Critically discuss why technology is important within the operations Essay

Critically discuss why technology is important within the operations domain but that its implementation is problematic - Essay Example In this manner the application of CIM makes strategic management more effective. Therefore its importance in the operations domain cannot be questioned. However the expectations from technology are not always realized because of the lack of end-user involvement which makes implementation problematic. If the end-users are not involved in the implementation cycle, then the finished software may not address all the operational processes as required. Since the end-users are directly responsible for the operational processes, they should be involved in the implementation cycle in order to ensure that the technology is integrated into the operations environment in the right way. However facilitating end-user involvement may not always be possible. An important element of the implementation cycle is project management. A project management team consisting of qualified personnel must be formed in order to ensure that the implementation is strategically aligned. However the formation of the p roject management team is separate from the day-to-day operations of the organization. Therefore the management may not be in a position to provide the required personnel when it comes to managing the project of technology implementation.

Mission and Vision Statements Essay Example for Free

Mission and Vision Statements Essay It often reflects the values and beliefs of top managers in an organization. A mission statement is the broad definition of the organizational mission. It is sometimes referred to as a creed, purpose, or statement of corporate philosophy and values. A good mission statement inspires employees and provides a focus and direction for setting lower level objectives. It should guide employees in making decisions and establish what the organization does. Mission statements are crucial for organizations to prosper and grow. While studies suggest that they have a positive impact on profitability and can increase shareholder equity, they also support that almost 40 percent of employees do not know or understand their companys mission. Not only large corporations benefit from creating mission statements but small businesses as Photo by: sellingpix http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 1 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM well. Entrepreneurial businesses are driven by vision and high aspirations. Developing a mission statement will help the small business realize their vision. Its primary purpose is to guide the entrepreneur and assist in refining the planning process. By developing a strategic plan that incorporates the mission statement, entrepreneurs are more likely to be successful and stay focused on what is important. The mission statement encourages managers and small business owners alike to consider the nature and scope of the business. Business Week attributes 30 percent higher return on several key financial measure for companies with well-crafted mission statements. COMMON ELEMENTS While mission statements vary from organization to organization and represent the distinctness of each one, they all share similar components. Most statements include descriptions of the organizations target market, the geographic domain, their concern for survival, growth and profitability, the company philosophy, and the organizations desired public image. For example: Our mission is to become the favorite family dining restaurant in every neighborhood in which we operate. This will be accomplished by serving a variety of delicious tasting and generously portioned foods at moderate prices. Our restaurants will be clean, fun, and casual. Our guests will be served by friendly, knowledgeable people that are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. This mission statement describes the target market, which are families and the geographic domain of neighborhoods. It clearly states how it expects to be profitable by offering excellent customer service by friendly, knowledgeable people. When defining the mission statement it is important to take into account external influences such as the competition, labor conditions, economic conditions, and possible government regulation. It is important to remember however, that mission statements that try to be everything to everybody end up being nothing to anybody. http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 2 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM Companies should have mission statements that clearly define expected shareholder returns and they should regularly measure performance in terms of those expected returns. If the major reason for a businesss existence is to make a profit then it stands to reason that expectations of profit should be included in the organizations mission. This means that management should reach a consensus about which aspects of the companys profit performance should be measured. These might include margin growth, product quality, market share changes, competitive cost position, and capital structure efficiency. A mission statement sets the boundaries for how resources should be allocated and what strategic and operational goals should be set. The mission statement should acknowledge the companys strengths and then inform employees where to direct their efforts in order to take advantage of those strengths. Before writing a mission statement organizations should take a look at how they are different from the competition, whether it is in technology, image and name brand, or employees. It can often be thought of as a recipe for success because it not only defines the organizations accomplishments but it also provides employees with directions to help them develop plans and look for opportunities for improvement. The organization defines what is acceptable behavior through the mission statement. Values and beliefs are the core of a strong mission statement. For example: Quality and values will secure our success. We will live by our values, have fun, and take pride in what we do. Our values are to maintain a work environment where people enjoy coming to work, to serve our guests and exceed their expectations, and to be profitable and result oriented. This mission statement is simple and straightforward. It does not, however, specify the products or target market. The mission statement also provides meaning to the organization by stating not only what goals the company wants to achieve but also why it wants to achieve these goals. It is not effective unless it is challenging and forces workers to establish goals and means to measure the achievement of those goals. A mission statement should inspire employees and get them involved in the organization. It has been called the glue that holds the organization together through shared values and standards of behavior. A mission statement should be relevant to the history, culture, and values of the company. Many statements refer to the social responsibility of the organization. For example, a company can show their concern for the community in the following: http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 3 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM To be involved as good corporate citizens wherever we are around the world. We will treat customers and distributors with honesty, courtesy, and respect. We will respect and preserve the environment. Through all of this we will prove to be the worldwide leader in industry trade. One important issue in organizations today is the concern with diversity. While it is not a traditional point included in mission statements, more and more companies are including it because of the globalization of the economy and the increased diversity of the workforce. Before writing a mission statement, leaders in the organization must have an idea of what is in store for the future. This vision is the foundation for the mission statement. The vision provides a strategic direction, which is the springboard for the mission and its related goals. A vision statement differs from a mission statement. Vision statements are a view of what an organization is striving to become. For example: To bring back to neighborhoods all over America the importance of family unity. We will view ourselves as a family so these attributes will be carried over into our service. They guide an organization into the future while mission statements are a reflection of the present. Because vision statements are a glimpse into the future, they are often not realized for several years. Organizations go through many changes and can face times of confusion and uncertainty. Changes are not always expected or easy, so a well thought out vision statement will help everyone stay focused and meet the organizations goals. Some examples of well-known companies mission statements: Wal-Mart: To give ordinary folk the chance to buy the same thing as rich people. 3M: To solve unsolved problems innovatively. Walt Disney: To make people happy. Historically, these may have seemed arrogant. But consider the outcome of the following mission statements from each companys early days: Ford Motor Company: Ford will democratize the automobile. Sony: Become the company most know for changing the world-wide poor-quality image of Japanese products. Wal-Mart: Become a $125 billion company by the year 2000. http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 4 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM WRITING A MISSION STATEMENT When creating a mission statement there are a few simple guidelines that can be followed. It is important to remember the basics so the mission statement stays simple and straight to the point. Some researchers agree that it should be kept to between 30 and 60 words, while others believe it does not necessarily have to be that brief. Some organizations have mission statements that are only one sentence, while others are a paragraph. An example of a mission statement that is limited to one sentence is Our business is selling houses and our mission is total customer satisfaction. At a minimum, each mission statement should answer the following three questions: (1) What are the opportunities or needs the organization addresses? (2) What does the organization do to address those needs? and (3) What principles and values guide the organization? In other words, defining the organizations purpose, business and values. Avoiding jargon and buzzwords will keep the mission statement clear and easy to understand. It should be universal and simple to comprehend for all employees in the organization. It should be unique and identify the organization. A mission statement is often what sets one company apart from the competition. It should outline the organizations competitive advantages and differentiate it from everyone else. Specific products/services offered as well as markets or customers should be included. Also a general business definition, behavioral standards, and desired competitive position can be added to a strong mission statement. EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT It is often helpful to allow company-wide input when creating a mission statement. This bottom up approach results in greater commitment to the organization and a better understanding of the organization. Employees from throughout the organization can help identify the core values of the company. In order to encourage employee participation, many companies have created competitions inviting employees to submit suggestions. Cash prizes are sometimes provided as an incentive for creative and inspirational statements. Some companies find it useful to invite customers to assist in writing a mission statement because they can provide an honest perspective. Another option is to review mission statements from other companies. This can help provide ideas as the writing process begins. It is important to keep in mind that there will be a draft process involved in creating the mission statement. Employees can often provide invaluable insight on how to improve on each draft. In the end, the mission statement should reflect the personality of the organization. Thus, each company should be creative and unique in developing its own statement. Creating a mission http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 5 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PMÂ  committee that consists of members of management, frontline employees, and customers is another way to begin writing a mission statement. The major benefit of this strategy is the inclusion of all areas of the organization to ensure that everyone is represented. Another benefit is that employees will be more willing to work toward accomplishing the mission if they know they had a voice in i ts creation. A top down approach can be effective in smaller organizations or even sole proprietorships. There is less time involved in creating a mission statement when it comes from the top. Also, many times frontline employees and lower level managers lack the insight necessary to see the big picture. They may not be able to conceptualize the entire organization and therefore miss important aspects of the business. Participation may not always be a good option for small businesses. In small businesses that are started by entrepreneurs the mission statement is generally a vision of an individual and therefore may not be negotiable. When the mission statement comes from upper management, employees are more assured of the organizations commitment to the statement. A word of caution should be noted when deciding whether to adopt a top down approach or a bottom up approach. If the mission statement is to be created with a wide variety of input from both employees and customers then it will take longer than a top down approach. There must be a sharing of views and ideas with compromises made. A consensus should be developed without the problems associated with groupthink. There is always the possibility that too much compromise will distort the mission statement and the end result is something different from the original intent. The top down approach is not always effective because it rarely consults employees when making important decisions. Therefore, although it is the fastest route to take it isnt always the most effective. While the mission statement should be able to change with the times it is also understood to have a certain degree of permanence. As new businesses begin to grow and hire more employees the mission statement should provide a strong sense of stability and a clear definition of the culture. A mission statement is worthless unless it has the support of the employees in the organization. It will only be successful if each employee commits to its success and internalizes it. Once the statement is completed it is extremely important that the organization not put it on the shelf to collect dust. It should be shared with the entire company. The introduction of the mission statement should come directly from top management in order to set the example. Organizations should be creative in making employees aware of the mission statement. Placing it strategically in locations where employees gather will increase awareness and remind them of the goals of the http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 6 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM organization. Videos outlining the details of the new mission statement are often useful; however, it is critical that employees have the opportunity to discuss the statement with members of management. Setting up meetings with members of management and frontline employees can often help uncover areas where the company does not meet the standards set by the mission statement. Communicating the mission statement to customers will make them feel valued and important. It can be sent to customers in a mass mailing or posted on signs in areas those customers frequent. It sets forth the goals of the organization so customers know what to expect when doing business with the company. SWOT ANALYSIS SWOT is an acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps an organization match its internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats. SWOT analysis is important and useful in creating and executing the organizations mission statement. Often the best strategies for accomplishing the organizations mission are revealed through the SWOT analysis. The best strategies are those that take advantage of strengths and opportunities, offset threats, and improve weaknesses. Organizations should first begin by reviewing internal strengths and weaknesses. When analyzing an organizations strengths it is important to identify distinctive competencies or strengths possessed by only a few competing firms. These distinctive competencies often become the competitive advantages that are included in the mission statement. Distinctive competencies can be found in financial resources, quality products and services, proprietary technology, or cost advantages. Organizational weaknesses are skills and capabilities that prevent an organization from implementing strategies that achieve its mission. They can be problems with facilities, lack of a clear strategic direction, internal operating problems, too narrow a product line, weak market image, or the inability to finance changes. The next step is to identify external opportunities and threats. Organizational opportunities are circumstances in an organizations environment that if capitalized on will result in above normal increases in economic performance. Examples of opportunities are related to the possibility of adding a new product line, increasing market growth, or diversifying into related products. Threats are viewed as circumstances that give rise to normal or below normal economic performance. They can be found in the ease of entry of competitors, increased sales of substituted products, demographic changes, slowed market growth, or increased competition. EVALUATION http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-State ments. html Page 7 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM Evaluation of the mission statement is necessary to ensure the organization is meeting its goals. If needed, new goals may have to be created in order to accommodate changes in the organization. It may be time to reevaluate what the organization is doing or where it is headed. This is a good time to think about entering into new areas or to begin doing things differently by rewriting part or all of the mission and vision statements. In evaluating an organizations performance, management must look at several different aspects of the organization. First, managers need to determine if the organizations plans are clearly linked to its mission statement and related goals. Plans should be developed for both the short run and long run. Secondly, assigning jobs that are directly related to the achievement of organizational goals will help ensure they are attained. The goals should be communicated clearly so employees understand what tasks need to be carried out and what the rewards will be. Finally, when evaluating individual performance, the information gathered should be recent and compared to established standards. Mission statements are often difficult to evaluate because they are written in a somewhat abstract form. They are, many times, not directly measurable and vaguely worded. Figure 1 presents an example of how mission statements can be measured from the top of the organization to the bottom. Strategic goals are directly tied to the organizations mission statement and apply to the organization as a whole. Tactical goals are departmental goals that support the strategic goals. Finally, operational goals are written at the individual level. Each one of these makes it possible to measure the organizations mission statements. An organizations likelihood of accomplishing its mission is increased as it creates strong and measurable goals at each level. It is not necessary that the mission statement be measured in quantifiable terms. It may also be measured qualitatively. For example, We will answer all of our customers questions and if we dont know the answer, we will find out. While this is not a quantitative statement it can be measured by monitoring customer service calls and setting operational goals for employees that revolve around follow up and thoroughness. Mission and vision statements give organizations a focus and a strategy for the future. According to Bart and Tabone, they have become the cornerstones of organizations. They contribute to organizations success and can lead to increases in productivity and performance. They do not have to be reserved for the entire organization—each department or division can benefit from developing a mission statement, as long as they are not in contradiction to the companys overall mission. Preferably, an individual departments mission links it to the fulfillment of the overall http://www. referenceforbusiness. com/management/Mar-No/Mission-and-Vision-Statements. html Page 8 of 12 Mission and Vision Statements strategy, organization, examples, advantages, definition, company, disadvantages, business 5/19/13 2:42 PM company mission. Mission statements for functional Figure 1 departments provide the same benefits as they do for the entire organization. In conclusion, mission statements provide a sense of direction and purpose. In times of change and growth they can be an anchor and a guide in decision making. The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages and challenges when looking at the potential for increases in profitability and returns. Defining an organization by what it produces and who it satisfies are major steps towards creating a sound and stable mission statement. Setting a company apart from the competition is probably one of the biggest advantages. SEE ALSO: Strategic Planning Failure ; Strategic Planning Tools ; Strategy Formulation ; Strategy Implementation ; SWOT Analysis Amy McMillan Revised by Deborah Hausler FURTHER READING: Bart, C. K. , and J. C. Tabone.

The Capitalist Future: A Consequence of Calvinist Annunciation :: essays research papers fc

The Capitalist Future: A Consequence of Calvinist Annunciation In his work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Weber predicts that the future will be a world of "mechanized perfection" devoid of "religious and ethical meaning." In this world modern capitalism becomes a self sustaining system no longer needing the Calvinist religious impetus that had inspired the work ethic. Weber argues that the future will be a capitalistic society, where the proletariat and the bourgeoisie alike, will not be driven by religious motivation, but instead by a constant struggle to benefit from the system. He reasons that this future of the capitalist society is a direct consequence of the teachings of Calvinism. The Calvinist work ethic of 'living to work' forms the core of modern capitalism. This ethic originated from the Calvinist doctrine of predestination and the notion of a transcendental God. Predestination decrees that God has already picked out who those "predestined into everlasting life" (100) and those "foreordained to everlasting death" (100). Calvinists also believe that God, a distant "grand conception" (164) who is "beyond all human comprehension," (164) is unreachable. Both these beliefs together eliminated any possibility of appeasing God through service or sacrifice. The answer to the question whether believers were the chosen or the damned could thus neither be influenced nor known. If, however, one turned his work into a 'calling,' restricting any desire to wasteful pleasure, he could experience a feeling of assurance that he is indeed a member of the Elect. Calvinism preached this ascetic ethic of hard work and complete absence of frivolous waste of money and time. As a result, the work ethic of the population shifted from 'working to live' to 'living to work.' Traditional capitalism which relied on the "greedy maximization of profit in a one-shot enterprise," (14) became the rational modern capitalism, a continuous cycle involving the constant "productive investment of capital." (172) The Calvinist teachings demanded honest dealings in business, steady production and sales, and continuous savings and reinvestment which no doubt led to phenomenal business growth and success. Weber illustrates in the following quote: "When the limitation of consumption is combined with the release of acquisitive activity, the inevitable practical result is obvious: accumulation of capital through ascetic compulsion to save." (172) This "diligent and frugal" (175) attitude made people richer and "material goods gained an increasing and finally an inexorable power over the lives of men." (181) The dependence on external goods went from the "light cloak which can be thrown aside at any moment" (181) to a necessity, or as Weber puts it, an "iron cage." (181) The so called acetic lifestyle now led to an increased

Assisted suicide :: essays research papers

Assisted Suicide   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kovorkian’s killing spree targeted people with disabilities. The problem is that there are many doctors and nurses out there that are doing the same thing or at list supporting this issue. I agree that in some rather rear cases assisted suicide can be an act of compassion and can offer the chance of living this earth with some dignity and on one’s own terms. It sounds wonderful and in a perfect world it would be easy to determine when that would be the best thing for one’s self, a loved one or a patient. However, in the real world, there are a few things we must do first, in order to be able to make such determination. First, we must make sore that only one person never makes this decision. Such decision should be made by the patient, in collaboration with family members and loved ones and with the advice and help of one or more medical doctors. Second of all we must consider a few other things; one that the people involved in such decision ha ve the patients best interest at heart, two, we have to take in consideration the ability to reason of all the people involved. Three, we should make certain that they are able to put all other feelings that might influence this decision aside. Nevertheless, we are to consider the religious beliefs of all that are involved and how these beliefs might influence them. Moreover I think every family should have a plan just in case we will ever be faced with such situation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Decisions like this rise far to many question of where to draw the line between right, wrong, between compassion and crime, and other highly sensitive alike issues. Therefore we must have a system in place, which will never allow any one person to make such decision. If we ever allow only one person to make this decision, patients will ask for assisted suicide because they are depressed and in too much physical pain, doctors will assist patients in suicide based on their medical opinion (which might be wrong) and other opinions such as cost of medical care or organ donation. Moreover, family members will have the opportunity to make such decision based on anger, frustration, and financial problems or simply because it otherwise be too painful to watch a family member suffer. Because my mother haze a heart condition and went through a heart surgery already, we have talked about all the â€Å"what if’s†.

Explain the Relationship Between Karma, Dependent Origination

Karma, dependent origination and rebecoming are all big parts of the Buddhist religion and link quite closely – dependent origination basically teaches that everything is connected, which corresponds with karma, the teaching that good behaviours will have good consequences and bad behaviours will have bad consequences, and generating bad karma will result in being trapped in samsara, the process of rebecoming that is structured by suffering or dukkha – another concept dependent origination explains.Dependent origination or the principle of conditionality (paticca samuppada) is the principle that nothing exists independently of anything else. Everything depends on something else in order for it to exist, and is part of a web of conditions whereby when the conditions one thing relies on cease to exist, it does too. These conditioned states define us as we constantly change whilst we are in samsara, however they cause dukkha to arise as they are impermanent and caused by c raving or tanha. Karma is within dependent origination.The literal meaning is ‘volitional (willed) action’ or ‘volitional actions have consequences’. Good or skilful actions, kusala, generate good merit, punna, and bad pr unskilful actions, akusala, generate bad merit, apunna. The general understanding of karma is that if you do something bad then the universe will cause something bad to happen to you. In Buddhism it is believed that karma is carried through the process of samsara, be it good or bad karma, and it shapes who we are – as the Dhammapada says, ‘our life is shaped by our mind, we become what we think’.It is often likened to a seed (bija) as it is stored in the unconscious mind, and it will ripen (vipaka) and produce fruit (phala) when under the right conditions, caused by positive karmic action. It does not necessarily mean that if you cause something bad to happen to someone or something then you will generate bad karma â₠¬â€œ the nature of the karma relies on the intention of an action rather than the outcome. Punna can also come about as the result of auspicious actions.These include supporting the sangha (Buddhist community), providing help to those in need (for example giving food and shelter or donating to charities), empathising with another person’s auspicious deeds. Karma helps to develop wisdom and mindfulness, as we become more aware of the consequences of our actions and therefore are more careful. It also emphasises the importance of freewill, as it helps to explain that we make our own destiny and we cannot always refer to fate as the reason behind happenings. Karma is very relevant to the cycle of rebecoming as karma is passed on through each life – in Buddhism there is no soul, only karma.Rebirth can occur in different realms displayed in the Tibetan wheel of life – the Heaven Realm, where the fruits of previous positive karmic actions are enjoyed but beings forget that they must still strive for enlightenment; the Titan Realm, where warlike beings are constantly conflicting and have also forgotten the might strive for enlightenment; the Animal Realm, where the only concern is for the basic physical needs of food, sex and sleep and beings are lacking in education and culture; the Hell Realm, where torture and hatred is constantly present; the Hungry Ghost Realm, where nothing is satisfying and everything turns to fire; and the Human Realm, where pleasure and pain are both present and enlightenment is most easily attainable. These realms are not exactly literal but more in reference to different states of mind. The ultimate goal is to exclude oneself from the ongoing cycle of pain and suffering by becoming enlightened. To achieve this, ignorance (avidya) must be tackled in order to recognise the consequences of actions (karma) and avoid suffering caused by impermanence (anicca) and no self (anatta).

10 Argumentative Topics on Animal Experimentation for a Debate

10 Argumentative Topics on Animal Experimentation for a Debate If you’re looking for arguments against animal experimentation, you’ve come to the right place. While most articles will take on the animal cruelty argument, we are going to assist you even further. Animal experimentation is not just cruel, it’s also ineffective. The data accumulated from these tests has been proven to be inconclusive. This guide is full of actual facts and figures, ones which will help you perform a dominating and impressive debate. Here are 10 facts on animal experimentation for an interesting and winning debate. Around 130 million animals go through experimental research every year throughout the world, these numbers are considered to be conservative because they are the ones which are recorded. Animal cruelty has raised a lot of public awareness in the last 50 years. It’s now a common consensus in the research community that there is no such thing as â€Å"Humane Animal Research†. Contrary to popular belief, a century of experimenting on animals has yielded little or no result that’s been useful to the human medical condition. Though 85 HIV/AIDS vaccines have shown successful results in nonhuman primate research, over 200 vaccine trials have failed to demonstrate any benefits to humans since 2008. Cures for diabetes, which were taken from animal experimentation have failed hopelessly. The mouse diabetes model which scientists have been researching on for decades has been officially discredited. Research on animal models for traumatic brain injury and regeneration in neurological diseases has also been deemed inconclusive and useless. Scientists have tried randomizing at least 10 controlled trials, and several other clinical trials, for spinal cord injury recovery in animals, but none of these were medically useful for humans. Same is true for the treatment of strokes, neurological disease, autoimmune disease, Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, Muscular Dystrophies, Rheumatoid Arthritis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and other connective tissue diseases. There are two ways an animal suffers during experiments in a laboratory: first, the procedures and second the confinement. The animals suffer trauma of maternal separation at an early age, isolation from their species, not being able to follow their natural instincts and behavior. Finally, the pain they go through during transportation and culling has proven to be very traumatic. They go through various kinds of processes, which includes being exposed to various types of chemicals, being forced to eat, going through surgeries, burns, injuries, biopsies, nutrition deprivation and being tranquilized. There are several methods of animal experimentation that should be enough to put the entire research community to shame. Tests are performed after putting the animals such as monkeys, pigs, mice and dogs etc. through induced heart attacks, heart failures, strokes and forced abnormal heart rhythms. Animals are put through fatal burn injuries to test new burn treatments. For the sake of military and civilian trauma research animals are shot and hit with blunt objects, and later they are put through new experimental emergency surgical procedures. Further inhumane animal experimentations include studying the results of â€Å"Induced Helplessness† where animals are put in an inescapable state of fear and frustration. Animals are forced to swim to exhaustion, hanged by their tails and put through relentless electric shocks. All this to examine how the animal behaves at the point where it stops resisting the irritant. The life inside these laboratories are inhumane and disturbing for animals. The routine collection of blood, dosing through drugs and exposure to prolonged amount of physiological stress. The cages where the animals are put are not designed to provide a natural environment, moreover they are deprived from their basic social, psychological and behavioral needs. These small cages often lead to self-injury, psychological distress and mutilation. There are a lot of supplementary research techniques to animal experimentation like the stem cell methods, human tissue studies, in vitro techniques, computational models, systems biology, bioinformatics, tissue engineering, microfluidics, genetic methods, advanced imaging technologies, epidemiology and various other techniques. One of the biggest supplement to animal experimentation is the study of human population, most commonly known as Epidemiology, this study has helped research of identifying various risks to human health progress. Epidemiology is proof that research generated from techniques other than animal experimentation has proved to be more useful because they brought forth the health effects of smoking, industrial toxic exposures, hazards of pollution, poor personal and public hygiene. Epidemiology also helped science grasp the ground realities of heart disease, stroke, cancer and various other diseases. It’s safe to assume that this kind of pragmatic and calculated research work is much safe and reliable than the hit and trial methods of animal experimentation. Finally, there is the computer-based research technique, which is a perfect replacement for animal experimentation as virtual disease and treatment models can be created and then studied. Real-time collection of medical human data points can help execute virtual human trials. These genetic methods aren’t only used to collect research of data influencing genetic expression, like gene homology or RNA interference but also making sure that disease risk profiles and treatments are developed while keeping each genetic determinants in focus. We’ve not only given you some very gruesome facts about animal experimentation but also helped you by providing alternative research techniques to animal experimentation. All of these facts can be used to create some very definitive and convincing arguments. Next, we are going to help you find your topic of debate in our piece which is 20 debate speech topics on animal experimentation and also standalone debate speech guide for this particular subject. Reference: Taylor K, Gordon N, Langley G, Higgins W. Estimates for worldwide laboratory animal use in 2005. ATLA. 2008;36:327-342. Knight A. 127 million non-human vertebrates used worldwide for scientific purposes in 2005. ATLA. 2008;36:494-496. Humane Society of the United States (2001). Poll shows Americans disapprove of animal research when it causes the animals to suffer. Accessed June 11, 2008 at: hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/poll_shows_americans_disapprove_of_ animal_research_when_it_causes_the_animals_to_suffer.html Plous S. Opinion research on animal experimentation: areas of support and concern. Accessed June 11, 2008 at http://altweb.jhsph. edu/meetings/pain/plous.htm. Sky News (2006). Accessed May 2006 at http://news.sky.com/ skynews. Link is no longer available, but poll data are available. Balcombe JP, Barnard ND, Sandusky C. Laboratory routines cause animal stress. Contemporary Topics. 2004;43, 42-51. Bross I. How animal research can kill you. The AV Magazine. November 1983.

William Hazlitt on Style - Classic British Essays

William Hazlitt on Style - Classic British Essays A master of invective and irony, essayist William Hazlitt was one of the great prose stylists of the 19th century. In On Familiar Style (originally published in the London Magazine and reprinted in Table Talk, 1822), Hazlitt explains his preference for plain words and popular modes of construction. On Familiar Style (excerpts) by William Hazlitt (1778-1830) It is not easy to write a familiar style. Many people mistake a familiar for a vulgar style, and suppose that to write without affectation is to write at random. On the contrary, there is nothing that requires more precision, and, if I may so say, purity of expression, than the style I am speaking of. It utterly rejects not only all unmeaning pomp, but all low, cant phrases, and loose, unconnected, slipshod allusions. It is not to take the first word that offers, but the best word in common use; it is not to throw words together in any combinations we please, but to follow and avail ourselves of the true idiom of the language. To write a genuine familiar or truly English style, is to write as any one would speak in common conversation who had a thorough command and choice of words, or who could discourse with ease, force, and perspicuity, setting aside all pedantic and oratorical flourishes. Or, to give another illustration, to write naturally is the same thing in regard to common co nversation as to read naturally is in regard to common speech. . . It is easy to affect a pompous style, to use a word twice as big as the thing you want to express: it is not so easy to pitch upon the very word that exactly fits it. Out of eight or ten words equally common, equally intelligible, with nearly equal pretensions, it is a matter of some nicety and discrimination to pick out the very one, the preferableness of which is scarcely perceptible, but decisive. . . . The proper force of words lies not in the words themselves, but in their application. A word may be a fine-sounding word, of an unusual length, and very imposing from its learning and novelty, and yet in the connection in which it is introduced may be quite pointless and irrelevant. It is not pomp or pretension, but the adaptation of the expression to the idea, that clinches a writers meaning:as it is not the size or glossiness of the materials, but their being fitted each to its place, that gives strength to the arch; or as the pegs and nails are as necessary to the support of the building as the larger timber, and more so than the mere showy, unsubstantial ornaments. I hate anything that occupies more space than it is worth. I hate to see a load of band-boxes go along the street, and I hate to see a parcel of big words without anything in them. A person who does not deliberately dispose of all his thoughts alike in cumbrous draperies and flimsy disguises, may strike out twenty vari eties of familiar every-day language, each coming somewhat nearer to the feeling he wants to convey, and at last not hit upon that particular and only one which may be said to be identical with the exact impression in his mind. . . . It is as easy to write a gaudy style without ideas, as it is to spread a pallet of showy colours, or to smear in a flaunting transparency. What do you read,Words, words, words.What is the matter?Nothing, it might be answered. The florid style is the reverse of the familiar. The last is employed as an unvarnished medium to convey ideas; the first is resorted to as a spangled veil to conceal the want of them. When there is nothing to be set down but words, it costs little to have them fine. Look through the dictionary and cull out a florilegium, rival the tulippomania. Rouge high enough, and never mind the natural complexion. The vulgar, who are not in the secret, will admire the look of preternatural health and vigour; and the fashionable, who regard only appearances, will be delighted with the imposition. Keep to your sounding generalities, your tinkling phrases, and all will be well. Swell out an unmeaning truism to a perfect tympany of style. A thought, a distinction is the rock on which all this brittle cargo of verbiage splits at once. Such writers have merely verbal imaginations, that retain nothing but words. Or their puny thoughts have dragon-wings, all green and gold. They soar far above the vulgar failing of the Sermo humi obrepenstheir most ordinary speech is never short of an hyperbole, splendid, imposing, vague, incomprehensible, magniloquent, a cento of sounding common-places. If some of us, whose ambition is more lowly, pry a little too narrowly into nooks and corners to pick up a number of unconsidered trifles, they never once direct their eyes or lift their hands to seize on any but the most gorgeous, tarnished, thread-bare, patchwork set of phrases, the left-off finery of poetic extravagance, transmitted down through successive generations of barren pretenders . . .. (1822) The full text of On Familiar Style appears in Selected Writings, by William Hazlitt (Oxford University Press, 1999). Also by William Hazlitt: On the Feeling of Immortality in YouthOn Going a Journey

Adulthood essays

Adulthood essays The passage from teenager to adulthood is one of the most complicated and confusing processes an adolescent can experience. It is especially confusing since the teenager is not totally sure what it means to be an adult, and how he/she is supposed to achieve this level of maturity. If one doesnt know what it means to be an adult, its much harder to attain this maturity since it is unknown to him/her how to reach this point. However, there are many speculations and opinions about what it means to be an adult and what one must accomplish in order to reach this point. So how is a measly little teenager supposed to know when adulthood is reached? There are certain things a teenager must understand before the age of adulthood is reached. This understanding is what brings a child into adulthood, not age or size. Many associate adulthood and maturity with the age or even the size of a person. This however is inaccurate. Age only matters to a point. Once the child is out of the age of innocence, and knows the difference between right and wrong, he/she gets a chance to be responsible, and make a decision that is either right or wrong. Ill use fourteen-year-olds as an example. The majority of fourteen- year-olds will not make the right decision all of the time. From this we know that if the teenager does not make the right decision in a time that an adult would, than this teenager is not yet mature enough to be considered an adult. But if even one fourteen-year-old is mature enough to be an adult, that than it is evident age does not matter. It is simply what the kid has been taught. Most fourteen-year- olds have not been taught how to act like an adult or what to do in adult situations, the same way that we associate maturity to be evident in larger people because adults tend to be larger than kids. Therefor we automatically th ...

Music Appreciation of Chris Brown Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Music Appreciation of Chris Brown - Essay Example Since Chris Brown ventured in the music industry, he has released several hit songs. Among the songs include the 2005 debut album Chris Brown which produced the top single ‘Run It’ and the second album, Exclusive, which was released in 2007 with top singles, such as ‘Kiss Kiss’ and ‘With You’. In 2008, Chris produced his third album titled ‘Forever’. Later Chris started collaborative music with popular artists like T-Pain, Bow Wow, Lil Mama and Rihanna who he became engaged to, but later separated. According to Thompson, in February 8, 2009, Chris physically assaulted Rihanna, then his girlfriend, a crime which he later pleaded guilty. Chris Brown was handed a five -year probation and also on a community service, besides losing most of his fans. From his childhood, growing while seeing his mother being subjected to physical violence by his stepfather. The experience has literally defined the relation between him and women, particula rly the female artists. Maybe it was out of that respect did Chris Brown not involve most of the female artists in his albums. Since his entry into the hip-hop and R&B entertainment industry, only a few female artists including Rihanna who was his girlfriend had been in his debut albums. It was ironically when in 2009 Chris Brown was charged for assaulting Rihanna- his girlfriend. Brown has been determined to shed off the past and the 2009 assault charges have significantly defined his music career.

Education Issues and Special Education Needs Essay

Education Issues and Special Education Needs - Essay Example This paper analyzes the major challenge with this funding system which is in the ability of schools to determine the students who require funding based on the assessment of their level of disability. The school may not be able to have competent staff to determine whether the student has a problematic behaviour. This can lead to the exclusion of needy students into the system. In all the funding systems discussed above, the provision of resources necessary for the maintenance of students without statements concerning special education needs should be delegated to schools. However, there are variations in the factors that applied in determining the amount of resources the school should receive. Students with statements concerning special education needs need to be funded on an individual basis to ensure that they fully benefit from education. Full support of children with disability ensures that they are not disadvantaged when in comes to the allocation of resources and in competing with other students to meet the requirements of standard education. This essay makes a conclusion that local authorities should allocate funds to the schools based on the numbers of students entitled to free school meals in the cases whereby they do not have documented statements concerning special education needs. However, they should avail adequate funds to cater for the children with statements concerning special education needs. The funding should be based not on the availability of funds but on the needs of the students with disability. Limiting funds for the sustenance of these children leads to suffering in their attempt to achieve quality education as other members of the society. Students with disability should also be entitled to education grants from the government to fund their education as other members of the public.

Market Segmentation and Muslim Loyalty Assignment

Market Segmentation and Muslim Loyalty - Assignment Example The purpose of this literature review is to investigate published literature on general market segmentation theory, the impact of that segmentation practice upon loyalty and customer satisfaction within various constituencies, the application of those principles specifically to the Muslim community, as well as frame a research inquiry to test the theory of the segmentation approach to the Muslim market within a specific retail setting. Within any market, there are many different constituencies with commonalities in product need; and these varied customers can be divided or segmented into groups which may share a similar need for any particular product. As Claycamp and Massy point out, "markets and the customers who make up those markets are not homogeneous" (1968, p. 34), and any company utilizing a successful business model will need to group those customers according to their similarities so that products can be tailored to meet demand. As early as the middle of the 20th century, the idea of dividing a market into groups of customers who share a similar need or desire for a particular product, i.e., segmentation, was advanced (Smith, 1956, pp. 3-8). The principle of segmentation is relatively straightforward; by successfully targeting a specific consumer group with particular needs, the company can focus its product development and promotional strategies into meeting those needs and gain a competitive edge (Abel l, 1980, p. 8). While there are those who see an overemphasis on segmentation as "ironic" and "lead[ing]...in a direction that is opposite of what is really needed to build brand loyalty" (Anshuetz, 1997, p. 65), the vast majority of scholars would concur with Swenson that market segmentation experts are carefully regarded in the corporate world and that the "continued segmentation" of markets can certainly be expected to propel business forward "well into the twenty-first century" (1990, p. xiii). It should be noted that product differentiation is an important aspect of gaining market share and, because market segmentation should be used to increase the market share of a product within those segments as well, "product differentiation and market segmentation should be used together" (Greco, et al., 2003, p. 210). While these principles are true within domestic markets, they are particularly applicable to those companies engaged in international retail business. As Craft notes, prior to the mid-1970s, "market segmentation was viewed primarily as a domestic strategy" (2004, p. 40) and there was little scholarship with regard to international marketing theory. In 1972, however, Wind and Douglas recognized the nature as well as direction of global business and argued that segmentation was not just for domestic sales, but might be even more important in international markets due to the fact that they are more diverse (1972, pp. 17-25). As will be demonstrated in subsequent sections, the segmentation of the Muslim market by international companies, particularly those in the retail grocery industry, is critical. In Craft's study, it was noted that the organizations under

Business Management with psychology Personal Statement

Business Management with psychology - Personal Statement Example t combining both subjects will prove to be challenging as stated by Smith, (2012), I am equally self-motivated and independent minded as well as vocationally and intellectually ambitious. I want to study both business management and psychology as having two fields of skills and expertise will be imperative should I decide to change careers in the future. These days employers are putting more priority in the need for individuals who have vast subject skills and knowledge and not necessarily searching for a certain discipline (Smith, 2012). I have always had a passion for business and therefore having ample knowledge in psychology will help me understand many things for instance, people’s business aspects, as the most part of business management will involve dealing with people. Psychology will therefore help me understand how people think and also behave. Psychologists are experts in cognitive processes like thinking, memory and reasoning, people’s actions and inner expe rience and so should be business managers who are concerned with satisfaction of the employees and productivity. Therefore with this, it is clear that having a degree in both business management and psychology will enable me to have both overlapping and complimentary sets of skills. Currently I am studying Applied Business, which has helped me gain a great understanding of the running of business organizations, their management, the internal workings of markets and business they serve. By studying Applied Business, I am more aware of how business affects everyone and also how the environment people live in affects business. Additionally, I have developed a wide range of skills with examples of decision-making, communication and problem solving skills and also how to quantify and evaluate information. I have come to learn that communication skills are extremely vital not just in business but also in the way we relate with people and so having acquired them I am now able to express myself to the

Marketing strategies of automobile companies Research Paper

Marketing strategies of automobile companies - Research Paper Example In this context, it can also be stated that when applying its penetration strategy, the company plans to launch its products at higher prices to the prevalent high income group customers, in order to attract them in the US luxury car markets (Basuki, 2008). Moreover, the organization is also focusing on product line development through design differentiation and fuel efficiency strategies, which would be beneficial for the organization in obtaining better sales revenue and environmental competence, thus obtaining both profit and sustainable growth (Clothier, 2013). Similarly, BMW is also planning for developing and expanding its product line as well as technology efficiency strategies by launching various luxurious models in the US market by the year end 2013. Furthermore, it is also planning for continuous expansion in its future marketing performances. This would also facilitate the organization to gain greater profits by delivering quality assurance to the customers in terms of fu el efficiency and environmental accountability. Another globally reputed automotive brand, Audi is also reported to be focusing on technology efficiency strategies in its marketing plans. As revealed in the article, the company plans to implement this particular strategy by introducing various models such as A6 and A7 Sedans along with Q5 SUV by 2014. The implementation of these marketing strategies would facilitate customers in purchasing quality cars according to their demands owing to the wide variety of the company’s product line, which, in turn, shall ultimately lead towards its better profits and sustainability for the organizations (Clothier, 2013). In reference to marketing strategies identified in Clothier (2013), it can be observed that most of the... Similarly, BMW is also planning for developing and expanding its product line as well as technology efficiency strategies by launching various luxurious models in the US market by the year end 2013. Furthermore, it is also planning for continuous expansion in its future marketing performances. This would also facilitate the organization to gain greater profits by delivering quality assurance to the customers in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental accountability. Another globally reputed automotive brand, Audi is also reported to be focusing on technology efficiency strategies in its marketing plans. As revealed in the article, the company plans to implement this particular strategy by introducing various models such as A6 and A7 Sedans along with Q5 SUV by 2014. The implementation of these marketing strategies would facilitate customers in purchasing quality cars according to their demands owing to the wide variety of the company’s product line, which, in turn, shall ul timately lead towards its better profits and sustainability for the organizations (Clothier, 2013).In reference to marketing strategies identified in Clothier (2013), it can be observed that most of the automobile companies are emphasizing on innovative marketing through technology advancements, brand positioning through customer oriented planning as well as competitive promotion of the planned launches (Lokhande & Rana, 2012). For instance, most of the leading car companies such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi are focusing on innovative product.

Business Management with psychology Personal Statement

Business Management with psychology - Personal Statement Example t combining both subjects will prove to be challenging as stated by Smith, (2012), I am equally self-motivated and independent minded as well as vocationally and intellectually ambitious. I want to study both business management and psychology as having two fields of skills and expertise will be imperative should I decide to change careers in the future. These days employers are putting more priority in the need for individuals who have vast subject skills and knowledge and not necessarily searching for a certain discipline (Smith, 2012). I have always had a passion for business and therefore having ample knowledge in psychology will help me understand many things for instance, people’s business aspects, as the most part of business management will involve dealing with people. Psychology will therefore help me understand how people think and also behave. Psychologists are experts in cognitive processes like thinking, memory and reasoning, people’s actions and inner expe rience and so should be business managers who are concerned with satisfaction of the employees and productivity. Therefore with this, it is clear that having a degree in both business management and psychology will enable me to have both overlapping and complimentary sets of skills. Currently I am studying Applied Business, which has helped me gain a great understanding of the running of business organizations, their management, the internal workings of markets and business they serve. By studying Applied Business, I am more aware of how business affects everyone and also how the environment people live in affects business. Additionally, I have developed a wide range of skills with examples of decision-making, communication and problem solving skills and also how to quantify and evaluate information. I have come to learn that communication skills are extremely vital not just in business but also in the way we relate with people and so having acquired them I am now able to express myself to the

What is the optimal dosage of vitamin D supplementation necessary for Research Paper

What is the optimal dosage of vitamin D supplementation necessary for pregnant women - Research Paper Example ditionally, vitamin D is acquired when one exposes their skin to the sunlight and ultraviolet rays that strike the skin triggering the synthesis of the vitamin. For pregnant mothers, this vitamin is quite essential, not only for their welfare, but also for the well-being of their unborn babies. This is because of the numerous benefits that are achieved from the consumption of vitamin D, such as, the maintenance of adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations in the body. This, in turn, allows for the attainment of normal bone mineralization, and prevention of conditions such as hypocalcaemia among pregnant women and their offspring (Perampalam, Ganda, Chow, Opie, Hickman, Shadbolt & Nolan, 2011). Pregnant women who are vitamin D deficient place their unborn offspring and themselves at risk for developing serious health complications. Based on a study by the US National Institute of Health, the presence of sufficient vitamin D in the body of a pregnant woman has been found to augment the development of her bones, and remodel her osteoclasts and osteoblasts. If she is vitamin D deficiency for an extensive period, the bones and body frame of a pregnant woman may become brittle, thin, and misshapen. According to Mohamed, Rowan, Fong & Loy (2014), vitamin D deficiency among infants is determined by the maternal status of vitamin D in the second trimester. For the fetus, a deficiency in the supply of vitamin D into their bodies may result in them developing diseases such as rickets upon being born. The metabolism of vitamin D takes place during the last trimester in which the bone mass is enhanced. Vitamin D is indispensable for the mineralization of the fetal skeletons and is a major contributor to the attainment of an increased bone mass (Wagner & Greer, 2008). According to a study by Haliloglu et al., (2011), bone turnover in pregnant women and infants is enhanced with the increased consumption of vitamin D3 supplementation (Mithal & Kalra, 2014). The

Minorities in Usa Essay Example for Free

Minorities in Usa Essay Background to Immigration 1. Which groups of immigrants made up the American nation at the end of the 18th century? Which waves of immigrants were there in the 19th century? Where did they come from? †¢ English colonists, Pilgrims, who set sail in 1620 on the Mayflower †¢ Swedes began their migration to America in 1638 as an organized group of colonizers sent by the Swedish Government to establish a colony in Delaware †¢ In 1655, the colony was lost to the Dutch. †¢ During the colonial era (1680-1776) most of the immigrants came from Northern Europe. †¢ In the mid-1840s, Swedish migration began and continued up to World War I. †¢ During this wave (1820-1890: â€Å"old immigration†) immigrants from Germany and Ireland came to the U.S, as well as groups, from England, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, the Scandinavian countries, and Eastern Europe. †¢ In a third wave (1890-1930: â€Å"new immigration†) more immigrants came from southern and eastern Europe and from Mexico, Canada and Japan 2. Characterize immigration from 1900 to 1948. †¢ In 24 years the volume of immigrants rose up to 15.5 million †¢ Americans became afraid of losing their culture, which lead to a more frequent occurrence of racial issues †¢ In the 1920s the Federal Government restricted immigration, what soon led to a decrease of it 3. Which percentage of the American population is non-European in origin today? Which are the largest minority groups and how many members do they comprise? †¢ 35% of the American population is non-European in origin †¢ 35904000 black people make up the largest minority group with 12,8% 4. What is meant by the terms â€Å"melting pot† and â€Å"salad bowl†? What evidence is there for racial tension? Give reasons for this. †¢ They describe the American society along with its cultural and ethnic diversity. †¢ Melting Pot: all ethnicities and their cultures have blended to form a single, diverse American culture †¢ Salad Bowl: many distinct cultures exist side by Each group keeps its own identity and customs. †¢ Racial issues were not addressed until the civil rights movement of the 1960s †¢ Racial tensions have been expressed in a series of race riots †¢ Yet racial prejudices and religious intolerance still exist Immigration Legislation 5. Which measures were taken to regulate immigration during the 20th century (legislation)? What did they aim to do, how effective were they and how do they reflect policy changes with regard to immigration? What laws are in force at present? Era of Restriction: †¢ A policy of restricting immigration ended the open door era. †¢ Immigration Act of 1917: all newcomers over 16 years of age had to pass a literacy test or would have been rejected. Workers from India, Indochina, Afghanistan, Arabia, the East Indies and other smaller Asian countries were not approved. †¢ Quota or Johnson Act of 1921: the number of immigrants from each country was limited to 3% of the foreign-born of that nationality as recorded in the U.S. census of 1910. †¢ Immigration or Johnson-Reid Act of 1924: reduced the annual number of immigrants to 165,000 Era of liberalization: †¢ McCarran-Walter Act of 1952 and the Hart-Cellar Act of 1965 made needed skills the criterion for the first 50% of visas for each country. The Western Hemisphere was provided with 120,000 visas per year, the Eastern Hemisphere was granted an annual number of 170,000. †¢ Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986: allowed illegal immigrants who had been in the US before 1982 to apply for legal residence, set fines and penalties for employers who hired illegal immigrants. †¢ Immigration Act of 1990: raised the annual number of immigrant visas by 200,000, doubled the annual number of asylum seekers who could become permanent residents. †¢ Immigration Act of 1996: more border barriers, more immigration agents, stiffer penalties for smuggling peoples, easier deportation of illegals and terrorists. 6. What is a â€Å"green card† and how can it be obtained? †¢ A green card is a US permanent residence visa. †¢ It enables any person to live and work permanently and legally in the United States †¢ Three options to obtain a green card: 1.the US Department of State allocates some 50,000 diversity visas per year to applicants from certain, winners are chosen by a random drawing. 2.Non-US-citizens with a special educational qualification can obtain it apart from common application procedures 3.Marriage with an US-citizen or with a green card-holder respectively. 7. What is â€Å"affirmative action†? †¢ It calls for minorities and women to be given special consideration in employment, education and contracting decisions. †¢ I also can call for an admissions officer faced with two similarly qualified applicants to choose the minority or a woman over the white or the man. References †¢ Bernard, William S. (1998), â€Å"Immigration: History of U.S. Policy†, in: David Jacobson, ed., The Immigration Reader. America in a multidisciplinary perspective, Oxford, 48-91. †¢ Bromhead, Peter (1988), Life in Modern America, Essex. †¢ Kleinsteuber, Hans J. (1984), Die USA. Politik, Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft, Hamburg. †¢ Mauk, David, John Oakland (20023), American Civilization. An Introduction, London – New York. †¢ Wersich, Rà ¼diger B., Hrsg., (1996), USA-Lexikon. Schlà ¼sselbegriffe zu Politik, Wirtschaft, Gesellschaft, Geschichte und zu den deutsch-amerikanischen Beziehungen, Berlin. http://www.usa-green-card.com/GC_FormShell.asp?Action=Questions#QuestionWhatIsGreenCard http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/01hate.pdf http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html

Embedding Total Quality Management In Private Universities Management Essay

Embedding Total Quality Management In Private Universities Management Essay The previous chapter consisted of a literature review about TQM, the management approach that started in manufacturing and business and then extended over the service sector and particularly in higher education. Research shows that by adapting aspects of the TQM to fit their own needs, higher education organizations experienced a better ability to manage the process of quality, and maintain and enhance development. Vazzana.et al (2000), in their study about TQM in business colleges found that most PUs benefit from their attempt at using TQM to improve the quality of their universities. Similarly, Weller (2000) in his study of using the TQM tools to identify root causes of higher education attendance problems concluded that the application of TQMs tools and techniques to solve higher education problems as highly promising as it is in PUs areas. The purpose of chapter five was to give a general understanding of the subject. The present chapter is about how TQM has, and can be, adopted in the PUs, what benefits PUs can get from implementing TQM, concerns about, and case studies of some PUs which have implemented TQM and what problems and benefits have been encountered in this context. The chapter concludes with a proposed model for TQM in the PUs in Egypt. 5.2 TQM in Private Universities Context Ever more, the implementation of TQM has extended over industrial organizations and has turned deteriorating companies into world leaders. Although the origins of TQM are grounded in statistical analysis of performance, with statistical quality control being the principal tool for verifying the success of TQM measures, TQM lays importance on the human element of an organization (Deming, 1986; Juran, 1988). This makes TQM suitable for service sectors in general and particularly education. Although educational organizations have been slower to see the value of TQM, many of them are now using TQM to improve their administration and to face internal and external challenges. As Mangan (1992) notes: Faced with soaring operating costs and persistent public demands for accountability, a growing number of colleges and universities are turning to TQM and its principles of customer satisfaction, teamwork, and employee empowerment as a tool to improve how institutions are managed. There are three generic approaches to TQM in higher education (Harris 1994), Firstly there is a customer focus where the idea of service to students is fostered through staff training and development, which promotes students choice and autonomy. The second approach has a staff focus and is concerned to value and enhance the contribution of all members of staff to the effectiveness of an institutions operation, to the setting of policies and priorities. This entails a flatter management structure and the acceptance of responsibility for action by defined working groups. The third approach focuses on service agreements stance and seeks to ensure conformity to specification at certain key measurable points of the educational processes. Evaluation of assignments by faculty within a specified timeframe is an example. Lawrence and Mc.Collough (2001) propose a system of guarantees designed to accommodate multiple stakeholders and the various and changing roles of students in the educational process. Durlabhji and Fusilier (1999) states that customer empowerment in education requires greater input from students as well as from business community that will eventually employ them and this in term will streamline education and eliminate any rest of the esoteric academic that exist in business coursework. In his model of distributed leadership for managing change in higher educational institutions, Gregory (1996) suggests four dimensions of institutional leadership symbolic, political, managerial and academic. In managing educational change there has been general criticism (Iven, 1995) that government initiatives are being pushed by a narrow, employer-driven strategy. Policy makers do have an obligation to set policy, establish standards and monitor performance. They must articulate important educational goals (Fullan, 1993). Roffe (1998) considers that due to open competition, students are becoming more customers as well as consumers and expected to pay a growing share of the costs of education. TQM implementation in PUs, Osseo-Asare and Long bottom (2002) proposes enabler criteria, which affect performance and help organizations achieve organizational excellence. These criteria are leadership, policy and strategy, people management, resources and partnerships and processes. The literature contains infinite cases of Total Quality Management principles incorporation in education. The application ranges from school stage (Weller and Hartley, 1994 and Schmoker and Wilson, 1993) to higher education stage (Sahney et.al, n2004 and Wiklund et.al, 2003). Some studies focus on the feasibility of implementing TQM in educational. Anderson (1995) reported the results of a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of a TQM programme at the University of Houston, College of Business Administration. He found that the implementation of TQM had some positive results such as increasing the student perceptions of service quality. Moreover, some studies show that TQM is also used to solve some specific issues. Weller (2000) reported that TQM principles can be used to identify root problem causes for absenteeism. It also can help in identifying realistic solutions which yield positive results in academic and non-academic areas. The TQM pedagogical concept applied to higher education embraces all fields and levels of education and has an effect on the following: Physical facilities (buildings, sport complexes, open field etc.), Academic infrastructure (laboratories, library, documentation, communication, information infrastructure etc.), Curriculums, Examinations and evaluation systems, Supplying academic and administrative personal and their improvement systems, Research and publication, Institutional development plans (strategic planning), University industry society relations, Deming claimed his production system can be applied to service organizations as well as to manufacturing organizations (Evans and Lindsay, 1999). Figure 4.3 with reference to TQM applies Demings production model to higher education. This system depends on the answers to these main questions. Who are the stakeholders (customers and suppliers)? What are the inputs and outputs? What are the key processes? Stockholders Suppliers Stockholders Customers Families High Schools Business Sector Vocational Institutes Input Government Business Families Students Outputs Design Redesign Teaching Program Customer research Where are we now and where do we want to be? Process Figure 5.1 TQM in Higher Education System In figure 5.1 the stakeholders are the customers and suppliers. The stakeholder groups can easily be extended beyond the members shown in the groups as customers and suppliers. Suppliers include families, high school, Vocational institutes, and business. The customers include the business community, graduate school, society, student, and families. Universities have a large number of different customers as shown in the figure 5.1. University management should consider the relative importance of each customer group and balance and reconcile the interests of these diverse groups. Students as consumers of knowledge and services are considered to be the main customer. Accepting students as an important group of customers can be taken as a revolutionary change in the management of quality in higher education. That group of students, as the consumers of education, should include potential students, existing students and graduate students. The university has different priorities and services for each group of students who make up the main customer group and attempts to satisfy their different needs. For example, introductory courses for potential students, student counselling for existing students and alumni associations for graduate students. Processes include all facets of teaching, student counselling, and scientific research. The first process is to assess the educational needs of students in terms of their existing knowledge, future career opportunities, and the needs of the community and its future development. Other processes to be followed are planning curriculum for courses, including allocating resources, arranging facilities, administration and support, and finally teaching and learning. The quality of all these processes must be effectively and visibly assured. Like manufacturing systems, educational systems can include a means by which costumer research can be conducted to evaluate and improve supply. For example, by observing students, analyzing test results, and using other resources from student feedback, instructors can assess their own effectiveness and develop strategies for improvement. Some colleges and universities survey their graduates and their graduates employers to assess consumer satisfaction wi th their product. Feedback such as that mentioned, helps colleges, departments, and individual faculty members to redesign curriculum, improve course content, and improve services such as academic advising. While industry usually has a product or service, educational institutions do not have perceived products in the generally accepted sense. Education has many outputs and inputs but the results from the process stage are often difficult to quantify in the short term. The inputs to the educational system are students, faculty, support staff, buildings and equipment and other facilities. Outputs include people with new knowledge and abilities and research findings as seen from the figure 5.1. 5. 3 Quality Control of Higher Education Vevere (2009) referred quality control to verification procedures (both formal and informal) used by institutions in order to monitor commitment level to quality standards. Vevere schemed quality control of higher education as interconnected system as shown below in figure (5.2). Figure 5.2 system of external and internal control of higher education. Source :Vevere , Nina (2009) According to figure (5.2) above, external control institutions verify the commitment to standards that higher education institutions claim. It is a fundamental principle of TQM to integrate TQM internally within the institution of higher education and externally with international organizations of education (Tang Zairi, 1998). The International Accreditation Organization (IAO, 2010) is an independent and private education accrediting seeks to the finest global educational standards. IAO is a member of the International Education Accreditation Commission (IEAC), which is concerned with establishment, maintenance and improvement of standards of accreditation agencies across the globe. In each country, there is a local bodybodies coordinate and cooperate with international bodies concerned with higher education quality. In England, as an example, the Department of Employment is concerned whether graduates can satisfy the needs of employers (Harvey et al., 1992). In Egypt, few universit ies got educational ISO and highly satisfied standards of National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation (NAQAA) for some specializations. 5.4 Benefits of TQM for Private Higher Education As the world is currently undergoing a dramatic change and education is considered the leading competitive change tool, so TQM as concluded in chapter four and explained in chapter five could be a reasonable approach for developing. The literature review of TQM is showing that many writers have encouraged the use of TQM in education. Sallis (1993) argues that an educational organization could benefit from applying the TQM approach both in human and financial terms. Sallis points out that some concepts of TQM like right first time cannot be directly implemented in educational organizations but educational organizations can still benefit from such a notion. He indicates that if an education organization applied TQM, mistakes will be minimized with clear systems and procedures, and good team work through careful and thoughtful planning. In this point, one can notice that although TQM originally started in manufacturing and it has somehow acquired business language, but it is still flexible enough to be adapted by PUs. Murgatroyd and Morgan (1993) highlight the benefit of holistic organization in applying TQM. They mention that TQM is not concerned just with the outcome of education, but with the whole nature of education as a process for all stakeholders. Howard (1996) states the following ways in which PUs can benefit from implementing TQM: 1. Stakeholder value through customer focus. 2. Employee commitment and development through involvement. 3. Goal achievement through strategic planning. 4. Services improvement through continuous process improvement. 5. Cost reduction through elimination of unnecessary tasks. Howard highlights the benefits of TQM for PUs from three different dimensions: human dimension, financial dimension and planning dimension. In the human dimension, the stakeholders are satisfied and employees are committed; in the financial dimension, money and other resources are saved; and in the planning dimension strategic planning leads to goal achievement. Therefore, the literature on TQM argues that implementing TQM in PUs would save time, money and efforts through doing things right first time. TQM will also help PUs to demonstrate values for all stakeholders, provide better quality provision and communication and continue seeking innovation and improvement. 5.5 Obstacles about TQM in Private Universities According to Srivanci (2004) and critical issues in implementing TQM in PUs includes leadership, customer identification, cultural and organizational transformation. Deans and head of departments cannot eliminate unethical employment practices of lecturers like what is applied in public universities where rigid rules is deployed. Hence they do not enjoy ultimate authority in hiring and firing of personnel and allocating resources. Owlia and Aspinwall (1997) conclude that customer orientation is a more problematic principle of TQM when applied to PUs because of special nature of many academics whose motivation to work is often independent of market issues. Education consider as a provider of services. Its services include advice, tuition, assessment and guidance to pupils and students, their parents and sponsors. The customers and the stakeholders of the service are a very diverse group and need identifying. If quality is about meeting and exceeding customer needs and wants, it is important to be clear whose needs and wants we should be satisfying. The diversity of customers makes it all the more important for educational institutions to focus on customer wants and to develop mechanisms for responding to them. In PUs where the education process depends totally on the customers fees to run, a funding cut may lead to a reduction in service that may not accord with what customers are feeding back. This is not much important in public universities where it is supported from government. This is a very difficult issue to resolve and TQM does not provide ready answers to it in private universities. Cultural and organizational transformation in PUs main issue is under the frustrates the introduction of conventional TQM procedures is the principle of academic freedom as it plays out in individual professorial classrooms and their professional lives. Another important issues is that faculty members tend to work alone more often the together in projects since they gain more managerial and financial advantage at the opposite in public universities. The obstacles that cause unsuccessful adopting and implementing TQM in PUs academia are (but not limited to): The nature of the academia world, which makes the change process slow. The resistance of academicians to change, so to learn about the new method of doing things. The nature of some institutions as non-profit organization, which reduce the motivation to adopt new management methodology. The concentration of the academicians (in their readings and researches) on their narrow specializations. The TQM methodology and tools are relatively new especially in the developing countries. High turnover rate of staff, which prevents accumulation of experience and sustain the momentum of change. The absence of employees (units) who are specialized in TQM. The common administration problem, is putting a high rank and qualified personnel in the leading position depending on their previous experience not on their specialization i.e. the leaders of the institution could be specialized in art, physics, anatomy or any other field but not in management and specifically in higher education management. 5.6 Case Studies of TQM Implementation in Private Universities To review the experiences of some educational organizations with TQM, in order to gain appreciation from their experiences in proposing the TQM model for PUs in Egypt and in developing the implementation framework. As with benchmarking, it is better to learn from the experiences of others than starting from scratch. The literature covers PUs which have adopted TQM. For this study the case studies will be examined from the perspective of US and UK experiences where the two countries are well reputable in higher education. 5.6.1 US experience The first attempt to implement TQM in US higher education began in 1985. The movement spread quickly and in 1990, 78 higher education institutions were reported to be exploring or attempting to implement TQM. The common factor in US higher education is that it is being driven toward commercial competition imposed by economic forces. Competition is the result of the development of the global education market on the one hand, and the reduction of governmental funding that forces public organizations to seek other financial sources, on the other hand. For example, at Oregon State University the government cut funds by 35 percent. Some universities, such as Virginia Commonwealth University responded by decreasing staff salaries and increasing tuition fees. North Dakota University responded to such cuts by increasing the number of students without increasing quality. Competitive factors between universities did not allow for lower quality, so many institutions are looking to industry for ideas. Considering the similarities between experiences met in the commercial world and those faced in higher education, the TQM approach can be a solution for the do more with less. Today more than 200 private institutions of higher education are involved in TQM throughout the USA. There are many success stories in the US. The experiences of some US higher educational institutions prove that the effect of using TQM in private higher education is positive. 5.6.1.1 Oregon State University One of the most publicized success stories is that of Oregon State University (OSU). For a number of reasons the first pilot study was conducted at OSU. First, quality was considered a high-priority issue. Second, it has high probability of success. Third, management agreed that it was important. Fourth, no one else was working on it. Fifth, it was also important to the customers of the organizations. OSU, as leader of TQM in higher education movement, has had a real success; time has been saved, costs have been reduced, people have been empowered at all levels, and morale has skyrocketed. Oregon State University followed the following steps as a planning stage to implement TQM: Exploring Total Quality Management through visiting companies with TQM programs, inviting Deming to visit and explain TQM, reading key resources and attending TQM classes. Forming a pilot study team which was seen as a learning experience for the OSUs staff and a model for future teams. It consisted of 10 managers and front-line workers, a team leader, and a training officer/ facilitator. After the first pilot team experience, they began implementing TQM by focusing top management on strategic planning, including the following steps: defining the mission, understanding customers, identifying the critical processes of the president, developing the vision and identifying breakthrough items. Developing a training program, a quality manual and a recognition system. Establishing daily management system. Establishing standing cross-functional teams. 5.6.1.2 Northwest Missouri State University Northwest Missouri State University is another leader in TQM in higher education. It defines its success as: enrolment is now at capacity: the budget is balanced; faculty salaries are higher than average; and about 10% of budget has been shifted from administration to instructions. The implementation of TQM followed the following steps (Waller, L. D., 2000): Senior management began to learn about quality management. Developing internal expertise that was required rather than obtain some ready improvement methodology and rely on outsiders to provide the expertise. The management of the transformation became a full-time enterprise for those school district employees who were involved. The introduction of leadership training and development for principals-to-be. This was to provide this critical group with continuous improvement skills needed in the schools. A decision making process at the school level was introduced. Classroom Learning System was introduced based on Demings problem solving Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. 5.6.1.3 The University of Pennsylvania The University of Pennsylvania is committed to TQM in the Wharton School MBA; curriculum has been developed using TQM principles. Moreover this University has improved the method of recouping corporate research changes and reduced charges from $ 18 to $ 13 million. The university proposed an eleven-step model for implementing TQM The president adopts quality as the core of institutional value system and communicates this value, and works to develop commitment to it throughout the institution. The president promotes the value through frequent symbolic and substantive actions. Educate administrators and academic deans in TQM and customer orientation, in team/participative management. Identify customers needs and set performance objectives. Train and designate internal resource persons who provide technical assistance to the rest of the institution. Train faculty, staff, and employees in appropriate statistical techniques, process analysis, decision making, and customer orientation. Form quality teams to seek continual improvement in the process and identify individual quality champions. Define/delegate authority throughout the institution. Develop performance measurement systems to continuously monitor the progress of the institution; the measurement should focus on the stakeholders needs satisfaction. Institute incentives and reward systems and relate them to TQM objectives. Work continuously to reduce the resistance to change. 5.6.2 UK Experience The first TQM initiatives in UK higher education were later than in the USA; the first attempts were in the early 1990. 5.6.2.1 De Monfort University De Monfort University (DMU) has some successful results in implementing TQM. The Faculty of Design and Manufacture at DMU completely reviewed and revised traditional teaching menthols and courses, which were no longer appropriate for the end of twentieth century. Teaching staff became 30 percent more efficient with double the number of student, and effectiveness of the revised course content was widely reorganized by industry, student and other design faculties. In Leicester Business School at DMU, with the application of TQM, higher participation rates and increase in staff productivity achieved. The strategic plan for the implementation was rooted with the concepts of identifying the customers, understanding their needs and serving them well. The plan focused on the following steps: The establishment of a quality council comprising the universitys most senior academic and non-academic managers. The purpose of the council is to review the universitys processes and critical success factors in order to identify key issues for improvement. Raising quality awareness through a series of awareness courses. These courses provide early education and training for actual and potential council members. In addition to the awareness courses, there is specific training in quality management tools and techniques. Using quality function deployment to ensure the customer satisfaction. This method was applied in the Department of Vision Sciences. There were eight essential areas to consider: students wants and needs, skills necessary to meet the wants and needs, programme and course content to deliver the skills, organization and assessment of the programme, resources, implementation of the programme, monitoring discrepancies between goals and outcomes, and control of the system in changing circumstances. However, the experience of quality function deployment showed it to be a complex tool. De Monfort University did not use a particular TQM model but instead only used the TQM principles, tools and techniques whenever appropriate and possible, because was difficult to provide an objective assessment to its success or of its cost over the years. 5.6.2.2 South Bank University Total quality management initiative was launched in 1992 at South Bank University. This has involved a thorough and ongoing review both of the quality of service it provides for its students and the wider community and of its academic quality, particularly in the area of teaching and learning. South Bank University, decided at an early stage that it should reflect more accurately the principle that real quality issues involved the ongoing commitment of all staff, support and academic, at all levels. Students are rightly encouraged to be involved more actively in the learning process, to be critical and imaginative about their own learning. Within five years, linking TQM into the strategic planning process, South Bank started to establish a competitive advantage by achieving differentiation (of its courses) through the quality of the learning experience, if a way can be found of advertising this to potential customers. It is expected that up to ten significant quality improvement measures (for example in academic staff time saved by increased efficiency in validation procedures or in improved feedback from student course board representatives) will have been achieved at the cross-university level in response to common problems identified through the quality service agreements. Most importantly, there will have been a change in the culture of the institution where all staff accepts their personal responsibility for quality improvement as a natural part of their job. The quality management plan can be summarized as follows The vice-chancellor and senior executive take direct responsibility for leadership of the universitys quality plan. Quality commitment to all university elements. Continuous improvement is everyones responsibility. Deployment of resources to support quality management. Quality management responsibility is best handed by operational levels. Encouragement of the diversification of quality management forms. Development of staff. From the quality principles and mission statement, critical factors of strategic importance are identified: teaching and learning, research, community service, institutional management, priority resource allocation, enhancing technical and information support, and quality advancement procedures. These factors formed a framework for further actions in the quality plan. In implementing TQM, each faculty formed its own quality committee to provide leadership and to increase quality improvement at faculty level. Responsible officers (e.g. deans) are charged with ensuring that performance targets are achieved within the specified time. As a part of staff development, brainstorming is used to identify strengths and weaknesses. South Bank University learned that the commitment of the staff to the quality initiatives and staff development, in addition to the stakeholders involvement and empowerment are essential to the strengthening of a quality culture. The purpose of presenting case studies is to learn how they applied TQM and propose a model that suits the PUs in Egypt. All of the five educational organizations began to apply TQM as a means to respond to the great demand for change and improvement. Some used TQM to face the reduction of funding or the challenge of competitiveness. This is the case in the PUs; it faces challenges and needs to encourage improvement, as discussed in chapter four. In Implementing TQM, universities get used different TQM models according to their needs. TQM requires creativity, responsibility and participation from managers and staffing in an environment of collaboration and open communication. It requires commitment at the top level. It needs strong visionary leadership that will facilitate the cultural change toward continuous development. TQM also demands the establishment of an environment of teamwork. Another important issue about implementing TQM is that the top management play a major role in planning the organizations processes. The PUs as an educational organization should aim at satisfying stakeholders needs. Nevertheless, TQM demands time, effort and a willingness to change. It creates a learning organization where education, training and re-education are essential for TQM success. TQM requires staff at all levels to be motivated to do not only what is better but what is best by the involvement and empowerment of all staff. TQM is about believing that there is always a better way of doing the services of the organization. So, involvement and empowerment, training and education, and continuous improvement are characters of the TQM organization. The implementation of TQM seems to be more effective if it is steady and well-planned. It also needs appraisal using quality tools and techniques. This is a very difficult task but not impossible. It just needs time and patience and a view point. From the previously discussed case studies, it seems that TQM approach succeeded in educational settings and this success can be translated into the following results: Saving time. Saving effort in the long term. Saving money and resources. Establishing a quality culture. Identification of strong and weak points. Stakeholder empowerment and involvement. Communication empowerment. Better understanding of stakeholders and their needs. Building a positive teamwork environment. Raising authority delegation.