Improving Organisational Performance Assignment - 2

Improving Organisational Performance - Assignment Example Management requires higher attention towards proper understanding of individual differences, needs and behaviors, and any technicalities to facilitate their understanding and management of the organizational complexities. Even though organizational performance is an idea that is perceived through the accurate measures of efficiency, effectiveness and adaptability, its enhancement begins at the bottom most level of elements composed of these measures. A manager has therefore to analyze individual performance measures in order to initiate the process of performance improvement. The main issues to be addressed in the performance improvement process include keeping focus on the measurable results, success driven by employee empowerment, measurement of results to be delivered immediately, and building on the present success for the projection of future success (Armstrong, 1994). Requirements set by the performance improvement process do present some complexities and therefore requires sol utions by an appropriate methodological approach, capable of leading the entire process form the general perspective to a detailed insight and as well from an abstract insight to more practical solutions as can be used within an organization (Alasdair A. K., 1995). In addition, the modeled approach should be pragmatic enough to be applied to an existing setback, which thereafter leads to the requirement of designing processes involving a number of stages of the organizational performance improvement process. Elements of project organization structure The organizational structure of a project is made up of five key elements which include: i. Program Committee This is a temporary body set up to organize and coordinate the workflow of the entire performance improvement program, and also give directives in the program implementation strategies. A program committee consists of a chairperson of the board, top management members, and the program manager; and is headed by the CEO of the cor poration. ii. Program Manager A program manager is an expert and a technocrat who is responsible for the program implementation, appointed by the program committee. He/she is charged with the duties of coordinating of individual project teams, sensitizing the program committee of the status of the ongoing activities, cooperative planning of project activities with the project managers, cooperative design of the project network charts with project managers, and controlling of the implementation of solutions reached within the project. iii. Project committee This is a group of experts, who organize and coordinate the workflow of any individual project and directing its implementation in accordance to the common program plan. A project committee is a collection of both the experts delegated by organization owners and the staff experts to ensure full implementation of the program. The project manager is also a member of the project committee to ensure effective communication between the project committee and the project teams. iv. Project team This consists of experts who are actively involved in the implementation of the project’s activities. Its membership is based on full-time basis. Positions on the project team include the project manager and the project team members. Within the project team is the project manager who is an expert mandated to directly manage the implementation of project activities. A project manager is appointed by the project commi

Micro Economy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Micro Economy - Research Paper Example Choosing one alternative requires giving up a number of other alternatives. There is an opportunity cost involved in making choices. Opportunity cost is considered to be the most important concept in economics. It is the value of the best alternative that is given up in order to make a choice (Rittenberg and Tregarthen 2011). It is on these ideas that the theory of comparative advantage is based. A country is deemed to have a comparative advantage in producing a good if it has a low opportunity cost n producing that good. Firms as well as countries have a comparative advantage in producing one good or offering one service over another. It therefore means that since resources – labor, capital are land are scarce they need to make a choice. The production possibility curve (PPC) is a graphical representation of the different combinations of goods and or services that can be produced in an economy with the resources and technology available. It brings together the three concepts of scarcity, choice and opportunity cost. The choice of producing one good instead of another or a particular combination of goods reflects scarcity of resources, making a choice between alternative options, and highlights the concept of opportunity cost. The slope of the PPC represents the opportunity cost of giving up one good or service for another – in the case of a simple two good/service model. It is this opportunity cost that is used to determine whether a comparative advantage exists. An economy is deemed to have a comparative advantage in the production of a good or service if the opportunity cost of doing so is lower for that economy than any other. Deardorff in his article entitled The General Validity of the Law of Comparative Advantage though making the point that the law does not hold in multi-commodity world indicates that the comparative advantage determines the form that international trade exhibits (941). This proposition, Deardorff indicates

Brief Account of the Devastation of the Indies Essay Example for Free

Brief Account of the Devastation of the Indies Essay Based off of this reading, it can be assumed that the conditions in the Indies during the time this text was written were not humane whatsoever. The actions of the Spaniards were very much barbaric, and completely contradict the religion which the Spaniards were trying so desperately to impose upon the natives of the Indies. Without having to go into detail, it is said by Bartoleme in the letter that the Spaniards would treat the people of the Indies as wild beasts, cattle, or animals. But he then goes back on this statement saying that in fact they treated them less than livestock, because they at least took care of the livestock. This is a good example of how barbarically the Spaniards ruled over the Natives. There was no respect for the Natives, even though they were described as peaceful, passive, kind, and as overall decent human beings. Yet in the eyes of the Spaniards, the same people were seen as barbarians and savages. What makes the situation even more disturbing is that the Spaniards used the name of god to justify their ruthless actions. They saw it as their divine right to take over the Natives. Fortunately, there were people like Bartoleme that spoke out against these cruel acts. He wrote the letter describing all the acts of inhumanity towards the Natives to the King and Queen of Spain in order to create rules and regulations that would regulate the actions of the Spaniards in the Indies. This alone was a substantial act of humanity. The only ironical part is that he suggests that the Spanish use African people instead of using the Natives of the Indies for labor. Unfortunately at the time, there were still mass amounts of racism, even amongst the most noble of men. Men such as Bartoleme who spoke out against cruel acts were still subject to their own racist antics. Although this wasn’t very out-of-the-ordinary at the time, in today’s world it’s despicable nonetheless. It’s a very hypocritical suggestion that he had for the King and Queen, and for that, would lose all credit for anything positive that happened to the Natives after his ideas were reinforced.

Friedrich Froebels Theory and Ideas on Play

Friedrich Froebels Theory and Ideas on Play Discuss Froebels ideas about Play, and the Environments and Resources which support childrens development. Reflect on the Value of Froebels ideas today. Illustrate your answer with examples from your childhood and any observations you have of children at home or in an early years settings. Introduction Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852) was a German educator most famous for his insight into the importance of the early years of a childs life to their development and later life. Furthermore he also considered that the effect of early life extended beyond the educational achievement into health and society at large. Froebel created kindergartens (childrens gardens) as he perceived a childs growth to be like a plant growing and thriving where the right conditions exist. Within the kindergartens he utilised his principles and practices, including experience of out of doors activities, as an important part of the educational practice. He developed a series of gifts which are designed to be a gift in two senses: firstly in the sense of being given to the child as a gift and secondly as a gift of development. The gifts, which are learning tools, were planned to be age relevant and to encourage development and self-actualisation in the child (Provenzo, 2009) p88-89). The kindergarten and Froebels approach have had a massive impact on early learning and still has relevance today. Froebels influence in the present day The early years of life are vital to the overall development of a child. During this time the emotional parameters are learned together with ways to interact with others and learning through experiences (Sroufe, 1997 p.1-8). In order to maximise the benefit of this time correct stimulation and provision of tools/toys that will enable the child to explore and learn about themselves and the world around them are necessary. Froebel specifically devised his principles for ages 1-7. The Froebel approach involves the principles, pedagogy and environment. The principles take a holistic view of the individual childs progress and recognises their uniqueness, capacity and potential. In addition play is seen to be fundamental and important in the childs development. Part of the learning includes understanding, and working with, the place of humankind in the natural world. Finally the principles recognise the integrity of childhood and of the child as part of a family and of the community (Hermann, 1926 p.201-205). The pedagogy involves having knowledgeable and appropriately qualified professionals to provide skilled informed observation of the children and provide appropriate guidance and teaching. Key to the process of teaching is that is must reach the imaginative, creative, symbolic, linguistic, mathematical, musical, aesthetic, scientific, physical, social, moral, cultural and spiritual aspects of the child. This clearly shows how wide a range of stimulation is required. The childs development is not just the responsibility of the teachers and it is important that the parents/guardians of the child and their educators work harmoniously together to maintain a consistent approach. Play is central to the process and there needs to be a sense of purpose for the child in that play together with an understanding that the child must be viewed holistically as a thinking, feeling person. Encouragement is used rather than punishment to help the child to expand their self-confidence and autonomy. Play can also be used to help the child learn to be able work alone and also with others (Willinsky, 1990 p154-5) . The environment in which the child is placed will also have an important role in their development. Whilst the environment needs to be safe it must also encourage curiosity, stimulation and challenge. Indoor and outdoor activities widen the possible areas of learning and vary the environment providing interest and variety. Froebal also saw working in an environment that is integral to the community to be important in helping the child to be both independent and interdependent and to understand individuality and community and responsibility and freedom. These basic ideals were set out originally by Froebel in his 1826 book The Education of Man. He viewed his own childhood with limited parental attention and remembered his loneliness and using this as his starting point he developed his ideals. He also drew on the knowledge of previous educators when developing his own system of education (Polito, 1996)(p. 161-173). This point may well need to be revisited now with the advent of computers and television programmes specifically aimed at young children. Research needs to be aimed at determining the effects of lack of face to face attention from parents and other adults at home and learning being handed over to mechanical means. There would appear to be correlations between Froebals situation and that of many children today. Lack of interaction with other children and a range of adults limits the possible range of learning situations and may create problems with social interaction later in life although research into this area needs to be conducted to fully understand the effects. Having only the TV or computer for entertainment will also serious limit the childs imagination through lack of personal interaction and physically being involved in the play. This may affect motor skills too through lack of use and a reduced range of movement. In my own childhood I was always encouraged to use inventive play and would create theatre sets with my friends and we would perform little puppet shows for our parents. This type of play involved a variety of concepts; craft work to create the sets, linguistic skills to write the plays, integrated play by playing with others and dexterity to use puppets. Froebels methods are still valid today and can provide children with a wide range of experiences and instil in them curiosity and interest that can be built upon throughout life. Despite how long ago these principles were first developed they are still fully appropriate today perhaps because they relate to the core aspects of development leaving room for the method to be varied as necessary. The gifts such as gift 2 (a set of 3 blocks one square, one sphere and one cylinder) can be moved together with rods and strings to provide multiple possibilities for interactions. These forms introduce the child to geometry and also allow for free expression within individual play. Gift 2 was a form that so embodied Froebals insights that it was used to create a granite construction over his grave (Froebal webn.d.) [online]. There are many toys available today that have similar possibilities and it is important that children are both allowed to play alone with these items but also that parents share play with them too to help with integrated play. One of the key elements within Froebels thinking was the interaction with nature and the natural world. I remember when I was young that at school we had a wild garden at the rear of the playground and we had classes sitting in that area learning about plants and how they grew taking inspiration from what was growing around us. In current settings some schools are able to encourage children in their own school gardens. Whilst this is not appropriate for very small children their interest and excitement about the outside world can be begun by allowing them to play outside and introducing them to flora and fauna such as watching spring bulbs coming up. Many parents may also need assistance in this area as they have not had these experiences themselves and thus have difficulty in helping their children to develop in this way (Taylor, 2004 p.163-178) . It is, therefore, important that children have access to a variety of environments in order to have the opportunity to understand and learn about different settings. Froebal identified that children will have their own individual thoughts and understanding of the things around them and by interaction and role play develop their knowledge further. (Puckett, 2004 p. 45-6) . He described play as the work of children (Miller, 2009)(p.46-50). The current economic situation may have an impact on the money available to parents. However, children are able to benefit from fewer more appropriate ready-made toys and the freedom to become inventive and create their own entertainment. Children will, for instance, often be more interested in the box something comes in and convert the box into a car or tank or dolls house. Such creative play will expand the childs abilities in many different areas (Robson, 2006 p. 39-55) f. The Government scheme Every Child Matters recognises the importance of the early years of life and sets out a range of proposals to support children, parents and all those involved in the care and education of children (H.M. Government, 2003). Through this provision there is a wide range of information and guidance available that can assist in providing good, safe environments and appropriate resources to facilitate learning. This includes such resources as Early Years Learning and Development Literature Review (available as a free download) produced by the Government which contains a wealth of evidence based information to assist in all areas of child development (Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Family, 2009) Conclusion Froebels vision was clear and detailed and still is equally valid today. The way in which it is expressed may have developed further from the original but the basic principles still hold true. The early years are vital to the overall development of a child so it is very important to provide the best environment and resources to facilitate learning. Most children will need to be able to continue with life-long learning to deal with the challenges presented in adult life so stimulating them early on to enjoy learning and creativity prepares them for their futures. Parents, carers and educators need to be working together in order to provide the best environment and resources for children and give them the very best start in life possible. Bibliography Froebel web. (n.d.). Second Gift. Retrieved March 13th, 2012, from Froebel Web an online resource: http://www.froebelweb.org/gifts/second.html H.M. Government. (2003). Every Child Matters. London: Government. Hermann, M. (1926, April). Froebels Kindergarten and What It Means. The Irish Monthly, 54(634), 201-209. Puckett, M. B. (2004). Teaching Young Children An introduction to the early childhood profession. Canada: Delmar Learning. Robson, S. (2006). Developing thinking and understanding in young children. Oxford: Routledge. Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Family. (2009). Early Years Learning and Development Literature Review. London: H.M. Government. Sroufe, L. A. (1997). Emotional Development : The Organization of Emotional Life in the Early Years. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Taylor, L. C. (2004). Academic Socialization: Understanding Parental Influences on Childrens School-Related Development in the Early Years. Review of General Psychology, 8(3), 163–178. Willinsky, J. R. (1990). The Educational Legacy of Romanticism. Ontario: Wilfred Laurier University Press.

Essay --

When imagining the Cold War, it is safe to assume that most people envision a picture that of its namesake; a game of spy versus spy, secret black operations and nuclear threats, with no major physical conflict. However, contrary to the aforementioned portrait, and the given label, the Cold War was anything but â€Å"cold.† Not only was there physical conflict, but full-scale wars, fought out on the battlefield rather than the podium. Engulfed at the start was the Korean War, a bloody wake-up call for America on how far the Communists will fight for their government. A fact to be once again reinforced with the Vietnam War, both of which shook America up to the point of questioning their own â€Å"invincibility.† The â€Å"revelation† in the United States was due to the outcome of both wars, which points to the inarguable fact that our quest to stop Communism in Asia was an overall failure. The fact that the United States was not the global dominant power thought to be after WWII was a tough truth to swallow for the American populace at the time (and perhaps today). After WWII, the US was exhausted, battered, and relieved. Years of fighting finally ended how it began: with the bombing of an unsuspecting populace. A hypocritical, albeit â€Å"necessary† evil. With the newly established United Nations, the world could finally rest in peace. However, the US and its allies now how had a bigger problem to contend with. Many people saw it coming, even before the end of the war. General George S. Patton saw threat in the Soviet Union's power, even while US troops were fighting and dying alongside them. However, despite the warnings, the United States failed to act, and thus, found themselves reacting to Russia's every move. The lines were set, the alliances... ... topic on the minds of even the truest patriots: Did we win? Some might argue yes, since South Korea remains a democratic state today, a fact that cannot be stated if North Korea had won. However, some might argue the opposite; the fact that North Korea is still a thorough-bred communist threat proves that we failed our goal of uniting Korea under a democratic government. The line between winning and losing was, and is, too blurry to accurately decide a conclusion. This was in sharp contrast to WWII, or WWI, or even as far back as the Spanish-American war, where America won. America always wins, right? For the first time in almost 200 years, the answer to that question is no longer clear. And that scared the American people. And with that scare, the cracks of doubt formed in the window of invincibility. A window about to be shattered, by the Iron Hammer of Communism.

The Day of Infamy :: Imagery Terror Terrorism 9/11 Essays

The Day of Infamy Erupting on a crisp September morning, terrorist attacks bring America to a standstill. As the day began, it was an average Tuesday morning and New Yorkers as well as the rest of United States Citizens had no idea that in a matter of moments their city and their lives would be changed forever. People were doing what they had done thousands of times before. Some were on their way to work; while others were sitting at their desks, checking e-mail, sipping coffee or reading the morning paper. Out of the clear blue sky an airplane was hijacked and was heading for the twin tower. People heard an approaching noise and then all of a sudden a loud explosion! The twin towers of the World Trade Center were the symbols of Americas prosperity. Dr. Stefan Pasternack, a clinical professor of Georgetown University who specializes in the impact of terrorism and murder says: Its one thing to think of a truck blowing up in front of a building. This involved the use of civilian aircraft-the imagery is much more frightening. What we see here is what terrorism is all about. The idea is to make people feel that they cannot feel protected by their government (Black Tuesday 20). With World War II being a fight for national survival, terrorism is the struggle to preserve national values and stand for what we, as Americans, believe. As president Bush stated, Terrorists attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America (Black Tuesday 12). The attacks on our nation nearly brought America to a halt. Around the world security was tightened. Air travel stopped, businesses closed and government facilities were evacuated Tuesday morning of September eleventh. For the first time in United States history, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shut down air traffic nationwide. There were many incoming flights from around the world, carrying anywhere from four thousand to six thousand passengers, that were diverted to Canada. Authoriti es shut down all the tunnels and bridges in and out of New York City. All train services were shut down and many shipping ports were also closed down. The most memorable image of September eleventh was the Twin Towers that were engulfed in smoke and flames. Over and over the Towers flashed across Television screens and on the front pages of newspapers.

Coffee Bean

Currently, the price of coffee in the market is very high, but farmers receive less money than what they do. Furthermore, when world coffee prices rise, the price that customers pay in the shops usually goes up too. Yet, when world coffee prices fall, the price in the shops doesn't come down. According to www. newint. org, coffee is a multi-million dollar industry, but the profits don't go to the farmers who actually work so hard to grow the coffee beans, and carry all the risks of failing crops or falling prices. Most of the profits go to the shippers, roasters and retailers.For example, while a cup of coffee costs $4-5, farmers get only 10% of that cost. To sum up, this is unfair with farmers who should receive more money for their coffee products. Besides the price of coffee beans is low, speculators also make the price pressure with the farmers’ productions. For example, after harvesting the coffee beans, farmers immediately have to sell their products to collect the capit al and prepare for next season. That is the reason why farmers don’t have good price. In order to get price stability, Fair Trade has emerged to help farmers with their products.According to www. fairtrade. net, Fair Trade coffee producers are small family farms organized in cooperatives or associations which the farmers own and govern democratically. So, after joining Fair Trade, the price of coffee beans will be stable when farmers have harvested it. To sum up, farmers are not only more money but also depend on price. However, there are lower quality coffee beans which are sold at a price equal to the price of good quality coffee through fair trade. If farmers joined in Fair Trade, all their products which are good or bad also sold the same price that is not fair.According to www. ssireview. org, Fair Trade-certified coffee is growing in consumer familiarity and sales, but strict certification requirements are resulting in uneven economic advantages for coffee growers and l ower quality coffee for consumers. Farmers are selling a different thing than they are producing. For instance, 1 bag of good quality coffee is sold at higher price than 1 bag of lower quality coffee in the market. If farmers joined in Fair Trade, those two bags would sell the same price. To sum up, farmers should not receive more money with their lower products.Besides, to be able to earn more money, while the price of coffee beans in the market isn’t high, farmers need to have more products which sell to raise their income. That reason why the government should support about the capital and lower interest rates those farmers can produce more productions. In addition, the government should invest for research new varieties with higher yields. For instance, the government will lend to farmers to buy materials, after the harvest, farmers would pay back for the government. All in all, if there are more yields and productions, farmers would earn more money without lower price.