Hrm 590 Course Project Part a

Human Resource Receptionist Job Summary: The HR Receptionist will be responsible for Greets the public; provides general administrative support including answering phones, typing, scheduling appointments; complaint handling/tracking; employee applications. Providing assistance and directions to the organizations, on where to go to address their HR questions. Essential Job Functions:Excellent phone etiquette with at least one year experience operating a telephone switchboard to answer, screen and forward calls, providing information, taking messages and scheduling appointments. Greet and Welcome employees and visitors to demonstrate good customer serviceMaintain personnel files in alphabetical order to maintain file organization.Excellent writing skills in order to prepare letters and related documents using Microsoft Word as well as (Excel, PowerPoint and Access) to communicate with employees and stakeholders of the organization.Assist Public and employees with personnel questions using the company policy and procedure to ensure the correct information is given. Sort and distribute incoming mails and faxes by departments to get to the intended recipient in a timely manner.Coordinate Director’s calendar Using MS Outlook Calendar to keep appointments, meetings and manage the director’s daily schedule.Previous Knowledge of adm inistrative and pre-employment assessments is a plus.Required Knowledge, skills and abilities:Knowledge of a multi-line phone system with at least 2-3 years of receptionist and/or administrative experience.Previous knowledge of administration and pre-employment assessments. Two years of proven customer service experience (i. e. friendly attitude, listening, proactive and willingness to help).Three years or more experience using MS office software applications (MS word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) as well as MS OutlookKnowledge of using organizational alphabetical filing system and filing procedureAbility to work independently; Self-starter who takes initiativeAbility to multi-task and quickly change direction based on changing needs and priorities.Ability to exercise discretion while handling confidential information. ExperienceJob related experience is required Education Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in business or Human Resources Certifications & Licenses None Required Env ironmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements The HR Receptionist position requires the following physical demands: prolonged sitting or standing, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, and reaching and significant fine finger dexterity. Equipment and tools utilized Computer, Multi-line phone system, Copier, and Fax Machine Pre -employment background check and drug screening requiredLiterature Review Organizations are growing in size each and every day, which in turn creates a high demand for employees. This outcome, however, needs a systematic approach to determine the right employee for the right position. The process has become so large that organizations need specialized help from Human Resource Management (HRM) departments to ensure that the requirements of the position are met. Therefore, the HRM department provides the function of job analysis in order to select the right individual for the position. Job analysis is a complex and v ital part of every HRM program, as well as an important systematic process used within an organization to determine future members of the workforce. † Job analysis contributes too many important Human Resource Management functions as it identifies and analyzes the relation between the job and what is required. According to the â€Å"Job Analysis: Overview,† Job analysis is a process used to identify and determine in detail the particular job duties, requirements, and the relative importance of these duties for a given position or a particular job.A job analysis defines the work, activities, tasks, objectives, products, services, or processes required to perform a particular job. It collects details about work activities, human behaviors, machine, tools, equipment and work aids, performance standards, job context, and human requirements. These in turn help to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform a job. An important factor to note is that in th is process, analysis is conducted on the job, not the person, which also results in a description of the job and not the person.There are many different methods/ways to conduct a job analysis. It is dependent on organizational needs and what resources are available. Questionnaires, observations and interviews are very common methods. Although individual methods are used exclusively, several can be used in combination, besides the 3 resources listed above there are also the use of surveys as well. In fact, it is recommended that utilizing more than one method is more sensible (How, 1998), (Dessler, 2005).In human resources, job analysis plays an important role of it. It provides information regarding positions in the organization. It is an important topic as well as a vital employment tool which can assist with HR activities and potential and current employees, ‘Job analysis is the systematic study of positions to identify their observable duties and responsibilities, as well a s the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform a particular task or group of tasks’ (Kovac, 2006, p. ). Job analysis can be used in determining training needs by identifying training content, the assessment tests which need to be used to measure the effectiveness of training, the equipment to be used in the training process, and the methods of training. Job Analysis can also be used in compensation to identify the skill levels, the compensable job factors, the work environment, the responsibilities, and the required level of education and salary level.In selection procedures, job analysis can be used to identify job duties that need to be included in ads of vacant position, the appropriate salary levels for a position, the minimum requirements, the interview questions, the selection tests, the evaluation forms, etc. For performance reviews, job analysis can be used to figure out goals and objectives, performance standards, the evaluation criteria, the length of pro bationary period. (www. ssa. gov Review and Evaluation of Job Analysis Practices) I based my job analysis on these same characteristics stated above, I used the interview, and observation for my job analysis.By visiting my previous employer human resource department and talking with the human resources manager in order to get a better in-site on how they do their job analysis, as well as doing some online research as well as getting information on human resources books. My task and KSA statements are based on the job descriptions of other human resource receptionist positions in my area. Through my research on this particular position I have found that every business or company has several different descriptions of what their human resource receptionist does based on the type of business that it is.Even though a lot of the descriptions were the same for corporations and larger business for the most part, smaller businesses that did have this position seemed to lack in the job descri ption of their human resource receptions and had other job descriptions for them like working large equipment. This project has definitely taught me more than I ever knew about human resources and what they really do I didn’t realize how much work went into the Human Resources Department of a business.

Introduction To Lever Brothers Pakistan Limited Essay

History Founded in 1897, Unilever has provided superior products for millions of people throughout the world. Generation after generation of satisfied customers have continued to maintain Unilever’s reputation as an innovative manufacturer and marketer of family and health care products. Today it is a multibillion-dollar company whose products are distributed in 140 countries worldwide. Vision â€Å"Unilever’s vision is to have its products available within an arm’s reach of every individual’s desire.† Mission Statement â€Å"Our purpose in Unilevers is to meet the everyday needs of people everywhere to anticipate the aspirations of our consumers and customers to respond creatively and competitively with branded products and services which raise the quality of life.† Marketing Objective Unilevers aims to interact directly with its consumers. Its goals are consumer satisfaction and making its consumers feel that the money spent is worth the product. In comparison, it distinguishes its sales objective as achieving greater penetration in terms of sales volume and market share. Unilever’s excellence in quality, image and distribution, the founding stones of any consumer goods company, is the main reason behind its thundering success and leadership in the market. The company has a clear emphasis on quality and wants to provide the best possible products of the highest quality to its customers. It wants to grow continuously and not stay stagnant. Lever Brothers Pakistan Limited Lever Brothers is the largest consumer products company in Pakistan; it belongs to Unilever group of companies, which makes up one of the largest transnational in the world. Lever Brothers Pakistan Ltd. was incorporated in Pakistan in 1948. The company markets almost 50 well known household brands, like Lipton, Surf, Vim, Supreme, LifeBuoy, Lux etc. Which record approximately Rs. 20 billion in sales. Mission Statement of Lever Brothers Pakistan Limited We are a leading Consumer Product Company in Pakistan, a multi national with deep roots in the country. We attract and develop highly talented people who are excited, empowered and committed to deliver double-digit growth. We serve the everyday needs of all consumers everywhere for foods, hygiene and beauty through branded products and services that deliver the best quality and value. We strive to remain an ever simple and enterprising business. We use our superior consumer understanding to produce breakthrough innovation in brands and channels. Our brands capture hearts of consumers through outstanding communication. Through managing a responsive supply chain, we maximize value from suppliers to customers. We are exemplary in our commitment to Business ethics, safety, health, environment and involvement in the community. The mission then translates into attaining a leading position in Pakistani market, by manufacturing and marketing high quality consumer products that benefit the customers. The aim is to be a lean, responsive and flexible organization, operating within a culture of innovation and enterprise. In addition, the primacy of the customer is a central value of the company. The marketing objective is to increase profitability by increasing sales. By maintaining quality of products, the sales are improving and consumer demand of Levers’ products is increasing. Thus, profits and sales are increasing every year. In this way, the company’s image is not only maintained, but also improved very successfully over time. Overview of the Beverage Market The trend in the beverage market of Pakistan of market value share/growth is depicted in the table given below: Pak. Rs. Mn As can be seen by the table given above tea is the market leader in the beverage market and is expected to retain its current position in the near future. However, the growth rate of the CSDs is much faster than tea whose expected growth rate has become stagnant. An interesting point to note here is that LBPL’s share of the tea market is expected to grow steadily in the near future despite the fact that the growth rate of the overall tea market is expected to decrease. The pie chart below shows the current 2000 value shares of the Pakistani beverage market. Total Value Rs. 47,950 billion or 548 billion Pound Sterling. Does not include one step preparation drinks (i.e. Energile, Squashes etc.), milk and non-commercial water. Total Value Rs. 54,475 million or 615 million Pound Sterling Does not include one step perpetration drinks. Overview of Tea Industry Tea is considered to be an essential consumption item in many countries of the world, including Pakistan. The history of tea drinking in the subcontinent can be traced far back. It is said, that tea was introduced with the arrival of the British in the Subcontinent and became popular in the region during the British rule. The British people were clever enough to use a powerful slogan, which remained in the minds of the people. They said, â€Å"In winters it provides warmth and in summers, it gives freshness.† Over a period of time, the quality and taste of tea was improved by the colonials. Mr. Thomas Lipton was the key person who introduced the aromatic soothing leaves, at prices affordable for the common man. This is one of the main reasons why â€Å"Lipton† even now occupies the place of the most well known brand of tea in this part of the world. At present there are two kinds of tea available in the market: branded and unbranded (loose) tea. Therefore, the importers are also of two types, though both import tea from the same countries. Bulk importers sell tea to retailers in loose form, while the second category of bulk importers sell packaged tea under brand names. All tea in Pakistan is imported. Therefore, tea, a traditional hospitality item in Pakistan, consumes a large amount of foreign exchange. Tea imports through legal route account for about 200 million US dollars per year and is growing. Another 60 million kilograms of tea or nearly half as much of total consumption of tea is smuggled, that is imported illegally.1 According to official sources, Pakistan consumed 148 million kg in 1996, 60% of which reached the consumer as branded products. Annual black tea consumption in Pakistan is 0.9 kilogram per head; slightly less than British consumption is 1.25 kilogram per person.2 Pakistan is the world’s second largest importer, after Great Britain, and may become the largest importer due the increase in population and unabated increase in tea consumption. Tea drinking, over time, has doubled mainly because other drinks, especially fresh milk, have virtually disappeared as dairy production was neglected. Another reason is high population growth a year. About 50% of tea imports is consumed in Punjab, 30% in the NWFP, 16% in Sindh and 4% in Baluchistan.3 Pakistan mainly imports tea from Kenya and other African countries like Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania, while multinational companies in Pakistan also import tea from Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Bangladesh. There are unlimited quantities of smuggled tea flooding the market. The main problem at present is that smuggled tea has now taken over the market, simply because of the high duty and taxes levied by the government on branded tea. Smuggled tea escapes all duties and levies, and therefore can be sold cheaply, as loose tea. The cumulative import duty on tea in 1991 was 60%, 66% in 1992, 76% in 1993, 88% in 1993, 102% in 1995 and rose to 107% in 1996. Sources in the market indicate that the smuggled tea is being sold about 30% cheaper than the legally imported variety and, therefore, holds a great lure for the wholesalers.4 According to one estimate, some 60 million kg of tea, representing nearly 50% of the total consumption, came into the market illegally in 1997.5 The quality of some of the tea flooding the market is admittedly high. But given that it is sold loose, there is absolutely no guarantee that adulteration is not rife in this unorganized sector. The branded tea industry has now successfully lobbied the government for duty reductions (78% cumulative duties on tea) to make smuggling unattractive. The above pie chart depicts the tea market according to pack forms. Assessment of Industry Attractiveness Threat of new entrants Major players enjoy significant economies of scale and have strong brand identity. Large capital requirements required for setting up distribution channels and heavy advertising for new entrants, to compete against major well established brands. Rivalry Among Existing Competitors Devaluation and import duties make domestically produced consumer goods, including tea, more expensive than smuggled products. Smuggling of tea has hampered development and growth in the local tea industry. There is an oligopoly as there are only a handful of local competitors in the tea industry. Bargaining Power of Customers Generally, retailers in Pakistan are not large volume buyers therefore they are not able to bargain for proper discounts. Upper class consumers have strong brand loyalty, while low-middle class has become increasingly price conscious and are therefore, not very brand loyal. Retailers are likely to stock smuggled tea due to higher margin on it, and for the same reason, consumers are inclined to buy it, as it is cheaper for them. Bargaining Source Of Suppliers High differentiation of input for the tea industry, due to consumer preference for East African tea. Pakistan is one of the largest consumers of tea and a major market for Kenyan tea exporters. Threat of Substitutes Coffee is a substitute for tea, but consumer propensity for it is low. Smuggling of tea products into Pakistan continues to depress Levers’ sales and profitability. Organizational Chart Brief History of Lipton 1948- Lipton launched in Pakistan in tin pack 1949- Lipton discontinued 1955- Lipton reintroduced in Pakistan 1974- Lipton was discontinued due to the government price embargoes 1984- Lipton re-launched in Pakistan with a big bang 1987-Tea bags were added to the Lipton portfolio 1989- Lipton merged with Lever Brothers 1995- Lipton introduces Danedar 1998- Lipton re-launched 1999- Lipton re-launched with improved blend in smaller pack sizes 2000- Re-launch scheduled of Leafier Blend Lipton was first introduced in Pakistan in 1948. Tea was sold in tin packs at the time. The year 1989 was a major milestone in Lever’s history. The tea giant Lipton was merged with Lever Brothers that year in Pakistan, five years after the international takeover of the Lipton company by Unilever. The most glorious era in LYL’s life was 1984-1992 with a record growth of 70% in 1989 and the highest ever brand volume achieved in 1992. This was due to an effective advertising campaign (Nazia/Zoheb), consistent with good quality tea, lower taxes and limited smuggling. The table below shows the volume of sales of LYL in Pakistan over the years. Year In 1997, Brook Bond, another leading player in the tea business in Pakistan, was merged with Levers, so that Lipton and Brooke Bond, once fierce competitors in the local market now belonged to the same company. Brooke Bond had long been part of Unilever globally but in Pakistan it remained a separate entity until 1997. Lever came to realize that it did not make sense to have two Unilever companies competing with one another. â€Å"A lot of synergies would be created if the two companies were merged,† in the words of the former MD of Brooke Bond. The solution to any potential cannibalizing was to position the two brands differently. This effort was successful and Supreme, with its distinctive red packaging, came to firmly represent the aspirations of the people of Pakistan. Supreme cuts across class, region and gender divide. Its success is also due to the brand’s catering to Pakistani tastes. Lever, now owns three tea factories of which two are situated in Karachi – one in SITE and the other in West Wharf area. The third factory is in Khanewal, Punjab. The SITE and Khanewal factories once belonged to Brook Bond, while the West Wharf tea factory was inherited from Lipton when it was merged with Levers. Efforts had been made to grow tea in Pakistan since 1950s, but the first major step was taken in 1982 by the government. The Pakistan Agricultural Research Center was set up near Manshera. In 1989, Levers also stepped in and a Tea Research Station was set up in Shinkiari, near Manshera. With Unilever providing the expertise, the Center aims to determine whether tea can be grown in the area. Lever also seeks to establish effective plant culture technology to help the government in its tea growing efforts. The company also intends to build a small black tea manufacturing factory near the site and will buy the harvested tea from the farmers. In June 1998, Lever signed an agreement with those farmers interested in growing tea. SWOT Analysis of Lipton Strengths Lever Brothers is a multinational company Powerful heritage of Lipton as presence in the Pakistani market since 1948 Familiar with psychographics and demographics of the local consumers Strong brand image and brand awareness in Pakistan Market leader as it has a 70% market share in branded tea. Larger sales force Strong and long-term relationship with distributors, wholesalers and retailers. Sound and experienced management. Excellent marketing department assisted by a highly regarded marketing research unit. R&D and financial support from parent Unilevers. The Lever-Brooke Bond merger made it possible to compete more effectively with loose tea. Weaknesses Loss of market share to Tapal in Karachi and Multan Low market share in N.W.F.P. Positioning of Lipton Yellow Label as a premium product to which consumers have weak emotional attachment Opportunities High rate of population growth Rising literacy Tea was added to the smuggled goods list in March 1998 and import duty was reduced from 45 to 25 percent. This has collectively placed the entire organized tea business in a more favorable position. Market opportunity of Lipton Yellow Label in rural areas Threats Threat from cheaper tea smuggled into the country via border areas of NWFP and Baluchistan, seriously affecting Levers’ sales and earnings. Possible increase of Tapal and loose tea market shares Rising inflation, which reduces disposable income of consumers. Increasing import duties since a lot of raw materials are imported would raise the price of its end products. Lipton’s profit margin is exposed to rupee devaluation. Current Market Situation Tea consumption remains unaffected by macro-environmental factors, as tea has inelastic demand. For example, the consumption of tea has not increased due to the ban on meals served at weddings. However, it must be noted that tea consumption falls in Ramadan. The range of various tea brands in the market varies due to quality and taste. Both taste and marketing go together in determining the consumer choice. Once a buyer likes a particular taste, he becomes brand loyal to it, no matter how expensive or cheap the brand is. Advertisements do influence consumers a great deal, when it comes to inducing trial of branded tea, or switching to another brand. The largest segments of consumers in the tea market are those who are shifting from un-branded to branded tea. Tea is no longer a luxury in this country; it has become part of our meals. Although Pakistan still imports a large amount of tea from abroad, tea still remains the cheapest form of beverage in the country. Competition in the tea industry is getting cutthroat. Loose tea, which is unbranded tea, has almost 40% of the total tea market in Pakistan. Lipton Yellow Label is the market leader in branded tea on pan Pakistan basis. Levers have embarked upon aggressive plans to regain the volumes and margins of the tea business. The main brands, Lipton Yellow Label (in hermetically sealed cartons) and Supreme were re-launched and to regain there lost market share together with improved margins. Lipton Yellow Label’s main competitor in branded tea is Tapal Daanedar, while in unbranded tea, loose tea provides competition. Tapal Daanedar is a very strong competitor because of several factors, The SWOT analysis is as follows: SWOT Analysis of Tapal Danedar Strengths Positive Consumer perception Advantage of being â€Å"Danedar†, (perception of being economical and easy to sieve) Strong brand loyalty Frequent trade offers Dedicated sales force Quick delivery and removal of damaged goods. Weaknesses Unattractive packaging (only soft packs) Availability (only urban) Technology (no international guidance) Negligible R&D Threats Emergence of other â€Å"Danedar† Brands Stiff competition from LBPL Brands Opportunities Rural Market penetration Capitalize on brands Entry in leaf segment Regional Sales The sales of Lipton Yellow Label are monitored region wise. The table below shows the six regions and the sales in percentages of LIPTON YELLOW LABEL and its main competitor Tapal. The total sales of Rs. 8,750 million have been divided for LIPTON YELLOW LABEL into regions with the following percentages. And we have also given Tapal Daanedar’s sales break-up. Seasonal Sales Lipton Yellow Label basically has two seasons, which is the summer and winter. The seasonal sales of both Lipton Yellow Label and Tapal are the same. 55% of the annual sales are derived in the winters, which is the peak season and 45% of the sales are derived in the summers. Where as sales of LIPTON YELLOW LABEL in Karachi remain more or less the same. Brand According to the Brand Manager, Lipton Yellow Label’s consumers have various attributes, among which are discerning, fun loving, outgoing, elegant, and have good taste. The master brand vision key has eight distinct portions, these are: 1. Competitive Environment Includes other hot drinks, soft drinks and branded water. 2. Target Young minded outward looking people. Focus on recruitment: those leaving home or entering the work force for the 1st time. 3. Insight People want the image and excitement of the soft drink world in drinks that are good for them 4. Benefits .Enjoying LYL together makes you feel great, revitalizing mind and body 5. Values and Personality The brand is bright, vital, sociable, contemporary and cosmopolitan. 6. Reasons to Believe The bright Lipton world, the revitalizing taste and that Lipton delivers the best natural goodness of tea. 7. Discriminator The excitement of soft drinks and the natural goodness of tea. 8. Essence Lipton People get more out of life. Consumption Per capita consumption in Pakistan is 0.9 kg per person per annum. This translates into daily consumption of 2-4 cups per day. Per capita consumption of tea is highest in Karachi, followed by NWFP, although neither Lipton nor Tapal are strong in NWFP, as loose tea has captured 90% of the market. However, Punjab is the most profitable province on the basis of total tea consumption and it is highest in Lahore because of its population size. In other nations the per capita consumption is 2 kg. Segmentation There are two clear segments of consumers in the market, branded tea consumers and un-branded tea consumers. In Sind, most of the cities consume branded tea, while in the rural areas both branded and unbranded are equally popular. In Punjab, the city dwellers as well as majority of rural areas is absolutely brand loyal while unbranded tea is only popular among the teashops and hotels. In NWFP and Balochistan, 90% of the population still prefer the unbranded form as it gives them the chance of seeing and smelling what they buy before paying for it. In addition, the mindset is such that now no other tea brand can compete because consumers are strongly brand loyal. Lipton’s consumers can be segmented on the basis of income strata. The income strata used by Levers have been developed by Levers’ own Marketing Research Department. A class consists of consumers who have disposable monthly incomes of Rs. 12,000. B class consists of consumers who have disposable monthly incomes between Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 12,000. C class consists of consumers who have disposable monthly incomes between Rs. 6,500 and Rs. 8,000. Marketing Mix Product Lipton Yellow Label is a fast moving consumer product that caters to the A 1, A 2, B and C socio-economic classes. The tea industry of Pakistan is in the â€Å"Maturity† stage of the product life cycle, but Lipton Yellow Label is in the â€Å"Growth† stage, as it still has market potential in Pakistan. Lipton Yellow Label’s main feature is that it is tea of the â€Å"finest blend† available. The benefits offered by Lipton Yellow Label to its consumers are â€Å"good quality and good taste† since it is an international brand. Brand image of Lipton is of a Discerning, Cosmopolitan, Elegant and Friendly person and this image is portrayed in all the advertising. Shelf Life Tea usually loses colors and fragrance over time. Lipton Yellow Label has a normal shelf life of one year and the shelf off-take is one week. Line Extensions Lipton Yellow Label is available in the following line extensions: Lipton Yellow Label, Finest Blend Tea Lipton Yellow Label, Danedar tea Lipton Yellow Label, tea bags They are available in the following sizes and prices: All these brands cater to consumers of different income levels. Lipton Yellow Label is targeted towards A, B and C income groups. Re-launch of Lipton Yellow Label During the recent re-launch of Lipton Yellow Labels several elements of the product were improved upon and a change in the image of the brand from a â€Å"premium† one to â€Å"subsistence† one, was brought about. The blend of the tea was made more superior. The sizes of the packets have also been reduced. Price Since Lipton Yellow Label has always emphasized being an international product, of the highest quality, Lipton Yellow Label is marketed as a â€Å"premium† or â€Å"top of the line† product. A premium of 2-5% is charged on every pack. The closest competitor of Lipton Yellow Label, which is Tapal Daanedar , has a price of Rs.49 for its 200 gms pack, whereas a 200 gms pack of Lipton Yellow Label is priced at Rs.50. Similarly, in all other sizes, Lipton Yellow Label has maintained almost identical price premiums compared to Tapal. Lipton Yellow Label is facing a problem, in that the consumers generally perceive that the prices of Lipton Yellow Label products are very high, since it is a premium product, as compared to other competing products. Therefore, they feel Lipton Yellow Label is out of their reach. However, Lipton Yellow Label has a price premium of 4-5%, which translates into not more than Rs.1 per packet in absolute terms. Lipton Yellow Label, in spite of being a premium product has a competitive price, which is not being realized by the consumers. Placement Placement is one area where Lipton Yellow Label outperforms all its competitors in tea industry, because of its association with Levers, which is the biggest FMCG Company operating in Pakistan. Lipton Yellow Label has a wide distribution network consisting of more than 600 distributors catering to around 140,000 outlets across the country. There are 140,000 outlets in Pakistan, which include superstores, department stores, general stores, medical stores, paan walas, grocery stores, merchants, etc. Grocery stores and merchants together provide 80% volume of Levers’ tea sales. Lipton has more than 600 distributors for tea. There are corporate distributors exclusively for Lipton and similarly exclusive Brooke Bond distributors. Distributors are offered a margin of around 4-5% and retailers are offered a margin of around 10-12%. The distributor and retailer margins vary from one product size to another. But retailers get a margin of 25% on smuggled tea, which is brought in through the Afghan transit trade. Hence, retailers naturally prefer to stock and sell smuggled tea. Promotion Mix Lipton Yellow Label is using Asiatic Advertising agency currently, due to international alignment of Unilever. Previously the advertising agency used was R-Lintas. The promotion mix for Lipton Yellow Label comprises of around seven main activities. Different media are used in combination to increase effectiveness of promotion mix. The promotion budget for these activities is calculated by the â€Å"percentage of sales method†. The promotion budget for the up-coming year is set in advance at the end of the current year. The budget is linked to a sales volume target. The budget is allocated according to various media and different promotion activities for every quarter. Sales volume is monitored primarily on a weekly basis to evaluate the result of promotional activities on sales volume. The budget might be reduced drastically, by as much as 10 to 40 % if it is observed that hypothetically 90 % of the budget has been spent, but only 70 % of the sales volume target has been met. We have described the various promotional activities on the basis of budget allocation, in order of importance. Television Advertising TV advertising for Lipton Yellow Label comprises of 55 % of the promotional budget. Television advertising is used mainly because its reach is higher than any other medium and hence, this acts as the most effective inducement to consumers to purchase the product according to the Brand Manager. Lipton Yellow Label is advertised through out the year on television. On an average yearly basis, Lipton Yellow Label advertises from one to two spots per day on TV. During the peak season i.e. winter (October to March) the number of slots increase to, six to eight slots per day. This is also true for the first week of a typical four-week consumer promotion. The duration of the advertisements is typically thirty seconds in the beginning of the advertising campaign. Then a shorter ten-second version of the same advertisement is aired on TV within a one-month period. The reasons for the change in the length of the advertisement are: Target consumers have viewed the complete 30-second advertisement within the one-month period. The consumer promotion usually lasts for about a month only. The cost of the ten-second advertisement is comparatively less than the thirty-second advertisement. Sometimes there are TV advertisements designed for different regions of Pakistan to achieve different advertising objectives in those geographic areas. For example, to achieve brand awareness in a new market segment or to advertise the launch of a consumer promotion, various advertisements would be aired keeping the target market in mind. In this regard, a 20-second advertisement will be aired on TV in Karachi and Hyderabad before the end of the year 1999 to advertise a new consumer promotion. The current advertisement theme emphasizes uses Ali Hiader and Hadiqa Kiyani. It is believed that the campaign clearly matches the personality of the brand with that of the celebrities. Also, the vital modern and colorful images reflect the Lipton brand world at its best. Adtrack monitors the Share of Voice for TV on a weekly basis for Lipton Yellow Label, according to time slots and the TV channels used. The result for Share of Voice for 1998 for Levers as a whole was 69% and 36% for Lipton Yellow Label specifically whereas, SOV for 1999 for Lever as a whole stands at 88%, and 46% for Lipton Yellow Label. In contrast, Tapal advertises on television only during the peak season between Octobers to March. For this reason, the brand awareness of Lipton Yellow Label and Tapal shows a gap which is in Lipton Yellow Label’ favor. This is also reflected in the SOV figures for Lipton Yellow Label and Tapal, as we assume that the research, which provided these figures, was conducted just before the peak season. Tapal’s SOV for 1998 stands at 31% and the SOV for 1999 stands at 12%. Outdoor Advertising Fifteen percent of Lipton Yellow Label promotion budget is spent on outdoor advertising. Outdoors are now being used more by Lipton Yellow Label for to increase out of home visibility in shops and in the streets. The various activities under the umbrella of outdoor advertising are: Billboards Pole signs Spectaculars Yellow Label has about 200 hoardings all over the country, and seven spectaculars, one in Rawalpindi, and six in Karachi. These spectaculars are located in Karachi at: Airport Area (90 feet x 30 feet) Nipa Chowrangi (60 feet x 20 feet) Guru Mander (60 feet x 20 feet) Sabzi Mandi (60 feet x 20 feet) Water Pump (60 feet x 20 feet) Clifton (60 feet x 20 feet) The rentals for these spectaculars vary. Although they differ among various cities, the costs incurred are inclusive of KMC taxes, maintenance, erection charges, etc. On an average, a 90 x 30-ft spectacular costs the company an approximate sum of Rs. 2 to 3 million annually, whereas a 60 x 20ft spectacular costs about Rs. 1 million per year. The average rental for hoardings on national basis is about Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000, for a 20 x 10-ft hoarding. The charges per square footage are dependent on site rental, structure and what the content of the hoarding is. Print Ten percent of the promotion budget is spent on print media, which includes both newspapers and magazines. All types of local newspapers are used for various advertisements, depending on the purpose of the advertisement campaign. Similarly, different types of magazines are used for advertising. Point of Sale materials Five percent of the promotion budget is allocated to POS materials. The point of sale material is used primarily for launches or re-launches, and there are at least 10 rounds of every promotional campaign for Lipton Yellow Label. The company policy is to run certain promotions in a few territories only, to achieve different marketing objectives. This would mean that some of the promotions are restricted to one region, Karachi, while others are restricted to Lahore. For instance, the introduction of newer and smaller packs of Yellow Label was only meant for Karachi, whereas the provision of the free sachets of Surf Excel with every pack of Yellow Label was designed for Lahore. Thus, the material designed for point of sale for each promotion is different. Radio Five percent of the promotion budget is allocated to radio. The purpose of advertising on radio is to reach the rural population. Hence, Radio Pakistan is the most favored choice for advertising Lipton Yellow Label. Discounted Selling and Free Samples To familiarize consumers with the new blend of Lipton Yellow Label, five percent of the promotion budget is spent on discounted selling and free samples. In the words of the Brand Manager, it is used only if very confident that the promotion will be successful. It is used on a house-to-house basis in certain neighborhoods. Lipton Yellow Label is aware of the impact of good packaging in creating instant consumer recognition of the brand or product. Thus, Lipton Yellow Label’s distinctive yellow packaging makes the product stand out from its competition on store shelves. The primary container is the hermetically sealed pack, which offers the following benefits: It helps to keep the product safe from temperature changes and moisture, and thus, helps to maintain the product’s shelf life of one year. The sealed packing also helps in preserving the unique and superior taste of Lipton Yellow Label. This feature also helps preserve the taste for a longer period of time, during the usage of the product. The secondary container, which is the more important aspect of packaging, is distinctive yellow in color, with the Lipton label boldly emblazoned on all faces of the box. In this severe competitive environment, packaging has to perform many sales tasks – right from attracting attention to the product, to describing the product and making the sale. In the case of Lipton Yellow Label, the name of the product is also mentioned, along with the claim â€Å"International Quality No. 1†. The product weight is mentioned and on both the sides, there are directions for preserving the freshness of the product inside. On the top left hand corner, there is also a mention of the â€Å"newer and richer product†. However, there is no mention of the â€Å"best before† or expiry date anywhere on the pack. Two major changes have been introduced in the packaging of Lipton Yellow Label recently. The package size has been downgraded from 250 grams to 200 grams, and the 125 gram pack has been downgraded to 100 grams. The prices have also been correspondingly reduced. This is so because it caters to people with all sorts of income groups. Therefore, consumers with low levels of disposable income will find it cheaper to purchase a smaller packet, which now also costs less. History Of Lipton Yellow Label Television Advertising Themes A brief history of the advertising of Lipton Yellow Label since the merger with Lever Brothers Pakistan is given as follows. 1985: The purpose of the advertisement was to induce trial of Lipton Yellow Label. The advertisement showed different nationalities of different Lipton Yellow Label consumers to depict the international nature of the product. The tag line for advertisement was â€Å"aazmaiey, aap bhi maan jain gay.† 1986: The theme continued with the purpose of attracting new consumers. Taste and satisfaction were the two key words used in the advertisements with the added emphasis on Lipton Yellow Label being an international brand of high quality. The tag line â€Å"aazmaiey, yaqeenan aap bhi maan jain gay.† 1987: Quality number one was the slogan used, along with mention of taste and aroma being the best. The tag line was â€Å" quality number one chai.† 1988: Celebrity marketing concept was used with yesteryear film actress, Nayyer Sultana. Emphasis was on brand loyalty to Lipton Yellow Label due to consistency of quality standards and emotional attachment to Lipton Yellow Label. Emotional memories of good times were associated with Lipton Yellow Label for the first time. There was a shift in advertising theme from convincing consumers of quality, to emphasis on maintenance of quality standards. The tag line was â€Å" hamesha wohi zayka, acchi yaadon key tarha.† 1989: The shift in the advertising theme i.e. that Lipton Yellow Label has maintained its quality standards over time, which is why consumers prefer it was continued with the same celebrity. The tag line was â€Å" Lipton Yellow Label.â€Å" 1990: Nayyer Sultana appeared for the third time in the Lipton Yellow Label advertisement. The theme this time was that Lipton Yellow Label is not just for the celebrity but for everyone. The tag line this time was â€Å"Lipton key Yellow Label.† 1991-92: The celebrity-marketing concept was continued, but this time with Nazia Hassan and Zohaib Hassan. The choice for much younger celebrities was to appeal to the new generation of consumers. A total of three ads were made with the same celebrities in the same time period.Tag line was â€Å" sab say acchi hai.† 1993-94: For the first time the functional benefit was promoted as, double chamber tea bags were launched. The design of the tea bag was advertised to convey the message of more taste and flavor from a single tea bag. The tag line was â€Å" Simply the best.† 1995-97: A new first was that the advertisement was both in Urdu and English languages once again, the international consumption of Lipton Yellow Label from all walks of life was depicted. The tag line was â€Å" Sign of good taste.† The same tag is still in use since then. Lipton Yellow Label launched boil-o-bag, which conveyed convenience of use. A 300g plastic jar for introducing was introduced for the benefit of consumers as it had better packing than ordinary jars and would maintain the freshness of tea. 1998-99: The first advertisement focused on packaging of Lipton Yellow Label, specifically the improved seal of Lipton Yellow Label tea packets that results in better quality, taste and smell and therefore, more satisfaction. Joint promotion was advertised on regional basis, example; with Surf Excel, click and everyday. An advertisement comparing the attributes of Lipton Yellow Label and other teas showed that consumers overwhelmingly preferred Lipton Yellow Label because of its taste. Another joint promotion of Lipton Yellow Label and Brooke Bond Supreme was advertised to convey the reduction in packet sizes, which represented lower prices for consumers. Problem Faced By Lipton Yellow Label Looking at the past history of Lipton Yellow Label and the current situation at hand, we believe that Lipton Yellow Label is loosing its market to competition. Thus the problem faced by Lipton Yellow Label for decline in sales especially in Karachi and Multan regions are: The image of Lipton Yellow Label in the eyes of the consumers is that it is too premium a brand for them thus the result being that the consumers can’t associate themselves with it. The main competition of Lipton Yellow Label is Tapal Daanedar. Tapal is a domestically based tea company and is gaining market share at the expense of Lipton Yellow Label in Karachi and Multan with sales being five times higher than Lipton Yellow Label in Karachi. Lipton Yellow Label has tried to penetrate the market of NWFP, but it has failed to do so as the locals prefer loose tea to branded tea. Although Lipton Yellow Label is advertising heavily, they are not able to generate the end-user demand. Tea advertising presently done by Lipton Yellow Label is not coming out as aggressively as it should considering the fact that Lipton Yellow Label is the market leader in branded tea market.

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae and Suicide In The Trenches by Siegfried Sassoon Essay

â€Å"Select two of the poems you have studied. Compare and contrast the different attitudes to war expressed by the poets and the techniques used to convey them.† The two poems, which I have chosen, are, â€Å"In Flanders Fields† by John McCrae, and â€Å"Suicide in the Trenches† by Siegfried Sassoon. The poems take opposing views to the war. â€Å"In Flanders Fields† we find McCrae taking a positive, almost religious and very sensitive view about the outcome of war. Whilst in comparison, in â€Å"Suicide in the Trenches†, Sassoon portrays a negative, harsh, cynical and angry view. â€Å"In Flanders Fields† McCrae writes about his views on what happens after dying in war. It is a very personal poem, emphasised by being written using the personal pronouns; â€Å"we and our†, rather than impersonal; â€Å"them and their†. This involves the reader by in a way, including them in the poem. The poem also imparts a strong feeling of patriotism. McCrae uses controlled, everyday language in the poem. The rhyme is steady, and flows smoothly, which draws you into the poem, and that’s what makes me like it. â€Å"Between the crosses, row on row† McCrae uses a lot of repetition. He talks of the crosses on the graves, making sure you realise that there are lots of graves, and how the poppies grow in between. He uses the poppies and the lark as a way of reminding us that we are just like a passing season, born, growing, dying, and then being replaced as nature carries on, even if we don’t! In the first stanza McCrae mainly describes the scene of the poem. In the second stanza, there isn’t enjambement like the first. McCrae uses a caesura in the first line. â€Å"We are the dead.† This forms a definite break. McCrae is making sure that you stop and take in what he is trying to tell you. It is strongly emphasised, abrupt, and it gets to the point. He continues with no complicated words. The language continues to be plain and simple. Again by using â€Å"we† McCrae includes the reader in the feeling of dawn, seeing the sunset glow, a reference to the start and end of the day , a parody of life. McCrae then goes onto writing about how the soldiers loved, and were loved. The keywords in the sentence being â€Å"were†, telling us that they are no more. They can no longer go on loving, or fighting, and are laid to rest in Flanders Fields. In the third and final stanza, McCrae tells us they have â€Å"failing hands†, means that they are losing strength. The soldiers grow weaker and weaker, then when they die they pass on the torch, symbolising responsibility, to the soldiers who are stronger. The torch of unity and hope, like the torch at the Olympic games, it’s symbolic. All the soldiers are being linked together, fighting for something they believe in. McCrae wants new soldiers to carry on fighting for something that they believe in, so that men, who have fought before him, haven’t fought in vain. They need to keep the flame in the torch alive. Then McCrae writes, â€Å"The torch, be yours to hold it high.† Telling us to be proud of the torch, hold it up high, be determined. The torch gives an impression of right, along with pride. Yet he almost invents this with what is almost a threat, contrasting life and death, right and wrong. For example, â€Å"If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep†, I think that McCrae’s attitude towards war is brave. He has hope, and thinks that you should fight for your country as your comrades have done before you. Agree with your country, and keep going till it’s over. It’s a soldier’s duty to die for his country. It should be worthwhile. The poem is patriotic, and has a strong sense of purpose, but it’s sad, and yet dignified. â€Å"Suicide in the Trenches† is a totally different poem. Its verses are simple, they have a strong beat, the lines are rhythmical, and have regular rhyming. The poem was written in 1918, in the First World War, so Sassoon is writing about his experiences. It starts off with the phrase â€Å"simple solider†, using alliteration. The soldier is young, innocent, too young to be fighting, but it seems a pleasant poem. â€Å"Who grinned at life in empty joy, means that the soldier is easily pleased, undemanding, glad with life. When it was dark, and lonesome, the soldier slept through it, happily, he was untroubled, and had nothing to worry about. He got up at the crack of dawn, as the lark does. He was cheerful. This is like a child’s impression of war. That a soldier is brave, and not afraid of anything. The second stanza says that in winter, the trenches are full of rain, snow, and conditions are bad. The young soldier feels cowed and glum, to be â€Å"cowed down†, means subdued. This tells us that he has no spirit left, his spirit has all gone. All the joy in his life has been taken away. â€Å"With crumps and lice† crumps are bursting bombs, warfare, the trenches are lice infested. There is a lack of rum. The soldiers are issued with rum for courage, before they go out and fight, they have some, it’s a way of keeping their spirits up, but there is even a lack of rum too! The poem is getting more and more angry. In the same stanza, Sassoon writes, â€Å"He put a bullet through his brain.† This has a harsh simplicity. We are shocked by what Sassoon is writing. This once so pleasant, and untroubled boy, has now found this so hard, that he has taken his own life. It is very abrupt, and comes out of the blue. â€Å"No one spoke of him again.† All his fellow soldiers are ashamed of what he did to himself. He left them, and didn’t have to courage to go on. It was a shameful, and easy way out. But it was out of shock and horror that he killed himself. I think that also people were ashamed of themselves for not helping him, and that he had to do it as a way out. He felt he had no other option. The third stanza becomes more general. It stops being so personal. We begin to feel what the writer feels, very bitter and angry towards war. All the people at home, were thinking they knew everything about the war, when they didn’t have to go through what the soldiers were going through. They didn’t have any experience of the reality of war. They dress up the war and the truth is hidden. They are â€Å"Smug†, self-satisfied people, who will send other people off to war, but wouldn’t go themselves. â€Å"Kindling eye† is a way of pointing out their excitement, getting a fire going, that they are lit up with enthusiasm for war, which they wont fight. The people are hiding away from what the soldiers have to do. War is hell. War has taken away all the soldier’s youth and laughter goes. There is no laughter in war. The men don’t get to live their youth, and have to fight, and kill. The two poems are therefore totally different, but they have the same structure. The both have three stanzas, and have generally got a steady beat throughout. They have opposite meanings. They both start off pleasant, and â€Å"Flanders Fields† stays that way, it is sad but with a positive outlook on the way. But Sassoon’s â€Å"Suicide in the trenches† changes abruptly and becomes very negative. They both talk about death, but in totally opposite ways, â€Å"In Flanders Fields† says it is worth dying for your country, and what you believe in. But on the other hand, â€Å"Suicide in the Trenches† says it isn’t worth going through the hell of war, and losing your life for nothing. They are both very personal poems, even though Sassoon’s becomes less personal towards the end. Both the poets have lived through war, and both the poems were written in the same year, during WW1. Both the poems have simple, easy to understand, everyday language.

Human Resource Devopment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Human Resource Devopment - Assignment Example The colleague prefers individualized learning experience where the learning facilitator assumes the role of evaluating the learning process. At the same time, the colleague prefers learning in small coordinated groups where every individual has role to play. Although the colleague prefers participative learning experience, the assertion the colleague make is that such experience should not be independent and structural framework should be established to guide the process. Moreover, the colleague prefers learning process that draws from theories and practical experiences. At the same time, experimental learning that is packaged by facts and real-time examples is what the colleague prefers. Learning that develops on established principles is what the colleague prefers. Lastly, the colleague prefers learning experience that is based on established and communicated discussion methods and one that encourages feedback and evaluations. Learning Curve Learning curve has been used to explain and describe the learning process among different individuals. It constitute graphical representation of how the rate of learning for an individual occur in any given activity or entity (Mangal, 1995). Learning process starts with acquisition of particular idea, which then increases before finally declining after repetitiveness (Mangal 1995). As the curve depicts, learning progress very slowly at first and then accelerates fast. In addition, the curve shows that learning does not progress at the same rate in most cases and this can be demonstrated by the curves and plateaus (Pandey 2006; Heywood 1989). Different tasks are learnt and success acquired... The paper tells that organizations have to initiate lifelong learning, training, and development of their members. Learning constitutes an aspect that growth-motivated organizations cannot ignore or underrate. It is an avenue where change processes in organizations are absorbed and implemented. Nevertheless, organizations have to realize that different individuals possess different learning styles, which constitute an aspect that should be factored when developing and implementing learning strategies. Therefore, the essence of this research paper will be to look at the concepts of learning, training, and development in an organization. Through the research paper, learning theories and learning styles have been identified and discussed hence adequate knowledge has been generated from this. In addition, the research has been able to outline processes for planning and designing training and development in an organization and how such plans can succeed. Moreover, evaluating of training events has been discussed and knowledge about the processes, methods, and procedures of carrying out evaluation has been established. Finally, government initiatives to improve and enhance HR development has been investigated and evaluated and the overall conclusion is that the government plays key role in enhancing HR development. On overall, it can be stated that the research paper has accomplished research objectives that were established earlier in the paper.

Measuring Globalization Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Measuring Globalization - Coursework Example Only two students have shoes that have their sources of production at home. The rest bought their shoes outside the country. The results of question 2 imply that the class reveals a positive picture of international trade that has a direct relationship with globalization. Question 3 ascertains where the students spend their holidays. More than half of the respondents enjoy holidays outside the country. The ease with which they can move outside their home country to spend holidays outside implies a positive response to globalization. It is also evident that most of the students have been in class with other nationalities. The fact that they can interact with other nationalities means that the class responds positively to globalization. Furthermore, most respondents admitted that their relatives work outside the country. Therefore, the class reveals a good representation of globalization in terms of mobility of labor across the world. The results from the questionnaire of five respondents imply that the class is globalized. In finding the score, the researcher adds up all the numerical choices. The questions that require numerical answers are questions 4, 5, 7, and 10. The magnitude of the resultant number reflects the extent of globalization of a student. The table for measuring scores range from ‘not globalized’ to ‘very globalized’. It advances through the scale progressively and matches the score with the appropriate level of

Legal Framework in Employment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Legal Framework in Employment - Case Study Example The duration of effect is equally valid, considering that in Romero Insurance Brokers Ltd v Templeton [2013] EWHC 1198 (QB), the High Court validated a 12-month duration for enforcing a restrictive terms in the employment agreement (Meiners, Ringleb, & Edwards, 2011). However, unlike in Monster Vision UK Ltd v McKie [2011] EWHC 3772 (QB) where restrictive clauses seeking to disbar Mr McKie from virtually any business transaction were disallowed by court, restricting Angela’s use of the unique recipe is reasonably essential in the circumstances to safeguard the Stella Diamond’s single product (Helewitz, 2010). Stella Diamond has expressed reasonable concern that the use of her traditional recipe within the neighbourhood can have damaging impacts on her business. Angela as a senior pastry chef holds a senior position in the business and as such she is very aware of the material business secrets, which can have a detrimental impact on Stella Diamond if the restrictive clause was, disallowed (Meermann, 2014). In Faccenda Chicken Ltd. v. Fowler [1987] IRLR 69 the defendant was an employee of the claimant, serving as the sales manager of the firm selling chickens. His contract of employment was terminated and he then established his own firm selling similar products from refrigerated trucks. He took half of the ten van salesmen of his former employer, their controller, two other office staff and majority of his former employer’s customers. As such, his actions seemed legal because none of the employer’s staffs had restrictive terms in their employment contracts (Kessler, Bass, & Yeargain, 2007). However, in its decision, the court said the respondent owed the appellant an implied duty to act in good faith, specifying that the duty will be breached if an employee uses, in any way, the same list of clients of the former employer upon termination of the employment. General restrictions on ex-employees were however held as unenforceable (Meiners,

College Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

College Life - Essay Example Associating with clubs and social activities during college life can be enriching but demanding in terms of time and attention. College student life is an enriching experience as it involves not just exclusive devotion to education but also lifelong learning experience and structures (Huang & Carleton, 2003). Club and social activities are activities that students participate in during their leisure time. Leisure plays a significant role in the modern world although in the past very little attention was given to leisure and leisure activities. College life is the most important part in any person’s life. Leisure activities undertaken during college life, influences students in many areas of life including job and life satisfaction. Studies have shown that there is a significant relationship between leisure participation, leisure satisfaction and life satisfaction. Activities such as participation in social clubs on campus help mould an individual towards handling larger respon sibilities. This stems from the changed mission of colleges and universities as they strive towards holistic development of an individual. Participation in activities during college life falls under extra-curricular activities which plays an integral role in collegiate experience (Tenhouse, 2011). These activities complete the college’s academic curriculum and thereby augment the student’s educational experience. Students get an opportunity to interact with other students apart from class interactions. Students are at their natural when they interact at the social level. Student peers are an important source of influence on the overall development of an individual. It also influences the affective and cognitive development of the student. Participation in clubs and social activities leads to well-rounded development of the individual, which is the principal focus of such activities. Involvement in such activities impact the emotional, intellectual, social and inter-per sonal development of students. Participation stimulates their thinking and analytical skills, enhances their organizational ability. It also helps students to learn to manage conflicts, negotiate and communicate effectively. It fosters team spirit and enhances leadership qualities. They adapt other skills such as time management and academic competence as they also mature socially. It enhances their self-esteem and self-confidence as they gain autonomy and learn to appreciate others’ similarities and differences. As pointed out by Huang and Carleton (2003), participation in social activities and membership in college groups can be enriching. It helps students develop skills specific to their career path which leads to job success. Job success implies job satisfaction and ultimately satisfaction in life. Social activities enable the students to link the academic knowledge with practical experience which helps them understand their own talents and abilities. Experiences of this kind prepare a student for the first job as these reflect in the curriculum vitae and students often receive placements while still on campus. Tenhouse finds that participation in clubs and activities has a positive impact on attaining a bachelor’s degree and on educational aspirations. Such students also develop higher ambitions and aspirations than students who do not involve themselves in extra-curricular activities. Campuses have become diverse and hence students desire

Can terrorism be defeated Discuss in terms of both the military and Essay

Can terrorism be defeated Discuss in terms of both the military and non-military responses to the threat - Essay Example These conflicting opinions are now in the process of ripening and it is hoped that it will not be long before they find their application in practical terms. Discussion Older theorists have proposed that terrorism can be defeated if certain principles are followed. Terrorists often win because we respond to terrorism the way terrorists want us to respond. If our response is not in accordance with the terrorist's will, they fail to achieve their objective. So, it should be realized that the choice is ours. If we can learn to refuse to act upon the will of terrorists, we can hope to defeat terrorism, although we cannot always prevent it (Fromkin, 1975). Such ideas have dominated the minds of intellectuals of the past, but keeping in mind the present scenario of the world, we can infer that such ideas are far from reality. The previous two decades have seen a rise in the tendency to control terrorism using the military approach. The idea of intervening within states for the resolution o f military conflicts appeared prominently in the international scenario in the early 1990s, when in the Gulf war and later in Cambodia the international community played its role (Snyder, 2008). Subsequent years have seen a surge in such military measures and a collective effort on part of many countries to contain terrorism and limit it to its origins. They have, however, resulted in a growth of terrorist activities across the world, let alone stopping its spread. Our recent experiences of waging war against terrorism have only made us realize some bitter realities of the life. Most modern discoveries in neuroscience, anthropology, human evolution and paleoethnology have favored the idea that Homo sapiens are not inclined towards killing others of their own species. The similarity between a 'killer in uniform' and a 'killer without uniform' is striking. Both have to be fed with 'hatred' in the process of de-humanizing them, during which they are trained to overcome their natural te ndency to allow others to 'live' (Ram & Summy, 2008). Such discoveries have led us to believe that the military approach is, in fact, not the solution to the problem of terrorism. Theorists of insurgency have focused on the element of preserving public sympathy during military actions to gain benefit after takeover of states. Similarly, an indirect approach to contain insurgency, which is termed the 'hearts and minds' approach, emphasizes the need to gain public support by political means (Snyder, 2008). Such observations have favoured the non-military approach for the solution of terrorism. Democracy is considered by some to be the solution for terrorism. This may be true in some cases, but again it has its own limitations. In many European states where democracy is the rule, a number of terrorist groups have emerged, which not only fail to comply with the norms of democracy for their own expression but also use democracy as a tool to augment their deleterious activities (Snyder, 2 008). Such observations have led us to believe that perhaps, the non-military approach is too 'soft' for terrorism oriented mentality. So, the lesson learnt during war on terrorism is that terrorism cannot be defeated; instead, it can only be attenuated, reduced and controlled to some degree. Unrealistic hopes of completely sweeping

Comparative investigation of seismic hazards and approaches to Essay

Comparative investigation of seismic hazards and approaches to mitigation - Essay Example Comparative investigation of seismic hazards and approaches to mitigation The occurrence of earthquake in future is expected. The Asian countries are one of the most earthquake-prone nations in the world. To make sure that the infrastructure of the country and other losses caused by the natural catastrophe is minimized certain mitigation approaches are taken up by the countries. The devastating nature of the earthquake has made many countries carry on extensive research and development programs like hazard assessment and disaster response program. Japan- the seismic hazards and its mitigation approach The Seismologists in Japan are of the opinion that Japan is yet to face a large-scale devastating earthquake, which might strike the region of Kanto, Tokai and Nankai. Intensive efforts are being taken by the country to mitigate the disasters and minimize the economic impact of the earthquakes (Office of technology Assessment Washington Dc, 149). This has resulted into extensive research and development of disaster related programs to combat the earthquake. J apan is an â€Å"archipelago† in the Pacific, which is separated by the Sea of Japan from the east coast of Asia. The four main island of the nation are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. The nation is one of the most crowded and densely populated regions in the world. About 125 million people live in the cities along the coast. The closest neighbors of the nation are Korea, Russia and China. Japan is situated at a region where several continental plates like the Eurasian, the Philippine Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the North American plates converge- an important reason that the country faces frequent earthquakes and volcanoes. The largest earthquakes have occurred in the Philippine Sea and Pacific plates. Japan experienced the most devastating earthquake in the year 1923 on September 1st – the Great Kanto Earthquake. In the span of a minute 1 lakh people were dead and over 3 lakhs buildings were destroyed. The forces were so great that it lifted the southern bay as high as upto 2 m (6.6 ft) and also raised the distant land of Tokyo to 10 cm (4 in) and experienced a horizontal movement of 20cm (8in). The giant waves- tsunami that was generated by the tremor of the earthquake washed away ships inland and it swept people and houses out of the sea. The geographical situation of the country makes it earthquake prone- in one year it witnessed as many as 5000 earthquakes. After the devastating earthquake of 1923, the Japanese government imposed seismic codes based on the performance of certain buildings in Tokyo during that time. And it was after that there came in many advances in the earthquake engineering research, seismic codes and the construction practices of the city. The Japanese designing codes were a two-stage design process that was taken up. The first phase includes an analysis approach and the second phase involved an explicit assessment of the buildings, whether they will be able to withstand the severe ground motions. The construction companies in Japan spend a considerable amount on the research and development work annually including â€Å"testing of scaled building models in large in- house laboratories and research into passive and active control technologies† (Office of Technology Assessment Washington Dc, 149). The countermeasures taken up by the country included three important aspects- the making of the city more disaster resistant, strengthening the disaster prevention system of the city like tsunami warning system and raising awareness and

Learning Team Reflection Essay Example for Free

Learning Team Reflection Essay Learning Team D discussed the learning objectives provided for Week Three. Each Team Member posted a response to three informational questions posted by the Team Leader. During week three The Team Members felt comfortable with different topics. Sherly, Andrea and Katrina all felt the most comfortable with the topics dealing with Technology, R D, and Efficiency which were covered in chapter 11W. Sherly found the topic of invention the most fascinating because it allows people to just think up of an idea, experiment with it and develop it before finally developing it with the intent of putting it out on the market and earning some profits. An example of invention at work is a TV show on ABC called Shark Tank where inventors present their invention to members of the panel who are entrepreneurs/potential investors with the intention of selling a percentage of their business or product. Andrea felt that the chapter was an easy read and was more of a review on how businesses stay profitable and viable. From this chapter Andrea was able to learn that creating a fresh product at the optimal price is the key to success. Katrina was most interested in Technological Advance and Efficiency section covered in the chapter. The fact that improving ones technology can also contribute to economic efficiency was something that Katrina found interesting. Mark was comfortable with all the topics covered in week three and especially enjoyed learning more about the differences in operating in a monopoly, monopolistic competition, and an oligopoly. Danielle felt most comfortable with the process of supply and demand and how it plays an important role in the economy. Danielle feels that understanding how the supply and demand process works is beneficial and can be used to analyze decisions about prices and quantity. For Danielle having Learning Team D struggled with different topics that were covered during week three. Sherly struggled with Exploiting University and Government Scientific Research. Sherly thought that any product or potential product created by an individual or members of an organization could be patented. Andrea found it hard to understand visual presentations of the data by the example graphs. Andrea considered herself to be a visual learner but cannot seem to understand the graphs given. Katrina, like Andrea, found it hard to follow the examples given within each chapter but the reason behind her confusion dealt with actually being able to match the example to the reading. Katina felt that having to flip back and forth while reading to match the example that was given within the reading caused her to not fully understand what the example was trying to get across. Nonprice barriers to entry was the topic that Mark felt the most unsure about this week. Mark found it challenging to look beyond the numbers when analyzing something. Danielle struggled with pricing decisions, price elasticity, inelasticity, and elasticity of demand. The differences in monopolies and oligopolies was a bit of a struggle for Danielle but the examples that were provided within the reading helped her to grasp the information better. Each Team Member was able relate topics of the week to their organization’s field of business. Sherly works as an underwriter for an insurance company which provides health, life and disability insurance products and services. Reduced cost via process innovation was the topic that Sherly felt related to Underwriting. Sherly and her team are always looking for ways to change/update processes, reduce turnaround times between the receipt of an application for life/disability insurance coverage request to making the final determination whether to approve, postpone or decline a file. As an example, the introduction of a new system where applicants could go online to apply and depending on the information entered and the amount being requested, a determination can be done right there. This new system saved the company both time and money. We do not have to go through the omission process with this system since every question must be answered for the online application to be processed. When, we have to send applicants omission letters, the entire process takes longer since we have to wait to receive the missing information back from the applicant before the application can be processed. Andrea works in the finance industry for an airport. Andrea was able to apply the topic of mergers the most to my daily business field. At the airport, the airlines and rental car agencies combined resources on a regular basis. Department of Justice generally gets involved with these types of mergers to prevent monopoly behavior. For example, American and US Airways are currently under review and comment period for their merger. In addition to combining ticket counter space, it is anticipated that gates will be combined as well. The airport will lose money on the merger but customers will benefit from lower fares. The more customers that fly will make up for the shortfall in revenue for space rent lost by the airport. Katrina works in the field of Worker’s Compensation as a Claims Assistant. The topic of invention related the most to the type of work Katrina does at her job. Each day new claims are called into her office on a day to day bases and the way in which those calls are entered into the system must be efficient. Katrina and her team at her office created a new system for entering a new claim that is called into the office. Mark relates the topic of most of cost control and using developing technologies to lower cost to his field. That is an area we are constantly trying to improve upon whether the ideas come from our staff or from outside our organization and we work out a plan to implement them to help our business. Our franchise location does not develop technology but we have the opportunity to seek technology to increase the efficiency of our workers and also help save costs. Danielle works as a project manager for an energy efficiency consulting agency. As a project manager Danielle’s role is very significant in budgeting for a project for he/she is the one who determines the project costs and project budgets in line with the stakeholder’s specifications and resources. Budget allocation, collaborates with the project stakeholders and project financial coordinators to build a sensible budget plan that will sustain the whole project in all of its phases. Using cost control measures to insure they are staying within budget, as we understand the importance of increasing revenue and staying within budget. Revenue management is integral to a companys long-term strategy; without adequate income administration, the company may not be around long enough to implement its operating tactics. Each member of the Learning Team experienced a learning curve for Week Three. Sherly learning curve increased a little bit during this week. The additional information on monopoly provided Sherly with more information that helped her better understand what was taught in week two. The fact that certain opics such as monopoly, oligopoly, short run and long run, are being covered more in depth has also helped to increase her learning curve. Andrea’s still struggles with the graphs presented representing the demand curves. The economy of scale section has also been a struggle for her this week but Andrea has gone over the text in these sections multiple times for a better understanding. To increase her learning curve she finds that the lectures provided by our instructor breakdowns the topics in a mor e day to day format for easier comprehension. This week Katrina’s learning curve increased because she started to feel more comfortable with the terms and having a chapter that was easy to read through and understand made her feel more at ease with learning new Economic information. Mark’s learning curve for this week was changing his focus to look at big picture items using more theoretical concepts rather than concrete numbers. Mark enjoys the challenge that is presented by applying a different approach to analyzing what will impact a business from a market structure standpoint which will continue to increase his learning curve. Danielle feels that she’s beginning to understand the importance of Economics and how it relates to more than just money. Danielle hopes to continue to improve her understanding of the mathematical equations and graphs representing demand curves as the week’s progress. As the weeks go by the team still struggles with a few concepts but as the team moves forward they are developing and getting a better hold on the topics that are covered on a week to week bases.

Creating a Personal Development Plan

Creating a Personal Development Plan Personal development plan can be defined as the development of the skill of a person which is very much important for personal career and also professional career of that person. This plan also indicates to the advancement of the personality of individual person. It helps a person to make him capable and confident in his profession. The development of a persons characteristics and professional development is considered as important aspect of the career of a person. Therefore, having a personal professional development is very much required for a person. In accordance with the requirement of Task 1, it is needed to identify and analyze the SMART objectives of personal and as well as organizational and also along with for the purpose of achieve these objectives, the required skills are also analysed and explained on this task. After that the audit on the skill is conducted in relation to the purpose of organization and the objectives of personal and organizational. Personal objectives: In focusing towards the acronym of SMART, my personal and organizational objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and bounding within time. That means the objectives whether it is personal or organization should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and bounding within time. The specific objective means the feature objective is concretion, well definition, detailed and as well as focused. Not only this, the specific objective is mainly action oriented, the outcome and straight forward. The objective should also be measurable. In relation to the measurement of objective, it should be needed to ensure the identification of the source of measurement and action is tracking for the purpose of objective progress. Objective is measured for the purpose of making comparison to determine standard performance. The other feature of objective is that the objective should be achievable. If the objectives which are determined by the person are not achievable then the person doesnt feel interest and never motivated to achieve these objectives. And when the objectives are not achievable by the person then he feel frustration and lose motivation. If the objectives are not achievable, it also not is realistic. That means the source of achieve objective should be specific and available. For the purpose of achieving the objectives there are required some resources for example: skills, money, equipment etc. The objectives should also be achievable within a time limit that means a fixed deadline is needed for achieving the objective. Time management is very necessary in order to achieve the objective. In relation to the acronym of SMART, my personal objectives are: 1.To achieve PGD degree from the London School of Accountancy and Management. 2. To complete MBA degree. 3. To be a good manager in an organization. Organization objectives: In focusing towards the acronym of SMART, as an organizational manager, there are five objectives which should be achieved by the manager: Forecasting and planning: → clear vision setting in relation to the SMART objectives such as: achievable, measurable, specific, realistic, and time boundary. Organizing: → structure build up. → task is divided or apportioned → resources should be considered for example: human, monetary, technology and materials → sensitivity and security ensuring Command → activities are maintained in between the personnel. → hierarchy reporting → activities are controlled among the manager and work force Co-ordination → all activities and efforts are unifying and harmonising → co-ordinated management supervise and harmonise the activities and efforts → provide support → Motivation Controlling: Rule is established and command is expressed for the purpose of conducting the managerial activities in relation to check the work efficiency of the personnel. Time management strategies: For using time more effectively and efficiently, there are some ways of managing time such as: managing time for a week. For doing this, time can be divided into small unit. In case of a business organization, it is noticed that majority of the time that is spent on different activities of the organization is not productive and in many times time is wasted by the employees because of ineffective time management. There are some strategies of time management: 1. Establishing objectives: For achieving profit maximization, make a plan to use the time with the way which is realistic. Time management helps a manager or an entrepreneur to achieve organizational objectives more effectively and efficiently. 2. Evaluation of spending time: The way of spending time in working place is very much necessary to determine. The working hours or the availability of mine also has to be calculated. The amount of tasks and number of activities which a person can do in a week should also be calculated. Except these strategies, other strategies are: 1. Assess the difference between utilising of the actual and ideal time. 2. Give priority the task of work. 3. Give importance towards the urgent and important work. Requirement of skill for achieving personal and organization objective: For the purpose of meeting and achieving the each and every goal and objective of personal and organizational, some skills are needed such as: the skill of communicating with other peoples, skill of IT, problem solving skill, skill of working with team, self performance and learning skill. These skills are considered as basic skills which are very much important for achieving personal objectives. But for the purpose of achieving the organizational objectives, four skills are needed to contain by the manager such as: planning, organizing, leading, coordinating etc. Task 2: Personal Development Plan Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Column 6 Column 7 SKILL Existing PROFICIENCY Proficiency of target Scope of development Judging success criteria Time frame proof No 1. Priority Skills of presentation To be able to give presentation in classroom but feel nervous and cant give presentation as the standard of professional Classroom presenter as confidently Be able to give presentation in the group of tutor I want to achieve A grade in my project by giving successful presentation in the class. Till the academic year ending By giving successful presentation in the class No 2. Priority Skills Of writing The description as technical is good but critical thinking of mine seems to be difficult to present Descriptive writing is good and critical writing is satisfactory To college writing fellow, I can show my work and also in relation to business studies I can make better assignment 2.1 achieving by me in relation to the business studies and assess my skill in accordance with my teacher feedback. I can achieved confidence to make better assignment Till the year of 2nd By making successful assignment in relation course studies No 3. PRIORITY Awareness as commercial I have interest in the issue of business but lack of the awareness as practical Knowledge as practice To participate on the training program for achieving commercial awareness Complete the program of training program for achieving commercial awareness Till the year of 3rd By achieving commercial awareness No 4. PRIORITY Skills Of Team working Cant adjust to work with the team member and cant appreciate other works and also hate to appreciate other ideas Goals are understood by me greatly in order to achieve objectives I appreciate the other team member roles and activities Team progress can be monitored by me in order to meet the difficulties and overcome these difficulties Till the year of 3rd By lead a team successfully No 5. PRIORITY Skills of leadership Not confident and cant lead or motivate other people with my own word Achieve confidence to lead the team and also delegate with others Working as a team leader on a group project. Group is satisfied with me, project is considered as most successful and I can achieve confidence at the best level Till the year of 3rd Working as a team leader on a group project. Task 3: Professional skill: For answering this task, here I choose three organizations: Tesco, Sainsbury, Marks and Spencer. The definition of professional skill can be provided as the skills and knowledge which are achieved for the purpose of personal development and along with the advancement of career. The opportunities of learning as facilitated are encompassed by the personal development which is related with the range of formal work, conferences and the practice of the opportunities of learning as facilitated. The features of the learning opportunities are intensive and collaborative which are related with the evaluative stage. Personal development includes of several approaches for example: consultation, coaching and practice of communities, study of lesson, training, supervision as reflective, and the assistance of technology. Personal skill: Personal skill is also considered as the interpersonal skill of the person which is consisted of the algorithm of mental and communicative which is applied for the purpose of conducting social communication and interacting with other peoples in order to identify achieve specific effects or outcome. In order to being a successful manager, he or she should has to contain some professional and personal skills such as: leadership, time management skill, meeting running, presentation making, management of stress etc. The importances of these skills are now evaluated: Leadership skill: Leadership skill is considered as the managerial skill which is used for the purpose of motivating the peoples of the group in order to achieve the common goal. In this competitive market, it is very much needed to contain the skill of leadership by the manager through which he or she can lead the organization effectively and efficiently. Leadership is mainly related with the capacity where leader contains the capacity to listen others opinion and observe the activities of employees. Not only is this, in the decision making areas, the skills very much needed for the manager of an organization. One more thing is that if the employees are not motivated to do their works then the business cant be run and the manager with leadership skill can be greatly motivated to the employees of their works and try to give their best. Time management skill: The definition of time management skill can be given as the process and tools of developing the skills in order to enhancing the efficiency and productivity. Time management skill is considered as the personal skill which is directed towards the using the valuable resources within the time frame. For the purpose of managing time, the manager should be more organized, efficient and as well as happier. The skill of personal time management is consisted of the activities of setting of goals, planning, prioritizing, make the decision, delegating and scheduling. By using time management skill, wastage can be eliminated, make preparation for attending the meeting, excessive workload refusing, project progress can be monitored, plans can be made for each day and each week efficiently and effectively. Stress management skill: The definition of stress can be provided as the reaction of nervous system of the body towards the specific events. Stress management can be defined as the system with the aim of stress reducing and along with the person who contains this skill can be facilitated in order to adjust with the specific situation. Stress management skill is very much needed for manager for the purpose of attending the meeting and represents the meeting, on that time the manager should control the stress. The above skills such as: leadership skill, time management skill, stress management skills are very much needed for the manager to be successful in his professional life and as well as personal life through which he or she can meet the personal goal and as well as achieve the organizational goal. Recommendation: There are existed several methods of that are appropriate for the purpose of advancing the skill of professional and personal such as: leadership skill, time management skill, stress management skills are very much needed for the manager to be successful in his professional life and as well as personal life through which he or she can meet the personal goal and as well as achieve the organizational goal. For the purpose of developing these required skills, some ways can be adopted and these ways are described below: The approach as structured are used for the purpose of solving the problem Provide training program Create the link in between the problems and try to solve it Create relationship in between solving the problem and making decision as well Problem can be solves through get support from the people by taking their opinion and as well as use the required resources on developing the problem skill Here, training program and practice to develop the professional and personal skill as by own are considered as the most practical method which is used for the purpose of developing the personal and professional skill. The program of training is mainly related with the process of learning which consists of the knowledge acquisition, skill sharpening, attitudes and behaviours changes, in order to employee performance enhancing. Not only this, by practicing as by the person own, one person can achieve the required skill such as: by practising, the person can manage the time, can solve the problem. Task 4: Personal development plan: The definition of personal development plan can be provided as the persons skill development which is considered as significant thing in relation to the development or establishment of personal and as well as the professional career. For the purpose of developing the individual personal personality, making the plan for personal development is very much needed. In order to achieve capability and as well as being confident in the professional life, personal development plan provides support to the person. In relation with the building up a career, the two main aspects are personal characteristics development and as well as the characteristics are developed for making good professional life. So it can be said that a person should have to make a plan of personal development. Here, in relation to the personal and professional and as well as organizational objectives, the Kolbs learning style is used through which it is possible to find out the way of learning along with suitable method ca n also be identified to for the purpose of achieving the objectives of personal and professional and as well as organizational objectives. There are existed several methods of that are appropriate for the purpose of advancing the skill of professional and personal such as: leadership skill, time management skill, stress management skills are very much needed for the manager to be successful in his professional life and as well as personal life through which he or she can meet the personal goal and as well as achieve the organizational goal. For the purpose of developing these required skills, some ways can be adopted and these ways are described below: The approach as structured are used for the purpose of solving the problem Provide training program Create the link in between the problems and try to solve it Create relationship in between solving the problem and making decision as well Problem can be solves through get support from the people by taking their opinion and as well as use the required resources on developing the problem skill Here, training program and practice to develop the professional and personal skill as by own are considered as the most practical method which is used for the purpose of developing the personal and professional skill. The program of training is mainly related with the process of learning which consists of the knowledge acquisition, skill sharpening, attitudes and behaviours changes, in order to employee performance enhancing. Not only this, by practicing as by the person own, one person can achieve the required skill such as: by practising, the person can manage the time, can solve the problem. Task 5: Skill audit: There are the questions which consisted of the pointed value: Strongly disagree 1 disagree 2 agree 3 strongly agree 4 TEAMWORK 1 2 3 4 1. Can adjust to work with the team member à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 2 Goals are understood by me greatly in order to achieve objectives à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 3. Responsibilities of me is indicated towards the goal of the team work à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 4. I appreciate the other team member roles and activities à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 5. Team progress can be monitored by me in order to meet the difficulties and overcome these difficulties à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 6. It is very pleasure for me if I get the scope of leading the team à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ PROBLEM-SOLVING 1 2 3 4 7. I break the task which is the part of my job and distribute it in managerial section à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 8. For solving the problem, I may ask for the help from other à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 9. In order to solve the problem, challenges motivate me most to do this work à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 10. For the purpose of accomplishing the new task, I create the ideas by using brainstorming à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 11. I can anticipate the possible result in order to do a task à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 12 I can also anticipate the alternative solution in relation to the problem of question à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ Time management: 1 2 3 4 13. Tasks are organized by me as per the deadline of each task à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 14. I link in between the work progress and as well targets à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 15. In order to target meet and plan, I evaluate my strength and weakness à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ 16. For solving the problem, I may ask for the help from other à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯ à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¯

Management Reflective Paper

Management Reflective Paper Introduction The oxford dictionaries define collaboration as the action of working with someone to produce something. Ghodsi Laal (2012) stated that Collaboration is a philosophy of interaction and personal lifestyle where individuals are responsible for their actions, including learning and respect the abilities and contributions of their peers. When people come together to work on a certain project, they are creating a group that will collaborate to achieve their task. Different levels of collaboration can happen between individual, groups, departments, institution, sector, nation, and even businesses who are focused on achieving a task (Katz Martin, 1997). In colleges, collaborative learning is used as a tool to make students share ideas, learn from each other and understand how to work in groups which they will need in real life experience. This paper is focused on my reflection as a member of the Yellow Team campus collaboration activity for management for information professionals. Feelings In week one, we were asked by the tutor to pick an item from a brown paper bag, at first I thought it was candy, but later, I found out it was the name of a colour. At the time I picked the colour, I didnt exactly know what I am supposed to do with it, though I guessed it will have something to do with group related activity but I waited for further information from the tutor. During the lecture, the tutor Jane Burns explained what each of the colours we picked stands for which confirmed my earlier guess that it will be used to place each student in the class in groups and information relating to the on-campus collaboration activity was put up on Blackboard. The collaboration activity from information on Blackboard will be group participation on the 9th of February in a collaboration challenge which requires that all members of the group will have to participate and there will be challenges in place that each group will try to achieve and points will be given for each challenge met. The tutor did not actually state what the challenge will be which left us all wondering and asking the big question, what will this challenge be? and how are we going to accomplish this task? Since most of us dont know each other and to enable us to identify each other, the tutor sent an email on the 28th January with the email contact of all groups to each participant, this helped us communicate easily among ourselves to plan on how to get ready for the task. My group scheduled to meet on Monday 30th January at Library study room to brainstorm on how we will execute the task. During the meeting, the main question that each of us continued to ask is what will the challenge be?  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   but we all know that this question will remain unanswered until the day of the challenge. We drew up a couple of plans and accessed what we might need for the exercise. As part of our plan, we decided to get a whistle to use to signal each other in case we have to a split during our search to accomplish the task in time. We also got torch light, in an event it gets dark before the challenge is concluded. Analysis The campus collaboration activity took place on the 9th of February in Week three. We all arrived in class at OBrien Science centre and different colours of bandana was given to the team captain of different groups to help identify each student and the group they belong to alongside an envelope which contains the group task which will not be opened until we get to field and have received our task box from the volunteers. My group the Yellow team got our Yellow bandana and we all tied it where we feel it fits best. The tutor gave instructions and code of conduct regarding how we all are expected to conduct ourselves throughout the duration of the task. The most important part of the instruction was that under no condition should any participant go into the lake and any group that breaks this rule stands to lose the entire 15 marks. My group led by Dave our group captain headed out for the task which is supposed to take off from the OReily end of UCD (i.e. near the Egg) and we received our task box from the volunteers when we got to the task point. Our group captain opened the brown envelope containing our task and the mission stated therein was for us to get all the( ..?)ducks in the task box safely from the OReilly building side of the lake to the James Joyce library side of the lake. At first, the task seems very confusing and we were trying different approaches amongst ourselves to see if we can complete this task in time. Some of us had to throw some floating balls we found in our task box to understand what is the direction of the wind at that time and if the direction favours us by taking the floating balls to the library side, then we might be able to place the ducks in the water to float to the library side. That theory didnt seem so work as the floating balls never made it to the middle of the lake. With quick thinking among ourselves, we came up with another idea which was to place the ducks in a plastic bowl like objects we found in the task box and u se cello tape to tape the ducks tightly into the bowl. We used tiny ropes and pegs found in the task box to construct a long rope and taped the rope to bowls that we placed the ducks in. We then placed the bowl in the lake with the ducks securely taped inside it, we dragged the bowl from the OReilly end of the lake to the library end of the lake. Conclusion After the exercise, I understood how valuable this task is and I learnt a lot from the exercise. I learnt from the task that team approach to solving problems and quick thinking skills can help solve problems during a task. Collaboration activity can also help build self-esteem in certain students who find it very difficult to mix with their peers and also it creates a very good atmosphere for cooperation among students. The task also made me understand that time is very important in certain task and one needs to plan and manage time properly. Reference 1.Jasper, M. 2003. Beginning Reflective Practice-Foundation in Nursing and Health Care. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes. 2. Katz, J. S., Martin, B. R. (1997). What is the collaboration? Research Policy, 26, 1-18. Available online at:   https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/20df/e4ac96f4f8c7f9e114919fcddc0dbe6784ce.pdf 3.Laal, M., Ghodsi, S. M. (2012). Benefits of collaborative learning. Procedia Social and Behavioural Sciences 31, (1),486-490.Available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811030205