Thursday, October 31, 2019

Review of a memoir Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Review of a memoir - Essay Example In her previous years, she was used to eating sea slugs in summers. This was however a practice that she only did during this time in another region. Moving to other regions would teach her various ways of living with diverse culture. Encountering a change in eating diets changed her way of viewing life since they were different altogether. Meanwhile, during her stay, she found herself in a soap opera as a fearless Jiexy, who was aggressive and sexy altogether. During these acting sessions, she was exposed to a number of challenges. First, she is acting in another country where the people use a different language and have different way of life. With such prevalent situations, she was forced to cope up with the language and way of life. Though this was a hard task, she seemed to be well prepared to tackle this challenge. Secondly, she was not familiar with the culture of this place. Therefore, the change in culture would be a setback in her acting career. This was a stage where she ha d to engage with the new culture to make the possible moves that would be relevant to the soap opera in china. Though she was finding it hard to cope with the china culture, she was excellent in the acting career (DeWoskin 10). Thirdly, she had a challenge in merging the two cultures. On one hand, she had to act a role in a soap opera, which displayed the Chinese culture. ... This is similar to a person that is living a double life. People that live double lives have to make sure they make possible changes to remain relevant at any given point. Otherwise, if they do not change their way of life and culture at different points, they are not likely to remain relevant. For instance, when acting in a Chinese soap opera, the actors should display the Chinese culture and all other aspects that are closely related to the Chinese culture. Similarly, she will have to stick to the culture she has been interacting with all these rime. However, copying the other culture without becoming relevant it will not show impressive results especially to the concerned parties. Apparently, she learned the new ways of living and the different cultures in a short while and was excellent in living in between two cultures that are explicitly different (DeWoskin 11). Though she was used to the Chinese culture, there are some instances that displayed bizarre incidence. For instance, companies in the country were in large numbers while consumerisms were highly adored. In deeper insights, DeWoskin is interested on how the Chinese view foreign women. Similarly, she is interested on how Chinese men view the foreigners in their country. For instance, it is explicitly seen that there is a tendency of Chinese men seducing foreign women in the country. With such instances, it is clear that the Chinese men are in love with the outside world and would wish to be associated with such kinds. Similarly, Chinese masses would wish to see the foreigners dressed in coats with fur, shining jewelry and suggestive dresses. This is the notion that is created in China as they would wish to see foreigners that are dressed in fur coats,

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Economics Race and Gender in the Economics of Women, Men, and Work Assignment

Economics Race and Gender in the Economics of Women, Men, and Work - Assignment Example The book gives out the various challenges they face. The book also analyzes different rationales that assist the workers through the Government and Employer Policies. The book further gives the various policies that are applied to the rationalization of the workers. The families leave and childcare is well analyzed in the chapter. The family leave is termed to be paid and it is being discussed as per the locations. The program is well discussed by giving out the various requirements a worker needs to acquire the paid leave. The book also explains how the leave assists the workers giving them enough time to take care of their loved ones. Childcare is also discussed in details giving examples. The book states the various regulations and backgrounds required in the child care programs. The importance of the childcare is also given stating the program to be responsible for administering the licenses required for the child care in different states in the United States and other countries. The book gives an analysis of various differences in gender all over the world giving out various examples. The gap across the cultures is also discussed opening gender stereotypes. The book further explains giving different indicators that predict the economic status of women. The book analyzes the various indicators in countries like United Status and how they empower women in other developing countries. The book further compiles all the social indicators in the situation of women. The labor force participation is also discussed in the book along with the occupation. The book also briefly gives the Bureau of labor statistics with the Labor Force Participation Rate. The women in the labor force are also discussed including the databook statistics of 2013. Women are further grouped in terms of hours worked, unemployment classes. The earning is also discussed over the CBO projects along with the working age.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Differences Between Spice And CMMI Information Technology Essay

Differences Between Spice And CMMI Information Technology Essay Software quality is increasingly becoming a necessity with growing number of firms dependent on IT infrastructure and mission critical softwares for their business processes. The capability maturity model and SPICE have been the two most comprehensive models for software process development that have resulted in a robust system for improving development process (Marshall, Mitchell 2004). A lot of applications have been developed with the use of such models. However, in spite of a lot of differences between the two models, there has been little focus on the key differences between the two models. While the capability maturity model is the best known software process improvement, the ISO/IEC 15004 is a suite of standards that are expected to affect the continuous evolvement of Software CMM (Paulk 1999). In this essay, the basic aim is thus to lay down the primary and secondary differences between the two maturity models in SPICE and CMMI. Further, through diagrammatic representations, the paper tries to list out the key differences between the models. CMMI: The capability maturity model (more popularly known as CMM) had its origins from a book published in 1989 by Watts Humphrey in his book Managing the Software Process. The basic theme behind the capability maturity model integrated (CMMI) is process improvement (Glazer et al 2008). It must be understood that CMMI is a process model and not a process standard. CMMI consists of process oriented activities that can be used collectively to attain the process area and business goals of an organization. CMMI practices are also meant to encourage organizations to use other process models based on the organizations need and practices. Primary Attributes of CMMI: The capability maturity model has certain primary attributes associated with it. It has been observed by Hoggerl M and Sehorz (2006) that process area, goals and practices are the three key concepts of CMMI. As stated earlier, the CMMi is a list of pre-defined processes that are stated under CMMI. According to the authors (Hoggerl Serhorz), the CMMI consists of 25 specific process areas within the development processes. Primary attributes of CMMI according to these researchers are thus process management, project management and engineering and support (Hoggerl Sehorz 2006). There are five basic maturity levels defined in the CMMI model. These are detailed in the table below Software CMM Maturity Model Description 1. Initial Software processes characterized at this level are ad-hoc and occasionally chaotic. At this stage, very few processes are defined and the success of the processes depends on the individual efforts and heroics 2. Repeatable The process management processes are defined at this stage. They are basic in nature and are generally derived from earlier successes 3. Defined The software process for both the management and execution are defined and are well documented during this phase 4. Managed Detailed measures for the evaluation of the software processes 5. Optimizing Continuous improvement processes are carried out using quantitative feedback from the process and from piloting of innovative ideas Table 1. CMMI Maturity Stages Secondary Attributes of CMMI: Within the primary attribute of project management, the authors Hoggerl Sehorz (2006) suggest that there are some processes which are specific in nature. These are referred to as the secondary attributes of CMMI. Some of the common secondary attributes include planning, monitoring, supplier management and team management. Within process management too, there are certain secondary attributes. Organizational focus, definition, training and innovation are some of the common secondary attributes that can be placed under the process management criterion. The engineering section of the CMMI model has a lot of scope for improvements. Thus, the secondary attributes under this section are vital to the process improvement. Some of the secondary attributes under the engineering section include requirement management, integration, verification and validation (Hoggerl Sehorz 2006). Within the support section (primary attribute of CMMI), there are some secondary attributes too. These include con figuration management, quality assurance, decision analysis and organizational environment (Hoggerl Sehorz 2006). The entire set of attributes is better presented in the composite features diagram shown below. For understanding a composite feature diagram, it must be noted that the maturity of a software process is best understood in five different levels. Although these levels vary from organization to organization, they can still be generalized as initial, repeatable, defined, managed and optimized (M, Paulk. M, Konrad. S, Garcia.1995;M, Paulk.1999). During the initial level, the processes are not ordered. During this stage the processes are chaotic and mostly depend upon the individual efforts. As per its name, the repeatable processes repeats itself; the success of earlier processes. Therefore, Paulk et al (1999) states that the defined maturity levels in the whole process go through the standards policies to fulfill the process. A proper documented plan of action is one of the most important aspects in the completion of a defined maturity model. However, the managed maturity models are tested quantitatively for the processes and product quality (M, Paulk. M, Konrad. S, Garcia.1995; M, Paulk.1999). The optimized maturity models are concentrated on innovation and continuous improvements through feedback mechanisms. A look at the advantages and disadvantages of CMMI model would be in line with the above discussions. Advantages of CMMI: CMMI has a number of benefits. According to Konrad, Shrum and Chrisis (2003), the CMMI model provides a good coverage for the average product life cycle than any other process improvement products when they are used alone. Moreover, CMMI can be integrated with any of the other software improvement models and can be implemented to provide robust functionalities. Although the main focus of CMMI was on product and service engineering, it was also built to provide enterprise-wide process improvement (Chrissis, Konrad, and Shrum 2003). Disadvantages of CMMI: Even though CMMI provides with a lot of functionalities for robust functioning, it is still not easy to implement within organizations. CMMI is not a process; it is rather the characteristics defined that should be present within an ideal process. Thus, the problem with process improvement is not that of a missing standard but to implement the standard in the perspective of the organization (M, Niazi. D, Wilson, D, Zowghi.2003). Since CMMI does not provide the actual implementation steps, it is not advisable to use in certain scenarios. Diagram 1. CFD For CMMI With such a brief description of CMMI, the concepts about the model are made clear. The next section of the paper discusses about the SPICE or the ISO/IEC 15504 process maturity model. SPICE: (ISO/IEC 15504): The SPICE model also known as the ISO/IEC 15504 is an emerging international standard on software process assessment that defines the number of software engineering processes and scales them to measure their capability (Emam, Birk 1999). The basic difference between the CMMI and SPICE is that while CMMI is a model consisting of steps that might be required in an ideal software process; SPICE is a standard for software process implementation that needs to be followed. The emerging ISO/IEC 15504 international standard is an attempt made to harmonize the existing assessment of models that are in the common use. It is an European model that is based on the quantitative score of assessment associated with the performance of the organization or the project (Emam Birk 1999). A software process assessment (SPA) provides a quantitative score that reflects the organizations or projects implementation of the best practices as defined in the assessment model. Thus, the more number of best practi ces that are adopted the more higher the quantitative score is expected to be. This score obtained from the baseline current implementation provides a perfect framework for making process improvement decisions and also serves as a means of tracking improvement efforts. Attributes of SPICE: SPICE model is based on five different processes. These processes were created in different nationalities and became accepted internationally. The five processes are customer-supplier, engineering, supporting, management and organization. Each of these processes has a capability level on which it is marked quantitatively. These levels begin from 0 to 5 ranging from incomplete process (0) to an optimized process (5). These processes are further marked using what is called as process attributes. It is the base premise of the software process assessment that the resultant quantitative scores are the predictors of the performance of the project or the organization that is assessed. In all, there are nine attributes in SPICE. As with CMMI, the nine process attributes are linked with the five processes. The nine attributes are Process Performance Performance Management Work Product Management Process Definition Process Deployment Process Measurement Process Control Process Innovation Process  Optimization. Similar to CMMI, the ISO/IEC 15004 has five process areas. These are known as levels. Each key process area is described in terms of its key practices that contribute to satisfying its goals and are allocated to produce common features. These key activities describe the specific function of the infrastructure and activities that contribute to produce the most effective implementation and institutionalization of the key process area (Paulk 1999). These five process areas are described in the table below Level Focus Key Process areas 5 Optimizing Continuous improvement Prevention of bugs, defects Technology Change Management Process Change Management 4 Managed Product process quality Quantitative process management, Software quality management 3 Defined Engineering organizational support Organization process focus, Training programs, Process definitions, Integrated software management, Peer reviews 2 Repeatable Project management processes Requirements Management, Software project planning, Project Tracking Oversight Quality Assurance, Subcontract Management, Configuration Management 1 Initial Competent people and heroics Adapted from: Paulk 1999 Diagram 2. CFD for SPICE: Differences between SPICE CMMI: SPICE CMMI Primary Attributes: SPICE model is more focused on Process Improvement. Primary Attributes: CMMI model is more generalized as it considers the organization as a whole Secondary Attributes: Acquire, supply, develop, operate, evolve, and supporting software processes. Secondary Attributes: Optimizing, managing, defining, re-using the software processes. SPICE is a European model CMMI is an American model Not much difference between the lead-assessor and the other members of the team. Every member of the team is responsible. Heavily depending on the lead assessor, CMM was the earlier version of CMMI. OO-Spice is the latest version of Spice. CMMI integrated Spice in one of its process. ISO/IEC 15504 model. SPI (Software Process Improvement) model Thus, the differences between the process maturity models have been highlighted. With these differences, it becomes easier to identify whether or not a particular model (like CMMI) or a standard (like SPICE) might be usable in a given organizations scenario. Ideal Model CFD: The attributes of both the CMMI and SPICE can be integrated to provide an ideal model for software development. This model is represented in the below diagram. Diagram 3. IDEAL CFD Conclusions Recommendations: Both SPICE and CMMI are said to improve software process development. While the CMMI is a set of standard processes that need to be carried out for the ideal software development process, SPICE is a standard that needs to be followed for effective implementation. Although there are some differences and similarities between the two models, both can be used in a combination to provide excellent software development process. The ideal CFD lists out the key processes that are a combination of both SPICE and CMMI that can be used in the software development lifecycle. Both SPICE and CMMI can be used in different circumstances and/or can be combined according to the organizations needs. After evaluation the advantages and disadvantages of both the models/standards, it can be said that both SPICE and CMMI can be used in a combination to provide the most efficient models for software development. These models can comprise of stages which are a combination of both the recommended models. Thes e combinations would depend according to the requirements of the organizations. For organizations with little time requirement, CMMI would be beneficial since it first maps timings and then plans the modules of the software development phase. On the other hand, if the organization seeks to achieving and maintaining a high standard of implementation that can bring a competitive edge, then it might want to involve more processes out of SPICE or the ISO/IEC 15004 standard. Therefore, the use of a particular model is dependent entirely on the needs and requirement analysis of the organization.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Women and Society During the Early 20th Century Essay -- essays resear

Women and Society during the early 20th Century Women always had to deal with all kinds of situations throughout history. Sex was becoming to be a woman’s way of expressing herself and in a way have control over certain situation Edith Wharton’s "Summer" and John Steinbeck’ s "The Chrysanthemums" show two characters (both of them women) struggling between society‘s rules and laws and their own believes and desires. Both stories were written in the beginning of the 20th century and both authors made it very clear that the women’s thoughts were unacceptable. While Charity Loyal in "Summer" had the ability to satisfy herself sexually with a city boy and go as far as she could be her desires. Elisa Allen in "Chrysanthemums" fantasized about the idea of being with another man, but did not take her thoughts into action. Both, however, seem to look in nature the answer for the constant struggle to achieve freedom. This theme, like sex, is renowned all throughout th e stories. Wharton decides to start the story with a description of the town where Charity Royall lives. She says, "A little wind moved among the round white clouds on the shoulder of the hills, driving their shadows across the fields and down the grassy road that takes the name of the street when it passes through North Dormer. The place lies high and in the open, and lacks the lavish shade of the more protected New England Villages" (91). North Dormer seems to be a very peaceful place. The description gives a tone of calmness and happiness. This is very important for Charity, since she has an especial connection to nature all through out the story. When she is looking to free herself from North Dormer, Galante Gonzalez, 2 she looks for it in nature. After a long day working in the library (where Charity is usually by herself), Wharton shows how happy Charity becomes once she is able to leave and be outside with nature. She says, "She loved the roughness of the dry mountain grass under her palms, the smell of the thyme into which she crushed her face, the fingering of the wind in her hair and through her cotton blouse, and the creak of the larches as he swayed to it" (98). Charity lies in the grass almost hugging it. She shows emotions toward the grass (nature) that make it seem almost like a person. Moments like this one, made her feel free... ...be plenty.’ Alcohol will ease the pain, perhaps." She is upset, there was obviously These two women deal with the oppression imposed by society during the turn of the century. But their desires and emotions are stronger than what people thought at the time. For Charity, her love for nature allowed her to feel free. Eventually she loses all of that when she becomes pregnant and marries Mr. Royall. For Elisa, the struggle of wanted Galante Gonzalez, 6 to be like man did not give her a sense of freedom, only when she is working in her garden. She, like Charity, never completely achieved her freedom by the end of the story. Galante Gonzalez, 7 Worked Cited Bily, Cynthia. â€Å"Critical essay on Summer.† Literature Resource Center. 2005. 25 April 2005 . Fahy, Thomas. â€Å"Worn, Damaged Bodies in Literature and Photography of the Great Depression.† Wilson Web. Mar. 2003. 25 April 2005 . Palmerino, Gregory J. â€Å"Steinbeck’s The Chrysanthemums.† Wilson Web. 2004. 25 April 2005. â€Å"Sex.† 2004. 25 April. 2005 . Steinbeck, John. â€Å"The Chrysanthemums.† The Health Anthology of American Literature. 4th ed. Vol 1. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. 1874-1881.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Cell Phones Advantages&Disadvantages Essay

1.0 Introduction When I have been on different school placements during my time at the College there has always been one thing I have paid more attention to and noticed in every school. This situation is a very common thing among students in Malaysia and also occurs among people who normally use more than one language. This phenomenon is called code-switching and usually happened in bilingual societies. What is code-switching? It is when a person mixes two languages in a single sentence or a conversation. This issue was ordinary to take place in Malaysian students which is learning more than one language. Our country students usually learned more than three language likes national language, mother language and etc. Our ministry of education set English as a second language in Malaysia, so Malaysian English Language Instructors and ESL (English as second Language) requires learners tend to use more than one code of language in the context of formal classroom. Now, we wants to discuss the factors that cause ESL learners to code switch and how to overcome it. 2.0 Main Body 2.1 Feel More Comfortable, Environment, Lack of Confidence The first factors it cause students cannot switching code immediately because they not usual to use English and also feel custom and more comfortable to use their own language. They prefer to use their own language because it is more smoothed and easy communicate with their friend. Besides that, they also did not have a good environment or social to speak English. Take one example, we was grow in a family which does not often speak English and we just only use our mother language to communicate with our family’s in home, that is a big problem for us to learn and speak English properly. The problem will cause the students lack of confidence to speak English because they do not have basic for speak to other people. Last but not least, they also will feel shy to use English because they are afraid of speaking mistakes. 2.2 Lack of Motivation, Lack of Interest, Lack of Enforcement Furthermore, they also lack of motivation because they do not get any courage from their friend or family. When students do not have enough vocabulary word they  cannot speak any perfects English. If they cannot speak English properly, they will give their friend laugh and it will causes they do not have more interest in English. Besides that, they will also give up to learn English and also will drop out of study. Motivation may be expect to improve when class take into account students likes in teaching style and lesson material. Additionally, parents did not enforce their children to speak and learn English in home. Parents also lack of accompany with their children to teach them important of English or another language in the whole world even tourism and doing business. 2.3 Watch more English videos, more interaction, talk with others race After the factors let us talk about solutions to overcome the problem students who are face it. Lecturers can takes some video from youtube or google to share with students but ensure the video can help students to improve their English. They can also listen music English or see an English movie to increase their listen and speaking skill. We must let students have more interaction and practice among them when during lesson. Lecturers should break them into different group with different language or country to get more chance to be in touch with English in class. 2.4 Join the activity can improve English, Attended to tuition, Penalty The parents need to speak with them in English and without home language at home to improve their basic in speaking. Parents also can send them to counselling or campaign for training them to use English in social life. Students must me hardworking and go to a place which availability of additional resources or knowledge to increase their vocabulary. To give those students cannot handle the basics English parents should force them to attend tuition class. When students in the school or college, lecturers must be ensure students are in the English speaking zone to communicate with their friend without other language. Last but not least, if those students who are not follow the rules must give a heavy penalty to let them remember and would not do a same mistake against. 3.0 Recommendation and Conclusion The use of mother language is not conclusively a threat to English as a language or a subject at school. In school or college lecturers should be concern about students have the ability to differentiate the two language and separate them in formal and non-formal communications in class.  Therefore, poor performance in English cannot blame on home language, but a person’s background. In my view educators should take the responsibility and teach suitable things to enable the primary level students learn in English. Its can make them understanding in a better command of English. 4.0 REFERENCES 1) Jtonec. (2012). A Description of How the Teacher of Language and Literature May Use Drama in Education to Overcome Low Linguistic Competency and Low Self Confidence. Available: http://www.studymode.com/essays/a-Description-Of-How-The-Teacher-1221891.html. Last accessed 12 May 2014. 2) Timmytimmkins.(2010). Effective ESL Elements. Available: http://www.studymode.com/essays/Effective-Esl-Elements-406002.html. Last accessed 10 May 2014. Question 2 1.0 Introduction In this global computer science and technology, who does not have a cell phone these days? Even a child in primary school some of their parents also will give them a phone to them for easily to stay contact with parents. However in this era of technology, a cell phone most amazing things is that they are no longer just used for calling or texting. Actually, a cell phone is not just only a tool for communicate with family and it is also a tool for multimedia such as smartphones. The smartphones can use in multimedia likes games, pictures, songs and it will bring out many advantages and disadvantages for us so with this mind. Hence, should students be permitted to use cell phones in school has become a hot topic of discussion among individual. Thus, let us discuss and debate about this topic. 2.0 Main Body 2.1 Access Information, Useful Application Firstly, it goes without saying that the advantages of cell phones is it can help students to overcome some of their academic problems. This is due to the reason that cell phones allow them to download some useful software such as dictionary. When they cannot understand what their lectures teaching about due to the vocabulary, they can find the meaning of the vocabulary and try to translate it to their own language by using the dictionary software  so that they will manage to understand what their lectures teaching about. In addition, they can also access ‘google’ to find the materials which they need. This is because internets have a pool of information to provide the information that they acquire. On the other hand, the student parents can also check their children whereabouts by using a phone. Besides that, the smartphone also has a lot of function such as calendar, calculator, maps finder and many technology software. I can take an example that I will use software to supervise my homework and revision to ensure that I will not waste the precious time. 2.2 Replace Pen and Paper, Use To Memory, E-learning Apart from that, using cell phones to do home works or assignments can replace the pen and reduce the paper so that this will help to reduce deforestation as well as keep away from greenhouse effect. The cell phones can also become a â€Å"memory card†, when the student insufficient time to write down all the points that the lecturers given or he or she absents the lessons, they can just take a picture and do revision at home. Furthermore, they still can take out these pictures to revise before the examination. In this way it is killing two birds with one stone a stone. Additionally, they can use for E-learning in internet by using a cell phone with their friends and lectures to discuss homework or which are they do not understand in the lesson. 2.3 Distraction Class, Cheating, Bullying Every coin has two sides, cell phone also bring some disadvantages to us. Let us discuss the disadvantages of a cell phone right now. The cell phones also bring out many troubles to students like distract the lecturer and all their friends. The meaning distract is stand for while lecturer teaching in the class the students who play games and the worst is cell phones ringing will disturb the whole class force to stop the class. After that, the students will also laugh at which classmates those who are not using the latest phone. They cannot understand their parents work hard also unable to buy a latest phone to them because new phones price is too expensive and even run up to two thousand. 2.4 Annoying Lecturers, Health Hazard, Safety of Students When lecturers is teaching in the class, the students which is mischievous will take the lecturer funny picture and upload to the social network to annoying their lecturer. These types of students do not have manners because they did not give any respect to their lecturer. England scientist investigate point out if each people using cell phones in one day more than 2 hours, they will get health hazard like shortsighted, radiation, skin cancer. So, if students bring cell phones to school they will get more times to be in touch with the disease above. Beside, students can keep play their phones and did not pay attention when they go downstairs or cross the road. It is very dangerous actions and do not behave their self and their family. 3.0 Recommendation and Conclusion In the last, students bring cell phones to school have both of advantages and disadvantages but they should know how to use the cell phones in the place is correct. We can come to a conclusion that although mobile phones have their weak points, they are very useful when they are necessary. Students are the decision makers. Therefore, we can choose which are good and bad. According to my opinion cell phones are very useful things if we use them in a proper way in the school it may help students solve many problems. 4.0 REFERENCES 1) RaulBarrera. (2012). Disadvantages of Cell Phones in School. Available: http://www.studymode.com/essays/Disadvantages-Of-Cell-Phones-In-School-1074638.html. Last accessed 6 May 2014. 2) HayItsGio. (2012). Cell Phones in School. Available: http://www.studymode.com/essays/Cell-Phones-In-School-1317488.html. Last accessed 4 May 2014.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Progression of Humans

The Dawn of A New Day Preface The creation of man begins with † In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth†. One sentence that if proven correct, depicts that a certain scientific theory taught generation after generation is completely and indefinitely ludicrous. If this sentence is wrong, various religions cease to exist. Ah, but does Christianity need to be proven? In our minds, the correct answer to this question is no, to believe is to see. But as human beings, sinners in the eye of God, to see is to believe.Now stay tit me here. As the mundane world revolves around the simplistic idea that happiness can be achieved by buying the world, certain people rise among the filth. Go-getters. Transcendentalists, if you may. These people are the true â€Å"Hipsters† among the conforming young generation set upon being differently the same. They are the people who pay little or no attention to the world of Consumerism evolving around them. They may be differ ent; hell they might even be bizarre. The point is that these are the people who change lives.They are the people that can truly make difference in this god-forsaken planet we call home. They may not be of faith, but they can be compared to the disciples of Jesus Christ. Now back in the day, the disciples weren't some group of â€Å"religious freaks†. They were not celebrities. They weren't even liked. These disciples were the people who stood up for what they believed in, facing both death and the fate of being cast away as outsiders. You see, it doesn't take much for change to occur. It Just takes a person who has the courage to partake in disorder.There are four point two babies born per second. One point seven deaths per second. As life goes on, 27 phones are sold per second. One point six cars produced per second, and 168 tons of foods are produced per second. Life goes by in seconds. Every minute you are aging. Day by day you are changing. An hour passes by, how many pe ople have died in that hour? The point of this crazy numbering is to show you how fast moments of your life pass you by. There is no way of knowing the exact moment of when your life will come to an abrupt stop. You will cease to exist.Life will end, as you know it. Will you be remembered? Will the memories your loved ones have from you be worth remembrance? The days you spend locked away from the majestic wonders of the world are limited. Live your life the way you want to live it. You only live one life, so you better make it worth living. The harsh reality of our situation on this planet is that one day it will be your time to go. Will you make a difference? As generations pass by, the improvements we make to society are crucial to the progression of humans.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

How to Get People to Like You, According to an FBI Behavior Expert

How to Get People to Like You, According to an FBI Behavior Expert We all want to be liked. We all want to be popular at work- at least enough to one day be promoted, enjoy success, and get along with our colleagues. And we all want to make that crucially important first impression into a great one. Networking is too important to fumble. You may have heard that the art of making friends isn’t something you can study up on. But there are a few tried-and-true tricks you can and should employ in the interest of keeping the conversation going, building relationships, and improving your likeability.Here are some of the best.1. Don’t be judgy.According to Robin Dreeke, former head of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Program, this is the number one piece of advice she can give to people hoping to be well-liked. It means listening to your conversation partner, asking questions and soliciting opinions, and then not judging that person’s thoughts or feelings.Validate the person you’re speaking to. Understand where they’r e coming from and what they want and need. You’re showing interest by doing this. And letting people talk about themselves? It’s like handing out candy and cocktails when it comes to likeability.2. Let go of your ego.Next time you’re talking to someone and you feel the desire to correct them- or tell an even better story than the one they just told- don’t. Let go your need to be correct and be in the spotlight- it’s the other person’s chance to impress for a while. Don’t just contradict someone because you can. Save that for situations where it’s too important not to.3. Listen correctly.If you think listening is just about shutting up and not saying anything, you’ve got ways to go. It’s definitely not waiting for the other person to stop speaking long enough for you to get in your lines. Instead, show that you’re listening by paraphrasing bits of what was said back to the person, and then asking follow-up q uestions immediately to keep the conversation going. Listen actively, not passively.4. Take an interest in other people.Don’t necessarily ask people about their personal lives or dramas, but do inquire as to what challenges they’re facing- especially in the workplace. It can be helpful for them to talk through these things, and also you can frame it by asking advice. Maybe they raised twins. Maybe they started a business. Start asking questions about challenges and find more common ground.5. Don’t overdo it.New people are more likely to relax around you if you don’t look like you’re about to camp out next to them for the foreseeable future. Make it clear that you have to dash imminently, but you wanted to say hi in the few minutes you still had at the party, etc. Smile and make eye contact, but don’t be too in their face. Be as genuine and pleasant as possible but remain slightly removed, as though they definitely have your full attention, b ut you still have to keep one foot out the door.6. Admit when you’re wrong.It’s not enough to just avoid telling people when they are wrong. You should also make a point to admit when you are wrong. Apologize and take steps to fix it. Be sympathetic and contrite and you’ll avoid hard feelings.7. Be selfless.Once you’ve got a group of coworkers you’re trying to build lasting bonds with, do little things to make them feel important. Say hello to everyone. Show appreciation when due. Put yourself out to do things for your colleagues- even small things like remembering birthdays or including them in conversations. Take a sincere interest in people and they will reward you with their intimacy.8. Criticize with class.If you find you do have to criticize someone, make sure not to make a big show of it. Keep it private, just between the two of you. Don’t make a spectacle or example of it in a more public setting. And try throwing in a compliment or two to soften the blows.

Monday, October 21, 2019

How to Deliver Bad News in Business Writing

How to Deliver Bad News in Business Writing Inevitably, we all have to deliver bad news in business writing. A large global heathcare company CEO sent a memo to his U.S. employees, announcing an imminent layoff. However, instead of being truthful, he dodged the issue by using at least 12 different euphemisms for the company's recent planned job cuts and layoffs. He never actually used the words "jobs" or "layoffs." This was a mistake. When delivering bad news, there are a number of techniques one can use, but they all contain two key elements to succeed: truth and sincerity. When we dodge the truth, and obfuscate meaning, our readers become more alienated and angry. They feel dismissed, unheard, unvalued. They will mistrust the entire message, and the writer. The CEO should not be apologetic for reducing the workforce. We should never apologize for a good business decision. However, he hid behind jargon cliches instead of buffering appropriately, engaging his audience, and providing complete content. At one point he describes layoffs as an "opportunity": "... the opportunity for employees in the aforementioned select areas to proactively "hand raise" and be considered for separation." Other poorly dodged phrases included: "reducing our expense base" "manage our expense base" "vacancy management" "restructure" "removing more open positions" "necessary actions" "we cannot promise the avoidance of such activities" "restructuring exercise" "affected employees" "the people who are directly affected" "the need for us to change our underlying operations" (You can read the full memo here.) How to Deliver Bad News in Business Writing If your news will cause your reader to emotionally disconnect from your message, before he or she reads fully, you should buffer your message. If the news is not significant, you can use a direct approach: To help readers accept your decision when using the direct plan, present a brief rationale along with the bad news in the first paragraph:NOT:The annual company Holiday Party originally scheduled for December 20 at the Boston Aquarium has been canceled.BUT:Because the current renovations at the Boston Aquarium may present safety hazards to our employees and their families, the Holiday Party scheduled for December 20 has been canceled. If leading with the negative news might be too harsh and emphatic, and your decision might sound unreasonable until the reader has heard the rationale, buffer the bad news indirectly by beginning with a neutral and relevant statement. Scenario: an important customer has asked your company to provide an in-house demonstration of your product, but this is against your policy. Agreement: We both recognize the promotional possibilities that often accompany a big anniversary sale such as yours. Appreciation: Thanks for letting us know of your success in selling ABC appliances. (Stop here - don't thank them for asking you to do something you're going to refuse or you'll sound insincere) Compliment: Congratulations on the growth of your stores and for your leadership in the Boston market for ten years. When you need to deliver bad news in business writing, use statements that are truthful and sincere.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Analysis of the diaper market

Analysis of the diaper market Baby diaper market has been growing at a nominal rate for some time now. Declining birth rates in the developed world has adversely affected the diaper manufacturers’ ability to expand their businesses. As per data provided by Euromonitor International, birth rates among the developed nations have declined by almost 20% during the last 30 years and are now only half the global average. The global market for diapers was worth $22.2 billion, a 2.9% increase YOY. However, the major markets of Western Europe, the U.S. and Japan posted nominal decline. As a result, companies like Procter & Gamble and Kimberly Clark are relying more on innovation to their rescue. This has also been a major contributor of success for P&G in the past few years. The new found focus is the developing country markets, from which 40% of global diaper revenue is derived. Markets such as China and Russia are providing brands with excellent opportunities for longer term growth. It is also worthwhile to noti ce the trend in the developed markets towards greener products as shown in the chart below Diaper Market in Developing Country There is huge growth potential for these products in emerging markets such as China, Brazil and India, as these markets are still quite underdeveloped and new. For example, China is world’s most rapidly developing nation. While it has taken developed Western economies some time to realise the environmental price of their development this is not the case for today’s emerging nations. In this case even the global recession will enable China to have more time to better make arrangements for considering more sustainable and greener options for its growth. Middle-class consumers are at the forefront of environmental awareness as the environmental consequences of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation in countries such as China and India are becoming increasingly apparent Also in countries such as India, the Philippines and Malaysia, levels of cons umer awareness regarding hygiene products are very still very low. Indian Diaper Market In 2009, manufacturers have been now more focused on more categories such as disposable nappies/diapers. With the increasing buying power of Indian consumers, companies are looking for options which are more convenient and safe to use for the children. Increase in awareness about hygiene is a big factor for thus development. Some of the major development last year is as follows: Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Ltd introduced Pampers Magic Nickers Kimberly-Clark Lever Ltd introduced Huggies New Born, a product specifically targeting the mothers of new born babies. With increasing awareness regarding the advantages of using the use of disposable nappies/diapers over cloth substitutes, Indian parents are now spending more on purchasing such products which in turn led to an increase in sales value for the manufacturers. Convenience has been one of the driving factors in this change. Even in ti er 2 towns and cities, parents are willing to spend money on disposable nappies/diapers to use when the baby is taken out of the home, for added convenience. Also as babies get older, some young mothers look to go back to work. This encouraged the use of nappies/diapers, as they are more convenient, and they do not need to spend time washing cloth nappies. Also, as babies become more active, and nappies are a more comfortable and hygienic alternative to cloth nappies. However currently the majority of the sales is restricted to customers in urban India. So the penetration rate of disposable nappies/diapers has been increasing, as more young parents are finding it convenient to switch from cloth nappies to disposable nappies.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Information Systems and Strategy Management Assignment

Information Systems and Strategy Management - Assignment Example The firm must therefore radically change its information management systems to survive against the expected challenge. The European Union electricity supply sector represents a market share of over â‚ ¬150 billion annually, an annual investment of â‚ ¬30 billion Euros, while it employs over 750, 000 workers. The Electricity Supply Industry (ESIC) has a virtual monopoly in the European Union power supply industry, but the EU has decided to open up the market hence create competition for ESIC. In order for the power supply company, ESIC transform from a monopolistic system into a highly competitive market oriented firm, it needs to radically overhaul its information management systems. This will involve the company adopting a modern information technology (IT) system that incorporates all the firm’s divisions including the financial, production, and marketing sectors. Contemporary organizations have come to value the crucial importance of customer service to their continued survival. Firms with good customer oriented policies are able to able to maintain client royalty albeit the current fierce competition. The release of correct, regular and appropriate product information to workers, clients and providers across all channels is one of the fundamentals in retaining and acquiring new clientele. ESIC emerging from a monopolistic system will therefore need to change her information dissemination sector by revealing new products innovation information, financial dealings, among other news hence change her corporate image. ESIC must be geared to offer high quality customer service to her clientele by creating a seamless customer rapport across all the channels (generating, transmission, system control, distribution, supply sectors) by developing strategies aimed at surpassing the competing firms. Company products and information should be easily accessed either through the normal supply

Significance of organisational culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Significance of organisational culture - Essay Example Foundation of organizational culture can be broadly classified into two parts, one is known as ‘Anthropological foundation’ and another is known as ‘Sociological foundation’. Both of the foundations can be differentiated on the basis of functional and semiotic approach. The functional approach takes several parameters into consideration that make a distinction between both the foundations. These parameters can be identified as focus, variables, assumptions and observation. The anthropological foundation assumes that an organization itself is a culture where as sociological foundation assumes that organizations have a culture (Cameron and Quinn 2011). The focus of anthropological foundation lies at collective structure unlike the case of sociological foundation that focuses at collective behavior. The culture of an organization is observed as a subjective factor by anthropological foundation where as it seen as a matter of objective factor by sociological fou ndation. There is also a difference between both the foundations on the issue of variable factors. Anthropological foundation perceives, culture as a dependent variable, where as sociological foundation perceives culture as an independent variable (Cameron and Quinn 2011).The semiotic approach is also taken into account in order to identify and analyze the key difference between anthropological and sociological foundation. The anthropological foundation assumes culture as reality where as sociological foundation assumes culture.... The culture of an organization is observed as a subjective factor by anthropological foundation where as it seen as a matter of objective factor by sociological foundation. There is also a difference between both the foundations on the issue of variable factors. Anthropological foundation perceives, culture as a dependent variable, where as sociological foundation perceives culture as an independent variable (Cameron and Quinn 2011). The semiotic approach is also taken into account in order to identify and analyze the key difference between anthropological and sociological foundation. The anthropological foundation assumes culture as reality where as sociological foundation assumes culture as a mean that develops a sense of reality at workplace. The focus of anthropological foundation lies at individual’s assumptions rather than individual’s cognition as in the case of sociological foundation. The factor of ‘observation’ is also taken into consideration for differentiating the key issues between both the foundations. The ‘individual immersion’ is a subject of observation for anthropological foundation where as ‘individual involvement’ is taken into consideration as a subject of observation by sociological foundation. The anthropological foundation perceives culture as a dependent variable which requires an understanding of culture by the members of the organization where as sociological foundation perceives culture as an independent variables and assumes that other outcomes are dependent on organizational culture and can be predicted. Significance of organisational culture: It is imperative for organisations across the globe to understand their culture in order to succeed and

Managers and Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Managers and Communication - Essay Example The study has scrutinized the nature and function of communication. In addition, the methods of interpersonal communication have been identified namely; personal and interpersonal communication methods. Barriers to effective interpersonal communication and ways of overcoming those barriers have been discussed. In addition, the ways in which communication flow from to lower levels of management has been put forth. Additionally, the impact of technology in communication has been discussed. The research methodologies employed in this study include Survey research design because under consideration the entire population under investigation. Moreover, questionnaires were utilized to collect data. Questionnaires were piloted and later distributed to 21 managers. Quantitative data was analyzed statistically using pie charts as indicated. The findings were obtained and recommendations were made. Managers and Communication entail the integration of communication by managers to ensure that there are seamless operations within an organization. Managers utilize communication to ensure proper coordination between the employees, suppliers, customers and all stakeholders within and outside the organization. Managers utilize communication to make decisions and solve organizational problems. Through communication, managers can be in a position to direct employee’s skills and efforts towards achieving organizational goals and objectives.  Further communication help to solve problems that affect employees, this may help to prevent the bigger emergence of bigger problems that may affect the entire organization operation. In addition, managers utilize communication to pass the necessary information to the relevant departments in order to ensure that everything with an organization is learning properly.  

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Process and Tracking Control Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Process and Tracking Control - Research Paper Example However the evaluation of the internal controls involves mostly those that are related to information systems and entity as well as its environment (Singleton, Singleton & Bologna, 2006). It is normally operated by an IT auditor who understands COSO model and is able to apply it in financial auditing during the evaluation of internal controls. Elements of the COSO Model Control environment. It is a view of the internal controls from the perspective of the entity including the environment created for processes of business and controls internally and influences of this environment on whether it is able to maintain an effective internal control system. Ways in which control environment is evaluated with regard to risks associated with it include enforcement and communication of ethical values and integrity, commitment to competence, participation of people who are charged with governance, management’s style philosophy and assignment of authority and responsibility (Singleton, Sin gleton & Bologna, 2006). Risk assessment: It refers to the ability of an entity to asses risks properly and, for those risks that are major, mitigates them up to a level that is acceptable through the use of controls. Risks may be introduced through various ways including changing of the operating environment, new information systems, and employment of a modern information systems, rapid growth and pronouncement of new accounting. Information and communication: It involves communicating information on financial reporting accurately and in a timely manner to decision makers and managers. The various ways in which it can be evaluated in regard to the associated risks include systems that support identification, then capture then exchange information in a manner and time frame that will allow personnel to undertake their responsibilities, financial reporting information, internal communication, internal control information and external communication (Singleton, Singleton & Bologna, 200 6). Control activities: These refer to actual controls themselves. The evaluation of these control activities involves various ways including general controls, application controls and physical controls. Controls are evaluated at three levels which include: design effectiveness, operational effectiveness and implementation (Singleton, Singleton & Bologna, 2006). Monitoring: It refers to the ability of an entity to effectively monitor the controls since they operate on a daily basis, individually and also cooperate with other controls. Various ways in which monitored control effectiveness are evaluated include separate and ongoing evaluations concerning internal controls over financial reporting, deficiencies that are identified and reported, assessment of the quality of internal controls performance over a given period of time, putting procedures in place so as to adjust the control system as required and utilizing relevant information that is external or independent monitors (Singl eton, Singleton & Bologna, 2006). Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT) It was first issued by the IT Governance Institute, ITGI and Information systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA in the year 1998. It is regarded as de facto standard in IT Governance maturity assessment. A lot of knowledge is needed on this framework and therefore it makes it

Research project Mystory Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Project Mystory - Research Paper Example Generation X experienced poor jobs, slow economic growth and the recession, but they worked hard trying to acquire better living standards (Wartenberg). They got referred to as echo boomers due to their birth in the 80’s when there were high birth rates. Bathes shows the basic perspectives as well as the core values of the Generation X during the 90’s. Barthes focuses on the social occurrences and events that shaped the feelings and views of generation X when growing up in the 90’s. In the templates, Barthes shows the sociological occurrences and events that happen when one is changing to a sexual adult. He also explores how the transition influenced the sexual behavior, gender roles and the general attitude towards life. He shows the sociological events that happen when the youngsters in Generation X reached economic adulthood. The main character sits in a cafe waiting for his lover, and he gets carried away by thoughts wondering what would happen if the relatio nship failed. In the movie ‘Singles’, which was a 1992 Romantic film, it shows the life of young people of Generation X during the 90’s (Crowe). The movie centers on the love life of young people and how the hard social, political and economic conditions affected them. From this, the audience sees people growing up in the 90’s were keen to get into good relationships, which turned out not as easy as they thought. The movie and Barthes templates depict the Generation Xers as cautious lovers who desired stable marriages for themselves. They were cautious because their parents experienced a lot of divorce and they did not want to follow their footsteps (Crowe). In ‘A Lovers Discourse’ by Bathes, the Generation X gets viewed as desperate and eager for love. They get depicted as people expecting too much from their love relationships. In a scene from ‘Singles’, it depicts a male character sitting in a cafe and waiting for his lover to arrive. In the process, he falls into deep thoughts and starts thinking what would happen if the person he was waiting for failed to arrive. For moments, he recognized his love for what it was and thought of his life without her presence. This depicts generation X as people expecting so much from their lovers, yet they offered so little in return. The generation X faced a lot of challenges in love while growing up in the 90’s (Wartenberg). Most of them were looking forward to starting a family when they are thirty years old. Those who were in their late twenties and did not have lovers appeared desperate as time does not bide. They reduced the rate of divorce compared to their parents as they married later in life as most of them focused on career and education first. From the templates, it is evident that People from Generation X ended up following their parents’ footsteps unintentionally. Some of them because of getting raised by single mothers they opted for the sam e for fear of break ups. When growing up in the 90’s most of them got neglected or ignored because they happened to be offspring’s of absent or divorced parents. Many of the Generation X growing up in the 90’s desired a need to make a total commitment to their own children. This was because most of them had fallen victim of neglect. They wanted to be better than their parents and avoid making the same mistakes they made. When it comes to culture, the Generation X populace had no specific culture.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Managers and Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Managers and Communication - Essay Example The study has scrutinized the nature and function of communication. In addition, the methods of interpersonal communication have been identified namely; personal and interpersonal communication methods. Barriers to effective interpersonal communication and ways of overcoming those barriers have been discussed. In addition, the ways in which communication flow from to lower levels of management has been put forth. Additionally, the impact of technology in communication has been discussed. The research methodologies employed in this study include Survey research design because under consideration the entire population under investigation. Moreover, questionnaires were utilized to collect data. Questionnaires were piloted and later distributed to 21 managers. Quantitative data was analyzed statistically using pie charts as indicated. The findings were obtained and recommendations were made. Managers and Communication entail the integration of communication by managers to ensure that there are seamless operations within an organization. Managers utilize communication to ensure proper coordination between the employees, suppliers, customers and all stakeholders within and outside the organization. Managers utilize communication to make decisions and solve organizational problems. Through communication, managers can be in a position to direct employee’s skills and efforts towards achieving organizational goals and objectives.  Further communication help to solve problems that affect employees, this may help to prevent the bigger emergence of bigger problems that may affect the entire organization operation. In addition, managers utilize communication to pass the necessary information to the relevant departments in order to ensure that everything with an organization is learning properly.  

Research project Mystory Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Project Mystory - Research Paper Example Generation X experienced poor jobs, slow economic growth and the recession, but they worked hard trying to acquire better living standards (Wartenberg). They got referred to as echo boomers due to their birth in the 80’s when there were high birth rates. Bathes shows the basic perspectives as well as the core values of the Generation X during the 90’s. Barthes focuses on the social occurrences and events that shaped the feelings and views of generation X when growing up in the 90’s. In the templates, Barthes shows the sociological occurrences and events that happen when one is changing to a sexual adult. He also explores how the transition influenced the sexual behavior, gender roles and the general attitude towards life. He shows the sociological events that happen when the youngsters in Generation X reached economic adulthood. The main character sits in a cafe waiting for his lover, and he gets carried away by thoughts wondering what would happen if the relatio nship failed. In the movie ‘Singles’, which was a 1992 Romantic film, it shows the life of young people of Generation X during the 90’s (Crowe). The movie centers on the love life of young people and how the hard social, political and economic conditions affected them. From this, the audience sees people growing up in the 90’s were keen to get into good relationships, which turned out not as easy as they thought. The movie and Barthes templates depict the Generation Xers as cautious lovers who desired stable marriages for themselves. They were cautious because their parents experienced a lot of divorce and they did not want to follow their footsteps (Crowe). In ‘A Lovers Discourse’ by Bathes, the Generation X gets viewed as desperate and eager for love. They get depicted as people expecting too much from their love relationships. In a scene from ‘Singles’, it depicts a male character sitting in a cafe and waiting for his lover to arrive. In the process, he falls into deep thoughts and starts thinking what would happen if the person he was waiting for failed to arrive. For moments, he recognized his love for what it was and thought of his life without her presence. This depicts generation X as people expecting so much from their lovers, yet they offered so little in return. The generation X faced a lot of challenges in love while growing up in the 90’s (Wartenberg). Most of them were looking forward to starting a family when they are thirty years old. Those who were in their late twenties and did not have lovers appeared desperate as time does not bide. They reduced the rate of divorce compared to their parents as they married later in life as most of them focused on career and education first. From the templates, it is evident that People from Generation X ended up following their parents’ footsteps unintentionally. Some of them because of getting raised by single mothers they opted for the sam e for fear of break ups. When growing up in the 90’s most of them got neglected or ignored because they happened to be offspring’s of absent or divorced parents. Many of the Generation X growing up in the 90’s desired a need to make a total commitment to their own children. This was because most of them had fallen victim of neglect. They wanted to be better than their parents and avoid making the same mistakes they made. When it comes to culture, the Generation X populace had no specific culture.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Rise of the Star in the Wake of Hollywood’s Golden Era Essay Example for Free

The Rise of the Star in the Wake of Hollywood’s Golden Era Essay Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hollywood has long been a place distinguished by the fulfillment of dreams that it offers to the large number of hopefuls who are longing to be artists. The fame and the fortune that Hollywood brings to its people and its subjects are rather large and too much inviting for the enthusiasts of the arts. The birth of filmmaking took place in the same place where the artists were also nurtured with the skills and competent skills that they now have in performing infront of their audiences and infront of cameras.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However beautiful it could be seen right now, it should be remembered that before the prestigious name of Hollywood came to reality, the creators of the said have passed a number of hardships in its history â€Å"dream factory†. The fact that it takes a lot of effort to make a dream come true, the ones who established Hollywood as a name that echoes the picturesque of perfect artistry, did a lot of job to attain their goals in making a name for the said place. Today, it could be noticed that Hollywood becomes the center of every news report in the world that gives color to television programming. Indeed, Hollywood’s establishment has made t possible for people around the world to enjoy a certain entertainment that brings ease to every depressed soul in the society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is the main reason why many people take interest n knowing how Hollywood came to be. How it all started and who were the ones who made it big in the first years of the Entertainment industry in the United States. The Fifty Golden Years of Hollywood’s history has long been the favorite subject that art enthusiasts and historians enjoy to tackle. The color of life that makes up the history of the said sector of the human civilization since the 1950’s has made it even more interesting even for local readers and viewers of Hollywood shows. A Background on Hollywood’s History as a Residential Place   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hollywood’s beginning has been more shifted on the agricultural nourishment that the place provides for the residents. However, when the 1880’s arrived, H.H. Wilcox has planned a new community that he has foreseen to grow n Hollywood. It was more of a community that is fit for wealthy people. Later on, the famous personalities from different parts of the United States and Europe began to see the said place as a fine residential area and began to settle there for good.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Prospect Avenue has become a home for the famous ones such as Queen Anne, the Victorian residents and other more famous personalities. Since then, Hollywood has not been much the same as it has been when it first started as a simple community of agriculturists. More changes were still ready to happen in the coming years in the Hollywood History. The Beginning of Film Industry and Art Enthusiasm in Hollywood   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During the year 1911, the first film studio has been established by the Nestor Company. The said studio was located at the corner of the Sunset and Grower streets. Nestor Company’s film studio began shooting the first films in the fine climate and ambiance of Hollywood. Since then, Hollywood began to take a name that is more suited for the artistic creation of the excellent movies that entertains the society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The adjustments though were not that easy to accept especially for the older residents of Hollywood. Since some part of Hollywood’s area was still dedicated to agriculture, the changes that the film industry brings to the locals of the place brought several issues for the older and the newer residents of Hollywood. Later on, the agricultural sites in Hollywood began to be subdivided and then created into residential areas. The said agricultural place is now more famously known as the Hollywood Boulevard. More than this, there came the creation of skyrocketing buildings around the area that hosted most of the companies that intended to put up filmmaking studios around Hollywood.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Other establishments such as banks, grocery stores, restaurants and clubs as well as movie theaters were also established which naturally catered to the needs of the residents that are currently residing in Hollywood.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The architectural design of the buildings were both inspired by the playful personalities that resided in the place as well as the famous ones that were known during the two World Wars that mainly affected the art of filmmaking in the entertainment industry. The whole community has been offering all kinds of created building styles that show the extreme depiction of both glamour and sophistication that the place holds.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Everything became fit for the stars. However, when the movie stars began to have a better choice of residential offering in Beverly Hills, the said Hollywood life changed since the restaurants that were once found in the vicinity of the said place left with the stars and transferred to their customers’ area in Beverly Hills.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hence, the Hollywood city’s ambiance changed to becoming a more industrialized, and business-centered community. Most of the filmmaking studios stayed in Hollywood while other industrial offices found the said city more inviting and suit for their profitable pursuits. Today, the social environment of Hollywood is more of a business-oriented area than that of a residential place as it has been before.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   No matter how many changes has been taken in connection with the film industry, the buildings in the said area, which still holds the historical picture of the place is now being taken care of by the United States’ government as it has been officially noted in the national Register of Historic Places. Indeed, the said protection does not only intend to take care of the Historical background of Hollywood as a place for residents of the famous and the glamorous but it also offers to protect the colorful beginning of the history of the art of filmmaking in the said place. Yes, Hollywood was the place where all the artistic approach of entertainment in terms of filmmaking all started and continues to thrive at present. CHAPTER 2 The Glamour of the 50’s   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It has only been the end of a big world account, the second World War’s effect on the American Society and the whole world as well, has not only been directed to the political aspects of the society but also towards the arts. It could be noted that during the war years, the created films were calmer and less provocative of mass rebellion. The years that covered the 1940’s has much control on the way that the films were presented to the public. The movies were characterized to be less presenting on the real accounts that happen on the society during that era. This is because of the filmmakers’ fear of being connoted as an industry that encourages the society to rebel or revolt against the authorities that presently control the society during those years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, when the war finally ended, the people or the viewers wanted more than just a calm presentation of the society. The fact that many among the people in the society were directly afflicted by the war years, the y wanted a more rebellious entertainment. Their emotional outpouring on the authorities who failed to end the war years at the least possible time that it have existed has inspired the filmmakers to present the actual emotional dispositions of the society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Because of the idea of being finally free from the strife that the war brought upon the human society, the whole humanity aimed to show the pain that they used to feel during the times of the war. They aimed to show the public of the dreadful effects that the wars brought about to the lives of the people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is the reason why many of the films that were produced during the 1950’s introduced more expressive characters and settings that catered to the emotionally shifted themes of the movies during those certain times. Regarding this, an Internet site on the said film history placed it this way:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"In the period following WWII when most of the films were idealized with   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   conventional portrayals of men and women, young people wanted new and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   exciting symbols of rebellion. Hollywood responded to audience demands the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   late 1940s and 1950s saw the rise of the anti-hero with stars like newcomers   Ã‚  Ã‚   James Dean, Paul Newman (who debuted in the costume epic The Silver Chalice (1954)) and Marlon Brando, replacing more proper actors like Tyrone Power, Van Johnson, and Robert Taylor. [In later decades, this new generation of method actors would be followed by Robert DeNiro, Jack Nicholson, and Al   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pacino.] Sexy anti-heroines included Ava Gardner, Kim Novak, and Marilyn   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Monroe an exciting, vibrant, sexy star.† (The Dawning of the 50’s, 2006)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Yes, the new-waved approach of the movie industry in presenting a more reality based programming system has opened ways to new artists to be known and introduced to the society as enthusiasts of the social interests. The young entertainment has also been catered by the film industry during this era.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   James dean as for example became the most famous teenager artist. His skills in the craft of acting have made him a great name in the entertainment industry. The Said Internet site further adds:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The anguished, introspective teen James Dean (1932-1955) was the epitome of adolescent pain. Dean appeared in only three films before his sudden death in   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   the fall of 1955. His first starring role was in Elia Kazans adaptation of John   Ã‚   Steinbecks novel East of Eden (1955) as a Cain-like son named Cal vying for   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   his fathers (Raymond Massey) love against his brother Aron.† (The Dawning of the 50’s, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Along with James Dean, came other young stars that also tried to portray the character of youngsters that the teenagers during those times wanted to present in the society. Young ones who are more expressive, more certain about the things that they want and more open towards their opinion of the society’s norms have been the main characters of the movie icons that have been shown through the films of the 1950’s.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As years pass, the film industry of the 50’s have been more open minded about the realities that are found in the human society. Cigar smoking, the use of fouls words and the fast-talks has been much related to entertainment of the 50’s era. Yes, the birth of a more socially oriented and reality-based programming has been introduced to the viewers during the years of the post-world war. The fondness of the society to actually see themselves symbolically through the characters of the artists that portray their roles in the movies have been the main idea of   entertainment of those times. CHAPTER 3 The Big Ten of Hollywood’s Golden Years   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The artists were not the only ones who have gained names during the Golden years of Hollywood’s history. The filmmakers and the people that contributed to the success of the entertainment industry who made the movie making possible also gained fame and dignity for themselves that have been remarkably incomparable among others who have been flourishing in the same industry through the years that followed before them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The said ten personalities shall be introduced in the list that follows: Alvah Bessie (1940-2001)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He is a screenwriter who created themes for Warner Brothers studios, and some other studios, which he spent lesser times with. His enthusiasm in showing the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   society of the post-war effects of the current issues that happened during his years has been completely phenomenal in the entertainment industry. His ability      if catering to the theme that most of the audiences in the society like to see in the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   movies has created for him a name that goes around the extra ordinary in creating movie plots.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Among his works was Objective Burma (1945), Men in Battle, Spain Again   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (book) and Spanish Civil War Notebooks (book, 1938).   All the said works   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   became more focused on the experiences that he, along with his colleagues has   Ã‚  Ã‚   experienced during the war era. Herbert J. Biberman   (1950)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He is an American Director-Screenwriter who posted much enthusiasm on the showing f the side of the union workers regarding the social issues that concerns them. Because of this fact, the socialists mostly mistakenly accuse him of being a communist because of the theme of his movies. However, for the less-heard society, he was the epitome of a man who has made their voices heard to towards those who needed to address their needs. Lester Cole (1920-1960) Although he was considered to be among the less unfortunate members of the top ten of Hollywood’s Golden Years, he has also created ways by which some of the people in the society were directly addressed through his screenplays. Most of his movies catered to the dreams of most of the American people during his times. His ability of creating for himself a name in the industry identifies him as a sole creator of the film-art. Edward Dmytryk (1935-1960)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He started as a messenger in the Paramount pictures when he entered the Hollywood scene. Most of his movies were known to be of a theme that caters to the public idealisms of a fine society. The ability of the young ones to make a change and the fantasy-related dreams of people or the audiences has been mostly the main theme of his films. Ring Lardner, Jr. (1940-1970)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   His movies mostly catered to the idealisms of the women population. The constant relation that he has posted towards the wants of the women in the society has earned him a credible name from the feminist groups of the society. Although he has been blacklisted for quite some time, his works has been undeniably incomparable. John Howard Lawson (1920-1964) His enthusiasm in filmmaking has been much shifted on the political theme of the movies that he created. The flaws of the government and the authorities that makes the up the government has made his works different form that of the others. Albert Maltz   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He is known as a novelist who wanted to create stories that catered to the social views of the local audiences. Hence, most of his works were turned into movies that were widely accepted by the people. Samuel Ornitz (1923- 1930) He was a generally refined novelist who catered to the themes that affected the audiences as people and as members of the society. Although he has been blacklisted, his works became known to the public and was directly accepted by the audiences. Adrian Scott (1950) Screenwriter/producer Dalton Trumbo (1940-1970) He created films that are close to reality especially during the wart years. He was rather certain about his aim of letting the society know of the truth even though it was most dangerous during those times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The big ten of Hollywood’s history has been much of a breakthrough to the usual programming that Hollywood has been catering to. They opened ways by which playwrights, screenwriters and directors could express their views through movies with much braver and determination to let the public know of the truth though artistic entertainment. CHAPTER 4 Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From the history of Hollywood’s most flourishing years, towards the present era, the entertainment industry that remains a resident in the Hollywood community has been proven to influence many people not only in the American society or regions but also in the whole world. The ability of the filmmaking industry to affect the lives of the people have been noted as the most effective way of creating opinions of the public regarding the social issue that are currently affecting the human society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the future, it is expected that Hollywood’s years of existence would continue to flourish and cater to the entertainment needs to he public. Not only as a source of relaxation but as a revelation to the reality that binds the human society’s current history. BIBLIOGRAPHY Books: David Bordwell. (2003). Film Art: An Introduction. McGraw-Hill Companies; 7th edition. G. Ellrod. (2001). Hollywood Greats of the Golden Years: The Late Stars of the 20s Through the 50s (McFarland Classics). McFarland Company; New Ed edition. Internet Sources: Mary Scott. (2003). The Hollywood Ten. http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/blacklist.html. (January 23, 2007). Historic Resources Group. (2005). A Short History of Hollywood. http://www.historicla.com/hollywood/history.html. (January 23, 2007). Film History of the 1950s. (2006). http://www.filmsite.org/50sintro.html. (January 23, 2007).

Monday, October 14, 2019

Self Managed Teams And High Performance Work Practices Business Essay

Self Managed Teams And High Performance Work Practices Business Essay HRM Coursework:-Discuss and analyze how an organization can achieve a connection a between its strategic and human resource management. Introduction: The aim of this assignment is to analyze the relationship between Strategic and Human resource management (HRM). It explores the developing role of HRM in providing a strategic dimension to an organization. This essay identifies a number of critical organizational behaviors in corporations that seek to inter-link its HRM practices with its strategy. Companys Strategies should be formulated by considering the human resource aspects and the human resources should be managed based on the companys strategies. In fact, the consequences of liberalizations, privatization and globalization viz., competition, Quality, low cost, high speed in delivery, customization and customer relationship, made the CEOs of Various companies to include the human resource aspects in the strategic management process and manage the human resources based on the companies strategies. As such, strategic human resource management gained its significance in the post liberalization period. Now, human resource manager, in most of the companies, is a member of strategic management team. (Ref P. Subba Rao book) Strategy (ref P. Subba Rao book) Increasing the sales of Suzuki by 1lakh motor cycles in 2012 is one of the objectives of the company. It can be attained by increasing the fuel efficiency, reducing the price of the through reducing the production costs or by improving the design etc. Increasing the fuel efficiency or reducing the costs are the strategies. Strategy, in simple terms, is a unified course of action to achieve the goal. Glueck defined the strategy as Unified, comprehensive and integrated plan designed to ensure that the basic objectives of the enterprise are achieved Henry Mintzberg views that strategy need not be the outcome of rational planning. With this view, Mintzberg defines strategy as, a pattern in a stream of decisions or actions The pattern of decisions or actions is aimed at achieving the goals and objectives of the company. Human resource management The function within an organization that focuses on recruitment, management and providing direction for the people is known as Human resource management. It also deals with issues related to people such as hiring, compensation, employee motivation, performance management, safety, wellness, training, benefits, administration, communication and organizational development. HRM manages the relationship between the management and the employees. Whatever definition we use for defining HRM, It is all about people in organizations. No wonder, in some MNCs (Multinationals) HR managers are called People managers. Nowadays, HR manager or People manager is no longer seen doing the activities or work described in the traditional way. In fact, most organizations have different teams dealing with payroll, retention and staffing etc. The HR manager is responsible for managing employee fulfillment and realization of management objectives. Difference between Strategic HRM and HRM Human resource management is a strategic approach to the management of employees. As explained earlier, it mainly deals with the recruitment, compensation etc. There are no specific rules for HRM whereas in Strategic HRM, there are specific rules specified for specialized fields. SHRM mainly focuses on programs with long term objectives. Unlike the traditional HRM, Strategic management uses many strategic methods and systematic tools for increasing employee motivation and productivity. The strategic HRM represents the latest shift that explains how the continuing training and development of employees can directly contribute to wider performance and function of the firm. (See Delery and shaw, 2001; Mathis and Jackson, 1999). Armstrong (2006a) explains the above notion in a brief summary by stating that: The Fundamental aim of strategic HRD is to enhance resource capability in accordance with the belief that the human capital of an organization is a major source of competitive advantag e. It is therefore about ensuring that the right quality people are available to meet present and future needs. This is achieved by producing a coherent and comprehensive framework for developing people. Whereas HRM realizes the important contribution employees make to the life of the corporation but does not make a direct impact to its performance. SHRD argues how an organization where employees realize new opportunities of growth and where they are able to utilize new potential represents an interrelated link with the working of the organization and its performance. SHRM argues that the role of the employees should be managed and aligned to the wider corporate objective of its management. Performance Appraisal Performance appraisal is a process of assessing the performance of an Employee compared to the standard/pre-determined level set by the organization according to its objectives. Performance appraisal indicates the level of desired performance by the employer, actual performance of the employee and the gap between these two. Performance appraisal is useful for deciding upon employee promotion, salary determination etc but recent developments in the human resources management indicate that performance appraisal is the basis for employee development. The basic objective of Performance appraisal is to take a measurable account of its employees with positive or negative performance so that the organization is able to have a better control over its operations and accordingly forecast work. Armstrong explains how Performance management reviews provide the inputs required to create personal or team development plans, and to many people performance management is essentially a development proc ess. Performance reviews can, however, produce data in the form of individual ratings, which may be used as the basis for performance-related pay decisions. Performance appraisal can be of benefit if it is exercised in a positive way, even though measuring of performance is a positive way in detecting strengths and weaknesses of an employee such kind of exercises can be perceived as intimidating by the employees leading to issues like demotivation and lack of enthusiasm at work. According to Wiese and Buckley (1998) some of the advantages of a performance appraisal system are that it facilitates organizational decisions such as rewards and recognitions, promotion/demotions, layoffs/recall and transfers. It may also assist managers in developing employees. It serves to assist individual employees decisions regarding career choices and the subsequent direction of individual time and effort. Additionally, performance appraisals may increase employee commitment and satisfaction due to improvements in organizational communication. The exercise of PA systems play a very important role in organizations that seeks to integrate HRM with its strat egy because of the belief that managing and assessing the performance of each employee has a direct relation with the performance of the corporation as a whole. It is a very essential process to understand and improve the employees performance through HRD (Human Resource development). The process of HRD helps the employees to develop technical, behavioral knowledge, skills and abilities, beliefs and attitudes necessary to perform and attain future goals. Performance appraisal is the basis for HRD. The question however arises what kind of performance will be appropriate to produce the required satisfaction amongst employees in order to get positive performance as well as point out areas of improvements when weaknesses are detected? Many authors support the argument across a wide spectrum that Performance appraisal systems, cannot in themselves, become a positive resource for improvement in the organization. Performance management system can be manipulated by the members of the organization. For example, the line manager can deliberately give low scores to an individual if the person has any personal grudges against him/her, to send a message to someone that they should consider leaving the organization to speed up termination. All of the above features indicate how people deploying the performance appraisal can use it in a number of ways and according to their interests. Self-Managed Teams and High Performance work practices. Self-Managed Teams are believed to contribute to an increase of input and efficiency and it has become a popular way of organizing an employees working environment. It said that by being self-managed, employees get a greater sense of responsibility which leads to a more innovative decision making and greater performance. In using the work by Sirking (1993) Elmuti (1997) argues that Self-Managed Teams programmes can produce greater satisfaction, reduced costs, faster and better decision making, improved pricing, and increased market share. Elmuti (1997) makes the distinction between two most popular approaches to self managed teams, namely a) work teams and b) problem solving teams. Elmuti (1997) argues that A problem-solving team is similar to a taskforce in that it is formed for temporary purposes. While problem solving teams are temporary, work teams, which are used by two-thirds of US companies, tend to be permanent. Rather than attack specific problems, a work team does day to day work activities In addition to the above, the study of self-management has been an issue because of lack of appreciation from the management for the employees contribution and decision making. The question remains of whether the hard work and commitment of the employee is evaluated and recognized by the organization. From the above discussion, we understand that the use of Self-Managed teams can be a win-win situation, when the individual contribution to the organization is being recognized by exercising proper evaluation process. It can also be a loss-win situation for the employees when they do not get any profit from their innovative ideas which help the organization. At the same time, it can also be loss-win situation for the organization when the employees do not take advantage of their independence and become unproductive for the organization. High Performance work practices. The study of SHRM focuses on high performance work practices (HPWP) because it can lead to higher level of performance when implemented. De Waal (2007) argues that high performance organizations (HPO) share some certain characteristics like strong financial results, satisfied customers and employees, high levels of individual initiative, productivity and innovation, aligned performance measurement and reward systems, and strong leadership. There is not much difference between HPWP and HRM, In fact HPWP aims at strengthening specific set of relationship within HRM practices. Huselid argues that certain criteria must exist if human resources are to be a source of competitive advantage: first, the individual performance significantly affects the organizations productivity; second, that the skills must be rare, and finally that the human capital is difficult to imitate. Performance Management (PM), Learning and Change Management. Performance Management system is the associated with measuring the employees performance against the criteria introduced by the management or from the discussion with the employee. Organizations operating in the service sector (e.g. Call Centre) often want to measure whether the employee initiated proper contact with the customer, whether all questions asked by the customer was answered in a professional manner resembling the values and principles of the organization. Authors argue that PM should not only point out the different targets to be met by the employee but also provide the necessary learning structures so employees are able to develop the right competencies to meet them. Kirkpatrick, (2006) also argues that In an extensive study on performance reviews, researches at general electric came to the following conclusion: Implicit in performance appraisal programs are now structured and include two distinct objectives: 1) letting a person know where he or she stands via ratings a nd salary actions, and 2) Motivating him or her to improve The learning or change management is about introducing employees to new or different knowledge areas that needs to be developed in order for them to meet their targets. Armstrong (2006b) rightly argues how: Discussions takes place on ways in which the individuals role could be developed so that it becomes more challenging from the view point not only of new tasks to be accomplished but also need to acquire or extend knowledge and skills to carry out those tasks. A-One Bakery A-One bakery is one of the leading bakeries in the Indian Market. They have approx 800shops nationwide; it has been maintaining a reputation for freshness and quality for years now and because of this A-One has won a trust of many customers, overtime. Rolls, Samosas, pastries, Cake, doughnuts and soft drinks are some of the products it deals with. There are many small shops and malls where A-One supplies its freshly made products hence due to the difficult logistics demand, employees play a critical role in the large selling and manufacturing targets. In order to achieve customer satisfaction one of the important activities of A-One is that it keeps a personal interaction with the customers at the time of selling despite the fact of distribution of products from the central bakery around the country. By examining the companys published information and report. It is clear that A-Ones envisaged expansion is achieved by not positioning the role of its employees at a strategic level. The companys function which is not perceived as critical is supported by the role of employees. The image of the corporation is improved by the involvement of the employees within the wider community. In addition to that, little information is provided by the company about the competencies and skills that might be needed by the employees in order for them to apply it in different depts. Reference is made to different sections such as: Marketing, purchasing, food/health and safety, finance, IT etc. Even though the above presentation of A-One bakeries treatment of its employees might not reflect the working of its staff environment, it is clear that the strategic importance on its people is not placed by the company. In contrast, the corporation emphasizes more on expansion of its products, marketing practices, opening or more stores worldwide and use of more robust advertising. The company would have positioned the areas of employee development, learning and training as more central to its growth. Creating a more strategic HRM focus. After examining a number of key areas constituting important strategic approach to HRM, It can be argued that A-One bakeries is able to incorporate some of the traditional practices in order to provide a more strategic edge to its recruitment and retention of employees. For identifying the areas of improvement and strengths, there can be a performance appraisal system introduced. More explicit areas of improvement within its HRM can be identified by the company that would be supplemented with the strategy to be committed in addressing the identified needs. Similar to the marketing and advertisements, a specific budget should be introduced for training and development of employees. There is absence of different forms of empowerment and involvement even though distinction is made by the company in regards to the working environment. Instead of following the traditional way of HRM, they could be rewarding the innovative role of its staff and how they have contributed towards the company s growth and current achievements. Despite of the recruitment of large number of employees, it can be surprising to know that the presentation of the targets by the company is loosely defined. A-One bakery might be serious about its performance targets and growth but they should communicate this clearly and explicitly to the current and future employees. Conclusion. The aim of this assignment has been to analyze how an organization can achieve a connection a between its strategic and human resource management. This Essay argued that the changing role of HRM is an indication of the development of Strategic HRM as compromising a much more critical role than it did in the past. This essay identified four areas which are critical for developing a strategic approach to HRM and also provided a literature review on them. All of the above practices aim at providing a more explicitly measured as well as managed role and performance of the employees. The improvement of the corporation as a whole is believed to be a result of training and development of the employees. By examining the case of A-One bakery, this essay identifies how an organization does currently possess a strategic focus on its HRM practices. The employees are seemed to be treated as functional role providers translating into the manufacturing and selling practices. In order to develop a s trategic focus to its HRM functions, A-One needs to be more committed towards training and development as it is an important perquisite to its wider corporate performance.