Money and work performance

Introduction The idea of public service motivation can offer a partial explanation to this analysis. The Ideal of Public Service by O’Toole clearly demonstrates main differences between traditional and modern approaches to the study of what motivate people.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Money and work performance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The traditional approach to a public service as an idea was a worthy thing to do, and a prescribed behaviour expected of public officials. Contemporary public service motivation approaches are using empirical research to discover why people seek jobs and remain in the public service, and whether the assumptions of earlier theories are correct (O’Toole, 2000). The idea and ideal of public service motivation is that those in official positions of public authority regard the interests of the whole society as being the guiding influence over all public decisio n-making, that their personal, class, or group interests are to be set aside when making decisions. In addition, they are public servants purely out of a perceived duty to serve the public. This idea emanated from earlier works of Aristotle and Plato which were Politics and Republic respectively. Public officials set aside personal interests. The idea is that he sees it as his duty to serve his community. The duty to serve the community surpasses a commitment to family, tribe, or self. Aristotle realized that it would be probably unrealistic and impossible for a man, naturally, a selfish animal, to do that, but as an ideal, it would have both inspirational and motivational force. Adam Smith, a moral philosopher and father of modern economic, filled the gap between naturalism and utilitarianism. He gave the natural order first school and individuals in the second. In his work of Moral Sentiments, he identifies six motives, which naturally derive human conducts. These are self-love, s ympathy, the desire to be free, a sense of propriety, a habit of labour, and the propensity to exchange, or trade (Roll, 1954). From these motives, he portrays a man as the best judge of his own best situations, and given a chance, he will not only get his own best advantage and balance his motives, but also strive for the common good. Types of motivational bases Some scholars have argued that there are three types of motivational bases, such as rational base motive, this includes participation in the processes such as policy formulation, commitment to programmes, and advocacy for a special or private interest.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The norm-based motive considers issues such as a desire to serve the public interest, loyalty to duty, and the government and social equity. Finally, the affective motive type of motivational base includes a commitment to programmes fro m a genuine conviction about its social importance, and patriotism of benevolence. These scholars further propose that people should connect their work motivation to individuals’ performance. For productive workers, managers should carefully attend to these different types of motivational base. Management should shift their focus to physical surroundings, concerns, and crises that may arise in work or personal lives. Accidents, diseases, and hazards such as stress generally result in low productivity and inefficiency, high turnover, absenteeism, and medical claims. When there is a deliberate effort by the workplace to reduce the incidence of these, both the agency and the employees benefit. There is a greater productivity when there is a healthier workforce, and a better quality of work life. â€Å"Many experts argue that people do their best work when they are motivated by a sense of purpose rather than the pursuit of money†. Explanation and critical evaluation Theore tical approaches We can look at this issue critically from the existing theories that support the idea of work and motivation. Equity Theory We can also refer to this theory as inequality theory. The main motivating force behind this theory is to strive for equity due to perceived degree of inequity. The equity theory operates on the principle of exchanges i.e. inputs and investment and outcomes. Employer must recognize the existence of these inputs and consider them relevant for them to function. If they are not, then a potential case of inequity may exist. Outcomes are various things an individual may receive. Inequity exists whereby the ratio of an individual’s outcomes to inputs departs to a significant degree from the ration perceived. Workers may feel under-rewarded if their inputs into a job are higher than what other workers put. Usually, this happens in cases where a worker considers himself hardworking, but has same or low salary as his colleagues. This theory does not limit itself to inequities that do not favour individuals alone. Equity, balance, or reciprocity exists when outcome and input ratios for the individual and the reference source are equal. Conversely, and the motivating force of inequity occurs when there is a departure either way from this steady state.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Money and work performance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From this theory, we can assert that money, which is a reward, may be the main cause of motivation in working rather than sense of purpose. Thus, a poorly paid employee will not perform at his best when the reward (money) is also poor. Goal-setting theory Goal-setting theory relates higher levels of intended achievements to higher levels of performances. Theory further stretches that when an individual has specific goals or standards of performance to meet, the performance effects would be more pronounced than when sp ecific goals are missing. Goal achievement leads to the pleasurable emotional state we call satisfaction; failure to achieve a goal leads to un-pleasurable state of dissatisfaction. Goal commitment focuses on performance as a direct consequence form of motivation. However, a commitment to a goal depends on a set of factors, such as authority, peer groups, publicness of goal statement, incentives, punishments, satisfaction, goal intensity, competition, and attribution. These sets of factors may influence the commitment level of perceived ability or expectancy of attaining a given goal. Although scholars have taken several positions with regard to goal-setting and motivation, the theory does not make any assumptions based on the effectiveness of varied methods individuals may use to set their goals. The focus of theory is on motivational mechanisms rather than the methods used for setting goals. Therefore, we can say that the theory does not regard money has the basis of the best perf ormance but rather the commitment to goal achievement. Two-factor theory Frederick Herzberg prefers to refer to this theory as motivation-hygiene. Two-factor theory has a dual nature approach to sources of job satisfaction, and finally job motivation. This theory considers job satisfaction as an â€Å"outgrowth of achievement, recognition (verbal), work (challenging), responsibility, and advancement (promotion)† (Frederick, 1966). The presence of all these in a job â€Å"satisfy basic needs, positive feeling and improved performance will occur† (Frederick, 1966). There are five intrinsic aspects of the work itself that satisfy personal growth and self-actualization (Frederick, 1966). Job dissatisfactions results under conditions where work takes place and these conditions may include company policies, administrative practices, supervision, interpersonal relations, working environment (physical), job security, benefits, and salary. We refer to these as hygiene factors.A dvertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Availability of these factors eliminates job dissatisfaction and improves performance, up to a certain level. For exceptional achievement, management must now turn to motivation. Job must provide an enabling environment for workers so that they can achieve meaningful goals. This is the intrinsic scope of work. Employees must have control over the job to enable them realise a sense of personal growth and achievement. From Herzberg’s point of view, money is not among the five intrinsic scope of motivation. Money only features in cases where it may be the cause of job dissatisfaction. In short, we do not need money to perform the best work. Vroom’s Theory of Work and Motivation Vroom’s theory puts forward the idea that people tend to prefer certain goals or outcomes over others. Experiences of feelings of satisfaction relate to certain outcomes (valence). Employees prefer a positive valence as an outcome and vice verse (Vroom, 1964). Intrinsic motivation is the des ire for competence and self-determination. Workers can achieve a sense of motivation by freely choosing work or what to do. This enhances a sense of self-determination and competence through the use of positive feedback. Money is a part of extrinsic reward. Employees highly regard extrinsic rewards because of control and informational (feedback) aspects they possess. Motivation will only occur where there is a noticeable and positive feedback. Thus, money is essential in motivating workers perform their best but not among the intrinsic drives that motivate people to work. Money and Motivation Houran notes that people should not work without payment (Houran 2012). Pursuing money to cater for the family and offer the necessary comfort and security is reasonable and is different from seeking money with ill motives. People should earn fair wages depending on works they do. Likewise, employers should also know about this. Thus, money becomes the centre of focus between the employer and e mployee, which should not be the case. This because most of the above theories indicate that money is necessary but not an intrinsic source of motivation and best job performance. Scholars have concluded that money involve two main issues. First, money as an incentive is necessary but also relies on the organisation and working conditions to make it effective. Organisations have different cultures of rewarding their employees with money. Organisations should learn under what conditions financial incentives become effective. They must also note changes such incentives draw from employees. Second, financial rewards work best when employees receive them as groups. This is because most organisations insist on team works for best performances. This implies that organisations that have cultures of rewarding individuals only serve to encourage individualism and disregard for team work. Therefore, for an organisation to maintain high productivity, it must reward people as groups or teams. W e have established that money is not the most important or effective source of motivating employees. There are other forms of motivation that organisations can apply so as to motivate their workforces. According to job characteristics theory, there are five main ways an organisation can motivate its workforce. Management can enhance work motivation by implementing these factors among employees so that they can perform at their best. Autonomy, this is where employees have personal feelings of responsibility for their works and considers the outcomes their own. Task significance, the job has significance influence over employees. Task identity, people prefer to use their personally valued skills to complete a task. The employee can notice a sense of a job beginning and ending. Thus, he can see the final transformation product of his work. Variety, the worker derives motivation from performing a number of truly challenging tasks. Thus, the worker must use his different and important se t of skills. Feedback, this shows the level of a task accomplishment. The feedback may come from a work itself or from the manager. A part from the above factors, employees can also get job motivation from rotation. This mainly works to eliminate job boredom and monotony. It may involve performing different roles in an organisation periodically. Job rotation offers the balance and employee needs in order to avoid job boredom and enhance job satisfaction and motivation. Management may use these factors to enhance motivation and job experience among workers. However, some factors like individual trait and motives influence the work outcome and motivation. Therefore, any plan to enhance job motivation and best performances require careful planning. Conclusion Holzer and Callahan argue that institutions that have been the recipients of exemplary awards use various state-of-the-art approaches for motivating people (Holzer and Callahan, 1998). People recognise money has important motivato r, but it is not the only motivator. High-achieving agencies integrate human, resource management policies, plans and processes. Many workers get motivation from the desire to find someplace where management recognise their qualities, regarded as human beings with aspirations, where they experience the purpose of their work, and where they have the opportunity to be consulted on matters that have impacts on their working lives. Factors such as improved working and relationship management, communication, training to improve skills, and improving the physical, working environment may all serve to motivate the workforce in any working environment. Strategic motivation should consider the old theories of motivational to be important, but strategic motivation goes beyond these methods and techniques. Identification, recognition, and application are some of the modern, dynamic systems of motivation that can create a mission-driven team of performers. According to Farazmand, some of the ex amples of these high-road and visionary motivational forces include (Farazmand, 2002), Creation and instilment of a â€Å"real purpose† of â€Å"public service† among strategic person; Promotion of trust with a promise of future career beyond the narrow notion of â€Å"careerism,† a sense of belonging to the organization, to the cause they serve, and to their nation as well as to the faith they cherish; Maintaining a sound compensation system that is both equitable and efficient in order to not only prevent organizational brain drain but also attract the most competent talents to the public service; Create an inter-organizational mobility and rotation system that would enable both organizations and strategic personnel to move freely without obstacles; and Promote the â€Å"knowledge and skill-base† of these strategic people periodically to keep them up to date and equipped with the cutting-edge knowledge they need to manage, and function, in the organiza tions in the information age. This can be done by in-service training programs, seminars, conferences, and workshops (Farazmand, 2002). Reference List Daft, R. 2010, Organization Theory and Design, 10th ed, South – Western College, Cincinnati, Ohio. Farazmand, A. 2002, Modern Organizations: Theory and Practice, Praeger Publishers, Westport, CT. Frederick, H. 1966, Work and the Nature of Man, World Press, Cleveland. Holzer, M. and Callahan, K. 1998, Government at Work: Best Practices and Model Programs, Sage, Thousand Oaks, California. Houran, J. n.d., Money and Employee Motivation. Web. McClelland, D. 1985, ‘How Motives, Skills, and Values Determine What People Do’, American Psychologist, vol. 3 no. 40, pp. 812–25. O’Toole, B. 2000, The Ideal of Public Service: Reflections on the Higher Civil Service in Britain, Routledge, Abingdon, UK. Roll, E. 1954, History of economic thought, Faber and Faber, London. Vroom, V. 1964, Work and Motivation, Wiley, New York. This essay on Money and work performance was written and submitted by user Ada O. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Calcium Carbonate and Ca2+ Ions Essays

Calcium Carbonate and Ca2+ Ions Essays Calcium Carbonate and Ca2+ Ions Paper Calcium Carbonate and Ca2+ Ions Paper Experiment. EDTA Titration of Ca2+ in an unknown solution Experiment. EDTA Titration of Ca2+ in an unknown water sample Modified 9/2012 Objective: The most common multivalent metal ions in natural waters are Ca2+ and Mg2+. In this experiment, you will find the total concentration of calcium ions that can react with EDTA with the assumptions that EDTA reacts 1:1 with metal (Ca2+) ions. Equipment 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask (3) 50-mL Buret Ring-stand and hardware Desiccator 400-mL Beaker 500-mL Vol. flask 250-mL Vol. flask 1. 0-mL Vol Pipette 100-mL Grad cylinder Hot plate Safety and Waste Disposal Chemicals Buffer (pH 10): Add 142 mL of 28 wt % aqueous NH3 to 17. 5 g of NH4Cl and dilute to 250 mL with water. Eriochrome black T indicator: Dissolve 0. 2 g of the solid indicator in 15 mL of triethanolamine plus 5 mL of absolute ethanol. 50 wt % NaOH: Dissolve 100 g of NaOH in 100 g of H2O in a 250-mL plastic bottle. Store tightly capped. When you remove solution with a pipet, try not to disturb the solid Na2CO3 precipitate. Discussion: Hard water is due to metal ions (minerals) that are dissolved in the ground water. These minerals include Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, SO42-, and HCO3-. Generally hard water arises because rainwater moves through limestone, CaCO3 underground that occurs in our area to the aquifer. This is why we measure hardness in terms of CaCO3. The concentration of the Ca2+ ions is greater than the concentration of any other metal ion in our water. The determination of water hardness is routinely used to measure the quality of water that the general public uses. Originally, water hardness was defined as the measure of the capacity of the water to precipitate soap. Hard water is not a health hazard since the main chemical in hard water is calcium. People regularly take calcium supplements. In fact, hard water can be a source of necessary minerals (calcium and magnesium) that is necessary for good health. Indeed, the National Academy of Science go so far as stating that that consuming extremely hard water could be a major contributor of calcium and magnesium to the diet. The problem with hard water is that it cause soap scum, clog pipes and clog boilers. Soap scum is formed when the calcium ion binds with the soap. This causes an insoluble compound that precipitates to form the scum you see. Soap actually softens hard water by removing the Ca2+ ions from the water. When hard water is heated, CaCO3 precipitates out, which then clogs pipes and industrial boilers. This leads to malfunction or damage and is expensive to remove. There are two types of water hardness, temporary and permanent. Temporary hardness is due to the bicarbonate ion, HCO3-, being present in the water. This type of hardness can be removed by boiling the water to expel the CO2, as indicated by the following equation: HCO3- (aq) ? H2O (l) + CO2 (g). Because bicarbonate can be removed it is classified as temporary hardness. Permanent hardness is due to the presence of the ions Ca2+, Mg+2, Fe3+ and SO4-2. Because boiling cannot eliminate this type of hardness, the water is said to be permanently hard. The table below shows the degree of hardness of the water in terms of its calcium carbonate concentration in ppm and grains. Hardness rating Soft Medium Hard Hard Very Hard Concentration of Calcium Carbonate (mg/L or ppm) 0 75 75 to 150 150 to 300 300 and greater Concentration of Calcium Carbonate (grains/US gallon) 0 to 5. 2 5. 2 to 10. 5 10. 5 to 21 21 and greater Permanent hardness is usually determined by titrating it with a standard solution of ethylenediamminetetraacetic acid, EDTA. The EDTA is a complexing, or chelating agent used to capture the metal ions. This causes water to soften, but the metal ions however, are not removed from the water. EDTA simply binds the metal ions so that the ions do not precipitate to form soap scum. EDTA is a versatile chelating agent. A chelating agent is a substance whose molecules can form several bonds to a single metal ion. Chelating agents are multidentate ligands. A ligand is a substance that binds with a metal ion to form a complex ion. Multi-dentate ligands are many clawed, holding onto the metal ion to form a very stable complex. EDTA can form four or six bonds with a metal ion. It is frequently used in soaps and detergents because it forms complexes with calcium and magnesium ions. The ions in hard water are bound to the EDTA and cannot interfere with the cleaning action of the soap or detergent. EDTA is also used in foods. Certain enzymes are responsible for food spoilage. EDTA is used to remove metal ions from these enzymes. It is used to promote color retention in dried bananas, beans, chick peas, canned clams, pecan pie filling, frozen potatoes and canned shrimp. It is used to improve flavor retention in canned carbonated beverages, beer, salad dressings, mayonnaise, margarine, and sauces. It inhibits rancidity in salad dressings, mayonnaise, sauces and salad spreads. In this lab you will be asked to determine the total permanent hardness. EDTA grabs all the metal ions in the water, not just the Ca2+ ions. This gives us a value that is not truly the concentration of Ca2+ ions. This causes an experimental error of about 1%, which is acceptable due to the fuzzy endpoints in this type of titration. Erio-T indicator or Eriochrome Black-T indicator is used in this titration. When it is chelated or acidifies, it produces a Pink-Red solution. When it is not chelated and under basic conditions it is Blue. The three pictures show the end point in this titration. There is a 1-drop difference of 0. 01 M EDTA between the first and second pictures and between the second and third pictures. Two or three seconds were allowed for colors in the second and third pictures to develop after adding the additional drop. In each case the solution was thoroughly mixed. This color change from wine red to violet to blue is due to the compact nature of the complex. Experiment. EDTA Titration of Ca2+ in an unknown solution PROCEDURE Modified 9/2012 1. Dry Na2H2EDTA. 2H2O (FM 372. 24) at 80 ° C for 1 h and cool in the desiccator. Accurately weigh out ~ 0. 6 g and dissolve it with heating in 400 mL of water in a beaker. Cool to room temperature pour into a 500-mL volumetric flask. , mix and dilute to the mark. 2. You should practice finding the end point several times by adding a little tap water in a clean beaker and titrating with EDTA. Save a solution at the end point to use as a color comparison for other titrations. 3. Pipet a 1-mL sample of unknown into a 250-mL flask and fill to the mark with deionized water. Mix thoroughly. From this 250-mL stock solution draw 4, 50mL aliquot samples and place each aliquot in 250mL Erlenmeyer flasks. To each sample, add 3 mL of pH 10 buffer and 6 drops of Eriochrome black T indicator. To the first 50-ml solution, titrate with EDTA from a 50-mL buret and note when the color changes from wine red to blue. 4. Repeat the titration with the next three samples to find an accurate value of the total Ca2+ concentration. Perform a blank titration with 50 mL of distilled water and subtract the value of the blank from each result. 5. Upon completion of the experiment, discard all solution in a chemical waste bottle and wash out the glassware. Be sure to dry your buret in the upside down position. _________________________________________________________ Calculations – Analysis: Analyte Ca2+ The reaction of Ca2+ ions with H2EDTA2- takes place with a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio: Ca2+ + EDTA2- ? At the end point of the titration, 1-equivalent of Ca2+ reacts with one equivalent of H2EDTA2-. 1 eqv Ca2+ = 1 eqv H2EDTA2-; equivalent Ca2+ = [H2EDTA2-] Vol EDTA CaH2EDTA. Recall that the analyte (we call this unknown solution) was prepared by taking exactly 1-mL of the unknown solution and diluting in a 250-mL volumetric flask (we will call this the stock solution) 50-mL aliquot (call this the analyte) of this solution was then titrated against EDTA. Note that the analyte concentration is equal to the stock solution concentration. The mass Ca2+ in 1 mL aliquot unknown: Mass of Ca2+ in 50mL Sample = H 2EDTA2? $ Vol EDTA $ = mol H 2EDTA2- = mol Ca2+in 50mL Analyte # % # % Mass of Ca2+ in 1mL of unknown = mol Ca2+ ? 250mL aliquot Ca2+ __ g Ca2+ ? 50mL Analyte mol ? ? Dilution Factor Atomic mass Ca Mass of Ca2+ in 1 L solution: Mass Ca2+ in 1 L = mass Ca2+ in 1 mL Aliquot 1000 mL 1 mL Concentration of unknown by percent (m:v), parts per hundred (m:v) and Molarity (M): Mass Ca in 1mL aliquot Vol aliquot solution used % Ca2+ m:v = 100 ppm Ca2+ m:v = Mass Ca in 1mL aliquot Vol aliquot solution used 106 Molarity Ca2+ = mass Ca2+ in 1mL 1 mol Ca __g Ca ? ? ? molar mass Ca 1 Volume in L of unknown Aliquot used Mass in grams of calcium carbonate unknown in 1L solution: Mass CaCO 3 in 1-L = mass ppt (g) 1 mol CaC 2O 4 H 2O __ g CaC 2O 4 H 2O ? molar mass CaC O H O 2 4 2 1 mol CaCO 3 1 mol CaC 2O 4 H 2O 1 mol CaCO 3 Vol in L of aliquot ? ? ? ? Molar mass CaCO 3 __ g CaCO 3 1L Dilution Factor Statistical Analysis – 1. Report the mean, medium, standard deviations (s), relative standard deviation (RSD), variance (s2) and the 95% confidence interval for your results. 2. 3. 4. Apply the student’s t test at the 95% confidence interval Apply a Q-test to any suspected result. Confidence interval = x + ts n 5. Compare the results of this experiment to the previous experiment, Gravimetric determination of Ca. Apply the Comparison of Means with Student’s t, Case2 (p76) Comparing Replicate Measurements. Do the two methods agree within the 95% confidence interval? â‚ ¬ Test for Outlier Apply a Grubb’s Test and Q-Test for any suspected outliers at 95 % level. See page 83 of text for critical values for 95% confidence. If your results show an anomalous data then use the Q-test to determine if the result should be rejected. Q= (Suspected Value Nearest Value) (Suspected Value Furthest Value) G calc = | Questionable value x| s Table of Data, Results and Statistical Analysis: Calcium Raw Data 1. Unknown number 2 Mass of EDTA used 3 Concentration of EDTA 4 Volume of Unknown Ca2+ Solution 5 Volume EDTA during titration 6 Volume EDTA for blank trials 7 Q-Test (95%) of any outlier Analysis and Results 8 Mass of calcium in 1-mL aliquot (Average) 9 Mass of calcium in 1-L solution (Average) 10 Conc. of calcium, %, ppm (m:v) and Molarity (Average) 11 Mass of calcium carbonate in 1-L (Average) Statistical Analysis 12 Averages and Standard deviations of all results 13 Variance, RSD and CV of all results 14 95% Confidence interval 15 ttable and tcalc for replicate measurements DiscussionThe goal of this experiment was to determine the â€Å"hardness† of the unknown sample by calculating the concentration of calcium ions in an analyte solution. Correcting for dilution factors, the concentration of calcium in the unknown in g/L is to be determined and compared to analysis for calcium by EDTA titration. Statistical analysis is applied to the results. A discussion of this experiment should include the accuracy and precision of this experiment compared to the EDTA titration method. An analysis of a comparison of replicated measurement is performed and discussed. Table of results should include Include in your summary table the following: i) Moles of Ca2+ in the unknown and the average equivalent value. ii) Concentration of [Ca2+ ] in the unknown in molarity, ppm and g/L iv) Mean, standard deviations, RSD and CV for each of the above concentration units. v) Student’s t at the 95% confidence interval vi) Application of a G and Q-test to any suspected result at the 95% level. vii) ttable, tcalc, Conclusion on comparison of replicated measurements. . Experiment. EDTA Titration of Ca2+ in an unknown solution Modified 9/2012 Sample data table. Sample Unknown # ______ Mass Na2EDTA, (g) Molarity Na2EDTA, (M) Vol. unknown, (ml) Buret Volinitial, (ml) Buret Volfinal, (ml) Volume EDTA used, (ml) Vol EDTA for blank, (ml) Corrected Col EDTA, (ml) Trial 1 Mass Ca2+ in 1 ml aliquot (g) Mass Ca2+ in 1-L solution (g) Concentration Ca (%) Concentration Ca (ppm) Molarity Ca2+, unknown (M) Mass calcium carbonate in 1L Q and G Test for Outliner CaCO3 (g/L), unknown Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 Average Std dev Variance RSD , CV 95% CL Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 Blank Student’s t Analysis: Comparing replicate measurements Analysis A: CaCO3 (g/L) 1 2 3 4 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 Avg Avg X1bar X2bar Sqrt ((n1*n2)/(n1+n2)) (xi-x1)^2 deg freedom Spooled Expt 2 Expt 3 Ex2 (Xi-Xbar)^2 Ex3 (Xi-Xbar)^2 T calc t table Conclusion T calc ? T table, at 95%, two result are (not) considered to be different EDTA Titration of Ca2+ in an unknown solution. # 1 2 CRITERIA (Tentative point distribution may change depending on experiment) Quiz / Homework [NONE} Introduction and Procedures A. Introduction Objective of Expt. Background information. Math relationship used in study. B. Procedures Outline of procedures in Expt. Flow chart pictorial of procedures. Procedural changes. Information (data) to be recorded during experiment. (to be presented in Table form. ) Safety and disposal information. This portion of the report should be turned in before the start of lab class (prelab discussion). Data, Observe. , Results and Calc. C. Data and Observation Data in table form. detailed observations written in th e table. All data entry should contain the proper number of significant figures and units. Data should always be recorded in an organize fashion. Balance chemical equations; all chemical reaction which occurred during an experiment should be written in this section. Then it should also be written in the discussion portion of the report. This portion of the report should be turned in before you leave the laboratory. Calculations Results D. Calculations Sample calculation shown with Excel spreadsheet available with formulas shown Statistical analysis of data and result. Avg, Std dev, RSD, CV E. Results Summary of Result(s) in table form. In this section accuracy of results is very important as well as detailed calculation showing how the result was obtain. Unknown will also be included in this section. Discussion / Conclusions and Post-Lab Questions F. Discussion (Talking points) What is your final result in this experiment. Are the four trials consistent with each other? If not what would account for the inconsistencies? How did the results in this experimental result compare to the result in experiment 2? Is your result for the amount of calcium carbonate in your unknown within the range of 10 – 25 g/L? Elaborate on this. What is the average amount of calcium in tap water, how much more higher is this unknown compared to the average content in tap water (express in %). G. Conclusion Summary of the goal of the experiment and how that goal was achieved in the experiment. H. Post-lab questions or Editorial comment What did you learn in this experiment? What skills in lab practice did you develop through this expt? This portion (Calculation and Discussion) is turned in at the beginning of class of the due-date Overall Presentation (of lab notebook) Lab technique during experiment; example are, class preparation, safety glasses precautions and leaving the laboratory clean. Report presentation: examples are the headings of each report that includes name, title, lab partner, date and section #, witness signature. Legibility of report. Is the report easy to read or is important information jotted down by small print in the corners of the lab report. The overall impression is important. Lab Technique Safety: wear goggles, handle chemicals with caution, proper handling of lab equipment Leave lab clean and tidy Score ______/10 _______ Student’s t ____/5 pts % Score 5 3 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 6 5 Unknown __________% Error Total (This total may be adjusted d epending on lab technique and student conduct in the experiment) 50

A Study On Protestant Reformation History Essay

A Study On Protestant Reformation History Essay With reference to England, Scotland and Germany the extent to which the Protestant Reformation affected the development of their nation states and national identities was not uniform. Each country will be discussed on an individual basis as will agreement or otherwise because although there were similar consequences there were also different results from the Protestant Reformation. To start with reference will be made to Germany first, partly because the Protestant Reformation started there and partly because in many ways it was far more complicated a situation than England and Scotland. Unlike England and Scotland, Germany was not a country that actually existed, let alone having more or less established borders with national institutions, monarchies and a sense of nationality. The only things that the Germans held in common was that they spoke dialects and variations of the same language and that they were under the nominal rule of the Holy Roman Emperor.The Holy Roman Empire was split up into over 300 states of various sizes and importance. These states were keen on maintaining their autonomy from the empire; the Protestant Reformation would provide some of those states with a pretext for increasing their independence (Maland, 1982, p.148). The Protestant Reformation started in Germany rather more by accident than by design in 1517. The Augustinian friar Martin Luther started the process by his protest against indulgences at Wittenberg. Luther was an accomplished theologian and would prove highly capable of writing his views and ideas in German as well as Latin. Luther was astute enough to put things in German to spread his ideas further through pamphlets, books and bibles thus increasing the availability of publications in German. The lack of imperial authority in Germany meant that Luther and the Reformation was able to survive (Roberts, 1996, pp.227-28). The Protestant Reformation had added attraction to the Germans because it gave them a greater sense o f a German identity rather than being subjects of the various states and statelets. Luther had not anticipated all the effects of unleashing that greater sense of being German would be a further division of the German states rather than bringing them closer together. There were also more radical reformers such as Carlstadt that whipped up so much support for radical reform it culminated in the Peasants War. Luther was against such radicalism and tied the Lutheran Reformation closely to the secular rulers to prevent further anarchy. Whilst Luther wrote the majority of his works in German such as the Liberty of a Christian Man, his most radical pamphlet , The Babylonish Captivity of the Church of God remained in Latin. For Luther was plainly aware of the radical effect that putting such works in German could have (Maland, 1986, pp. 88-89). Those princes and states that followed Luther and conformed to the Lutheran Confession of Augsburg formed the Schmakaldic League. Aside from Sax ony the league included Brandenburg, Prussia, and Hesse. They were ranged against the catholic German states and the Emperor. The Protestant Reformation started in Germany but the factors that allowed it to survive effectively prevented the forming of a united German state or the complete success of the Protestant Reformation there (Chadwick, 1990, pp.63-64).

A critical analysis and evaluation of strategy development in the Assignment

A critical analysis and evaluation of strategy development in the global transportation and logistics industry - Assignment Example Rivalry among existing firms – Many organizations belonging to the same industry treat their competitors as rivals. This is so because organizations in the same industry competes each other for various factors which includes resources, customer base, and other associated factors which supports their business operation to gain competitive advantage. Bargaining power of suppliers – during high level of competition suppliers have numerous options for their customers which empowers them with capability to negotiate with their customer organizations on the cost of resources. Bargaining power of consumers – due to increase in number of companies offering same product the consumers gain power to negotiate the price of the product since they have numerous options of companies offering the same product at different prices. Potential development of substitute products – when a new product is launched in the market as a substitute of available products the competition level raises for the latter case (David, 2006, p.92). FedEx Corporation is involved with the logistic services and serves a vast area across the globe with strong logistics capabilities. In the context of the company Porter’s five forces model has several relevant points which the company has considered to meet the challenges of high competitive force posed by its competitors. The company since its inception has significantly performed strategic analysis to remain ahead of its competitors by identifying different crucial aspects of the business and industry requirements. Since the company is fully involved in transferring of goods from one place to another, the threat of new product as its substitute is low. To reduce the threat of high competition from its rival organizations FedEx has continually strengthened its core business requirement, i.e. logistics system to gain customers’ trust. The company faced the threat from the Postal Department in U.S. when people started availing their

Using technology within and across social encounters Essay

Using technology within and across social encounters - Essay Example Just like any other aspects of communication, mobile SMS is an evolving feature of the mobile phone technology where there is development of the wireless application protocol which is an open standard to all and it uses wireless communication. This creates the links between internets and it makes it possible to exchange text messages between internet applications and the mobile phones. Various mobile phones have also incorporated the use of the bleu tooth making it easier to interchange any electronic files of any kind between proximate mobile communication devices. With all these innovations SMS has still remained the most popular feature of the mobile phones that is frequently used by the mobile phone user but to some greater extent technological affordances have rendered the SMS massing very different from the environment from which the ordinary conversation was developed and used. In the social relation in which the SMS tend to be linked, research shows that SMS is focused on the issues that are specialized and restricted to a specific form of linguistic expression that is evolved in the context of the system affordances that most users have become costumed to. In essence text massages should be taken as a single entity when looking at the approaches from the perspective of their role in the social relationship. The study that is conducted by the Laursen is perhaps the only analysis that to date acknowledges that text messages are exchanged between the users of the technology and that some text massages tend to occasion responses in the form of the reply texts from their recipient even if the text does not make reply conditionally relevant. Text messages are made up of half-duplets units that do not operate the same way as the units of utterances in the communications meaning that SMS users engage in a synchronous communication which is

Advert Review Skoda Fabia Essay Example for Free

Advert Review Skoda Fabia Essay The Skoda Fabia vRS isn’t like a fruit cake at all. It’s just plain evil! Skoda’s cars have been considered cheap claptrap for years. If I asked anyone old enough to have an opinion they would answer â€Å"useless pile of junk† or â€Å"Eastern European unreliability†. Skoda, wanting to give themselves a new image came up with the â€Å"Cake† ad. With the tagline â€Å"Made of Lovely Stuff† they were obviously trying to rebrand their product, to say their cars were made of good quality materials with love and attention. Skoda’s famous cake advert would have you believe the Skoda Fabia is made of chocolately goodness and gluttonous cake; think Willy Wonka’s birthday cake. Skoda has now made the sequel, and it is not cakey, nor chocolately. To show just how tough the Fabia vRS is the new advert shows a group of utter nutters lovingly biting, punching and rattling the hot Fabia. Skoda is currently enjoying its best year on record; and obviously the company wants to build on the momentum by launching a new TV campaign for the Fabia vRS hot hatchback. Skoda decided to follow in other companies footsteps and create a tongue in cheek parody of their product. The new ad, which is meant to show the darker side of the 180-horsepower-strong hatchback, features the Made from Meaner Stuff tagline. Following a similar format to the Fabia ‘Cake’ advert, the new ‘meaner’ vRS campaign now adopts a much darker feel. Set in a secret location within the Skoda factory, the liquorice, treacle and jelly vehicle components of cake make way for a bone chassis, a snake-powered engine and some unorthodox finishing techniques. The recent ad appeals to a new audience compared to the earlier cake ad. It is aimed at a younger male audience. Hot-hatchbacks, such as this, are perfect for a younger male car owner as they are practical for driving with your mates and are also fast and fun to drive. It has been turbocharged and supercharged to produce a smidgen under 180 horsepower giving it a top speed of 139 miles an hour (good for a â€Å"Skoda†). The Fabia comes with sports suspension so is quick and less floppy in the corners than the standard version. All this adds up to it being altogether fun to drive and go fast in. The ad also accentuates the â€Å"meanness† of the car with humorous and strange materials used for creating the car. The engine is made of snakes and runs on snake venom. The chassis is made out of a skull. The alloys are cast from samurai swords. All this adds up to equal â€Å"MEAN†. The man biting the door into shape reminds us of Jaws from the Bond movies. While the crossbow that ends up being the windscreen wiper which is extremely crazy. The song in both ads is â€Å"These are some of my Favourite Things† however while in the cake ad it is the original version with Julia Andrews. In the â€Å"Made of Meaner Stuff† ad it is a heavy rock version by The Amatory Murder. While it may appeal to a younger male audience, this ad may not appeal to an older audience because of the mean nature of the ad and older people are generally more precautious so wouldn’t want a sports car. This would lose Skoda a large proportion of the market however that audience wouldn’t be likely to buy a souped up hot-hatchback anyway. This means they didn’t actually lose much of the potential market anyway. And the older female audience would be more interested in the normal Fabia which Skoda advertised with the Cake ad, which incidentally increased their profits to their best year on record. Overall the ad is successful and memorable with a clear and excellent â€Å"unique selling point†. It creates a mean and crazy impression of the car that I’m sure would convince many a young adult to buy the Skoda Fabia vRS instead of say a Ford Fiesta ST or Golf GTi. Skoda will surely succeeded in putting out there that they make â€Å"exceedingly good† cars.

Wildfire Mitigation Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Forest Essays

Wildfire Mitigation Thesis: Politicians are proposing sweeping changes in bills, which have caused great controversy, in efforts to correct the problems that the Forest Service has faced in restoration projects. Are these bills necessary or is there a better solution that politicians are overlooking? Introduction: Humans have been changing the Western forests' fire system since the settlement by the Europeans and now we are experiencing the consequences of those changes. During the summer of 2002, 6.9 million acres of forests was burnt up in the West (Wildland Fires, 1). This figure is two times the ten year annual average, and it does not look like next summer will be any better (Wildfire Season, 1). Foresters have been trying to restore the forests back to their original conditions by thinning and prescribed fires but have encountered countless delays. Politicians are proposing sweeping changes in bills, which have caused great controversy, in efforts to correct the problems that the Forest Service has faced in restoration projects. Are these bills necessary or is there a better solution that politicians are overlooking? Changing Forest: The Western forests are drastically different from what they were like before the European settlement. In pre-European time, the forests were open and park-like with only 25-35 trees per acre surrounded by areas of open grasslands. One could easily ride a horse through the spacious forest. This, however, is not possible in today's forests. Today, for example the Ponderosa pine forests, have over 500 trees per acre, creating thick dense areas of trees, brush, and bushes (President Bush, 4). The pre-European forests were subject to frequent low inte... ...ewed 1 Nov. 2002 .<http://thomas.loc.gov/> Jungwirth, Lynn. "Opinion: Conservation is everyone's business." American Forest. Autumn 2002: 4. "Land of Fire." Scientific American Nov.2002: 10. Little, Jane. "Hogans of Hope." American Forest. Autumn 2002: 39-42. President Bush, George. "Healthy Forest: An Initiative for Wildfire Prevention and Stronger Communities." 22 Aug. 2002. Viewed 2 Nov. 2002.<http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/healthyforests/Healthy_Forests_v2.pdf>. "Step 1. Characterizations of the Watershed." Forest Service: 17 pars. Viewed 7 Nov. 2002. <http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/spl/south_platte_web/step_1.htm>. "Wildland Fires of 2002 Summary." National Fire News. 11 Oct. 2002: 1 pg. Viewed 2 Nov. 2002 .<http://www.nifc.gov/fireinfo/nfn.html>. "Wildfire Season Heats Up Debate in Washington." Forest Source. Oct 2002: 1&5.

Divorce Essay Essay

The Beginning of the End Growing up I always believed divorce was the worst mistake a couple could make. Now that I am older I now have a different view on divorce. My parents divorced when I was seventeen years old, and since going through this experience I view divorce differently. Although most people think of divorce as a negative thing, I think sometimes it turns out to be the best decision for everyone involved. When I was a little girl all I would hear from people is how divorce was wrong and couples should always work out their differences. My parents would always assure me that â€Å"no matter how much we fight, we will never get a divorce†. As the years went on things started changing in my parent’s relationship and we saw their marriage starting to dissolve. My sister and I could see that they were no longer the happily married couple they had been for the past 25 years. Eventually my father’s personality started to change, and he no longer was interested in family activities or spending quality time with my sister and I. He was not the dad we had known our whole lives. After realizing his behavioral changes he finally went to go see a professional. After a few sessions with the doctor and many counseling sessions with my mom, my dad was diagnosed with depression. We had already seen first hand what depression could do to a marriage, as his parents had gotten divorced after my dad’s mother was diagnosed with depression. As time went by I saw my father’s depression taking a toll on my mother’s happiness and her daily attitude. I wanted both of my parents to be happy, but was that too much to ask of them to stay together? I knew my father had changed and was not the same man my mom had fallen in love with 25 years earlier. My dad was no longer the fun, ambitious, adventurous guy my mom had met back in college. Instead my dad was bitter, had frequent outburst, and a constant negative outlook on life. When my parents finally reached the decision to divorce my family knew it was going to be a tough road ahead. Although my sister and I were upset we knew it was for the best, it was just going to take some adjusting. Luckily the divorce was very civil and my parents are still able to maintain a peaceful relationship for the sake of my sister and I. We both know my parents love us and that the divorce had nothing to do with anything we had done. My dad has since gotten help and my sister and I visit him often. He is getting back to the fun, loving, kind man we all knew him to be. Unfortunately, my dad waited to late to make changes in his life to save his marriage. Today, my parents are both in healthy relationships with other people. My sister and I enjoy spending time with both families and feel blessed these new people are in our lives. I had a very negative view on marriage when my parents told me they were divorcing, but since that time I feel not everyone gets divorced and marriage takes a lot of work. Although the divorce was hard to swallow, it is good to see both of my parents happy again. Now that my parent’s divorce is final everyone seems to be more peaceful and happy with their lives. I am not saying divorce is the right decision for everyone, but I am saying depending on the situation sometimes it is the best choice. I have learned through my experience not to judge others that are divorced because everyone’s situation is different. I feel my parents made the right decision for our family and I am a stronger, and happier person as a result.

National Education Policy 1986 Essay

* Objectives and features :- The National education policy on education (1986) is known as new education policy (NEP ). The call for the National education policy was first give by Prime Minister of India Shri Rajiv Gandhi in his broadcast to the nation on 5th Jan. 1985. The need for new policy from the fact implementation of 1968 NEP was incomplete a not any National policy on Education was passed by the Loksabha on May 8th and Rajjya sabha on May 13th 1986. This policy contains XII parts and 157 paragraphs on different aspects on education. * Salient Features :- I. Essence and Role of Education :- i. All Round development : It is fundamental to have education for all and all round development, and spiritual. ii. Acculturating role- (Progressive role ): – Independence of mind and spirit. iii. Man power development –Education develops manpower for different level of the economy. It ultimate guarantee of national self-reliance. iv. Investment:- Education is an unique investment in the present and future this coordinal principle is the key to national policy on education II. National system of education: – i. Concept of national system: All student irrespective of cast, creed, location or Sex have right to have access (way ) to education of comparable quality. ii. Common Education Structure :- The national policy on education has a common education structure ie. 10+2+3 structure. This structure has now been kept in all parts of the country. 10 means -6 yrs of primary education 2 yrs of upper primary 2 yrs of high school +2 means -2 yrs of higher secondary +3 means -college of 3 yrs – degree of B. A. iii. National curricular framework: – Contains a common core along with other components that are flexible. iv. Minimum level of learning will be for each stage of education. v. International understanding strengthen peace. vi. Equal opportunity: – For promoting equality it is necessary to provide for equal opportunity. This is possible through core curriculum. vii. Promotion of link of other languages:- Many multi language dictionaries and glossaries will be published to promote link between different languages. viii. Lifelong education: – Opportunities will be provided to the youth, housewife, agricultural and industrial workers & professional to continue the education of their choice at their own place.ix. Institution of National importance: – The institutions which will be strengthened to play an important role in giving shape to the nation system of education will be development. III. Educational for Equality: – The NEP lays emphases for the equality in the following provisions. 1) Educational for women’s equality :- i. Status of women ii. Women’s study iii. Promotion of women’s illiteracy iv. Women’s participation in technical & vocational education. 2) Education of scheduled castes : Equalization of educational development with non-scheduled castes at all levels of education in all areas. 3) Education of scheduled tribes: There are various measures being taken to bring scheduled tribes with others. 4) Other Educationally backward sections and areas: Suitable incentive will be provided to all educationally backward sections of society, particularly in the rural areas. 5) Minorities: Some groups are educationally deprived greater attention will be paid to the education of these groups in the interest of equality and social justice. 6) The handicapped : – The NEP proposes to integrate the physically and mentally handicapped with the general community as equal partners. 7) Adult and continuing Education : – 1) Strengthening the existing programme. 2) Mass literacy programme 3) Programmes of adult and continuing education. IV. Reorganization of education at different stages: – New educational policy has mode valuable provisions for reorganization of education at different stages. i) Early childhood care and education : – This will be given high priority and be suitably integrated with the integrated child development services programme where ever possible. There will be * Child oriented programme. * Integration of child care and pre-primary education ii) Primary Education : – The highest priority will be given to solve the problems of children dropping out of school. a) Education should have Universal enrolment Up to 14 yrs of Age Substantial improvement in quality of education b) Child centered approach and activity based process of learning should be adopted at primary stage. c) Provisions for essential facilities in primary school. d) Non formal education- Programme launched to educate school dropouts, working children, children remain away from school. Facilities to be provided such as – * Modern technology aids. * Talented instructors * Training for instructors. * Need centered curriculum * Leaning material iii) Secondary Education : – Exposes students to understand their constitutional duties and rights as citizens. Vocationalisation through specialized institutions. iv) Vocationsation of Education : – It received a very high priority in the new policy. v) Higher Education : – Must be dynamic vi) Provision for Open University & Distance learning. V. Technical and Management Education:- Technical manpower information system will be developed and strengthen continuing Education covering established as well as emerging technologies will be promoted. Programmes of computer literacy will be organized on wide scale from school stage. Training to it will from past of professional education. VI. Making the system work:- For the progress of nation the policy should work for this purpose, it is essential that all the teachers should teach and all the students should study.

Strategic Analysis Report Essays

Strategic Analysis Report Essays Strategic Analysis Report Essay Strategic Analysis Report Essay Additionally heavy maintenance was consolidated to Avalon and Brisbane with Tullamarine in Melbourne closing by August 2012 (Qantas, 2012). This report considers the position of Qantas as at 1st May 2012 but considers this announcement justification of the report’s recommendations. 2|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 2 Executive Summary The dynamic nature of the global commercial aviation industry requires organisational structures and strategies that exemplify controls facilitating flexibility and prompt market responsiveness. The industry is heavily influenced via ncreasing global operational expenses, volatility and competition creating numerous challenges for Qantas’ long-term survival. Moreover, constant changes of consumer behaviour, perception and purchasing powers are directly influencing Qantas’ diminishing profit margins alongside high operational expenditure. It is crucial for Qantas’ to optimise opportunities and manage complex trade-offs involving value chain and supply chain management (SCM) activities. Numerous mechanisms exist to maximise the differences between perceived value and actual costs of supply chain activities.The key challenges for Qantas are to conceptualise strategies that provide a balance of efficiency and effectiveness. Initial internal and external analyses determined key discrepancies involving Qantas’ direction of global and functional-level strategies. The analyses identified integrated, global standardisation, human resource (HR) and operational strategies as the primary segments to adjust. Key deficiencies arose regarding international competitiveness, terminal/plant consolidation, operational restructure requirements, workforce personnel skill and training enhancements and continual Industrial Relations (IR) disputes.As such, distinct emphasis to Qantas’ management amplified top and middle managerial inadequacies and change requirements. The analysis concluded that Qantas should implement a hybrid strategy through the integration of global standardisation and operational strategies. This combined strategy will address effective controls and policies, enabling cost reductions from non value-adding activities and redirecting capital to value-adding functions, thus effectively progressing Qantas’ strategic objectives towards sustainable practices and growth. |Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 3 Two Potential Strategies The strategic objectives for Qantas’ future intent are to mitigate potential risks. This can be achieved via either a global or functional level strategy. This report analyses the benefits and limitations of these strategies and presents a realistic recommendation for long term strategic sustainability. 3. 1 Global Strategy Global strategy plays a vital role in strengthening organisations such as Qantas (Hill Jones, 2010).Through the use of integration and global standardisation Qantas will be able to enhance its operations and increase its aviation market share. These strategies will enhance Qantas’ consumer base, whilst improving customer service outcomes. The implementation of these strategies will enable superior quality service delivery and improved performance against rivals in the aviation industry. 3. 1. 1 Integration Strategy In order to counter strong competition in international markets, increasing importance is placed on Multinational Organisations such as Qantas to integrate its overseas operations.Global Integration Strategy positions organisations like Qantas to gain advantage by geographically dispersing and specialising its operations (Porter, 1986). This localisation results in cost efficiencies and economies of scale improving competitiveness (Mauri, 2003). Qantas operates a vast international network but could take advantage of horizontal integration to build its network in booming markets such as Asia, while offset losses on unpopular routes. This could be achieved by creating wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, or strengthening alliances with partner airlines in the OneWorld program and beyond.Alliance Networks can guide Qantas to recover its losses internationally by leveraging economies of scale generated by code sharing and commercial partnerships (Lawton, 201 1). 4|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 To compete with local hub based carriers such as Singapore Airlines (Singapore) and Emirates (Dubai), Qantas could vertically integrate some ground support and maintenance operations. Such undertakings would allow the Qantas brand to increase competitor cost structures and standardise customer service offerings, by controlling the brand experience from origin to consumption point. . 1. 2 Global Standardisation Strategy A global standardisation strategy aims at reducing costs by having Qantas’s headquarters and SCM activities centralised in Australia, but locating key functions in an optimal global location for that activity (Hill Jones, 2010). Following a Dynamic SWOT analysis undertaken by Nav-Star, it was found that Qantas could reduce operating costs by offshoring certain unskilled maintenance activities to a service centre in Hong Kong. This would allow Qantas to maximise synergies created by its new strategic alliance with China Eastern Airlines (Qantas, 2012).This destination offers labour force competitive advantages due to no minimum wage and advantageous tax rates (Euromonitor, 2010). This would make it suitable for unskilled maintenance work on aircraft, with more technical work being undertaken in Australia to maintain quality standards. Furthermore, offshoring would facilitate excellent career development for Australian Qantas employees as there will be a need to train and monitor a new Asian labour force. Hong Kong is a major Asian hub with a favourable economic and financial climate (Austrade, 2012), as well as being a gateway to China. Currently theChinese travel market is approximately 300 million. This is believed to grow to 500 million within three years (Qantas, 2012). If this strategy is employed it will reduce costs while creating both synergies and opportunities for further growth. 3. 2 Functional Strategy A functional strategy is advantageous for organisations to achieve superior efficiency, innovation, quality, and customer responsiveness (Jones Hill, 2012). Implementation of functional 5|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 strategies increases organisational capabilities in terms of resource availability and distinctive competencies. . 2. 1 HR Strategy A HR strategy aims at improving organisational outcomes through enhancing workforce capabilities. Key elements involve organisational development, job enrichment, employee empowerment and increased motivation through intrinsic motivators such as learning and development (Stone, 2010). Following a dynamic SWOT analysis of Qantas, it is evident that the airline can increase its revenue by reorganising the organisations HR focus. This would be possible through regular training and development of the workforce to satisfy intrinsic motivators.This is essential in light of the recent industrial and economic events (Qantas, 2012). Qantas’ 35,000 workforce personnel are primarily employees in either full-time or part-time positions, however in light of declining profits the movement towards transforming significant positions to a casual employment emerges (Qantas Databook, 2012). This creates numerous challenges for Qantas to ensure a superior level of quality and consistency across personnel divisions. The foremost segments subjective to this movement are ground staff, cabin crew, QCatering and Qantas Freight services (Qantas Media Releases, 2012).Given the dynamic nature of Qantas’ consumer base, employee training programs need to be tailored to adapt to the changing needs of customers. This is particularly relevant in the international arena, as this is where Qantas’ strategy needs to be enhanced to achieve industry differentiation and growth in emerging markets (Qantas, 2012). 3. 2. 2 Operational Strategy Management teams use operational strategies to effectively manage upstream and downstream value and supply chain activities in a cost-efficient manner. Hence, emphasis on 6|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 roductivity maximisation of resource-based bundling emerges via the capitalisation and operational restructuring of functional tactics and time specifications (Hanson, Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2011). Qantas’ adverse internal and external environments are underpinned by operational expenses. These variables have forced the company to adopt cost reduction and low cost structure activities (Sharma Fisher, 1997). According to Qantas’ Databook (2012) cost price increases in operational activities (i. e. rising fuel prices, labour disputes, and replicated maintenance facilities) erode profit margins.This represents potential inefficiencies and weaknesses within Qantas’ internal management controls. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announced in March 2012 the company’s strategic intent is to reduce costs without causing significant declines in revenue (Qantas Media Releases, 2012). A dynamic SWOT analysis identified for Qantas to negate and transpose limitations into positive company attributes. Qantas’ operational strategy should focus upon inefficiencies within Qantas’ supply and value chains thus requiring implementing increased controls.This measure would involve the coordination of activities directly attributed to horizontally and vertically integrated functions. Such measures would reaffirm a distinct organisational structure whilst ascertaining and securing improved efficiency, cost controls, environmental adaptability and profitability. Lin, Zu-Hsu Gibbs (2008), Gandolfi Hassoun (2010) and Buckingham Loomba (2001) assert effective operational restructuring to involve SWOT decision-making processes regarding cost structure reductions where value-adding functions are emphasised.These activities involve Reduction-In-Force (RIF) primarily concerning workforce size, skill requirements, employee flexibility, continuous improvement and activity-based costing initiatives. Additionally a SCM focus identifies supplier selection, procurement, inbound/outbound logistics, indirect materials, plant capacity and locations is a foremost facet of operational expenses providing avenues for reductions (Monczka, Handfield, Giunipero Patterson, 2011). Qantas should reassess the margins of each activity impacting the value-adding functions for increased |Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 company profits. As global economic uncertainty remains a primary concern in management strategic decisions the ability to respond effectively and integrate specified functional-level and operational strategies remains critical to long-term survival and profitability (Hanson, Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2011). 4 Comparison and Evaluation Strategy One Strategy Two Feasibility substantial it can financial Qantas’s value chain activities represent by significant financial assets involving firmFeasibility Qantas resources possesses which leverage centralising its activities to its Australian infrastructure, SCM activities and highly headquarters, while offshoring non value skilled and specialised workforce personnel. adding functions such as maintenance. The As diversification workforce and scale ease of of such, through extensive employee Qantas’s development programmes (i. e. emphasis on global employee flexibility initiatives), SCM enables transference across the company.Further, streamlined cost structure improvements there is surplus cheap labour available in and internal communications will entice the both Asian destinations to make the strategy workforce to remain vibrant and instantly implementable with the use of knowledgeable. strategic partner airlines. Desirability Desirability Centralizing activities at the Australian Implementation of the HR strategy alongside headquarters will enable the company to increased transparency involving functions reduce its operating costs.By offshoring and related profit margins will increase the upstream and downstream operations to airline’s efficiency, quality of services, other locations globally, the airline will technological advancements and innovation, benefit from low cost materials and cheap thereby attracting more customers and labour, thus reducing its overall costs of retaining existing ones. This will increase the 8|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 manufacture and maintenance. company’s revenues and overall financial performance. Risks RisksRisks include cross cultural barriers, socio Risks include associated costs and potential economic and localised geo-political employee resistances to operational changes enhanced training and uncertainty. Given that the airlines will alongside offshore its activities across different development programmes. Moreover the locations globally, there is a risk of Australian operational and HR strategies should both industrial increased relations awareness issues. of Moreover, directly and indirectly forecast customer corporate needs and demand to determine accurate mechanisms.Thus enabling responsibility challenges including perceived budgeting versus actual human rights violations. capital to be directed along the value chain proportionally. Table 1 – Formulated Strategies 5 Recommendations Nav-star Consultants recommends that Qantas adopts Strategy One, an integrated global standardisation strategy, and Strategy Two, operational strategy. This will be implemented by leveraging the formidable financial and human resources of the company, thus redirecting capital where it’s needed to drive strategic change.This involves offshoring maintenance activities to Hong Kong to engage a leaner cost structure. This strategy will be supported internally by realigning its supply chain capabilities to locations that are more value oriented (Hill Jones, 2010). Further, both upstream and downstream activities will be refocused on more profitable flight routes, ground operations and strategic partner alliances. By utilising this integrated strategy, Qantas will maintain a flexible competitive advantage in the global airline industry. 9|Page Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 . 1 Distinguish from Competition For Qantas to remain competitive in both domestic and, more importantly, the international arena, a focus on providing value added services that differentiate from the competition is vital. Firstly, it is recommended that Qantas reviews its international network of destinations to divest from unprofitable flight routes and replacing these with arrangements using strategic alliance partners. This will also include an inevitable RIF that will focus on optimising workforce size and up skilling or cross training displaced employees (Noe Winkler, 2009).These optimisations allow Qantas to distinguish itself from its competitors by providing a leaner and more skilled workforce. Secondly, Qantas will need to consider integrating ground operations and supply chain activities to gain greater control of cost efficiencies, as well as reducing access for key competitors in foreign hubs (McCarthy-Byrne Mentzer, 2011). This will be achieved by utilising existing and new strategic partnerships and the establishment of new support facilities in the most value added location, Hong Kong.Any opportunity for the establishment of a wholly owned foreign subsidiary should seriously be considered. By integrating operations and activities, Qantas can remain adaptive to competitive pressures and distinguish its brand. 5. 2 Two Key Elements Two key elements in regards to Qantas’ implementation of its integrated strategy are, firstly, the Australian industrial relation consequences that may arise from the perception that Qantas is offshoring Australian jobs. Secondly, the importance of maintaining Qantas’ exceptional brand image regarding quality across maintenance and customer service.In order to prepare for likely industrial disputes, an extensive program of cross training and up skilling should be provided to employees who may be affected by this strategic reorientation. This will form a part of a risk mitigation strategy which will also reduce the dependence on domestic labour, of which industrial disputes will have the greatest impact (Balnave, Brown, 10 | P a g e Nav-Star Consultants MGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 Maconachie Stone, 2009). Further, internal and external public relation campaigns should be commenced to educate and reassure all stakeholders of Qantas.For Qantas to maintain its exceptional quality reputation and to further build its quality perception in the market, it will be important to present the changing strategic direction of the organisation as an opportunity for portfolio growth. This will lead to greater opportunities for Qantas employees both domestically and abroad. Additionally, through the use of investment in technology and training, Qantas can reduce costs and implement its strategic plan without compromising quality perception. 5. 3 Boundary ConditionThe recommended integrated global standardisation and operational strategy exemplifies distinct benefits, company differentiation and competitive advantages. A PESTEL analysis identified the foremost determinant critical to ongoing implementation processes and success regards geoeconomic influences. Additional PESTEL characteristics are exhibited in Appendix 2. Bilgin (2010) asserts for Qantas to effectively intensify its international operations and presence incorporating geo-economic risks into strategic planning is vital.Schlevogt (2001) outlines key variables and success factors as company financial reserves; supply and value chain productions; workforce personnel; technological and research developments; transportation capabilities; trade opportunities and international politics. Moreover, as numerous value-adding resources are sourced from international markets, foreign government political, trade and socio-economic policies are shaping the pace and course of global interactions and transactions.Numerous markets have experienced unsustainable practices via diminished growth strategies for labour market competition, increase export and investment ventures abroad and displacement through automation (Eun Resnick, 2011 Madura, 2010). These shortfalls, provide opportunities for Qantas to attain the under-utilised resources in these markets as capital outlay would be minimal compared to domestic market resource costs. These geo-economic characteristics are significant variables to Qantas’ overall business strategy, longevity and growth. As Nav-Star’s recommendation emphasises offshoring to emerging 11 | P a g e Nav-Star ConsultantsMGB309: Strategic Management Semester 1, 2012 Asian markets, increasing global economic and political uncertainty plagues the international arena. This directly affects Qantas’ reach and places pressures on strategic alliances and offshoring facilities to remain viable as commercial competition between multinationals is becoming more intense. Three significant and damaging economic collapses have occurred globally over the past 15 years altering political aspirations towards integration economies and globalisation, thus amending regulatory policies creating potential trade and capital investment ventures.Such obstacles include price volatility, fiscal imbalances, income disparities, structural employment and financial borrowing capabilities (Eun Resnick, 2011). Qantas’ supply and value chain activities are key success factors creating avenues for future revenue growth and profits via creating new markets utilising existing consumer bases. A specific focus on alignment of company culture simultaneously with operational excellence will create Qantas various product portfolio opportunities.Avenues to achieve this objective involve continual technological updates to improve operational efficiency via streamlining value chain activities and managing human resources. The nature of Qantas’ international and domestic endeavours instigates sophisticated and complex strategic planning and policies that address and mitigate geo-economic risks. As Qantas continues to consolidate maintenance hubs (Qantas Media Releases, 2012), effective HR programmes addressing highly skilled and motivated personnel are crucial.

Children education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Children education - Essay Example In terms of the findings by Bottini & Grossman (2005) all factors have implications to my teaching. Students in the traditional classroom were expected to sit and listen to the teacher and then work independently with little if any time allowed for interaction; whereas students in the center-based classroom (centers focused on science, art, mathematics, reading, writing and computers) were able to explore and experiment to create their own learning and knowledge with the teacher guiding and helping them. The inclusion of subjects such as art, music and physical education were provided within specific allotted times in the traditional class but in the center-based classroom such subjects were provided at random and more often, thus creating a more conducive environment for learning. The teacher within the traditional classroom wasted a lot of time reprimanding students on their bad behavior – bad behavior caused by having to sit for long periods of time with no interaction with peers or teacher, and the fact that some students finished a task more quickly than others and so had time to waste while those taking longer became agitated and disturbed.

Economic and Financial Factors that Affect Capital and Revenue Funding Coursework

Economic and Financial Factors that Affect Capital and Revenue Funding For Social Housing - Coursework Example The paper endeavors to focus on the gamut of economic and financial factors, which influence the decision made on Social Housing. The study of economic factors pertaining to Social Housing programs are conducted in close relation to the models of granting housing subsidies like tax credits and housing allowances. Similarly, the financing initiatives of Social Housing programs are found to be an amalgamation of different financial instruments like loans, bonds, subsidies and private funding. Research made on the housing conditions of the European countries reflects general improvement of such in countries associated to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. However, with the changes in consumer tastes and preference patterns it is observed that new problems have started to crop up in spite of such developments. The effects of factors like immigration of people from different nations to European countries have contributed to altering the social dynamics of the countries. In the European context the government of the state helps extend financial aid to major banks in regards to social housing policies. The level of state aid extended to the banking sector helps them to continue giving loans and grants at times of severe economic depression also. Social Housing schemes are gaining increased popularity around the world owing to the innovations offered in the process of constructing the houses.