EXtensible Business Reporting Language Research Paper

EXtensible Business Reporting Language - Research Paper Example Currently, the SEC requires that all companies should utilize the XBRL format in presenting their financial statements and reports. Owing to the constant push for the use of the new business and finance communication mode, this paper explores potential advantages and disadvantages of XBRL implementation for business entities. Advantages of XBRL The proponents of XBRL have hinted that entrepreneurs and business entities stand to benefit greatly from XBRL implementation. Some of these befits include: i. It Is Accepted Globally As a Business Information Sharing Tool XBRL is readily accessible in many parts of the world and enhances information dissemination and sharing in various languages through electronic means. XBRL makes it possible for investors to conduct nearly real-time assessments because increases information accessibility. Data tagged in XBRL can be transformed into various formats such as HTML or spreadsheets, depending on the needs of the users. Owing to its global presenc e and high level of accessibility and acceptability, it reduces the cost of mechanizing business information (Gelinas, Dull & Wheeler, 2012). ii. XBRL Benefits Many Stakeholders XBRL can be utilized by investors to perform analysis of financial reports by corporation, thus making it a desirable tool. It allows corporations to automate their information and reduce manual processes of financial reporting. For the government, XBRL facilitate the collection of information about various businesses in the country. XBRL also ensures high level of information sharing efficiency (Stabryla, 2012). iii. XBRL Can Be Multi-Purpose XBRL functions beyond financial reporting role. It is applicable in many business information sharing scenarios. It is capable of streamlining the process of preparing and reporting tax returns. It also facilitates distribution of non-financial information such as production quantities as well as stock reserves among others. XBRL can also be fundamental for ensuring in ternal organizational efficiencies by facilitating smooth flow of information electronically from source to where they are needed most. It also facilitates data sharing between organizations and their customers, suppliers and strategic partners among others (Garner, McKee & McKee, 2008). XBRL can facilitate mechanization of purchase process and invoice reception and many other processes. iv. It Facilitates Substantiation and Reusability XBRL can speed up the process of financial reporting and information sharing process of an organization. It can greatly enhance spreadsheet functionalities through facilitation of electronic information access, which helps to alleviate human input inaccuracy during entry. Information conveyed through XBRL remains for a long period of time and can be re-used over and over again if needed (Bergeron, 2004). v. It Is an Open Source The last benefit of XBRL is that it is an open source. Corporations can create taxonomies that can be used at no cost for th eir users. Because it is freely accessible, corporations can maximize from it while at the same time ensuring low cost of its implementation (Bergeron, 2004). Disadvantages of XBRL In spite of all the benefits that come with XBRL, there are some disadvantages that are associated with the tool. Some of these disadvantages include: i. XBRL Amplifies the Likelihood of Error One of the most pointed out shortcomings of XBRL is its

Book Cover Analysis on the Pinocchio Effect Essay Example for Free

Book Cover Analysis on the Pinocchio Effect Essay Upon going through the vast artwork, one particular piece grabbed my attention. It was of a line up composed of men in boxer shorts in different colors. The overall look of the work gave it almost a vintage feeling because of the way the figures were drawn. It gave a sort of â€Å"pin-up† feel. Although composed of men, you can not help but be transported through time just by the visual aspect. The book was entitled â€Å"The Pinocchio Effect: On Making Italians, 1860-1920†. It dawned on me that these were Italians lined up, in a way that is reminiscent of a group of new recruits waiting to get their gears for war. As I further observed, these figures were progressing, starting from left to right. And taking this into consideration, I realized that this was a crude depiction of the evolution of an Italian man. The use of this illustration was very effective in stirring up intrigue in the work and as well as reinforcing what the book was about. Further research on the contents of the book revealed that this was indeed a book about the progression of the Italians after different Italian states began uniting into one nation (Stewart, 2007). This artwork was done by Isaac Tobin, an artist particularly renowned for his works on graphic design. The original look of the figures depicted in the work was compromised by the addition of color on the trunks. This added a comical feel to the overall mood of the figures, but is nonetheless effective in drawing out attention and to provide a contemporary feeling for the art. Overall, this artwork leaves a lasting impression and certainly a valuable addition to the cause of the book. It took the theme of the book and properly wielded the appropriate sources to tell its story at a moments glance.

Confederacy of Dunces Essays: Last Encounter :: A Confederacy of Dunces

A Confederacy of Dunces - Last Encounter In his last encounter in the novel, Ignatius returns to the ill-reputed Night of Joy. He is still employed by Paradise Vendors and wears the ridiculous costume of a pirate that is mistaken for a Mardi Gras costume. Ignatius attends Dorian Greene's strange party and the distance between the "bodily" dunce and "intellectual" genius is extended. He tries to speak at the party but no one will listen and he cannot handle being rejected for his ideas so he leaves. Throughout the rest of the novel, Ignatius exhibits characteristics of a dunce according to the rest of the characters. At the point when Ignatius disrupts Darlene's Harlett O' Hara act, he follows a series of unfortunate events. The bird attacks him for his novelty earring and Ignatius runs around like a "big crazyman"(285). He bounces out of the bar and runs out into the street, only to come face to face with the headlights of the Desire bus. As Ignatius faints from shock, he shows the reader how awkward and clumsy he is. He ha s the chance to avoid everything that happens but his dunce tendencies take control. He is ridiculed by everyone at the scene for his possession of Lana Lee's naked pictures and ends up being the comedian and clown for the hour. Ignatius looks like a "dead cow lying in the street" according to the newspaper photograph and the reader sees the reactions to the incident from every character(289). Mr. Clyde sees Ignatius as "a big ape" and only wishes that he can retrieve his costume from him(293). Dr. Talc needs to find Ignatius to clear his name but decides against it when he sees the paper. He realizes that Ignatius is the dunce but that he also has a way of turning things around which may be detrimental to Dr. Talc. Miss Annie reads the paper and vows to run Ignatius and Irene out of the neighborhood. She is only worried about the reputation of the neighborhood. Patrolman Mancuso is grateful for his luck in stopping the chain of pornography sales along with the incarceration of the three brute women who had attacked him once before. Santa Battaglia talks to the picture of her mother and comments on how awful Irene must be feeling and has no remorse for Ignatius. Claude is only worried that he will not be able to handle such a disgrace as a stepson.

Political Philosophy and Brief Critical Evaluation

Sample essay questions? 1. Describe Plato's scheme for communism in the Republic. (Discuss each of the main features of this life-style. ) Which classes, according to Plato, should practice this way of living? What justification does Plato offer for advocating communism? Offer a brief critical evaluation of Plato's communism. PHL 107 | study guide for exam 2 | page 4 2. (1) Briefly describe Plato's allegory of the cave. 2) Then state how the allegory expresses Plato's position on (a) the place of the Philosopher-Kings in Plato's utopia, (b) Plato's distinction between opinion and genuine knowledge (wisdom), and (c) Plato's position on the motives of the Philosopher-Kings for ruling. 3. (1) What is Plato's dualistic metaphysics? (2) How is this metaphysics expressed in the allegory of the cave? (3) How is it related to his position on the nature of the human person? 4. (1) What is Plato's assessment of democracy, and (2) how is this linked to his theory of justice? 3) How might a cont emporary defender of democracy respond to Plato? 5. What is the mimetic theory of art? Did Plato invent this theory? Did he accept it? How is this theory related to Plato’s criticisms of the arts? 6. (1) What two reasons does Plato give for proposing to banish the arts from his Republic? (2) How is his position on the arts related (a) to his Theory of Ideas and (b) his position on the highest goal of human living? (3) Offer a brief critical evaluation of Plato's position on the arts. . (1) What does Rawls mean by â€Å"the original position . . . under the veil of ignorance† and how does this serve as the basis for his theory of justice? (2) What are his two principles of justice? Explain the two principles.? (3) Offer a brief critical evaluation of his theory of justice. 8. (1) Starting with Rawls’ â€Å"original position . . . under the veil of ignorance,† do you think you would arrive at a principle or principles of justice similar to those of Rawls, o r if different ones, which?Defend your position. (2) As part of your answer give a clear statement of what Rawls means by the â€Å"original position . . . under the veil of ignorance. † 9. (1) What is Aquinas’s causal argument for the existence of God (the 2nd of his five arguments)? Sketch the argument. (2) Critically evaluate the argument. What appears to be the weakest part of the argument? Do you think the argument can be defended in the face of this proposed weakness? Explain. 10. (1) What is the design argument for the existence of God?You may present either Aquinas's (his 5th) or William Paley's or the fine-tuning version of the argument (but only one). (2) Why does Darwin's theory of evolution appear to undermine Aquinas and Paley’s version of the design argument? Why does Darwin’s theory not affect the fine-tuning argument? (3) Do you think that there is some way of salvaging the design argument in the face of Darwin's theory? Defend your positi on. 11. Describe Hobbes’ â€Å"state of nature. † What kind of a concept is this — historical, empirical, anthropological, analytic? Explain.Offer your own critical evaluation of Hobbes’ notion of the state of nature? Do you think it is a useful concept? Is it true? Defend your position. 12. Hobbes argues that each person has the resources within themselves to overcome the state of nature.? (1) What are these resources and how do they help the person to overcome the state of nature? (2) But why, for Hobbes, are these internal resources insufficient? Why is a very strong sovereign also needed to overcome the state of nature? (3) What role does contract or covenant play in overcoming the state of nature?

Planning for Hypertexts in the Writing Center…Or No Essay

Michael Pemberton asserts in his article â€Å"Planning for Hypertexts in the Writing Center†¦Or Not†, that this new age of technology brings with it a dilemma facing writing centers that stems from the perceived need for writing centers to assimilate hypertexts into their topics mentored, the willingness of the writing centers to accommodate hypertexts and if there is a need, how would writing centers meet such needs. There is no dilemma here because writing centers need not treat hypertexts any differently than any other text (Pemberton). They already have tutors working in specific areas of expertise. Tutors with expertise in hypertext can be found. Pemberton also brings up the rationale that a relatively small number of clients will be writing hypertexts anyway so centers don’t need to worry about it. Pemberton doesn’t discount the challenges faced by writing centers in assimilating into the technological age. As writing centers had always been primarily interpersonal interaction, many feel that the advancing technology is a threat to this interaction (Pemberton). The advent of chat rooms and email tutoring has lessened this perceived threat. He notes that finding articulate tutors may be very difficult, especially for small schools without many resources (Pemberton). Another challenge lies in providing training for tutors. But the challenges do not appear to outweigh the advantages. Times change; language changes; writing changes. That is a constant we can rely on. Writing centers have adapted and will continue to adapt to the changes coming their way. Critique/Comments Michael Pemberton in his article â€Å"Planning for Hypertexts in the Writing Center†¦Or Not† provides a comprehensive history of the goals and functions of writing centers from the 1930s-1990s. He presents a possible problem facing writing centers and possible solutions to the problem, without bias or emphasis on one or the other. His straightforward writing allows the reader to come to a conclusion about the future of writing centers and the necessity of assimilating hypertext into tutoring topics. Pemberton provides much commentary from experts in the field of writing centers and tutoring so his own take does not sway the reader. As change occurred throughout the history involving writing centers, the writing centers and their tutors adapted to the needs of their clients. Pemberton assures that no matter what those needs become, writing centers will naturally meet those needs. While some worry that the computer age will depersonalize the interaction between tutor and tutee, it is clear that the communication tools available via the Internet have not hindered interpersonal relationships in or out of writing centers. Pemberton, a director of the Georgia Southern University Writing Center does not appear to have any motive in his article save to inform readers that â€Å"writing centers will hold† ( ) as the title of one of his books says. Perhaps he merely wants to put to rest any fear felt by the technologically hesitant. Technological advancement is here to stay but rest assured by Michael Pemberton that the writing centers will advance right along with it. Pemberton, Michael A. â€Å"Planning for Hypertexts in the Writing Center†¦ Or Not† In The St. Martin’s Sourcebook for Writing Tutors. 3rd Ed. Christina Murphy and Steve Sherwood. Boston. New York: Bedford/ St. Martin’s, 2008:294-308.

benito essays

benito essays Benito Mussolini, the great fascist dictator of Italy during World War II was a leader people changed their views on. Benito Mussolini was a leader that people changed their feelings from love to hate in a matter of no time at all. Benito Mussolini rise and fall of power happened in a sequence of lousing power from alliances than his own people. Ben (short for Benito) founded the Fasci di Combattimento on March of 1919. This was a nationalistic, anti liberal, and anti socialist movement. This movement attracted mainly the lower class. (1). Fascism was spreading across Europe. Ben was winning sympathy from king Victor Emmanuel III. Ben with the support of his party threatened to march on Rome. This persuaded King Victor Emmanuel III to invite Mussolini to join a coalition, which strongly helped Ben gain more power. This was Bens first step to his rise of power. With so much power that Ben had and his country at his back he started to do things similar to what Hitler was doing. Ben brought Austria on Germanys side by a formal alliance. In 1937, he accepted a German alliance. The name of this alliance was the Anti Comntern Pact. On April 13, 1937 Benito Mussolini annexed Albania. He then told the British ambassador that no even the bribe of France and North Africa would keep him neutral. (2). The British ambassador was appalled and dismayed. This part of his political career helped his rise to more power. On May 28, 1937, Mussolini strongly gave though to declaring war. He then attacked the Riviera across the Maritime. On September13, 1937 he opened ann offensive into British-Garrisoned Egypt from Libya. (3) with support from his people he still was on the up side of things. On October 4, 1937, Ben met with his friend Adolph Hitler at the Brenner Pass. There they discussed the war in the Mediterranean, Britains principal foothold outside its island base...

Assess the Impact of the Conservative government, 1979-97, u essays

Assess the Impact of the Conservative government, 1979-97, u essays The relationship between law and employment has been a major issue within British law through both the 19th century and the 20th century. The main focus being on how much the government should intervene in both the running and control of British industrial relations. Issues such as the political party which is in government at the time and the level of unemployment have a considerable influence on the amount of intervention the government makes. The aim of the government is to ensure that the power balance between the trade unions and employers is kept at a specific level in accordance with the times. During the 19th century and most of the 20th century a system which concerns the relationship between law and employment a major factor in the development of trade unions and collective bargaining shaped legislation surrounding industrial relations. Trade unions and employers played a relatively equal role in determining the contracts of employment of the workforce. There was no definite legal background within the system; this was so much so that it was thought at the time that unions gave more cover to employees than what the law offered. However, this free-market approach came to an end in the post 1945 period at a time of tight labour markets and excessive trade union power. The government intervened to disrupt a 'stop-go' cycle which was caused by strikes, inflationary wage settlements and repression upon productivity improvements. The government's objectives were to encourage productivity progress and contain wages and prices. At this time the government required more control in the long-term and, therefore, set about in, firstly, centralising the authority of trade unions, secondly, devolving trade union control of officials and, thirdly, attempt to put collective bargaining on a lower level. By 1971-74, the then Labour government attempted to put employment law on a completely different level by shaping the legal ...

Article Review on Online Identity

Article Review on Online Identity Article Review on Online Identity In You Wanna Take This Online, Chu has addressed the prevalent issue of cyber bullying. Chu commences the article by introducing the reader to a case study about a certain girl, Taylor and what she loves most as illustrated on her blog page. Chu progresses to illustrate how Taylor was informed by Sidney, her friend, about a list of Hos in which she has been listed. Chu has used a case study approach to introduce the reader to the topic at hand, creating a form of suspense to the reader who anticipates what the author is attempting to imply while reading through the article. Chu has selected the use of technology to pick on other people as the thesis for his article Chu implies that cyber bullying is inversely relative to physical bullying in terms of gender illustrating the fact that girls bully other girls online whereas in the physical bullying boys are the victims. To reinforce on this point, Chu has provided survey results illustrating that 17% of the girls have been cyber bullied whereas less than 10% of the boys have been cyber bullied. Throughout the article, Chu has cited a survey by Clemson University who have investigated the topic thoroughly. Chu has developed his ideas and presented them in a chronological order. From the case, Chu has then introduced the aspect of cyber bullying and then he has progressed to introduce the manner in which this trend has developed and increased with the internet becoming increasingly popular. The presentation of ideas throughout the article has progressed from simple explanations to complicated aspects of cyber bullying. Chu has used a number of specialists who have contributed to the findings of his article. These specialists include Kowalski, Aftab and Taylor, who has had experience with cyber bullies. Chu extends the discussion to providing an explanation for the reasons as to why cyber bullies bully other people. The article has illustrated that the emotional or psychological problems (Chu 52). Using Aftab’s explanation, Chu has then illustrated the fact that some of the cyber bullies evidently suffer from a hormonal imbalance. To completely relate the writing of his article with the target audience, Chu has used language that is commonly used by young teenagers. The use of phrases such as Wanna and OMG is a depiction of the audience that Chu targets while writing this article. The use of slang is evident throughout the article. The use of slang words as well as the informal nature of the language used has been highly effective in ensuring that the author establishes a connection with the teenage readers. The diction is also highly informal. For instance, Chu has used the words Hos to mean whores and ‘Sooo’ to exaggerate the term ‘so’. This form of writing is highly effective in capturing the attention of the young readers. Chu has adequately researched the topic and thus is merely informing the reader about this trend. This has been illustrated by the multiple references included in this article. The information provided throughout the article is informative and hardly inquisitive. This is the main purpose of the article. Chu is attempting to reach the parents and teachers about the trend of cyber bullying as well as informing the teenagers that being picked on through the internet by their colleagues is in fact being bullied. Chu’s diction is grammatically incorrect. The use of multiple quotation marks to illustrate continuity in speech is one such error. Chu has also used certain in applicable punctuation marks such as ‘â™ ¥Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ to replace the word love. These punctuation skills that have been used are formally unusual but commonly applied in the informal setting particularly by the target readers, teenage girls. Another unusual component of Chu’s article’s punctuation is the uncalled for capitalization to illustrate emphasis. The humor that has been illustrated by the author has been illustrated through the use selected character quotations which are some of the ways through which the author has managed to keep the audience interested in the article yet manage to grasp the main information presented in the article. Chu has concluded the article through the use of Taylor’s mother course of action to watch her child over such cases of cyber bullying, illustrating that the parents need to be actively involved in the lives of these children. However, this article is spectacular based on its purpose and it engagement with the target readers. The audience has been greatly considered by Chu throughout the paper. Additionally, the content that has been presented in this article is highly credible and professionally researched. It is this core aspect of this article that has made it spectacular and relevant. Chu has also addressed the purposes of this paper well, outlining the role of the parents, teachers and the teenage students in attempting to curb and prevent the occurrence and increase in the cases of cyber bullying. Additionally, the article’s informality has been of great importance in that the author manages to interact with the thoughts of the readers. ______________ is a professional essay writing service which can provide high school, college and university students with 100% original custom written essays, research papers, term papers, dissertations, courseworks, homeworks, book reviews, book reports, lab reports, projects, presentations and other assignments of top quality. More than 700 professional Ph.D. and Master’s academic writers. Feel free to order a custom written essay on Online Identity from our professional essay writing service.

Ethno Nationalist Terrorism Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethno Nationalist Terrorism - Personal Statement Example In this regard, the avoidance of media attention on Israeli-Arabs is crucial for the maintenance of peace and prevention of war (Seib, 2005). If the Israeli-Arab situation was highlighted by the media, it would have a negative impact on Palestinians because of the biased reporting that portrays Arabs to be terrorists (Seib, 2005). As a result, the Palestinians would feel compelled to defend their religion against Israeli attacks. It is apparent that Palestinians are fighting for a separation from the Israel governance and would use this war to extend their intentions. Another impact of media exposure of the Israel-Arab war on the Palestinians is that it would increase the recruitment of citizens to join the war. This implies that the reporting would incite people, raising negative emotions that cause tension (Seib, 2005). This can cause an Arab-Jewish war across the world with religious nations taking sides to support their allies. It is essential to avoid media attention on this situation because it has previously contributed to the outbreak of attacks between Israeli and Palestinians concerning border, security and cont rol for Jerusalem issues (Seib, 2005). I do not think media is an avenue to help with countering terrorist activities because of its biased reporting and partisan approach. The media has been faulted for inciting viewers on certain issues that cause tensions between communities. The media should take neutral grounds through the choice of their words when dealing with ethno-nationalist terrorism to avoid animosity. In this way, the media is not helping with efforts towards countering terrorist actions in wars involving religious

Mitochondrial Disease, Parkinsons Research Paper

Mitochondrial Disease, Parkinsons - Research Paper Example [Betelham et al 2007] Mitochondria are large organelles about 1 to 2 micrometer in diameter, upto 2000 of which are present in eukaryotic cells and constitute upto 25% of the cellular volume. The outer membrane enclosing the mitochondria is smooth, while the inner membrane is thrown into a series of folds known as the cristae. The space between the two membranes is called the intermembrane space. Both the structure and the quantity of mitochondria in different tissues can differ greatly depending upon the metabolic needs of the tissue. [Koolman et al 2005] Mitochondria play several vital roles in the normal functioning of the cell. Their most important role is in the production of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation. They also serve as reservoirs of calcium within the cells and play a vital role in inducing apoptosis. . [Koolman et al 2005] The vast range of mitochondrial functions are associated with a range of mitochondrial enzymes. "Pyruvate dehydrogenase, the TCA cycle, beta hydroxylation of fatty acids and parts of the urea cycle are located in the matrix. The respiratory chain, ATP synthesis and parts of the heme synthesis pathway are associated with the inner membrane." [Koolman et al 2005, pg 210] One of the unique features of the mitochondria is that they are a self replicating organelle and can replicate independent of the parent cell. The mitochondrial genome is composed of 37 genes. Of these, "24 specify a mature RNA product, 22 molecular tRNA molecules and 2 molecular rRNA molecules. the remaining 13 genes encode polypeptides that are synthesized on the mitochondrial ribosomes [Strachan and Read 2004, pg 243]. Unlike nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA is very compact, lacking exons. For this reason any coding error in the mitochondrial DNA is far more likely to be transmitted to successive generations of the cell. However, because of the large number of mitochondria, the overall effect of such a mutation remains small unless transmitted in a gamete to the next generation. Mitochondrial DNA is exclusively maternal in origin being inherited from the egg, not the sperm. Thus the descendents of males affected by mitochondrial diseases are safe from inheriting the disease. The di seases can however affect men and women equally. [Passarge 2006] Some common mitochondrial diseases include: Lebers optic atrophy MELAS (mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke like episodes) Kearns- Sayres syndrome Some familial types of diabetes mellitus Some forms of progressive nerve deafness and antibiotic associated deafness MERRF (myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibres) Pearson syndrome [Naviaux 2008] Parkinsons disease is a degenerative disorder affecting the basal ganglia. It causes degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to decreased inhibition of the subthalamic nuclei and more active inhibition of the cortex. Its is characterized clinically by a triad of bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity. The exact cause for the development of parkinsonism has so far remained elusive. A syndrome very similar to parkinsonism is seen to develop in individuals who abuse methyl-phenyl tetra hydropyridine. This lends support to the theory that environmental factors are responsible for the causation of the disease. The current belief is that genetic and environmental factors both have a role to play. There are no diagnostic tests, and the condition is

Health Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Health Critique - Essay Example Practically, when a nurse is attending to a patient, proper communication relationship will influence 100% patient audience and awareness concerning the health issue. The nurse will be able to influence the positive attitude of the patient towards the health issue hence the patient gets motivated and hope for quick recovery. According to Dahlgren and Whitehead’s 1991 model, it is evident that sociological factors broadly affect and determine the health practice of an individual. According to the model, there are various factors that influence individual health which as socially related. The model broadly and clearly describes social-ecological theories towards proper health practice (Whitehead and Dahlgren, 2005). The main objective of the model is to map-out possibilities of the relationship between an individual, their environment, and diseases (Whitehead and Dalhgren, 2005). In relation to the video, it is evident that personal behavior and way of living is a major factor affecting the health of the patient. Poor personal behavior and bad choice of a peer is one of the greater social determinants towards proper health practices. In reality, most people fall victim to health issues due to a poor social relationship. For example, the choice to smoke is a personal decision that can be triggered by poor choices of friends. Peer influence is a major determinant of health in a society. This is because it is known that many people fall victim to serious health issues; for example drug abuse due to bad peer choice. On the other hand, societies with responsible peer groups do face fewer health issues that are socially unacceptable.  Ã‚  

Statistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

Statistics - Essay Example This has been done to ascertain where Maryland stands among all the regions of USA especially with respect to Virginia and Pennsylvania in terms of well being index and work and life quality. The findings of the statistical analysis is presented and discussed in this paper. Data on Well Being Index and Quality of Work and Life for 50 states and / or congressional district was collected and recorded in MS Office Excel spreadsheet. Descriptive Statistics for well being index and work and life quality was then obtained using MS Office Excel Data Analysis Tool. This was done to get a feel of these indexes i.e. well being index and work and life quality across all the 50 states / congressional districts of USA. The findings of this analysis are presented in Table 1, in the Appendix. It is better to examine and discuss the important statistics obtained from this analysis for each of these indexes – well being index and work and life quality. Summary statistics of well being index for all the 50 states / congressional districts is presented in Table, in the Appendix. The values for mean, median and mode are 65.47, 65.75 and 66.3 respectively. These parameters are measures of central tendency i.e. the central value around which actual well being index of different states lies. Another important statistics of well being index is standard deviation. Its value is 1.69. This is a measure of dispersion of the actual values around the mean value. Now let us examine, whether Maryland lies among all the 50 regions with respect to well being index. Well being index for Maryland is 67.1% (Table 2, in the Appendix). This means Maryland has above average well being index among all the 50 regions under consideration. It is important to examine whether the difference from the mean is significant. To do so 95% confidence interval for mean well being index was determined. This confidence interval is [64.90,

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd. Case Study Research Paper

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd. Case Study - Research Paper Example One is to remember that it is difficult to make use of one particular leadership style for different types of contexts. However, the leader may demonstrate the best style or a combination of styles for each exclusive leadership context. From the case study, it has been apparent that Sir Richard Branson is one of the most influential, successful and enduring business leaders. Among numerous leadership styles such as autocratic leadership style, participative leadership style and laissez-faire style as well as in terms of authentic leadership model, expert power and referent power models, it can be analyzed that the leadership style demonstrated by Richard Branson is a laissez-faire leadership style. He has been successful in genuinely serving his employees and customers by means of his leadership. He has been interested in empowering the employees that he leads in order to make a vital difference. Richard Branson has natural leadership gifts and, thus, he makes use of his natural abil ities. It has been apparent from the case study that Richard Branson always believed in building long-term relationships with people. Authentic leaders generally learn from their failures. Richard Branson has focused on preparing himself to have another attempt at any failed activity with the required knowledge that he gained from his previous failure. One of the well known facts regarding authentic leaders is that they draw encouragement from their own lives. Richard Branson seems to be inspired by his mother who taught him not to look back in regret but rather to move on to the next task. An authentic leader is someone who is not frightened to admit his mistakes and, therefore, makes efforts to overcome his limitations. By facing weaknesses and declining to compromise with them, Richard Branson tends to identify ways to beat the weaknesses, which helps him to become a strong leader. Richard Branson also seems to possess expert and referent power. He has been capable of influencing others’ behaviors owing to the recognized competencies, talents and knowledge. He is capable of influencing others because his employees respect, admire and like him as a person. Whenever Richard Branson experiences any kind of setbacks, he chooses to pick himself up and try again. His principles are based on the belief that entrepreneurs will only succeed if they have good people around them and they listen to the superior’s advice. Authentic leaders such as Richard Branson care for themselves as well as the people that they lead, and their compassion is genuine (Harvard Business School, 2012). Richard Branson practices self-discipline by incorporating balance into his personal and professional lives. While most of the executives focus upon serving their customers as well as stockholders, Richard Branson believes that the correct hierarchical system in any organization is to have ‘employee at the first position’, ‘customer next’ and ‘s tockholders at the end’. It is because of the effectiveness of Richard Branson’s leadership style that Virgin Group Limited has been capable of becoming a multibillion-dollar worldwide conglomerate and one of the most recognized brands in the world. It has been identified that most of the US leaders tend to have participative leadership styles. Therefore, it can be stated that although Laissez-Faire leadership style tends to

Financial analysis Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Financial analysis - Case Study Example The report concludes with the summary of the EMI Group's financial performance in 2005. EMI Group PLC is a large company specializing on the music industry. The firm has a long history dating back to 1887. Since that time EMI Group has developed from a small recording enterprise into a major player of both music recording and music publishing markets. It is divided in to two divisions: EMI Music operates in the recording industry, while EMI Music Publishing is among the largest and the most successful music publishers. EMI Group operates directly in more than 50 countries with licensees in additional 20 and employs more than 6,600 people (EMI Group 2005a). EMI Music has about 6,000 employees worldwide, and EMI Music Publishing employs 630 staff. The strategy of the company is to deliver music - the main product of EMI Group - "in any form [including compact discs, tapes, and digital formats], at any time, and any place" (EMI Group 2005a). In line with this formula it is important to stress that EMI Group rapidly develops its departments focused on digital music sales. "By the middle of 2005 digital revenues accounted for just under 5 per cent EMI Group's total revenues, with that figure expected to reach 25 per cent in five years" (EMI Group 2005a). The catalogue of music published by EMI contains over 1.5 million titles of both classic and contemporary genres. The company offers songs of every genre to customers. Profit and Loss Account Profit and loss account of the company provides a record of all revenues and expenditures and totals the profit or loss over a given period of time (in our case the financial year ending March 31, 2005). To analyze the profit and loss account of EMI Group we will look into the following types of profit: gross profit (revenues from sales minus costs of goods sold), net profit (gross profit minus overheads), pre-tax profits (net profit plus one-off items), and profits after tax (pre-tax profits minus tax). The analysis of the profit and loss account is made in order to identify trends in sales, gross profit, expenses, stability of income, and growth in earnings per share. Group turnover for EMI Group is 1,942.8 m in 2005, while in 2004 it was 2,120.7 m (EMI Group Annual Report 2005b, p. 69). However these figures cannot give us enough information about the changes in profitability of the company. Cost of sales indicated in 2005 were 1,225.3 m in compare with 1,404.7 m in 2004 (EMI Group Annual Report 2005b, p. 69). Therefore, EMI Group sold fewer goods in 2005 than in 2004. The gross profit in 2005 was 717.5 m, while in 2004 it was 716 m. This gives us the notion that the profit from sales is slightly rising in compare to previous year. Analyzing the net or operating profits one can see that group net profit was 182.2 m in 2005 and 60.1 m in 2004 (EMI Group Annual Report 2005b, p. 69) - the net profit has risen significantly in 2005. Pre-tax profit aggregates 91.8 m, and profit after tax is 60.6 m in 2005, while it was a loss of 52.8 m and 72.5 m correspondingly in 2004. However absolute numbers can give us only partial information. Deeper analysis re quires examining relative figures, such as profit margin (pre-tax profit divided by sales). According to the information from FAME (2005) the average profit margin was 6.49 for EMI Group in the past ten years. In 2005 it was 4.73, while in 2004 profit margin was -2.50, and in 2003 it was 14.68. Thus

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd. Case Study Research Paper

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd. Case Study - Research Paper Example One is to remember that it is difficult to make use of one particular leadership style for different types of contexts. However, the leader may demonstrate the best style or a combination of styles for each exclusive leadership context. From the case study, it has been apparent that Sir Richard Branson is one of the most influential, successful and enduring business leaders. Among numerous leadership styles such as autocratic leadership style, participative leadership style and laissez-faire style as well as in terms of authentic leadership model, expert power and referent power models, it can be analyzed that the leadership style demonstrated by Richard Branson is a laissez-faire leadership style. He has been successful in genuinely serving his employees and customers by means of his leadership. He has been interested in empowering the employees that he leads in order to make a vital difference. Richard Branson has natural leadership gifts and, thus, he makes use of his natural abil ities. It has been apparent from the case study that Richard Branson always believed in building long-term relationships with people. Authentic leaders generally learn from their failures. Richard Branson has focused on preparing himself to have another attempt at any failed activity with the required knowledge that he gained from his previous failure. One of the well known facts regarding authentic leaders is that they draw encouragement from their own lives. Richard Branson seems to be inspired by his mother who taught him not to look back in regret but rather to move on to the next task. An authentic leader is someone who is not frightened to admit his mistakes and, therefore, makes efforts to overcome his limitations. By facing weaknesses and declining to compromise with them, Richard Branson tends to identify ways to beat the weaknesses, which helps him to become a strong leader. Richard Branson also seems to possess expert and referent power. He has been capable of influencing others’ behaviors owing to the recognized competencies, talents and knowledge. He is capable of influencing others because his employees respect, admire and like him as a person. Whenever Richard Branson experiences any kind of setbacks, he chooses to pick himself up and try again. His principles are based on the belief that entrepreneurs will only succeed if they have good people around them and they listen to the superior’s advice. Authentic leaders such as Richard Branson care for themselves as well as the people that they lead, and their compassion is genuine (Harvard Business School, 2012). Richard Branson practices self-discipline by incorporating balance into his personal and professional lives. While most of the executives focus upon serving their customers as well as stockholders, Richard Branson believes that the correct hierarchical system in any organization is to have ‘employee at the first position’, ‘customer next’ and ‘s tockholders at the end’. It is because of the effectiveness of Richard Branson’s leadership style that Virgin Group Limited has been capable of becoming a multibillion-dollar worldwide conglomerate and one of the most recognized brands in the world. It has been identified that most of the US leaders tend to have participative leadership styles. Therefore, it can be stated that although Laissez-Faire leadership style tends to

Group work is very essential in organisations for improving Essay

Group work is very essential in organisations for improving organisational effectiveness and competitive advantage - Essay Example Most theorists attribute the failure of group work to poor interpersonal relationships leading to lack of cohesion which is essential in any team. Interpersonal relations are needed in decision making, resolving conflicts, task assignments and other processes. The purpose of this work is to reflect upon my own group work experience by focusing on the interpersonal relationships that existed in the group and their impact on the group effectiveness. I will then outline the implications of analysis of my experience for the effective management of people within organisations. Table of Contents Abstract†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦1 List of Tables†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.2 List of Figures†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦2 1.0 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..3 2.0 Stages of Group Development†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 2.1 Forming†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.5 2.2 Storming†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 2.3 Norming†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.7 2.4 Performing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.7 2.5 Adjourning†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.8 3.0 Approaches to Interpersonal Relationships†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 4.0 Interrelationship and Team Effectiveness†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..11 5.0 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â ‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..14 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦15 List of Tables 3.1: Meredith Belbin 1993 Team Roles for Successful Teams†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦9 4.1: The Big Five Trait Model†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..11 List of Figures Figure 1: Five Stages of Group Development†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...5 1.0 Introduction The purpose of our group assignment was to research and critically analyse the approaches to organisation st ructure, culture and approach to management/ leadership style of an organisation, in this case, British Airways. The group comprising of six individuals of the same age and culture was to collect and analyse data from the organisation so as to demonstrate our research ability as well as critical thinking ability. Based on this analysis, I will discuss one aspect of my experience in the group work and its implication in effective management of people in organisations. The aspect to be analysed involves interpersonal relationships and team effectiveness. I will start by explaining how my group developed and what I experienced during this period. I will enumerate the positive as well as the negative aspects of the experience and the role I played during this group life-cycle or stages. This will enable me to learn from experience and also use what I have learnt to other situations or organisation to contribute to its effectiveness. I will discuss group effectiveness and especially the role played by interpersonal relationships. This is an area on interest since most studies do not reveal how personality types contribute to the effectiveness of the team. Most theorists focus on input-process-output and forget this important aspect. To achieve this, the essay will be divided into four sections. The first section

Feasibility Report Guide Essay Example for Free

Feasibility Report Guide Essay Intro Samsung Electronics is based in Seoul, South Korea and operates in 65 countries worldwide with 157,000 people working for the company. Samsung Electronics products include semiconductors, hard drives, digital displays, home electronics, mobile phones, and others. All Samsung products have the same tone when the device is turned on, so that customers can easily get used to them and this tone is mentioned when Samsung products are being advertised as well. â€Å"Smarter Life† theme was introduced recently in Samsung that is based on the innovative approach in improving the company’s current products, and introducing new products to the market. For instance, Android-based Samsung Galaxy Player 50 is to be introduced soon, containing a range of innovative features the product is expected to change the current media players’ market condition significantly SWOT Samsung Samsung Strength as Becoming a world known brand (over 200 countries) RD (investing on scientific talents) Innovation (new digital technology) Customization (new products every year) New allocation of marketing resources (M-Net). Samsung enjoys the widest range of product portfolio which includes : Mobile phones Tablet TV/Audio/Video,Camera,camcorder, Home appliance Pc‟s,Laptop, peripherals, printer, memory cards and Well diversified and differentiated product line toother accessories meet changing customer needs . Samsung electronics has 4business areas to cover customer electronics needs. Practice the good leadershipBrand value through multiple sponsorships High market share that continues to growtheory (Mobile Phones and Design with an attractive styling that interestsmemory chip)and LCD the customer, as the result of the development of Samsung‟s new products that involve team of product designers. product variation Samsung’s Opportunities unique products and existing products introduce userwith variety friendly mobile phones could launch sub brandsat affordable price. to the company. Samsung’s Opportunities O open more stores Newmore customers O Launch creative products Technology, Innovative Products, and Creative Solutions. WeaknessAver age pr i ces of pr oduct s seem t o bea l ow qual i t y pr oduct s-Not pr o-act i ve intro oduci ng a newpr oduct s. low cost competitors in China2. legal war between Samsung and its competitors such as Apple nokia. ThreadsLow-cost competitors Samsung is facing threats from many other low cost companies in China. While Samsung was busy competing with others, Huawei a company which focus on low cost products; is now a leader in fixed-line networks, mobile-telecommunications networks, and budget smart phones. Market share- Samsung Mobile eyeing 60% marketshare in India. The Indian mobile handset market is estimated to reach 251 million units in 2013, an increase of 13.5% over this year. The threat of potential new entrants (Low)- New entrants would have issues with overcoming patent issues if they didn’t plan on investing in their own RD to create a unique product. These things together would require a new entrant to establish a competitive brand name while achieving economies of scale via investments in a supply chain process and developing a distribution infrastructure to remain competitive. The costs of accomplishing these things make a very strong barrier to entry. The threat of substitutes (High) Market share-Holding a revenue market share of 20.6%, Vodafone India is the countrys second largest telecom operator by revenue share after Bharti. Strengths: * Diversified geographical portfolio with strong mobile telecommunications operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and to some extent the US * Network infrastructure   * Leading presence in emerging markets such as India Weaknesses: * Little focus of impact of mobile on climate.   * Negative return on assets (ROA) under perform key competitors like ATT, Airtel, Uninor etc * US business not nearly as strong as European/rest of the world operations * 80% of its business is generated in Europe. Opportunities: * Improve accessibility to wide range of customers * Focus on cost reductions improving returns * Majority stake in Hutchison Essar in India * Research and development of new mobile technologies Threats: * Highly competitive market * Still lags behind major competitors in the India and other countries. * Extremely high Porter’s five forces Buyer power The bargaining power of buyers in the telecommunications industry is high due to the cutthroat competition and lack of differentiated products. The strong buyer power effectively reduces the cost prices in the industry though not to the level of its competitors. As such, Vodafone will keep making reasonable profits compared to its competitors. Supplier power Vodafone’s suppliers have a high bargaining power since the company operates with greater margins compared to its competitors. As a leader in the market, the market share is large meaning that it can easily absorb any price increments from the suppliers more than its competitors can. As such, Vodafone can easily maintain low prices from its suppliers and continue making profits (MarketLine, 2012, p. 9). Threat of substitutes Vodafone faces a considerable threat for products and services. The landline and CDMA services are fast declining while broadband services are fast becoming common. Video conferencing, VOPI such as Skype, Google Talk and Yahoo Messenger, email and social networking have emerged as substitutes to mobile services. However, due to the strong buyer power and effective economies of scale, Vodafone does not need to pass down the costs attributed to substitution to consumers (MarketLine, 2012, p. 8). Threat of entrants The threat of fresh market entrants is low because of barriers to entry. Companies wishing to enter the market must pay huge licensing fees coupled by spectrum availability and regulatory issues attached to the industry. Similarly, the costs of setting up network infrastructure are high, and the rapidly changing technology make is difficult for new entrants to cope. However, Vodafone can cope with this by maintaining high-level efficiency of its services to unrivaled heights. Industry rivalry Vodafone faces extremely high rivalry from its competitors due to the low call rate prices charged by its closest competitors. Similarly, the competitors constantly provide innovative products and services to the customers, which mean that Vodafone has to provide the same to its customers. Vodafone PEST Analysis. PEST analysis is a strategic tool used to analyse external factors affecting the business and stands for political, economical social and technological factors. The main political factors affecting Vodafone include EU Roaming Regulation that aims to decrease charges for mobile phone usages Economical factors also affect Vodafone main of which are the growth of GDP and the level of inflation rate within markets where the company operates. Generally any external economic changes affecting Vodafone can be classified as external economic factors. There is a range of social factors as well that affect Vodafone. For instance, changing work patterns that are becoming very popular make people work from home increasingly relying in communication technologies. Also, there are issues like people going ‘green’ and ageing population in developed countries that are going to affect Vodafone directly or indirectly. The impact of technological factors on Vodafone is without any doubt due to the nature of the telecommunications industry. Specifically, a technological innovation in communications and emergence of alternative means of communication such as online chatting, and Yahoo! Messenger are going to affect Vodafone strategy in a way that the company is left with a choice of either to form strategic alliances with above companies or to commit to considerable amount of research and development in order to introduce innovative products and services to the market.

Leadership Trait Study Essay

Leadership Trait Study Essay Leadership is the ability of an individual to influence a group toward the achievement of a vision (Robbins Judge, 2009). Leaders play a very important role in every organization. Every organization requires strong leadership and strong management for excellent effectiveness in the organization. Leadership is a quality that comes within us and also that we see from others and learn. Leaders have personal qualities and characteristics that differentiate them from non leaders. Most the leaders have superb risk taking abilities that are very different from a non leader. If they believe in some project they work towards it no matter the difficulties faced they try to overcome it to achieve that vision .hard work pays for itself therefore I believe anything is possible with hard work. Here in this report I have made a leadership trait study of two individuals from two different organizations. These two leaders are from the retailing industry. They are mentioned below: Sam Walton : founder of Wal-Mart Wal-Mart is an American  public corporation that has a chain of discount departmental stores and it also has number of warehouse stores. Wal-Mart according to Forbes global 2010 was rated has the worlds largest public corporation by its revenue. Wal-Mart has been publicly traded on NYSE since 1972. Wal-Mart is the largest private employer and is the biggest grocery retailer in United States of America. It has 8600 stores in fifteen countries and it is under 55 different names. Wal-Mart stores are there in fifty states and they are operated under its own name. The company brings revenue of billions of dollars a year. Kishore biyani : MD and CEO of future group Pantaloons, big bazaar, food bazaar are all part of future group. Some of the regional brands of the company include depot, shoe factory, brand factory, blue sky. Head quartered in Mumbai has almost thousand stores in about seventy one states in the country. It is also the country largest retailer by its revenue. It employees almost thirty thousand people in the country. Here in this report I am going to do an in depth study on the different kinds of leadership style and theories that are related to this two leaders. These two leaders have played a major role in starting their companies and making them the way there company is right now. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Here the focus of study is based on the different kinds of leadership theories associated with the leaders who have contributed a lot to their companies. In this report the qualities of leaders will be studied and the effect of these qualities on their companies will also be studied. In this report I will be also discussing how their leadership styles have affected the independent variables such as productivity and turnover of their organizations. I will also be finding out what changes have to be taken in their leadership style considering the future of the companies. OBJECTIVE To understand the concept of leadership theory related to these leaders. To find out which type of leaders they are and to find their leadership characteristics and style. How their leadership styles have contributed to the success of their company. METHODOLOGY There are two ways of collecting data. They are the primary data and the secondary data. Here I have made my report using secondary data which consist of official websites of companies, literature books, and e-books to collect data to understand the leadership theories. I have taken data regarding the conceptual part from the literature books. I have also studied about their leadership qualities through the organization official websites. I have also read two books regarding these leaders through which I have collected data as well. Data regarding these leaders are taken from published books therefore the details in the report are best to my knowledge. LITERATURE REVIEW Qualities of a good leader are shown below : DEDICATION HUMILITY INTEGRITY OPENNESS CREATIVE GOOD LEADER INTUITION FAIRNESS ASSERTIVENESS Integrity: A leader who has integrity is one who is same on the outside as well as in the inside .Such a person can be trusted because he or she wont deviate from his or her inner values. Trust of the followers has to be won from the followers and therefore a leader should display integrity. Perfect dealings, well controlled emotions and absence of sudden outburst are all a part of integrity. If a leader has good integrity he can be approached by his followers more easily. Dedication: It means giving whatever energy or time that is required to complete the task at hand. He should do whatever it takes so as to keep moving forward so as to reach that goal. A leader has to be an example to their followers. Dedication from every employee plays a vital role in very organizations success. Humility: A leader who has humility believes that they are no better or worse than other members in their team. A good leader is one who does not involve in self-effacing but always tries to elevate everyone in the team. Mahatma Gandhi is an excellent example of these. Creative: It is ability of the leader to think differently. A good leader should always think outside the box. Creativity helps leaders to see thing which others have not seen and hence leads their followers in a new way. A good leader should always think what ifà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦? Openness: It is the ability of a leader to listen to new ideas even if it is very different from the normal way of thinking. If they believe in a certain idea suggested by others then they should go with it even if it is out of the ordinary. Openness helps in creating trust and mutual respect between leaders and their followers. And it also helps in providing the organization with new ideas. Assertiveness: A good leader should be assertive in nature so as to obtain desired results. It is the ability of a leader to clearly state what he expects such that there are no misunderstandings. Along with this the leaders should exactly know what his followers are expecting from him. Based on a study in 2007 February issue of journal of personality and social psychology, that was published by American psychological association it was found out that assertiveness was the most common weakness among most of the leaders. Fairness: It is the ability of a leader to deal with others justly and consistently. A leader should check the facts and then here to everyone before taking the judgment. Based on incomplete evidence a leader should never take a decision. When people feel the leader is treating them fairly only then the employees become loyal and dedicated in what they are doing. He should understand every ones point of view and analysis and take a proper decision. Intuition: A good leader should possess instinctive knowledge so as to make excellent decisions. Few people are gifted naturally with this and others have learned it or have developed it through experiences. One thing is for sure for effective leadership intuition plays a very important role. Most of the times good leader rely on intuition so as make excellent decision. Its not what you make others do its about who you are, how much you know and how you do it. Effective leadership is all about finding skills and talent from many people and forming a cohesive unit. Intuition plays a very important role in every leader in these ways. QUOTES BY SAM WALTON Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, its amazing what they can accomplish The key to success is to get out into the store and listen to what the associates have to say. Its terribly important for everyone to get involved. Our best ideas come from clerks and stock-boys Individuals dont win, teams do Money and ownership alone arent enough. Set high goals, encourage competition, and then keep score. Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. If people believe in themselves, its amazing what they can accomplish Commit to your business. Believe in it more than anybody else I probably have traveled and walked into more variety stores than anybody in America. I am just trying to get ideas, any kind of ideas that will help our company. Leadership qualities of Sam Walton would include dedication, humility, creative, openness, fairness, intuition QUOTES BY KISHORE BIYANI We believe that in India we have the opportunity to grow for the next two to three years. We believe at the moment consumers are feeling psychologically stronger than they ever were to spend. Its not a matter of can we take on foreign retailers, but how big a gorilla you are. Who have helped you, share your success with those people Change your goal according to situation or be flexible Listen to others and learn from their ideas Leadership qualities of kishore biyani would include openness, dedication, humility and creative. Path-goal theory:  this theory tells that it is the job of a leader to assist his followers for attaining their goal. The leader should also provide the direction and support to make sure the goals are compatible with the overall objectives of the organization .In the path goal theory the behavior of the leader includes directive, participative, supportive and achievement oriented. Trait theory:  Trait theory gives a clear idea between the leaders from the non leaders through these big five personality framework- Leadership traits: (Robbins Judge, 2009) Extroversion Conscientiousness Openness to experience Emotional stability agreeableness Transformational Leadership:  These leaders are those who gains trust and respect and pass a sense of pride to their followers, they also give a vision of the goals that are to be attained. They show respect to their followers and also provide attention to their followers. These leaders pass on an extraordinary effect on to their followers. They encourage their followers to be more creative and innovative just like themselves Transactional leadership: these leaders are those who motivates followers so as move to in the right direction so as to reach the set goals. They help the followers by clarifying their roles .they provide rewards when the followers gives high performance. If deviation occurs they take measures so as correct it. They only get into action when the standards are not met. Authentic leaders: Here the leader is considered as an ethnical leader by the followers. These leaders know who they are and they also know what they believe in and they value it. These leaders act on their values openly and candidly. The main quality of this type of leader is trust. These leaders believe in their ideals and sticks to them. They also encourage open communication these are few characteristics of this type of leadership. KEY FINDING SAM WALTON: Sam Walton was a businessman from Oklahoma and he had lots of difficulties in his college years. He had couple of jobs like in restaurants, paper boy etcWith lot of difficulties he managed his way out of college with B.A in economics. He believed in the retailing industry and he strongly believed America had lot to offer in the retail market. After leaving the military Walton took his first job in management of the Ben Franklin store that was in Arkansas at the age of 26.This store was a franchisee of the butler brothers. It was very successful because he was able to provide good at a very low cost by taking good from the lowest cost supplier. By Waltons leadership the turnover had gone by 7 times annually. Within a short span of time Walton was able to create a retail empire. At present there is thousands of Wal-Mart all round America. His leadership played a very important role in the success of the company. He is known as the king of the retail industry. There are about 2.1 millio n employees in the company. He always believed in the team and inspired his followers to think big and create new ideas. If people believe in themselves, its amazing what they can accomplish this was the concept he believed in. The big five personality frame work applies to him because he is having characteristics like openness to experience, emotional stability, agreeableness, extroversion and conscientiousness. He looks into different ideas and doesnt stick to one he is very flexible and if he believes in an idea he goes along with it to reach that goal he has set. Based on his study Sam Walton is a transformational leader because he gives personal attention to his co workers and also tells that few of the best ides in the company comes from clerk and stock boys. He provides vision and also gives rewards for the work they do. His leadership style has always had an extraordinary effect on his followers. Traits of authentic leaders are also seen in him because he knows who he is, and also believe in what he does and he acts on his values. If Sam believes in an idea that is superb and might be out of the ordinary if he believes in it, he works hard so as to achieve it no matter what KISHORE BIYANI: Kishore biyani is an exceptional leader and he is also known as the Indian Sam Walton. After completing his graduation in the commerce background. He went into the readymade garment retailing field without joining his family business. He believed in his own ideas while starting has a entrepreneur. Today he has a retail space of 3 million square feet and his future group is spread about 25 cities in India. Bloomberg business week has rated him has top 50 most powerful people in India according to 2009.There was an interview of in kishore biyani in CNBC-TV18 .when the interviewer asked him while starting your first business in Calcutta ,was it a success because of a pure gamble. To which he replied saying it was never a gamble, he told he knew what he was doing and was sure it would work. He also told that there were no signs or number calculation behind it. It was a gut and also an instinct that told him that it work. And when the interviewer asked him what do you think is the most re quired asset in company he replied saying to find the right people in the industry will be his biggest challenge. From this its clearly understood he is team player. He always believed in his team.kishore biyani is also known for diversifying from his field to different in the industry. According to the Hindu business line it was said that kishore biyani is going g to start their mobile services soon. Kishore biyani has also been chosen as the international retailer of the year by the national retail federation in United States of America Based on study on leadership I believe that kishore biyani can be related to the path goal theory he assists and shows them the way so as to reach their way. He tells them how the work has to be done in their organization and also makes sure the overall objectives of the company are met. kishore biyani sets a high standard and tries to achieve that goal and he always wanted to be the best not the biggest ,this shows us that he is achievement oriented and supportive with regard to the employees. Based on the study I believe that kishore biyani is a transformational leader and also traits of authentic leadership can be seen in him. He is a transformational leader because he has brought flexibility and creativity into the company from the starting of the company till were it is today .kishore biyani has inspired many followers and has left an extraordinary effect on his followers mind. This leaders are able to make their followers to look at old problems in new ways are made capable of making their followers to think in a differ way so as to achieve their group goals. Traits of an authentic leader are also seen in kisore biyani. Kishore biyani sticks to the ideals which he believes in and encourages communication that is open. Authentic people have the power to make people to put their faith in the leader.

The Conflict Media vs. Internet Essay -- Web Cyberspace News Essays

The Conflict Media vs. Internet Throughout our lives we learn new things and acquire new information. Many sources can give us these things to continue on with our lives. Almost all of us either wake up with the radio, listens while driving to wherever we are going, or even at work during our day. Wherever we are or wherever we are going this is a source of information. Another yet stronger more persuasive possession would be from the media. What they tell us and show us impacts our actions and what we think about. From weather to spot stories we usually believe what they are telling us as the viewer. If the weather person says it will rain the next day we will dress accordingly. Everything we are usually told or shown we take into consideration for our daily customs. All affect us one way or another in the long run. In a close yet difficult relationship between the online word and the off line world or cyber space and real time these two places can conflict as well and combine to form our society. Each one influen cing us equally. The media can influence us in both aspects. Through the television news where Internet issues are discussed and argued and also on the web where each and almost every major station has a web site. This aspect you can read it yourself with little outside influence and come up with your own conclusions. Every person on an evening news show has a personal opinion, they only reveal it when you least expect it. This rarely happens, because they are reading what the writers and reporters have written off of a TelePrompTer and adding some of their own opinion as they are talking. Most of the time we have to believe what they are saying, because they are the ones that research the topics and stories that... ...rmation in the online communities, because I would be able to have my own opinion about the particular topic I am reading about. No person on television would be able to tell me one way or another about what I should think or side myself to. I am my own person and have my own thoughts and feelings and all people should be the same way in where they can think for themselves and be their own person. A final thought, each of these two venues presented a good argument on which was better and the advantages and disadvantages towards both, yet one might always be better in one persons eyes and the other might be better in the person next to them. This gives each person a particular individuality and distinguishes them from the rest of the world. Works Cited Rory J. O'Connor. "Africa: The Unwired Continent." Richard Holeton. Singapore: McGraw Hill, 1998. 270-274.

Marketing Management: Assignment Questions Essay

Q.2 Conduct a SWOT analysis for any one automobile brand of your choice. How will this analysis help in planning marketing strategies for the brand? Q.3 Explain in brief the process involved in personal selling. Q.4 Describe the stages of business buying process. Q.5 Why is rural market important? What should marketers keep in mind when catering to this market? Q.6 Explain the core concepts of marketing. Define service and explain its relevance in modern society Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0046 – Marketing Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Explain the various steps involved in the design of a distribution channel. Q.2 Will the pricing and product policy of a multinational firm be different in a developed and an underdeveloped country? Justify your answer. Q.3 Explain the consumer decision making process Q.4 What is integrated marketing communication? Explain the integration marketing communication development process. Q.5 Explain the types of advertisements and characteristics of major media. Q.6 What are the advantages of branding? What value does the organisation and customers get out of the branding process? MB0045_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0045 –Financial Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Considering the following information, what is the price of the share as per Gordon’s Model? |Details of the Company Net sales |Rs.120 lakhs | |Net profit margin |12.5% | |Outstanding preference shares |Rs.50 lakhs@ 12% dividend | |No. of equity shares |25, 000 | |Cost of equity shares |12% | |Retention ratio |40% | |Rate of interest (ROI) |16% | Q.2 Examine the components of working capital & also explain the concepts of working capital. Q.3 Internal capital rationing is used by firms for exercising financial control. How does a firm achieve this? Q.4 What are the objectives of working capital management? Briefly explain the various elements of operating cycle. Q.5 Define risk. Examine the need for assessing the risks in a project. Q.6 Briefly examine the significance of identification of investment opportunities in capital budgeting process MB0045_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0045 – Financial Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Examine the reasons for holding inventories by a firm & also discuss the techniques of inventory control. Q.2 a.) A bond of Rs. 1000 value carries a coupon rate of 10% and has a maturity period of 6 years. Interest is payable semi-annually. If the required rate of return is 12%, calculate the value of the bond. ( 5marks) b.) A bond whose par value is Rs. 500 bearing a coupon rate of 10% and has a maturity of 3 years. The required rate of return is 8%. What should be the price of the bond? ( 5marks) Q.3 Examine the features & evaluation of decision-tree approaches. Q.4 If the EPS is Rs.5, dividend pay-out ratio is 50%, cost of equity is 20% and growth rate in the ROI is 15%. What is the value of the stock as per Gordon’s Dividend Equalisation Model? Q.5 Critically examine the pay-back period as a technique of approval of projects. Q.6 Two companies are identical in all aspects except in the debt-equity profile. Company X has 14% debentures worth Rs. 25,00,000 whereas company Y does not have any debt. Both companies earn 20% before interest and taxes on their total assets of Rs. 50,00,000. Assuming a tax rate of 40% and cost of equity capital to be 22%, find out the value of the companies X and Y using NOI approach. MB0044_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0044 – Productions & Operations Management- 4 Credits Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 What do you understand by Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI)? Q.2 Explain briefly the four classification of scheduling strategies & its approaches. Q.3 Define production management. What are the various functions involved in production management? Q.4 Explain the various phases in project management life cycle. Q.5 Explain the ingredients of a business process. Explain Physical Modelling. Q.6 Define the term quality. Explain the concept of quality at source. MB0044_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0044 – Productions & Operations Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 What is value engineering? Explain the steps involved in Value analysis. Q.2 Describe dimensions of quality. Which are the quality control tools? Q.3 What are the objectives of layout? Explain the classification of layouts. Q.4 List the benefits of forecasting. Discuss the role of forecasting in modern business context. Q.5 Mention the significance of plant location decision. Explain the location decision sequence. Q.6 What is meant by business process? Explain logical process modelling? MB0049_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0049 – Project Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Define Project Management Information Software. Discuss the various steps of PMIS planning. Q.2 Explain procurement process . What are the key steps involved in purchase cycle? Q.3 Define project-type organisation and discuss it in detail Q.4 Define value engineering. Discuss the scope of applying VE in project. Q.5 Define project management, resource, process, and project cycle. Why is project management important? Q.6 What are the key steps included in risk management process? What are the strategies used to reduce risk? MB0049_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0049 – Project Management – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Define activity, event, and path as used in network development. What is a dummy activity? Describe the CPM model. Q.2 Discuss the advantages of using PM software package. What are the common features available in PM software packages? Q.3 Define risk management. What are the different types of risks that can affect a project? Q.4 What are the roles and responsibilities of project leader? Describe the leadership styles for project managers. Q.5 Explain the life cycle of a project. Describe the various phases of project management life cycle. Q.6 What is project control? Discuss the various elements of project control. MB0048_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0048 – Operations Research- 4 Credits Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Maximise z = 3Ãâ€"1 + 4Ãâ€"2 Subject to constrains 5Ãâ€"1 + 4Ãâ€"2≠¤ 200; 3Ãâ€"1 + 5Ãâ€"2≠¤ 150; 5Ãâ€"1 + 4Ãâ€"2≠¥ 100; 8Ãâ€"1 + 4Ãâ€"2≠¥ 80, x1≠¥ 0, x2≠¥ 0 Q.2 State the ways in which customers in a queue are served. Q.3 Explain the use of simulation in networks? What are the advantages of using simulation? Q.4 Explain maximin-minimax principle. Briefly describe the characteristics of competitive game Q.5 A project has 10 activities. The following table shows the information about the activities. |Table 14.5: Activities |Preceding activity |Duration in weeks | |information Activity | | | |A |– |6 | |B |– |3 | |C |A |5 | |D |A |4 | |E |A |3 | |F |C |3 | |G |D |5 | |H |B, D, E |5 | |I |H |2 | |J |I, G, F |3 | Draw the network †¢ Find the project duration †¢ Identify the CPM †¢ Prepare the schedule Q.6 Discuss different types of service systems? Aug/Fall drive 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester II MB0047 – Management Information Systems – 4 Credits (Book ID: B1136) Assignment – Set- 1 (60 Marks) Marks-60 Attempt each question. Each question carries 10 marks: 1. What is MIS? Define the characteristics of MIS? What are the basic Functions of MIS? Give some Disadvantage of MIS? 2. Explain Knowledge based system? Explain DSS and OLAP with example? 3. What are Value Chain Analysis & describe its significance in MIS? Explain what is meant by BPR? What is its significance? How Data warehousing & Data Mining is useful in terms of MIS? 4. Explain DFD & Data Dictionary? Explain in detail how the information requirement is determined for an organization? 5. What is ERP? Explain its existence before and its future after? What are the advantages & Disadvantages of ERP? What is Artificial Intelligence? How is it different from Neural Networks? 6. Distinguish between closed decision making system & open decision making system? What is ‘What – if‘ analysis? Why is more time spend in problem analysis & problem definition as compared to the time spends on decision analysis? Aug/Fall drive 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester II MB0047 – Management Information Systems – 4 Credits (Book ID: B1136) Assignment – Set- 2 (60 Marks) Marks-60 Attempt each question. Each question carries 10 marks: 1. How hardware & software support in various MIS activities of the organization? Explain the transaction stages from manual system to automated systems? 2. Explain the various behavioral factors of management organization? As per Porter, how can performance of individual corporations be determined? 3. Compare various types of development aspect of Information System? Explain the various stages of SDLC? 4. Compare & Contrast E-enterprise business model with traditional business organization model? Explain how in E-enterprise manager role & responsibilities are changed? Explain how manager is a knowledge worker in E-enterprise? 5. What do you understand by service level Agreements (SLAs)? Why are they needed? What is the role of CIO in drafting these? Explain the various security hazards faced by an IS? 6. Case Study: Information system in a restaurant. MB0048_MBA_Sem2_Fall/August 2012 Master of Business Administration – MBA Semester 2 MB0048 – Operations Research – 4 Credits Assignment Set- 2 (60 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q.1 Explain project management (PERT) & Project scheduling of PERT. Q.2 Write a short note on Monte-Carlo simulation? What are the Limitations of using Simulation? Q.3 In a rectangular game, pay-off matrix of player A is as follows: i) Solve the game. ii) Write down the pay-off matrix of B and then, solve the game. Q.4 A marketing manager has 5 salesmen and 5 sales districts. Considering the capabilities of the salesman and the nature of districts, the marketing manager estimates that the sales per month (in hundred rupees) for each salesman in each district would be as follows.

A clean cut differentiation between the two is one explained by Robert Cialdini

In a world where its inhabitants have diverse beliefs and point of views, it is usually difficult to influence others to change their perspectives; hence, man resorts to persuasion or manipulation to achieve this end. Persuasion and manipulation are two different concepts that are more or less synonymous, but it is in their little differences that we are able to know better these two terminologies.It is said that â€Å"manipulation aims at control; not cooperation. It always results in a lose-lose situation. Persuasion, on the other hand, always builds the self-esteem of the other party. It treats the other person as a responsible and self-directing individual (Swets, 2006).† Thus, control is the basis of manipulation, while cooperation is that of persuasion.Manipulation, in order to be done, is complemented with the use of coercion and deceit just to influence a person to do something. On the other hand, persuasion tries to influence people up to the extent necessary, but not crossing into the unethical aspects of influencing people. It tries to get people to agree to certain things on their own decision.A clean cut differentiation between the two is one explained by Robert Cialdini (2005), a psychologist. He said that manipulation involves the unethical use of the principles of persuasion and some of those involve brute force or coercion to achieve a goal.Persuasion involves the use of principles that exist in the situation and that allow us to inform people into yes, to educate them into yes, by giving them a view of reality as we see it. It involves moving them in a direction that we desire, on the basis of valid information.Thus, it is suggested that persuasion must be resorted always rather than manipulation because the latter tends to lean on the negative side. Persuasion is a civilized way of influencing people.References:Swets, P. (2006), ‘The Art of Talking So That People Will Listen’ in Burg, B. (2006). Persuasion†¦or Manipul ation: Are They Different Things? [webpage]http://hodu.com/compliments.shtmlDate accessed: 4 April 2007.Cialdini, R, (2005), The Psychology of Persuasion [webpage]http://www.journalofbusinessstrategy.com/articles/RobertCialdini.shtmlDate accessed: 4 April 2007

The person i met in Heaven

I stood there, motionless. Shock had taken over my body like a disease. I started shaking; my body going into panic mode. I collapsed, tears streaming down my face. I couldn't move. I just sat, looking, staring. I screamed, and then I was in total darkness. This was the last memory going through my head before†¦ I opened my eyes. As I sat up to see where I was, I felt a cool breeze against my cheeks. I saw that I was lying in the middle of a massive field with trees surrounding it. I knew where I was straight away. I had been thinking about this place for thirty years. I looked around, this place was the same, but, it just had a softer atmosphere then I remembered. The sky seemed to glow. Almost like a dream. Except, this wasn't a dream, this was real. I got up to look around, and then suddenly I heard a voice. â€Å"Well, well, well. You made it then?† the voice laughed. â€Å"Never could've imagined that!† I spun around. â€Å"Katy?† I stood there, staring at her. I had dreamed of this moment since I was a teenager. I had planned every word, every movement, but now, no words ran through my head. Just emotions and memories. â€Å"Are you alright? Looks like you've seen a ghost,† she chuckled. â€Å"God, I crack myself up!† â€Å"Am I dreaming?† â€Å"Nope, you're in Heaven! To be honest, I'm surprised you made it!† The atmosphere cooled, and it felt like old times again. â€Å"What do you mean? I was more angelic than you!† We both laughed, then, silence. It suddenly felt awkward. â€Å"I'm so sorry Katy. I never realised you were so upset with your life. I hated myself; I wanted to see you, to talk to you. I – I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My words came out so quickly, rushing out of my mouth. The sky darkened from a sunny blue to a deadly black, and pictures of the past seemed to appear all around us. â€Å"Lauren, shut it! What are you? Forty-Five? And you're still going on about that? It wasn't your fault, okay? Stop blaming yourself. I've been watching over you for thirty years and there are so many things you could've done. You turned down so many opportunities to meet new people and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  she paused, â€Å"you just had no confidence in yourself. And that's because of me.† She looked as defenceless as she did when her parents died in that car crash when she was fourteen. Being in care had messed her up a bit, and I knew that she had been on anti – depressants for a while. But wouldn't anyone be like her in her situation? I had never expected her to kill herself. I sat down next to her, then, finally breaking the silence, I spoke. â€Å"Why?† The word shot through the air like a dart. I looked at Katy. â€Å"I know you were upset about your parents but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stopped to think about what I was saying. Scared of what her reaction might be if I said the wrong thing. â€Å"You seemed to be managing fine† I said. â€Å"I don't know. I just†¦ I felt like I could manage. I stopped taking my tablets, and then everything seemed to go downhill. I thought about what happened quite a lot. I blamed myself for everything. I knew I shouldn't've, but I did. I got more and more depressed, taking everything so seriously. Like, that time when Louise Painsley called me a ‘useless whore', just because I messed up in our music performance?† I nodded, not quite sure of what to say, but before I had time to think, she continued. â€Å"Well, everything just used to hit me like a punch in the stomach. Every little thing. It sounds stupid, but it just built up. I couldn't manage anymore, I just wanted to go. To be with my family. And away from†¦ everything.† She looked at me. â€Å"I'm sorry that I didn't speak to you. I just didn't want to bother you with all my worries. I just knew what I wanted to do, so I did it. But deep down you knew that, so why did you mess up your life over it? I just don't get it Loz. You were my best mate. Why would it have been your fault?† I thought about my answer, but to be honest, I had no idea. Finally, I just said everything that I felt. â€Å"All these years I had just thought about you, and the fact that I was having fun when you were gone. It just didn't feel right. I suppose that's okay for the first few months right? But I know I shouldn't've dragged it out. I just didn't feel right. I felt like I was betraying you in some way.† We looked at each other in a knowing way. In a way that meant not to carry on with the conversation. That it was finished and didn't need to be mentioned again. I sighed with relief. It felt like a massive weight had been lifted from my chest. I grabbed Katy's hand and we walked around the place that I had been thinking about for thirty years. The place where me and Katy spent most our time. A massive field with trees surrounding it. I felt a cool breeze against my cheeks. I felt at peace with myself. This was my heaven, and nobody could ever take it away from me again.

ExxonMobil Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

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LSweek 9 m 9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

LSweek 9 m 9 - Essay Example It should also be noted that all aspects of development, whether social or economic, need to be measured in terms of sustainability. These efforts, however, if met by companies and or corporate bodies should be rewarded. However, historical experiences show that such rewards have rarely occurred. If this has to be done, measurement and strategic management is an inevitable requirement. Major changes in political will and economic policy need to be put in place to control use of resources in a manner that does not comply with the principles of sustainability. Such measures can include legislations, positive rewards to complying companies just to mention a few. In a research conducted in Japan by Michael Angelo and Cortez, in 2011 at the Asia Pacific University to establish how challenges related to social and environmental performance affect financial performance, any environmental innovation geared towards sustainability impacted positively on market performance. In addition, an incr ease in the short-term liabilities was attributed to the investment placed on environmental innovation in terms of cost of maintenance corporate social responsibility cost. Similarly, while markets’ concern about environmental conservation takes precedence in economic measures, social expenses is not their major concern as they presumably take this as a government responsibility. It is important that as we work towards economic stability, leaders should be able to Measure Company’s performance in more systematic ways. These way organizations will play an important role towards a competitive and suitable society. Based on the above-mentioned fact, most leaders today have adopted the strategy through reduction of the company’s socio-environmental impacts in the world as well as drawing limits to risks posed on the environment such as global warming. This is done through enhanced ecological management practices, sustainable use of the available resources and care f or the natural resources. An emerging trend is where executives and top management officials are beginning to exhibit transparent operations with regards to finances and accountability in a manner that go beyond use of ancient performance measures. This behavior is as a result of increasing compulsion for companies to take responsibility for the non-financial effects. On the other hand, the general ideas of sustainability are geared towards the enhancement of valuable features with an intention of reaching them out to the upcoming generations. Two theories have been adapted to explain the meaning of this statement; preservation and development version and resilience. The second theory is that of enhancing and maintaining natural and human capital. The adaptation based theory views sustainability as an adaptation route whose approach closely links system theories and complexity theories on self-maintenance. The view relates the internal systems of an organization to external interact ions exhibited by the environment. It is worthy to note that as the organization tries to