Competitive advantage and relationship marketing

Introduction The ability of an organization to generate and maintain a competitive advantage forms one of the most critical elements in supporting its internal and external mechanisms for further growth and expansion. Benderly posits that high market competitiveness acts as an indicator of an organization’s progress and assessment in comparison to others dealing with the same products (30).Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Competitive advantage and relationship marketing-Cirque du Soleil specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Besides, as this paper analyzes using Cirque du Soleil, relationship marketing is an effective means of maintaining, developing and establishing market relationship with consumers. It has been hailed as one of the most effective ways through which businesses can achieve and sustain competitive advantage. Competitive advantage The concept of competitive advantage has its roots well entrenched in the historical era of industrial revolution when demand for markets and increasing focus on quality became critical. However, Suliyanto and Rahab indicate that the concept became more profound with the development of globalization and intensification of international trade which further diversified its overall scope in view of production and consumption of different products and services (136). The concept of market competitiveness has further been intensified by the onset of information technology which strongly links market with the management and production units in the society. In his article Anatomy of competitive advantage: a select framework, Ma points out that â€Å"competitive advantage arises from the differential among firms along any dimension of firm attributes and characteristics that allows one firm to better create customer value than do others† (709). His argument hinges on the view that consistent provision of superior value and high-quality p roducts to consumers is an attribute determined by a firm’s ability to establish strategic business decisions as well as strategic capabilities.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Due to intensive competition and increasing uncertainty, companies that have sustainable advantage make tremendous gains because they have competencies and resources that are non-substitutable and unique that their competitors lack. Agha, Alrubaiee and Jamhour concur with Ma’s argument and posits that through these, successful organizations have maintained customer satisfaction, achieved overall strategic goals and increased their production processes (200). Additionally, capabilities have these companies have been witnessed in the manner in which they have combined organizational knowledge, integrated technology and coordinated production skills in provision of value. Aremu a nd Bamiduro point out that the affect of relationship marketing in developing and sustaining competitive edge has from ancient times grown to become hyper-competitive through established relationships between suppliers, buyers and sellers (211). Different businesses have for along period of time developed unique and different customer relationship capabilities that have aided them in gaining a competitive edge over their competitors. This relates with Ma’s argument in the sense that the uniqueness of a firm in carrying out relationship marketing is an attribute which adds customer value. However, it is imperative to note that an inception of great directional change has been witnessed in the past decade in both marketing practice and theory. David and Motamedi point out that this genuine paradigm shift has been termed by marketing analysts as a move towards relationship marketing which as a concept encompasses relational marketing, working partnerships, relational contracting , co-marketing alliances, strategic alliances, symbiotic marketing and internal marketing (369).Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Competitive advantage and relationship marketing-Cirque du Soleil specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Their argument, which adds another angle to Ma’s position, indicates that competitive edge can also be attained through partnerships. In fact, currently in global business, the practice of predatory and flat out competition is over and has been replaced by collaboration between companies both at local and multinational level as gaining a favorable competitive edge requires that businesses cooperate. Lyndall Urwick, an influential thinker and consultant in business management argued from the business reengineering theory’s perspective that relationship marketing is a shift adopted by businesses intending to establish long-term relationships that are mutually satisf ying with key-parties such as distributors, suppliers and customers for mutual gain and to retain them in their businesses. His argument echoes Ma’s argument on competitive advantage in the sense that relationship marketing creates a mutual bond that connects a company with suppliers, distributors and customers while ensuring that they all benefit. However, the uniqueness of attributes and characteristics must not be different for a company to gain a competitive edge because relationship marketing also extends to partnerships with other business to gain resources and boost performance. Gilaninia, Shahi and Mousavian point out that effective relationship marketing companies have arisen within functionally specialized organizations, and have networks whose interrelationships are not only driven by norms but are coordinated and held together by organizations whose marketing methods are based on trust, commitment and sharing. Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil is one of the fastes t-growing entertainment companies in Canada based in Quebec (David Motamedi 369). Its unique attribute in relationship marketing has been one of the most notable core competencies that have made it successful since its inception in 1984. As an entertainment company, it has been able to achieve some stable competitive edge via building of its customer loyalty through provision of quality shows, products and services. It is worth noting that building customer loyalty and retention has been identified by many scholars and practitioners in relationship marketing as a significant requirement in successful selling and building of brand or image of a business.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More David and Motamedi point out that Cirque du Soleil has invested in developing strategies for creating customer loyalty and retention through its effective leadership properly so that it does not miss out on significant marketing share against other market competitors (370). The latter explains why it is putting more emphasis in building effective communication strategies for the purpose of developing customer confidence, retention as well as loyalty. It has been able to retain its customers by developing an effective and efficient visionary planning as well as strategic customer relationship management in order to eliminate weak customer relations which often lead to dysfunctional organizational behavior and low profitability. In their publication, Patsioura, Malama and Vlachopoulou point out that recognizing factors that motivate customers to buy products or services is an essential step in understanding the brand switching behavior of customers as well as their loyalty (80). Most customers of Cirque du Soleil have shown their loyalty to this company through repeat purchase of their entertainment services, preference and commitment to their shows. Kaj Storbacka, Tore Strandvik, and Christian Grà ¶nroos point out in their loyalty business model that when there is lack of relationship marketing, customers may fail to be satisfied by products and services and hence be unsuccessful in showing important components such as an intention to re-buy, a liking towards a brand preference due to superior qualities of a brand (Croteau, Rivard Talbot 1). However, customer loyalty and retention can be realized in a business environment where strategic relationship marketing is unique and differentiated and where it is being done with the help of effective communication to obtain feedback. Cirque du Soleil has been very effective in applying various unique relationship marketing methods which include the use of technology and social media marketing as a viable relationship marketing tool largely due to its flexibility and viability in reaching out targeted market (Croteau, Rivard Talbot 1). Relationship marketing through improved quality of goods and services Attainment of a competitive edge has been considered to have massive implications on products and services being released to consumers in the market. As Dickinson indicates, the notion of market competitiveness is laden with a sense of high-quality products in the society (10). With the notion of increased products value being progressive, consumers enjoy high-quality products and services at all times and at the correct prices. Due to the need to maintain high-quality services in the nation, Cirque du Soleil has sought to expand to other regions in the world as part and parcel of seeking new markets and expanding its level of operations and therefore improve the degree with which the various needs of its customers can be met. It has also done this with an intention of maintaining its status ami dst the fast-growing industry (Croteau, Rivard Talbot 1). Relationship marketing assists in building greater customer loyalty In their view, Aghoubi, Doaee and Ardalan observe that the relationship marketing practice of a business in the global market acts as a critical tool for maintaining loyalty of the customers on products and services an organization offer (903). The ability of an organization to initiate, effect, and maintain market competitiveness in its different areas of operation act as one of the most critical elements in supporting growth of loyalty by consumers through continuous services improvement. As indicated earlier, gaining competitive advantage is a notion that goes hand-in-hand with provision of high quality that consumers seek association with. Most management teams in organizations often seek to generate high customer loyalty in their products (Roy 80). Following its long-time competitive advantage in Canada, Cirque du Soleil has assimilated sound customer l oyalty from its entertainment customers. Its management team emphasizes that its ability to remain at the top has been anchored on high customer loyalty in all of its global operations (Croteau, Rivard Talbot 1). To recap it all, it is imperative to reiterate that the discussion in this paper has been based on the thesis statement that â€Å"the ability of an organization to generate and maintain a competitive advantage forms one of the most critical elements in supporting its internal and external mechanisms for further growth and expansion†. From the discussion, it is evident that developing unique and differentiated competitive advantages such as effective relationship marketing, customer responsiveness, influence and communication are generic and vital for an organization that wants to succeed in the global competitive market. It is also clear from the discussion that other capabilities which companies should develop to lead in the market include innovative capacity, str ategic flexibility, organizational learning and effective technology, among others. It is worth noting that different authors have stated that a business needs to have a unique and differentiated capability to gain competitive advantage over others. However, as indicated by authors with different views, market trends have massively changed and businesses are going into partnerships and networks to augment their competitive advantages over others. The paper has also examined Cirque du Soleil relationship marketing practice and noted that successful adoption of relationship marketing in the organization has enhanced its ability to establish long term relationships with its customers. Works Cited Agha Sabah, Alrubaiee Laith Jamhour Manar. Effect of core competence on competitive advantage and organizational performance. International Journal of Business and Management, 7.1 (2012): 192-204. Aghoubi Nour-Mohammed, Doaee Habibollah Ardalan Argavan. The effect of emotional intelligence o n relationship marketing. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business 3.5 (2011): 901-905. Aremu, Mukalia Bamiduro, Joseph. Marketing mix practice as a determinant of entrepreneurial business performance.† International Journal of Business and Management 7.1 (2012): 205-213 Benderly, Beryl. Staying number 1. ASEE Prism, 21.5 (2012): 30-33. Croteau Anne-Marie, Rivard Suzanne and Talbot jean. Visioning information technology at Cirque du Soleil. International Journal of Case Studies in Management 1.3(2006): 1. David, Robert Motamedi, Amir. Cirque Du Soleil: Can It Burn Brighter? Journal of Strategic Management Education, 1.2 (2004): 369-382. Dickinson, Barry. The role of authenticity in relationship marketing. Journal of Management and Marketing Research, 8 (2011): 1-12. Gilaninia Shahram, Shahi Hasanali Mousavian Seyyed. The effect of relationship marketing dimensions by customer satisfaction to customer loyalty. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary R esearch In Business, 3.4 (2011): 74-84. Hao, Ma. Anatomy of competitive advantage: a select framework, Management Decision, 37.9(1999): 709 – 718. Patsioura Fotini, Malama Eleonara-Ioulia Vlachopoulou, Maro. A relationship marketing model for brand advertising websites: an analysis of consumers’ perceptions. International Journal of Management, 28.4 (2011): 72-92. Roy, Martin. Sustainable design for circus big top. ASHRAE Journal, 48.9 (2006): 78- 81. Suliyanto, Suliyanto Rahab, Rahab. The role of market orientation and learning orientation in improving innovativeness and performance of small and medium enterprises, Asian Social Science 8.1 (2012): 134-145. 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The Scarlet Ibis Research Paper Example

The Scarlet Ibis Research Paper Example The Scarlet Ibis Paper The Scarlet Ibis Paper â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis† Mr. P English II Living in a Normal World If you had a family member that had a physical disability, would you treat them the same with precautions or would you treat them differently? People may think life would be easier for a life as a disabled person but truly it is extremely hard. They have to deal with looks from people they don’t know, and from their family treating them differently. In The Scarlet Ibis, by James Hurst, Doodle, is a handicapped little boy. Everyone says that he will not be able to do most things that kids without disabilities can do but Doodle’s brother never gives up on trying. Families that have a handicapped must treat that person with the utmost respect. One part of respecting a person is to have appropriate expectations for them. â€Å"I wanted a brother. But Mama, crying, told me that even if William Armstrong lived, he would never do these things with me. He might not, she sobbed, even be ‘all there’† (90). Although Doodle was born with disabilities, he has two eyes, two legs, two ears and he is just like everyone else. Doodle was born with a health condition that did make him different from other kids his own age, but that does not mean he is not allowed to live his life as others live theirs. From birth Doodle was told he would not be able to do the things that others have because he has a heart condition. Yet, Doodle is still a person and no matter what happens in life he should be treated the way others want to be treated. All Doodle wants to do is live life to the fullest and that is how it shall be. Families with handicapped members have to set forward for all of the positive outcomes of life, other than have a bunch of negatives. If you lead a handicapped with only negative expectations, as like Doodle, he will never have the full amount of respect for you, as well as your other family members. As people know, people with handicaps have a difficult time. Many people that have a handicap have a hard enough time getting people to accept who they are. It might be difficult for the family to finally understand to the full extent that the handicapped member should be treated the same as other members but with a little caution. From the start of Doodle’s life, his family failed to treat him the same as everyone else. â€Å"The doctor had said that he mustn’t get too excited, too hot, too cold, or too tired and that he must always be treated gently. A long list of don’ts went with him, all of which I ignored once we got out of the house† (91). Doodle might have had disabilities but that does not mean that he should not be treated any different than anyone else. He tries so hard to be normal because his family makes him feel like he does not belong in their family. Especially his parents, they had a very pessimistic outlook on Doodle. No matter what the disability might be, everyone deserves to be treated in the same way. While people grow up, they learn right from wrong. They learn how to treat a person as well as how they want to be treated. As Doodle is growing older, all he ever wants is to be treated normally. He would not be able to fulfill his life as everyone else, so he wanted to make the most out of it now. His family did not believe that he would live for long. This came to be because his father commissioned the building of a casket. Doodle’s real name was William Armstrong. The narrator describes the name as, â€Å"Which was like tying a big tail on a small kite, such a name sounds good only on a tombstone† (90). It is obvious that Doodle’s parents had a very pessimistic outlook for their son. They seemed to be more concerned with his potential death than the possibility of him having a full life. Doodle kept trying day after day to gain respect from them. Families that have handicapped members should focus on the possible positive outcomes of life rather than the negatives because the pessimistic point of view only leads to the lowering of expectations and disrespect towards the family members. If you had a disabled family member that was disabled or handicapped, would you treat them the same or differently? Where ever you may go in life you will always run into a handicapped person, whether theyre just an elder, or they are physically handicapped. You should treat them differently than you would usually treat others without handicaps because they are fragile, and incapable of some things that others might be able to do. Many people that have disabilities struggle throughout life. Doodle should be treated differently than others because he is fragile and the doctors said that anything might cause his little heart to stop. He has not developed to the point where all the other kids his age are. Handicaps need more help because they are not able to do the things that people can do. If you have a family member with disabilities you should have more precautions around them. Many people with handicaps have been told that they have a limited amour of time to live or that they won’t be able to do the things that other people their age are able to do. They fight each day to achieve something that that might help them accomplish things in life no matter how hard it might be for them.

Critical event analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Critical event analysis - Essay Example Description of the Event What was the context surrounding the event? The incident I will write about took place during the first week of my placement at a local hospital and involved a patient known as Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith, who lived in an elder’s home nearby, had been rushed to the hospital when he started to experience breathing difficulties. Mr. Smith has in the past experienced a number of strokes that left him partially paralysed. He also has a lot of difficulty in swallowing and cannot speak clearly. At the care-giving home, Mr. Smith is dependent on his care-givers to perform personal duties such as bathing and eating. My mentor, a registered nurse who was given the responsibility of catering to Mr. Smith’s needs, asked me to accompany her to his ward. In the previous week, she had discussed various ways in which a nurse can feed an elderly patient with swallowing difficulties without harming him or her while ensuring that the patient consumes enough food. I was quite eager to start my placement duties and did not imagine that anything would faze me. I followed my mentor, who was carrying a large bowl of pureed carrots, down the quite corridor and into Mr. Smith’s room. There were many things that I had expected, but Mr. Smith’s visage was deeply alarming to me. What were the consequences of the actions taken for the patient and others involved? The patient started to cough loudly, with streams of what seemed to be phlegm issuing from his mouth and nose. At first, I was quite nauseated; and began to try and focus my attention on other things in the room. My mentor spoke sternly to Mr. Smith and informed him that he would eat the food brought to him even if he did not like it. There was not much struggle, but it was obvious that Mr. Smith was not happy about his meal. Reflection How were others feeling, what were the other perceptions involved? My mentor also appeared to be somewhat frustrated. She fed Mr. Smith calmly; but whe n he turned his face and made throaty noises, she put down the bowl and turned his face before feeding him. She did not speak, but I could sense her annoyance. My mentor was not saying anything to me during the episode of forced feeding- causing me to feel uncertain and somewhat flustered. Remaining calm even when operating under pressure is what contributes towards making good will decisions on how best to handle troubled or anxious patients (Chaloner 2007). I loudly observed to my mentor that Mr. Smith appeared to be coughing a lot possibly because of the forced feeding. Without looking up, my mentor mumbled that there was no other way to get food into Mr. Smith’s body and that coughing was a normal thing for him and should not worry me. Why did I and/ or others respond like they did? Critical reflection can help a student nurse to develop listening skills that will help him or her to become a better clinician (Dye 2006). My initial thoughts when my mentor began to feed Mr. Smith were of fear. I thought that I would be forced to watch him choke into unconsciousness; what with the way he was coughing. Also, I had not thought that I would be given responsibility for such an elderly patient. What values or beliefs were important and underpinned actions or ways of thinking by those involved in the event? I wanted to prove to my mentor that I could handle

Research Method Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Research Method - Essay Example Inamulhaq (2012) discussed that there are different techniques which can be adopted by nurses and other health practitioners in order to ensure and improve hand washing techniques. One of these methods is health education, and this would necessitate the actual training of the staff in relation to proper hand washing techniques in the clinical setting (Inamulhaq, 2012). The availability of antibacterial soaps was also highlighted as an important means of ensuring the application of hand washing techniques. Moreover, facilities where hand washing can be carried out can also be made available in as many places as possible for the hospital staff (Inamulhaq, 2012). In the paper by Erasmus and colleagues (2010), the importance of action planning, was established as one of the effective ways hand washing among nurses can be improved. Action planning involves active participation in the hand washing process, for example, nurses may list when they are supposed to wash their hands. Covering 17 participants in a pilot study on hand hygiene behaviour, the authors established that where an action plan for the nurses is established before or during the shift, the possibility of ensuring that hand washing is carried out becomes greater (Erasmus, et.al., 2010). The action plan then soon becomes part of the nurse’s routine and the possibility of compliance is significantly improved (Erasmus, et.al., 2010). In the study by Nicol, et.al., (2009) the authors emphasized the theory of planned behaviour. The study revealed that the theory of planned behaviour could sufficiently help improve the education and training of nurses in hand hygiene behaviour (Nicol, et.al., 2009). This study was also able to demonstrate that deep-seated habits which are incorporated well into a person’s activities have a significant potential of improving a certain activity or behaviour (Nicol, et.al., 2009). The theory of planned

Is Raynair an unethical business Ethical and Philosophical approaches Essay

Is Raynair an unethical business Ethical and Philosophical approaches - Essay Example Four years later, the company lost $20 million dollars. Later in 2011, the company had grown to attract 75.8 million passengers who boarded their planes, leading to generation of a whopping $4.2 billion in revenues. After years of exponential growth, the company finally resolved to offer their customers very low airfare rates, though a storm sparked when the company introduced many unreasonable charges. Raynair unmatched low prices brought the company to a status of global fame, because its services were 2-3 times cheaper than what similar companies charged. However, the truth of the matter is that this airline company had introduced so many hidden fees and services to boost its revenue and recover from the extremely low prices. This issue attracted a lot of controversy regarding the legality of what Raynair was doing and whether its business plan and procedures was really ethical. In a nutshell, Ryanair’s hidden charges are certainly unethical. It is very strange, for example, to realize that a customer is charged a fee for not checking-in online. Raynair introduces so many hidden charges and hides them under their â€Å"low priced tickets†. This unethical practice, unfortunately, can taints its reputation and reduce its customers base. If Raynair’s purpose is to maximize shareholder’s returns, violating the rights of employees and customers to achieve its goals is a violation of its ethical responsibility. Raynair airline is a corporate entity, which is legally considered to be a corporate person, entitled to rights and responsibilities, just like any other person. Theorists, such as Milton Friedman has maintained that corporate executives are free to maximize the profits of their entities the way they want, but by making sure they conform to their basic rules of the society, including those embodied in the ethical customs and those embodies in law (Friedman, 1970). However, the case of Raynair is a case of total disregard to these laws and ethical customs. While the company generates about $500 million, over 20 percent of this revenue comes from sources other than airline tickets. Some of the additional revenue sources include $208 charged for passengers who change names on their boarding pass, exces sive luggage fee of $28 per kilo, a boarding pass fee of $40, a reserved seat fee of $13, credit card use fee of 2%, a checked musical instrument fee of $83, a bottle of water that is sold to customers at $3.50. These and many other types of fees that are charged in the cabin have attracted a lot of controversy, regarding their legality and ethical grounds. The employees of Raynair are also not left out in the ethical controversy that surrounds their employer. They are the ones who are forced to charge the customers these controversial charges. According to Friedman, maximizing of the company’s profits without regards to workers or customer’s welfare is an unethical act of individualism (Gallagher, 2005). In regards to this, Raynair is engaging in individualism because its central motive is maximizing profits, notwithstanding what it will take to achieve that goal. Following its reactions, it was estimated that the company would save millions of money, at the expense o f 400,000 passengers. The fact that there are numerous customers who lodge complaints after experiencing different ordeals, but their concerns are hardly addressed, is a further testimony

Compare and Contrast approaches to management

Compare and Contrast approaches to management Management over the years does not have a generally acceptable definition. The subject has received different views from authorities on management. Follet (1941) defines management as getting things done through people. Follets definition underpins the ultimate aim of all the management theories, processes, approaches and styles that have been developed over the years. That is, the achievement of goals through others. Most if not all managers are faced with the daily task of planning, making decisions, managing resources and personnel. The task is always very tall and therefore the need to achieve the set target from beginning to end with people. Some of these theories put across over the years are administrative management, human relations management and scientific management. This paper will discuss at length the praise and disgust of scientific management and the human relation management theories. Having defined what management in general is. The emphasis will be on how each school of thought gets the job done and how the work environments as well as employees are managed at the work place. The relevance of both schools of thought would be established with clear examples and at the end a conclusion and an opinion of the writers position on the two theories. The principles and theories of scientific management have been around since the 1800s but the real breakthrough came in the early 20th century. Frederick Winslow Taylor made this breakthrough during the industrial revolution when he developed the main principles of scientific management. Wren (2005) reiterates that Taylor set out to resolve industrial issues with his Time and Motion Study and the Piece Rate System. Due to the magnificent contributions made by Taylor to Scientific Management, the term Taylorism was coined. Taylor is regarded as by many management authorities and historians as the Father of Scientific Management. Wrege and Greenwood (1991) as well as Wren (2005) have all attested to the fact that this is written on Taylors epitaph. Taylors principles of scientific management influenced other school of though. Donnelly (2000) offered that the human relations management or movement as some authorities will choose to call it was founded by Elton Mayo. Donnelly (2000) further adds that Mayo, a Director of Industrial Research at Harvard University was involved in the famous Hawthorne Studies which led to an alternative style of management regarded as the Human Resource Movement. As the name suggest, the whole ideas was to fight or push for the employees right at the work place. Ritzer(à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.) defined Scientific Management as a process where technology (nonhuman) exerts more control over the employee. Huczynski and Buchanan (2001) resented that the main targets of scientific management were control, efficiency and predictability. Donnelly (2000) presented that Scientific Management generally involves the employees physical efficiency in the work place. Pugh (1996) offered that production in Tailors day was more of a disincentive for higher productivity instead of facilitating increased productivity. The old Rule of Thumb coupled with workers limitation of output known as Systematic Soldiering were observed by Taylor in his studies as the barriers to increased productivity. Donnelly (2000) observed that the main objective of management is to maximize profit for the employer as well as enabling the worker to increase their earnings. To achieve this, Tsuneo and Wren (2002) agree with Taylor that management and basic processes can be improved when seen as a science. A clear example is the introduction of hands free kits and the computer into call centers. This has helped to reduce the stress of holding the telephone with one hand whiles typing or writing with the other. Taylor equipped with the believe that there is only one ideal method of production that can generate the best results, therefore pushed forward certain principles of ma nagement with a double edged effect to help both employers and workers to achieve higher productivity and earnings respectively. Pruijt (2000) suggest that these principles are fundamental to Taylorism. Richardson (2005) offered these principles as: the dichotomy between an idea formation and completion or execution of these ideas. In other words, division of labor where managers take up the responsibility of job analysis, specification, design, knowledge and prescription of appropriate tools for the job whiles the employee on the other hand only concern themselves with the completion of the task. Braverman (1974) observed that these basic production knowledge originally possessed by the worker was reduced to guidelines, laws, procedures, formulae and rules of production by managers the use of methods scientifically proven to determine the most ideal way of production. This means that there exist an ideal way of producing something and if found to be efficient, it needs to be adopted to replace current methods. the scientific selection of suitable persons for those jobs. the training of the employee to achieve efficiency in the execution of the job. and monitoring of workers job to ensure that procedures are strictly followed and efficiency is achieved through high performance culminating in appropriate domino effect. Parker (1986) reiterates that Taylors ambition was to gain total control of the job schedule of the employee. As established in the above points. Prujt (2000) suggest that the context for these principles to be achieved would be through component homogeneity and reshuffling of logistics. The biggest supporter of scientific management was Henry Ford. He introduced the assembly line of production which meant that the employee job is timed to the speed of the production line. Clark, Chandler and Barry (1995) stated that Mayo carried out series of studies but the four that stood out are the illumination experiments, the relay assembly test room, the interview program and the bank wiring observation room experiment. Agarwal (2002) presents that the human relations movement was developed after the conclusion of the Hawthorne experiments. The experiment which brought together six persons who without force from managers or impediment from employees below them, unreservedly and of their own volition cooperated in the experiment as a team. Mayo identified in his conclusions that an organization can only achieve its goals when it recognizes the emotions of the employee and respects their pleasures of needs that are non-monetary. The key points held by the human relations movement have been enumerated by the following authorities; Donnelly (2008) maintains that employees have as their concern the satisfaction of their needs which are non-monetary in nature. Therefore, it could be said that pay and conditions are not enough motivators for a person at work. Sridhar (2008) offered that managers of organizations should as matter of priority provide their employees with psychological needs as this affects productivity levels in the long run Graham (2008) also holds the view that companies or organizations are co-operative social entities. From the above, it could be said that individual or employees are motivated by excellent and friendly relationships at the work place and should not be seen in isolation because they all belong to a group. The fulfillment of their social needs helps them to retort greatly to work-groups than controls from management. Scientific management presents that; The only motivation for the employee to execute his task was money. Taylor reiterates that employees deliberately device ways of cutting down task assign them and describes them as lazy people who could only be motivated by what he calls economic incentive. Therefore, if an organization is to achieve increase in job satisfaction and productivity, wages paid to workers should be at premium. Graham (2008) reiterated that there is only one best way and must be discovered by the manager. Donnelly (2000) argued that Labor should be divided in a way that analysis planning, design and selection should be done by managers whiles execution is carried out by workers without complains. To achieve this, Taylor introduced the differential system which had the pull and push effect on the employee, either coming down from the top or climbing up. It could be presented that if the employee would be rewarded for their achievements, so would they be punished for failures in that respect. The human relation school of thought holds that money is not the only motivation for employees as exhibited by the Hawthorne Experiments made manifest. Informal groups or social networks at work places often becomes stronger and push for group interest than individual financial benefits. Hersey (2001) argues that these groups can become commanding forces in achieving the companys goals once they see that in line with their own personal goals. As established earlier, one can deduce that the economic man depicted by Taylor as lazy and only money conscious has been replaced by the social man who likes to associate with others. In this wise, the employees output is determine by their acceptance in the group aligned with the high regard they have for the other members of the group. Moreover, if the other members of the group produce as a group norm, the employee would follow. From the above discussions it is unmistakable to note that in comparism both scientific and human relations management propounds different thoughts, views and principles for the management of the employee, his job and the workplace. On the other hand, the existence of key dissimilarities makes both schools of thought very different in practice. Hersey 2001 presents that the employee under Taylorism is seen as central to the organization with regards to output whiles under human relations management the emphasis is on correlation as the central focus of the organization. Scientific management did away with correlations and groups at the work place with the deliberate isolation of the worker as far as possible from his mates. In sharp contrast, the human relation management held that the survival of these relationships and groups would encourage coordination, correlation and communication. Job knowledge under scientific management was held by the managers who set criteria and make them obligatory for the employee whiles under the human relations management, the manager or leader is regarded as a facilitator, coordinator and provider for the employee in areas such as personal development, welfare and benefits. Donnelly (2008) refers to this manager as a communicator both within and between departments. The individuals welfare and development under scientific management received little or no attention in the growth drive of the organization. This was because their performance was externally controlled by managers. Under human relations management, dedication, facilitation and coordination were maintained with the individual in his quest for development. In doing this, the organization also achieved its growth targets. The employee under scientific management was regarded as human machine whose only motivation was money. Adair (1998) in support of the human relations movement reiterated that the employee is motivated when he or she is satisfied and therefore works effectively. This presupposes the fact that worker satisfaction is paramount under human relations management. Opponents of human relations movement believe that the sole motivator of the employee is money or monetary incentive. Therefore under Taylorism, the worker was seen as an economic man. Mayo believed that if the social needs of the individual for instance commutation and sense of belonging are met he becomes motivated to pursue the goals of the organization and therefore making him a social man. Besides the criticism of scientific management, its principles of deskilling of the worker and division of labor are still relevant in modern day organizations (Braverman, 1974). A clear example is McDonalds. The fast food giants with branches all over the world have managed to set preparation standards which are strictly adhered to. There are special appliances designed for toasting burns, spewing sauces and producing milkshakes, thereby avoiding time wasting and improving efficiency. Fries in every McDonalds are also cooked for 3 minutes at 175 degrees removed and salted. A buzzer often signifies to the employee to know when each task is completed. The uniforms worn by the staff and their managers are very different from each other. Another industry where scientific management has been introduced is aviation. In airports today, luggages are labeled with barcodes and placed on conveyor belts. The sensors on the conveyor belt scan these codes and send the luggage to the appropriate plane. Both examples above show in practice that Taylorism has been triumphantly implemented in these industries. It can be argued that without scientific management they would not have been efficient. An example of human relations management in practice is Toyota. Ohno (1998) presented that Toyotas philosophy is to achieve production efficiency, reduce waste with a clear commitment to respect for humanity. Besser (1996) offered that Toyota practices a flat hierarchy style of management where the employees engage in morning exercises, after work gatherings and wear the same uniforms. It is the companys way of building a strong culture, where indemnification to groups within the organization helps them to believe in one common destiny. Failure and success of the group is borne by all. This is transferred by both the employee and management into the organization to help achieve goals. On the production floor, the employee operates and manages more than one machine. The employee under this system is trained as a multi-functional person. In effect, these lead to job satisfaction, security, commitment and employee empowerment. This practice is arguably oppose to Taylors assertion that e mployees should be kept apart as wide as possible and the avoidance of informal group. Besides their differences, Binns (2002) asserts that both scientific management and human relations management shared assumptions. The writer believes that both Taylor and Mayo saw management as a science and cooperation between the workers and managers. They also aimed at increasing efficiency and productivity. The quantitative techniques of scientific management brought forward by Taylor are still relevant today in terms of an organizations present operational analysis and control The writer can therefore argue in conclusion that both schools of thought have some positive factors that an organization can implement to achieve success in an ever changing business environment of today considering productivity and employee welfare. Scientific Management revisited Did Taylorism fail because of a too positive image of human nature? Sigmund Wagner-Tsukamoto Journal of Management History Vol. 14 No. 4, 2008 pp. 348-372 www.emeraldinsight.com/1751-1348.htm How to manage your organization scientifically Bill Richardson The TQM Magazine Volume 7  · Number 4  · 1995  · pp. 42-56 Portrayals of F.W. Taylor across textbooks Stephanie C. Payne Satoris S. Youngcourt Kristen M. Watrous Journal of Management History Vol. 12 No. 4, 2006 pp. 385-407 www.emeraldinsight.com/1751-1348.htm Repainting, modifying, smashing Taylorism Hans Pruijt http://www.emerald-library.com Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 13 No. 5, 2000, pp. 439-451. Origins of lean management in America Excellence at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in the United States http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/management/external/els/Assignment%20Success/Essay%20Structure/Sample%20UG%20essay.doc http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0953-4814.htm

National Forest :: essays research papers

National Forest   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many National Forests in the United States, and they are spread over the whole country. National Forest also have a huge variety of climates. Ranging from the very cold weather of the Chugach National Forest in Alaska to the warm weather of the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana or even to the intermediate weather like our on Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio. National Forest are also very helpful towards humans and the way we live. On the other side of the hand they may also be harmful to us. Indeed there are many interesting things in the world of National Forest today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Like I said before the climates in National Forest are different that means that the animals that live there are also different. For example Polar Bears won’t live in Florida and alligators won’t live in Alaska. The Chugach National Forest has animals likes the moose, the black bear or the elk and has a huge variety of fish to go with it. But the Kisatchie National Forest has the wild turkey to go along with many different other kinds of birds, and fish, and deer. The Wayne National Forest has animals from deer to foxes to turkeys and even some black bear, it also has many birds and fish.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some of the good things about National Forest is that they give us plenty of oxygen to breath to begin with. They also give us some really beautiful scenery for us to look at and many animals to admire. Without them every tree in the United States would probably be cut down and used for probably useless things. The National Forest give plants for animals to eat and give animals for humans to hunt and kill with some regulations in the process then you can eat them. Not only can you eat the animals that you hunt you can eat the animals that you fish for just make sure that the fish isn’t poisonous before you eat it or else. It gives you beautiful plants and trees that gives us oxygen to breath and it also gives us plenty of fish and animals to hunt and fish for and eat if we want.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Then there is some of the bad things about the National Forest. Like protecting how many of the animals we kill witch could feed many starving people in other countries. Also by not letting people kill a lot of animals the animals could get really over populated and overrun the city streets.

Strategic human resource management

STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENTStrategic human resource is planned procedure of human resource deployment to accomplish organisations end, it is consist of right HR patterns and direction determinations. Wright and McMahan ( 1992 ) , the logic of strategic direction harmonizing to articulation of the black box it shows the nexus between the HR architecture and its subsequent public presentation. Brian E. Becker and Mark A. ( 2006 ) , indispensable portion of the SHRM is consistently associate the people with the house. Schuler and Jackson ( 2007: 5 ) Human resource direction is of import section in most of the organisation, it is straight or indirectly involves all direction determinations, execution and actions, it’s chiefly focus on do a strong, long term relationship between the direction and it employees. Beer El Al ( 1984 ) , HRM is connected with all the all the activities including engaging people, using and pull offing them, the direction covers with Strategic, cognition, human capital, corporate societal duty, resourcing, organisation development, larning and development and public presentation and reward direction. M Armstrong. S Taylor. ( 2014: 4 ) . In the UK legion statements, development and unfavorable judgment occurred to the Human resource direction, Legge ( 2005: 101 ) criticised the statement of Armstrong 1987 ; Fowler 1987, and UK faculty members, Henry and Pettigrew ( 1990:18 ) , they mentioned that HRM was strongly normative at the start and it is identified and supply proposed solution noticeable alterations, while supplying more attending to the demanding lacks – in attitudes, way, range and coherency – of old forces direction. Armstrong argued that HRM is no more and no less than to personal direction it’s clearly bespeaking the of import of handling people as cardinal resource, chief concern of the top direction and its strategic planning procedure of the organisation. The Contingency Model Harmonizing to eventuality theory HRM practises are chiefly depend on its environment and state of affairss, its chiefly focal point on doing a relationship between the organisations HR patterns, policies and schemes and its concern scheme adapt to its external and internal environment. Paauwe ( 2004: 36 ) clarified: ‘ connexion between the independent variables such as HRM policies and patterns, it is different to each company harmonizing to their size, age and engineering, capital strength, grade of unionisation, ownership, location and industry sector.’ The Harvard Model Human resource direction has an impact or power on all direction determinations, doing good relationship between the organisation and employees while happening the piece happening the actions impacting the relationship, organisation should see employee as a possible plus than variable cost, besides its says about the duty of line director. The line director has more duty to do certain HR policies and competitory scheme. Characteristic of SHRM Strategic HRM is a procedure of an organisation to use their people to accomplish ends, SHRM considers people as a chief plus to the organisation, they can accomplish these ends by utilizing HR schemes and patterns and incorporate HR policies. M Armstrong. S Taylor. ( 2014: 18 ) . HR patterns help the organisation to do their determination on strategic program, through strategic program organisations can accomplish their determination on overall or precise HR scheme, SHRM is see non merely strategic besides integrate with concern and HR, illustration how they do concern and program to make. 1.2 Importance of the Strategic Human resource Management An effectual HR scheme sets to accomplish what an organisation needs to accomplishAble to fulfill and carry through concern demands.It can be an effectual and efficient programmes.The actions can happen and expect demand and the jobs.It is logically connect support each otherIdentify the demands of the organisation and its other interest holders besides line directors and employees.Human capital direction This theory chiefly see on how people contribute to the organisation utilizing their accomplishments, cognition and abilities to increase the productiveness. Management should clearly explicate the objects, demands and wants of the organisation to employees, by doing the relationship with them and their trade brotherhoods. M Armstrong. S Taylor. ( 2014: 7, 28 ) . Making common involvement between the organisation and their employees by supplying needed support to their households and demoing involvement in response to that inquiring employees to make the same think to the organisation. J Mello ( 2014: 22 ) Corporate Scheme Showing the organisations duty to the society and environment through pull offing the concern ethically. Designing and implementing policies which help to increase the employees and their part to the organisation by their effectivity, making new programmes to increase the effectivity among them to react to the alteration and the maps. M Armstrong. S Taylor. ( 2014: 27 ) . 1.3 Framework of Strategic Human Resource Management The Harvard Model Harmonizing to Beer et Al ( 1984 ) , Organization should see people as an of import plus than a variable cost, he believed that many jobs are demanding larger and longer finally shows the necessity of the long term relationship in pull offing people. The model shows that job can be solved merely when general director want see how their employees traveling to execute on new development in the organisation, such as following HR policies and patterns to accomplish their specific ends. Armstrong ( 2003 ) Line director should cook to confront increased duty to puting policies with mission and set uping competitory scheme besides identify the right method to develop and implement his personal activities reciprocally. Beer et Al ( 1984 ) Huczynski and Buchanan ( 2001 ) and Loosemore et Al ( 2003 ) mentioned that Harvard theoretical account equipped the needed connexion between organisations public presentation, the concern environment and SHRM determinations. It provide more easy method to place how SHRM act uponing other organisational activities. The Harvard Framework ( Beer et al. , 1984 ) nnnnnk Advantages of the theoretical account harmonizing to Boxall ( 1992 ) and Armstrong ( 2003 )Identifying stakeholder which helps organisation to corporate with them.It acknowledges a wide scope of contextual influences on management’s pick of scheme, proposing a engagement of both product-market and socio-culturalIt provided the uncertainty of supervisory manner, meanwhile giving more infinite to the employee influence.It place and increase the involvement among the employer, employees and different involvement groups.Strongly depend on direction voice, non controlled by the environment or state of affairs.2.1 Strategic Human Resource Procedure HRD Audit HR Roles in Constructing a Competitive Organization Future/Strategic Focus Management of Management of Strategic Human Transformation Resourcesand alteration PROCESSPEOPLE Management ofManagement of Firm InfrastructureEmployee Contribution It is varies from short term operational to long term strategic, HR professional should understand the both strategic and operational method to supply more focal point on long and short term activities, these two procedure define the most of import principal of HR activity. D Ulrich ( 2013: 24 )Pull offing the Strategic Human Resources.Pull offing the Organizations substructure.Pull offing the employee’s part.Pull offing the organisation alteration the transmutation.2.2 Role of top direction Strategic HR function of front- line direction Strategic leader should be able to expect and calculate necessary alterations to the organisation in the hereafter. ( Hitt, Ireland, & A ; Hoskisson 2007: 375 ) . It involves in different map in the organisation, pull offing the employees harmonizing to the demand of the administration is of import function for the direction. The leading should accept and construct a strong connexion between organisations external and internal concern environment. ( Huey 1994: 42–50 ) Some of the recognized feature which strategic leading contribute to implement the effectual strategic direction.Determine and plan the strategic way.Organization map should be balanced.Adequate usage of organisations resources.Following right patterns ethicallyImplementing organisational civilizationStrategic director should follow all the above strategic action to lend, implement and accomplish all the administration strategic leading ends. ( Hitt et al. 2007: 384 ) . Reason for the most of strategic management’s failure is hapless execution and deficiency of leading. HR Function Now both private and public sector organisation confronting the challenges to increase their corporate public presentation, HR map most of import among that, to accomplish the organisations efficiency and effectivity in their mark public presentation they need a transmutation, merely they can accomplish this by animating HR map. MI Hunter, MA Boroughs, MT Bendrien, MS Constance†¦ – 2012 – books.google.com Technology has the of import portion in transmutation of HR, in the traditional HR attempt and cost are high because of the deficiency of engineering. Now HR transmutation in to the new engineering provides the increased public presentation and added value to the HR map and concern itself, familiar with this connexion of the strategic attempt is of import, finally it will take to accomplish the key ( transactional and administrative ) activities of the HR’s following coevals. MI Hunter, MA Boroughs, MT Bendrien, MS Constance ( 2012: 2 ) – books.google.com

Risk Assessment for Chlorofluorocarbons essays

Risk Assessment for Chlorofluorocarbons essays The use of chlorofluorocarbons has always been a controversial issue. Like many elements and compounds, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have benefits and drawbacks, and for this reason is why their use has been a topic of discussion. CFCs have various positive and negative impacts on the economy, the environment, and on society and health. Through assessing and comparing the benefits and risks of the uses of CFCs, we can come to conclusions to whether to continue or discontinue its use. The usage of CFCs has a huge, positive impact on the economy. CFCs are man made and produced with a simple chemical reaction, therefore it can be manufactured with high purity. Because of this, it is very uncomplicated and economical to make in industrial quantities. (Pool) CFCs have a high versatility and were used in hundreds of uses in manufacturing and consumer products. (Knapp 13) They can be used for so many purposes because they are non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive, and very stable. (Smith and Vincent) The manufacturing of CFCs brings in about $300 million U.S. a year for Mexico. This is significant for Mexico because it is an economically developing country. (Smith and Vincent) Because the Montral Protocol banned the use of CFCs in some nations, developing replacements will be expensive, and all the ones tested so far are not as effective of CFCs. (Dhooge, Glass and Nimitz) The economic benefits of CFCs are respectable, however, there are also drawbacks for the envi ronment. One of the main reasons as to why the usage of CFCs has been so controversial is because of its negative role in the depletion of the ozone layer. Because CFCs are so stable, they do not readily react with other chemicals in the lower atmosphere. (Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs) CFCs migrate up to the stratosphere and are broken down by ultra violet radiation. This then releases chlorine atoms and they attack countless ozone molecules. (Knapp 12) ...

St George essays

St George essays Saint George of Cappadocia was known as a great soldier, and a martyr. Much of Saint Georges life was surrounded in myth and legend, so much so that there isnt much truth to be told about Saint George, and what is known is hard to decipher what is fact and what is fiction. The reason for this is Acta Sancti Georgii Gelasius, or the acts of Saint George were outlawed by the Pope in 496 AD. However, it is known that he was a very strong martyr and he eventually died because of his strong belief in Christianity. St. George was born in Cappadocia, which was the first kingdom of Anatolia. Although the year of his birth is not known, the estimated year of his death is 305 AD. At one point in his life he served as a high ranking officer in the Roman army. There are several legends that surround Saint George; however the most well known one is about George and the Dragon. The dragon was terrorizing the people near the town of Dilena, Libya. He ate the towns sheep when mutton was scarce. After all the sheep were devoured, the dragon substituted people for the sheep. The townspeople decided to sacrifice the princess to the dragon with hopes of satisfying him. When St. George heard of this he rode to the princesss rescue and murdered the dragon with a single thrust of his mighty lance and returned the princess to the king. As a reward the king gave him a large amount of gold which he distributed to the poor people of the town. George was one determined martyr. Because he was a Christi an, he was subjected to all kinds of cruel tortures. He was thrown into prison; where Christ appeared to him and predicted a seven year tribulation. During his tribulation, he drank a cup of poison, had his head pulled off, was bound to a wheel which the angels broke, had 60 nails driven into his head, was quartered by horses, had his hands and feed cut off, he healed a man possessed by the devil, had his body sawn up, ...

ANALYSIS OF U.S. ECONOMY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ANALYSIS OF U.S. ECONOMY - Essay Example This may perhaps be the reason for the speculation over the state of the economy considering that during the second quarter the gross domestic product rate fell slightly lower than that which was produced in the first quarter of the year. However, these higher numbers may not necessarily mean that the economy is going to bounce back. There is still concern over the consumer spending as this only rose to 2.4% which was less than the estimation and this may well be a concern as consumer spending constitutes about seventy percent of the gross domestic product . There have been cuts in taxes to coax the consumers from spending more and this may perhaps have helped the situation. By cutting taxes to a degree which would encourage spending there may well be a rise in the gross domestic product and this would certainly be a big boost to the recovering economy. There are some economists who believe that within next year the rate may well rise to 3% and perhaps even more but it would be too e arly to measure the specific rate. Consumers have also gained confidence are now more welcome to the idea of spending. Incomes and spending have risen, which in result have led to a fall in the savings. The Bureau of Economic Analysis has submitted the figures of savings which have dropped from $622.8 to $614.8 from September to October. Figures such as these are a good sign that consumers are becoming more confident about spending money and this is a welcome boost to the industries and especially retailers (US Department of Commerce). The rate of the gross domestic product would not be the only assessment of the economy. Unemployment rates in the United States are at a high and have even increased to a rate of 9.8% (United States Department of Labor). According to one report, the rates are still lower than what the actual situation is at the moment due to the fact that those who have stopped trying to get jobs due to the slow economy are not being

Economics assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economics - Assignment Example Both oligopolies and monopolies are affected by the increased production in the sense that higher production decreases the prices of products and services. The two market structures, unlike other market structures, are able to attain a monopoly on production in the specific goods or services under their copyright (Albano & Lizzeri 1997). Monopolistic markets are solely controlled by a single seller only. The seller has absolute power to influence market decisions and prices. Consumers attain limited choices, and they have to make a choice from what is being supplied at the market. Conversely, oligopoly is characterized by few sellers in the market. The market situation is friendly to consumers since it encourages competition among the sellers (Spanjers 1994). A monopolistic market gets its power from three sources: these include, legal, economic and deliberate. A monopolistic market will make into use the position it has to its advantage and completely drive out competitors. It can achieve this either through reducing prices to such levels that existence for another firm may become nearly impossible or through virtue of economic situations like large capital requirements when starting companies. Though an oligopolistic market situation does not have sources of power, it, however comes into existence merely due to the accommodating character of other sellers already in the market (Spanjers 1994). A monopolistic market might quote very high prices because of nonexistence of other competitors. The monopolistic sellers will make use of their status of dominance in the market and maximize their profits. Oligopolistic markets, on the other hand, ensure competition in the market hence fairer prices for the consumers (Spanjers 1994). These are regulations that are put into place to prevent entrance of firms into the market. Barriers to entry into