three or four directions throw no shadows (Beachman 25). Appia then decided that light did not support the expressiveness of music nor did it properly emphasize the plastic, three dimensional, form of the actor and the setting (Beachman 24). Appia discovered that in order to enhance the setting and create a three dimensional look, he first had to identify two types of light and then use them. The first type is diffused light, which provides a layer of light to enhance the more suggestive lighting effects. The second type of light was active, which highlighted what it lit; providing the means for enhancing both the external and inner settings as well. Active light allows the night, be it the moon or torches shining, or the supernatural to be expressed. Diffused and active lighting are used simultaneously, however, only in terms of the intensity. Appia discovered that to avoid extreme shadows, which weakens the effect of active light; diffused lighting can illuminate the setting and the actor. When visibility on stage and shadows are suppressed, active lighting can be used to enable a more dimensional atmosphere. Using these two types of lighting, Appia began to define the shapes and objects on stage, thus enhancing the th ree dimensional plastic form and transformed the idea of plasticity with light on stage (Beachman 26). As part of an exploration of this idea, Appia applied his theory to a stage that did not have true three dimensions. He developed the use of lighting in four forms: 1) the fixed border lights illuminated the painted flats. 2) Footlights were used to light the set and actor from both front and below. 3) Moveable spotlights focused a precise beam or various projections. 4) Light from behind to create a transparent illusion. Appia did find it most difficult to harmonize all of the forms together. His findings of how to use multiple light effects enabled him to manipulate the apparatuses of the time as well as to progress into the future (Beachman 27). Appia then began to realize that light could also give a sense of time, emotion and dimension (Beachman 62). He began intertwining light and music and time. By this he established the convention of light moving (while in sync with the music) and capturing the audiences attention (Brockett 142). As he continued to apply and adapt his own theory to theatrical festivals he designed and/or collaborated with, Appia concludes:   Ã‚   Light, just like the actor, must become activeLight has an almost miraculous flexibilityit can create shadows, make them living, and spread the harmony of their vibrations in space just as music does. In light we possess a most powerful means of expression. Appia conceptualized ahead of his time; he theorized that by having more mobile and easily handled apparatuses will produce active lighting, but would also require further study to perfect their operation. The diffused light would require more fixed installations in order to complement big screens of transparency (Beachman 28). Appia was highly influential in the theatre arts and continued his theories with other theatrical theorists as well as working with Edward Gordon Craig to further develop the idea of complete plasticity through light. Edward Gordon Craig Edward Gordon Craig (1872-1966), was an English stage design innovator who defined stage lighting for the modern theatre. He believed that the theatre should be free from dependency on realism and the actor. The actor along with light as a key element should be controlled by one person, the master artist known as the director today. Unlike Adolphe Appia, Craig thought that the theatre only needed one master artist to create all of the production elements and focused on lighting as a general illumination for the whole composition (Brockett 146). Craigs focus on scenic design began to take a more prominent role and lighting became only an afterthought; for which all of his sets and actors were visible to the audience. He achieved this by using border lights, wing strip lights and footlights (Pilbrow 3). With Craig focusing more on the overall visual impact of coordination and balance between light movement, objects and special relationships, he found himself strongly in disagreement with Appias theory that the actors body movement was more significant to be considered above all other elements (Beachman 68). Appia took a deep interest as to why Craig disagreed, so he corresponded with Craig, discussing ideas and concerns. Through this collaboration Craig and Appia combined their ideas into one theory: creating complete plasticity with light. They were to present the Plasticity Theory at the Cologne Exhibit of 1913. However, their first meeting in person was an acrimonious one and Craig refused to present. Frustrated with Appias constant focus on the human body and music, Craig voiced his opinion rather sternly: I told him that for me, the human body in movement seemed to signify less and less and that his vision was clouded by the veils of music and the human form (Beachman 69). Appia refused to present without Craig and after much discussion, they were able to set aside their differences and presented the Appia and Craig Theory of Plasticity at the Cologne Exhibit on May 19, 1913 (Beachman 70). Both Edward Gordon Craig and Adolphe Appia were the innovators of modern stage lighting; their ability to think beyond the technology available at the time, has paved the way to lighting design today. Bibliography Beachman, Richard. Adolphe Appia: Artist and Visionary of the Modern Theatre. Hardwood Academic Publishers: Great Britain, 1994. Brockett, Oscar G. and Hildy. History of Theatre. Allyn Bacon: USA, 2007. Pilbrow, Richard. Stage Lighting Design: The Art, The Craft, The Life. Design Press: New York, 1997. Adolphe Appia Lighting effects Three dimensional effects   Ã‚   Edward Gordon Craig The Mask: Lighting effects Scale effects

Critical Reflection and Thinking on Clinical Supervision and Learning

Critical Reflection and Thinking on Clinical Supervision and Learning Introduction For the purpose of this essay the terms clinical supervisor and mentor will be used interchangeably as they are seen as essentially the same in this context. Classrooms and textbooks teach one to care for a patient whom many a time s/he will never really encounter as seldom is such a classic patient seen in reality. One ought to acknowledge that one needs to know the theory to be able to apply the practice when on the clinical area. The academic side of ones learning should not be underestimated by placing all the importance in the practical experiences one encounters. Nevertheless the intricacy of generating and putting ones knowledge into real life situations may only be understood through experiential practice. As Eraut (2009) stated learning in university does not provide the same learning contexts as the working environment. Nursing has historically acquired knowledge through various venues such as traditions, trial and error, research, intuition, role modelling and mentorship, reasoning and experience. Therefore experiential learning could well play an important part of the basis of genuine education if utilised and developed well. However as will be discussed in this assignment experiential learning alone at times is insufficient as a basis for education in the complexities of learning in practice, clinical supervisory roles and being a competent health professional. 1. learning in practice Eraut (2007) longitudinal study concluded that under the appropriate settings new recruits learned more on the job than through formal methods. There is a need for apt learning opportunities and a supportive environment to encourage and learning in the supervisee. The Experiential learning cycle described by Kolb (1984) integrates four elements: doing, reflecting, learning and applying that learning. The cycle then integrates four ways of knowing tacit knowledge which can be seen as the underpinning of doing in ones work. One knows automatically and continues to practice intuitively. Next is reflective knowledge which Mezirow (2000) describes as involving openly reflecting and critically reflecting on ones own practice. The last two are knowing that (propositional learning) which materializes from critical reflection and knowing how is the final segment of the Kolbs cycle where one finds competence. One may wonder whether the clinical workplace always enhances favourable conditions for experiential learning to present genuine education. 1.1 The Clinical workplace Glen (2009: pg 498) referring to the apprenticeship model that had been around since Florence Nightingale states that although the model entails structured supervision together with periods for reflection the outcome was more aimed at accomplishing the work tasks that on genuine reflection. The benefit of this model is that it provided newly qualified nurses that had achieved ample experience and seen as a skilful and experienced novice therefore one could see the basis of education from experiential learning in this model. However this model is no longer in use and may have been abandoned too early (Mc Cormack, Kitson, Harvey, Rycroft-Malone, Titchen and Seers 2001). Nowadays nurse education is run differently but one can still remember the concern in the hospital trained nurses when training for nurses went into university level. One of the main issues of concern was that nursing is a practice profession so why the need for extra knowledge to become a competent practitioner? Should nurses not be taught more in clinical practice and less in the classroom? Knowing and doing are not the same thing was voiced out many a time. This adds to the belief of many that learning in practice is the basis of education. The culture of the clinical practice will also have a vital influence on ones experiential learning outcome. The way things are done here (which could be in a positive or negative attitude) at either the clinical practitioners (individual) level or at the organisation level or both levels can effect ones successful end result (McCormack et al 2001). On the other hand numerous other factors such as, the organisation one works in, nurse shortages, working in high patient acuity, inadequate clinical facilities, patients having shorter lengths of stay, unwillingness by the nursing staff to provide clinical supervision and the a scarcity of nurses in the clinical area add to the challenge of obtaining genuine education through experience. Supervisees need to be armed with the necessary skills to analyse problems from varying perspectives. Experiential learning may present the basis of education if the right challenge is provided; that is within the level of the supervisees knowledge and therefore presenting a beneficial outcome. If not the experience may end up being overwhelming and rather than learning through reflecting on a situation it could result instead in utilising eventually ineffective coping methods. One has to exploit an experience through reflection in order to sort out, comprehend, give meaning and hence make appropriate and proactive use of it. Experiential learning thus needs to provide the possibility of developing reflective and other conveyable learning skills in order to promote the education supervisees need and to learn from the experience. 1.2 Critical reflection and thinking Hunt and Wainwright (1994, p.84) point out that: Regardless of the time spent in a particular area of practice, practices that are devoid of rationale for actions are purely task or procedure orientated and lack critical inquiry. Several authors have emphasized on the fact that reflection is requisite in bridging the theory and practice gap (Kolb, 1984, McCaugherty, 1992, Schà ¶n, 1987). Implementing theory into practice necessitates practitioners to critically reflect not only on ones own practice but also on the implications of ones interventions. The literature has moreover highlighted reflection as imperative when endeavouring to incorporate theory with practice (Meretoja, Eriksson Leino-Kilpi, 2002). Lisko and ODell (2010) acknowledged that nowadays working in such a complex clinical environment necessitates one to employ top notch critical thinking, they also add that to offer such experiences for one to learn from and to reflect on has become essential this can be achieved in the many different experiential learning opportunities one encounters. Therefore one notes that the nursing profession is inclining to acknowledge and encourage reflective practice and critical thinking and that it also offers education from experience for both supervisors and their supervisees. Baltimore (2004) highlights that since optimal patient outcomes will depend on nurses actions, nurses need to wholly comprehend a situation in order to critically think. Benner (1984) stresses that recording of practical experiences and reflecting on them is essential in the development and extension of theoretical knowledge. While Kolbs double knowledge theory (Kolb, 1984) depicts that one knows things by being able to do them in conjunction with thinking reflecting about them. One can perceive that it is accepted by the literature that reflection provides the opportunity to go over decisions taken and assess as well as evaluate ones learning in order to improve not only ones own practice but also whoever they supervise. Then again does one working climate with its time constraints enhance all this? Is it possible to perform reflective practice whenever needed (Westberg Jason, 2001)? Is reflection not a complex skill thats basis ought to be taught in the classroom too in order to be fulfilled in practice? Therefore can experiential learning alone provide the ability of how to reflect and even more critically reflect on ones experiences and ultimately gain knowledge from them? In cooperation with reflection comes along the need for feedback and coaching which are seen as important aspects in experiential learning while supervising; not only for the supervisee but also for the supervisor. 2. Clinical supervision Price (2004) highlights the reasons to why the role of a mentor has come into being, illuminating that the learners (supervisees) necessity to mature into a competent and confident qualified nurse and performing practice astuteness, good clinical skills, attitudes and clinical techniques are best acquired in the clinical practice environment. Being assigned to a clinical supervisor may provide the supervisee with opportunities that may not or cannot be portrayed in classrooms or textbooks. One may wonder about whether clinical supervisors have enough morale and positive attitudes left in them to want to carry on providing supervision in such hectic working environments and nurse shortages. Eraut et als (2007) study findings noted that designated mentors in nursing were either excellent in providing a sustenance or practically useless. Therefore is Deweys statement right in the latter situations? Will experiential learning provide competent practitioners in these situations? To become a good mentor/supervisor one reads tall lists about the characteristics required. Rowley (1999) offers a list of virtues a good mentor should hold including commitment towards mentoring and its values, acceptance of one mentees regardless of ones personal beliefs/likes/dislikes, effective teaching qualities, good communication skills with the capability to adapt to ones supervisees learning nature, and set the example of need to be a constant learner and being optimistic towards ones mentees/supervisees. Then Quinn (2007) describes the humanistic qualities necessary, such as understanding, being approachable, supportive and inclusive in addition to being positive towards learners and an excellent management approach to education values. Gray and Smith (2000) add a sense of humour to their list. Therefore one could conclude that the supervisor must consistently show high standards of personal conduct and an apt approach towards ones supervisees; with the belief that the supervisee will therefore take in and try to be like what they have seen as acceptable behaviour in the working place. However Gray and Smith (2000) study findings portray another long list of attitudes supervisors may display to their supervisees this time in the negative, to mention a few: delegating futile jobs, being of an unfriendly nature or worse still being unapproachable, showing lack of interest in their own job in addition towards the supervisee and even unpopular with the team they work within. Such supervisors certainly diminish the opportunity of transmitting education through experiential learning to any supervisee. Burnard (1998) had rightly pointed out that being under the wing of a qualified nurse does not necessarily equal to learning. Learning in practice may mean to some as just getting the job done and the issue of focusing on the learning needs of the student or new recruit are left in the shadow (Andrews Wallis, 1999) and therefore excluding the importance of applying and integrating ones knowledge (theory) to the clinical practice. Even worse, this hinders Deweys belief of experience being the basis of all education. Having the ability to organize the delivery of care in sync with ones teaching and assessing responsibilities, maybe a prerequisite for a supervisor/mentor however as one notices from the literature is no easy task. On the other hand one must keep in mind that just as the newcomers may feel unsafe to practice because they lack knowledge so do some of the senior staff; some people are not capable (or find it extremely difficult) of learning, changing or moving on (Eraut, 2002). Clinical supervisors as all humans differ in how they present their significant attributes and may need to develop and improve their qualities. This will also provide the assistance needed in favour of experiential learning as a basis to education. Identifying and working on these key qualities should assist one in enriching ones supervisees learning environment. Then again the supervisee may also pick up the mal-practices of the supervisor, leaving one with the dilemma of who should be providing clinical supervision? Who can provide Deweys belief in of education through experience? 3. Expertise and Evidence Based Practice Nurses clinical expertise is presumed to be an important factor related to quality of care in the clinical practice. Expert practitioners are seen as fundamental in the process of the training and the professional development of supervisees in addition to the efficient everyday functioning of a clinical area. Therefore it is necessary to articulate what are the particular prerequisites of ones area of practice in order to provide beneficial experiential learning opportunities to ones supervisees. Through expert practice the experts share experience, knowledge and skills in the course of teaching and mentoring not only students and colleagues but also patients and their families; which are or should be an everyday practice to clinical supervisors, and therefore contributing to offering an expert practice and better service to meet the patients needs. Excellence in health care is vital, as excellence applies to continuing learning and research that will augment and further develop nurses in their profession and give a boost to the nursing practices (Castell, 2008). Nowadays lifelong learning and research in nursing practices are acknowledged as prerequisites in order to maintain and move forward nursing competence (Avis Freshwater, 2006; Westberg Jason, 2000). Therefore even if experiential learning is an important basis of learning in practice and is the how, what, why and when all gathered together there still remains the prerequisite of up to date evidence based knowledge/practice. Avis and Freshwater (2006) state that Evidenced based practice EBP is perceived as a significant concept in competent professional nursing practice and is measured by ones ability to integrate EBP in the care on is to provide. EBP is acknowledged as an indispensable factor of nursing competence. But is EBP giving too much importance to scientific evidence and thus underrating the role of individual nursing expertise and its clinical judgement (Hardy, Garbett, Titchen Manley 2002)? Supervisees need clinical supervisors with the apt level knowledge, skills and training not only in their practice but also in their teaching/learning approach and environment in order to enhance and smooth the supervisees individual progress and education. 4. The learning environment learner centeredness Another aspect literature has shown is that clinical supervisors should move on to the importance of providing a learner approach rather than the more customarily utilised teaching approach. Through a learner centred approach one will in addition need to inspire a sense of curiosity that will drive the supervisee to absorb everything s/he can see or hear or read about nursing in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of his/her eventual competent practice. This will necessitate the supervisor to have the supervisees needs at the hub of the activities being performed not an easy task within clinical areas and their always increasing workloads and the time factors of a clinical environment (Waldock 2010). Learners obtain knowledge from experience which they then incorporate into their own system of concepts; and thus the reason why one should emphasise on the importance of the supervisees active share in learning. Supervisees in order to learn from their experiences have the responsibility to discover their own clinical educational needs through their personal agency and find ways how they may retrieve these clinical needs; which may be through their supervisors or others in the clinical area that may provide assistance (Eraut 2008). One must provide a meaningful experience for the supervisee which ends product will be what the supervisee will perceive to be relevant to their learning needs (Wlodowski 1999). Learning centeredness is seen as being beneficial to the supervisee as it will also provide opportunities that may not be encountered during formal teaching environments (McKimm and Jolie 2003). Therefore emphasizing on the notion that experiential can offer the basis to education especially if one notes that basically everything that happens in the clinical area; be it at a clients bedside, in a clinic, ward or operating theatre and the likes, can provide a learning opportunity. The supervisor must however focus on the supervisees learning needs and by working together, given that this is a two-way interaction, s/he will gain the knowledge and abilities required and therefore enhance his/her knowledge. As a consequence this may provide experience as a basis to education. Providing a learning centeredness environment can provide the opportunity for the supervisee to work in conjunction with their supervisor and at the same time presenting the opportunity for the supervisee to not only be involved in the activities but also to learn new skills, techniques, perceptions, to acknowledge the variety of knowledge and expertise others behold and to even witness tacit knowledge. 4.1 Tacit knowledge Observing provides the opportunity to understand quicker and therefore requiring briefer explaining. Another benefit of this attitude of learning through observation and discussion is that it can demonstrate the tacit knowledge a supervisor holds on everyday and intuitive and instinctive decisions that are difficult to explain (Eraut 2009). Epstein Hundert (2002) recognise tactical knowledge as intuition and pattern recognition they continue to add that intuition plays a part in acquiring competent practice. Epstein et als study in addition revealed that doctors now believe that their competence is reliant also on tactical knowledge a fact that nurses have valued for a long time and believe that competence is not only based on explicit knowledge but also tactical knowledge. Certain skills cannot be disseminated by formal teaching alone. Skills are as a result defined in terms of knowing how to do things, an example being Polanyis (1958) Balance Principle which could apply to nursing skills where the novice will watch and then practice. Hence the importance of learning methods 4.2 Learning methods Providing the right learning method is so complex. From the literature one notices that there is no perfect recipe to learning theories. A clinical supervisor teaching supervisees in the clinical setting has a major impact on those supervisees outcome performance. The supervisors methods may have the influence to enhance and facilitate the supervisees learning and accommodate new learning in clinical practice or else to curb the supervisees ability to apply knowledge and skills. Frankel (2009) points out that the premise to clinical learning methods may be ineffective if they are not tailored to the supervisees learning style and continues to highlight that learning methods vary to the individual and thus the importance in providing the most fitting for that individual to learn appropriately. Everyone has some particular favoured method of collaborating with and processing knowledge. This is one of the reasons why one may agree to Eraut (2002) argument that one should not concentrate on which learning theory is right or wrong but on the contrary one should give importance on how to obtain maximum benefit during the learning process. One could add the maximum benefit in order to provide from competent practitioners. The supervisees may be at different levels in their course or novices to certain areas of their workplace and thus learning from experience should not be presented or provided as a one size fits all situation (Quinn 2007). When providing experiential learning as a basis to clinical learning the clinical supervisor has to take into consideration the supervisees previously gained skills and knowledge and also the expectations they may have brought along. As it has been observed there is no strict recipe to stick to in order to produce a right teaching/learning strategy. Together with theoretical education and once one has found a suitable environment, the right strategy for both the supervisee and one that the competent supervisor is apt at carrying out, what is left is both the supervisees and supervisors self motivation to learning, their sense of curiosity and inquisitive minds, willingness to not only knowing more but also to change (Khomeiran, Yekta, Kiger, Ahmadi 2006). 5. Competence It is indispensable that clinical supervisors employ well-established clinical skills and a high standard of competent nursing practice that will sustain effective facilitation of student learning (Gaberson Oerman, 2007). Rutkowski (2007, p.37) describes assessing competency as complicated and being based on direct observations as well as entailing ones opinion of values, which are subjective and hold personal beliefs which may vary from one to another. For experience to be the basis of education one must understand what competency really is and what it signifies. When one thinks of all the controversies on competence one may find it complex to agree that experience alone can provide competent practitioners. Conclusion Although experiential learning may definitely have its importance in providing a basis for education one comes to the conclusion that so do theoretical learning and personal traits of both the supervisor and supervisee. These are indispensable factors to learning in addition to motivation, curiosity, an inquisitive mind and the drive to keep on learning. To know and not to act is not to know. Experiential learning is both transformational and transmissional; it provides changes in ones attitude and behaviour and should not be seen as only as the shift of ideas or knowledge. The practical and academic sides of the supervisor and supervisee are both important. The academic side provides knowledge, broadens ones horizons and tests ones manner of thinking. Experiential and academic learning compliment each other thus the skills gained from both learning styles should bring into being a safe, competent and knowledgeable practitioner and all this may assist Deweys belief of experiential learning being the basis of education.

Queen Elizabeth I :: essays research papers

Queen Elizabeth I was said to be one of the best rulers of England. Unlike rulers before her, she was a Protestant and not a Catholic. She was not stupid though. She did go to church and did everything that Catholics did to prevent getting her head cut off under the rules of her sister Mary. Elizabeth was very young when she came to rule. She was only 17 years old when her sister Mary died and she took over. Elizabeth’s relationship with her half sister Queen Mary was mediocre. It seemed like they did not talk as much as some sisters do. They did love each other though because when Queen Mary was on the deathbed she refused to sign the paper that would have Elizabeth killed. If she didn’t really love her sister, she would have let them kill her and allow the Duke of Norfolk to take over as king. The Duke of Norfolk was Elizabeth’s cousin and wished to be king more than anything else. On the other hand, Mary called her sister a bastard and other bad names. Elizabeth and her cousin Mary Queen of Scots often clashed, both personally and politically. Eventually, they wanted one another dead. Mary Queen of Scots wanted to be the queen of England and was ready to attack them. French forces increased their numbers, without planning to attack England. However, Elizabeth was worried and decided to attack. She sent her weak army up to Scotland and was easily defeated. Mary laughed in her face and sent back one of her men wearing the French colors. Later on Elizabeth sent an assassin to kill her and it was successful. Mary Queen of Scots was killed. Elizabeth’s relationship with her elder male cousin, the Duke of Norfolk, was not good at all. The Duke of Norfolk wanted to kill Elizabeth because he wanted to become the king of England. Becoming the king of England was impossible while Elizabeth was still the queen. When Mary was on her deathbed with cancer the Duke of Norfolk tried to get Mary to sign a paper that would allow him to kill Elizabeth and become King of England. The Duke of Norfolk would speak against Queen Elizabeth and try to turn England against her. At one meeting she had to lock him and his men up so he wouldn’t cause a disturbance. They both had their differences.

Johannes Brahms Essay -- biographies bio biography musician

Johannes Brahms was a German Composer, Pianist and conductor of the 19th century or the Romantic period. He was one of the 3 B's or the Big three: Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. Johannes was a very self-critic man he burned many of his pieces before he could get anyone's opinion on them and he burned all of his compositions that he wrote before the age of 19. Johannes Brahms was born on Tuesday 7th may 1833, in the city of Hamburg the birthplace also of Mendelssohn. Johann Brahms was himself a musician, and played the double bass for a time at the Karl Schultze Theatre, and later in the Stadttheater orchestra. In 1847 Johannes attended a good Burgerschule (citizens? school), and in 1848 a better, that of one Hoffmann. When he was eight years old his father requested the teachers to be very easy with him because of the time that he must take for his musical studies. Brahms?s boyhood days passed uneventfull. He grew up with his brother fritz and sister Elise amid the poorest surroundings. Fritz turned to music (the Neue Zeitschrift mentions his successful debut at Hamburg in January 1864) was a piano teacher in Hamburg, lived for many years in Caracas, and died at an early age in Hamburg of a disease of the brain. Elise married a watchmaker, much to Johannes? disappointment. As a boy Johannes worked and studied with his father and learnt lessons from books with his mother, with whom he would play ?four-hands? at the piano, ?just for fun.? There were never any doubts as to his becoming a musician. From early childhood he learn everything his father could teach him, read everything he could lay hands on, practiced with undeviating enthusiasm, and filled reams of paper with exercises and variations. The soul of the child went out in music. He played scales long before he knew the notes, and great was his joy when at the age of six he discovered the possibility of making a melody visible by placing black dots on lines at different intervals, inventing a system of notation of his own before he had been made acquainted with the method which the musical world had been using for some centuries. When Johannes was in his tenth year he had made such remarkable progress that Cossel thought it best to secure a more advanced instructor. He was thus put under the care of Eduard Marxsen (Cossel?s own teacher), the royal music director at Altona, who took him unwillingly ... ...for the folksong of his fatherland, which he used as themes for some remarkable variations a musical form, by the way, which he rescued by his masterly treatment form the disrepute into which it had fallen. No career, however, open up before him. He had to continue playing at the low sailors? haunts and to eke out his earnings by giving cheap lessons and arranging popular music for the piano or for brass bands. This hack work continued for what must have seemed a distressingly long time, and it was brightened for him only by the composition of three important works for his instrument, the scherzo in E flat minor (Op. 4) in 1851, the Sonata in F sharp minor (Op.2) in 1852 and the Sonata in C major (Op. I) early in 1853.] It was not only until the spring of that year that he for first time left Hamburg professionally. He undertook a tour with the Hungarian violinist Eduard Remenyi for the purpose of introducing himself and his works. At Gottingen they gave a concert in which the young pianist made a deep impression upon the musicians present. He and Remenyi were to play Beethoven?s Kreutzer sonata, but at the last moment it was discovered that the piano was half a tone too low.

Naukri.Com Essay

COM Industry- eBusiness is the integration of a company’s business including products, procedures, and services over the Internet. [pic] †¢ You turn your company from a business into an eBusiness when you integrate your sales, marketing, accounting, manufacturing, and operations with your web site activities. †¢ An eBusiness uses the Internet as a center for all business activities. †¢ eCommerce is the online component of an eBusiness. †¢ E-business may be defined as the conduct of industry,trade,and commerce using the computer networks. †¢ Naukri. om is an Indian job search engine operating in India founded by Sanjeev Bikhchandani in March1997. †¢ This employment site allows businesses to place job announcements and look through resumes. People looking for employement can post their resumes, ad links to their home page and browse the ads and look at potential employer’s home pages as well. †¢ The site was established in 1997 by Info E dge (India) Ltd. Info Edge is a listed company on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange. It went public in November 2006. As of March 31, 2011 Naukri. om had a database of about 25 million registered job seekers and over 80,000 live job listings from Corporate Customers. During the Fiscal year 2010-11 Naukri. com serviced approximately 42,000 Corporate Customers, an average of about 12,000 resumes were added while about 72,000 were modified daily in the Naukri. com database in Fiscal year 2010-11. Overview †¢ In India Naukri. com has been ranked at 22nd spot as per Alexa traffic rankings. It has a global ranking of 452. 2,480 sites share their links in the job portal. Usually almost 9 minutes is spent by each viewer in the site nd every page is viewed almost 42 second approximately. Naukri is the leading job site in India and is the premier brand of Info Edge. It has single-handedly given a new dimension to the concept of employment in the country. †¢ After it was found the company has left behind every competitor. Naukri. com as a recruitment agency offers employment related services to both regular job seekers and leading placement agencies and recruiters and corporate houses. Its services are available in both India as well as outside the country. The jobsite offers a wide range of services such as Response Management Tools and Resume Database Access. Among its major services is recruiter branding solutions, Naukri PayCheck, Naukri. com Magazine, Resdex, Naukri on Mobile and Chat and job postings. The site has, at any time, 200,000 jobs and serves almost 35,500 corporate houses. It also publishes a useful report named Naukri JobSpeak, which is brought out on a monthly basis. Corporate strategy Vision †¢ Vision is to create a platform where, in 20 years time, every Indian who is looking for a job can find one. Mission †¢ Every person looking for a Job should get one. Initial Strategy (1997-2000) †¢ The initial marketing strategy was geared towards fulfilling two objectives. The first objective was to get the companies and placement consultants to list their jobs on the web site and the second one was to get job seekers to visit the site. Towards achieving the first objective, an intensive search exercise was carried out. The team went through the previous issues of several newspapers and magazines, went to libraries, scanned Yellow Pages and built a mailing list that contained names and addresses of approximately twenty four thousand companies and placement consultants who had placed an advertisement for jobs in the last five years. Letters were mailed out to them with information about the service. At the same time, another list of newspapers and magazines was compiled. Letters were also sent to these newspapers and magazines informing them of the introduction of this unique service. Advertising was also done but on a very small scale. It was restricted to small-classified displays in newspapers. In effect, initially, the marketing strategy of Naukri. com was based on direct mailing and it was actually a very low cost one. Current Strategy (2001-2004) †¢ The marketing strategy currently being followed by Naukri. om is â€Å"two pronged† one, in the words of their marketing manager Ayesha Kapur. Naukri. com reaches out to two segments primarily – the job seekers and the employers. To reach out to recruiters, Naukri. com has a 130-140 strong sales force across the country that go around and meet the clients face to face, introduce them to the products and explain them. The mechanism adopted to reach out to the other segment, that is, the job seekers, is aggressive advertising. The aggressive advertising has kept momentum only during the last year (2003-2004). Naukri. om has been advertising on television and the print media and is now exploring radio as a medium for advertising its services and products. Advertisement on television has included promotion during the India–Australia cricket game series telecast on the national T. V. network, Doordarshan, in the year 2001. Environmental factors †¢ The major external forces are: †¢ SUPPLY AND DEMAND †¢ If the company has a demand for more professionals and there is limited supply in the market for the professionals demanded by the company, then the company will have to depend upon internal sources by providing them special training and development programs. Attributes and Characteristics †¢ Faster search †¢ Secured access †¢ Personalized data †¢ Customization of data †¢ Privacy protocol †¢ Huge records for recruiter and applicant to search from †¢ Cost effective †¢ Global reach †¢ Reduction in recruitment time by 60% Usability from stakeholder points of view For job hunters †¢ Ease of access to millions of jobs. †¢ Personalized format †¢ Secure login †¢ Global reach †¢ Application time is reduced †¢ Resume developments For employers †¢ Connectivity to millions of job hunters †¢ Real time information updates †¢ Relevant search †¢ E apps to manage resonses †¢ Ease in passing information For government †¢ Increase in GDP †¢ Increase in tax revenues Low unemployable rate IT Infrastructure requirement [pic] 5 layer model of naukri. com infrastructure [pic] Firewall It is a software application mounted on a server at the point where a company is connected to the internet. Its purpose is to prevent unauthorized access into the company from outsiders Demiliterized zone In a DMZ configuration, most computers on the LAN run behind a firewall connected to a public network like the internet. One or more computers also run outside the firewall in the DMZ. Cost benefit analysis They made the market more efficient by reducing ‘search cost’ and ‘transaction cost’ thus making it attractive to get into this market. It is important to understand the reasons for naukri. com and other similar websites registering excellent growth. The job market existed before but naukri. com and other similar websites took initiatives to facilitate certain activities performed in this market. They made the market more efficient by reducing ‘search cost’ and ‘transaction cost’ thus making it attractive to get into this market. In this case, the efficiency in the market also brings in effectiveness as the cycle time to close the transaction becomes short leading to increased satisfaction. That is, when market becomes more efficient, ‘trapped value’ is released which means a new revenue stream for the business organization. Trapped value is also released when a ‘new value system’ gets created, for example, the value of a new found ‘community’ of recruiters and job seekers—they existed earlier but as standalone entities. This leads to savings in cost to search the talent. For recruiters the cost advantage comes from reducing the cost of print ads and other traditional methods. Also they get the great talent quickly so that they can hire the person for the position and continue their operations. For job hunters it saves their cost of running around for hunting down the required jobs. Challenges in Naukri. com business [pic] People- Convenience and connectivity ensures people are just click away to get the right kind of job. The ease of accessing the database for application for the jobs has made it easier for people to search the jobs which suit them. However with increasing number of applicants the increasing database makes it difficult to manage the large pool of offers. Moreover some co-success factors support both efficiency and effectiveness: communities as parts of e-customer relationship management programs improve customer retention , thus avoiding high costs of acquiring new customers. Implementation It’s easy to describe e-commerce and the benefits resulting from its implementation. It’s not so easy to develop and deploy e-commerce systems. Companies have faced significant hurdles in these efforts: Cost. E-commerce requires sophisticated, distributed systems based on new technologies that can touch many of a company’s core business processes. As with all major business systems, e-commerce systems require significant investments in hardware, software, staffing, and training. Businesses need comprehensive solutions that are easy to use and thus help enable cost-effective deployment. Value. Businesses want to know that their investments in e-commerce systems will produce a return. They deploy e-commerce systems to achieve business objectives such as lead generation, business process automation, and cost reduction. They want to ensure that these objectives are met. Businesses also need flexible solutions so that they can easily adapt a system to meet changing business conditions. Security. Because the Internet provides almost universal access, a company’s assets must be protected against misuse, whether accidental or malicious. At the same time, that protection should not compromise a site’s usability or performance nor make its development too complex. There is an additional security issue: Because e-commerce systems enable the collection and usage of sensitive information about individual customers, companies also need to protect the privacy of their customers. Existing Systems. Companies need to be able to harness the functionality of existing applications into e-commerce systems. Most companies new to e-commerce already use information technology to conduct business in non-Internet environments— in existing marketing, order management, billing, inventory, distribution, and customer service systems. The Internet represents an alternative and complementary way to do business. It’s imperative that Internet e-commerce systems integrate existing systems in a manner that avoids duplicate function and maintains usability, performance, and reliability. Interoperability. Interoperability here means the linking of trading partners’ applications in order to exchange business documents. These systems must work together well in order to achieve business objectives. For example, the order-management application of a business partner must interoperate with the inventory applications of its suppliers. Interoperation between businesses reduces costs and improves performance. It enables the implementation of more dynamic value chains. Business partners Brijj- professional networking Merination- study material Jeevansaathi- Indian matrimonial site Allcheck deals- real estate in india Zomato- food guide 99 acres- real estate in india Shiksha- education and career Mydala. com- deal offering site PEST Analysis POLITICAL: 1. Government support for increasing Internet penetration in India. 2. Tax benefits to corporate. 3. Government policy to increase jobs 4. Pumping money in the infrastructure ECONOMICAL 1. Booming Indian economy. 2. Increase in Indian GDP 3. Increase in ratio of Employed to unemployed people 4. Base of internet users multiplied by 10 to 11 times in last 6 years. SOCIAL 1. People spend more time on internet 2. Rise of social networking site 3. High priority on time and convenience. 4. Improving usage of Broadband and high computer literacy. TECHNOLOGICAL 1. increase in broadband services 2. Increasing penetration rate of broadband and wireless internet. 3. Better managed E business site for ease, privacy and advancements in net banking. SWOT Analysis †¢ naukri. com has the first mover advantage. It is still paying off till date with naukri having the best brand recall in terms of job portals. The site design has received great acceptance among Indians. (better than monster and timesjobs) †¢ It has the experience of being in the market for almost a decade. †¢ It has a large market share while monsterindia and Timesjobs are far behind. †¢ It ranked as India’s number one job site on all parameters — page view, reach, and traffic. †¢ It has the advantage of a clear revenue model since its inception. While it has a few services that are free to both job seekers and job providers, the majority of their services are paid for by the recruiters. †¢ It has a very committed team. This is clear from the visits made by them to establish contact. It is known to have one of the best work atmospheres. Weaknesses †¢ It has a large number of employees and hence the company incurs a high cost for managing salesforce. †¢ There is a high level of attrition. †¢ Employer Branding on Naukri. com is hardly visible which is a major product flaw on the portal Opportunities †¢ Internet users are increasing day by day. Approximately, 7. 5 million urban Indians are using the net. †¢ Further, with broadband infrastructure being rolled out, there are more opportunities on the net. †¢ The scope of online recruitment is, therefore, increasing. Like any other o nline recruitment company, it has the advantage of being a low cost medium of recruitment.