Organisational behaviour of ‘Breadtalk’ Essay

Question 1: What is Corporate Social Responsibility and how could this influence the organisational behaviour of ‘Breadtalk’? Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is where corporations or organisations are obliged to inter-relate their businesses with behaving in ethical and moral ways. It is where such corporations have notions towards having responsibility to the society that upholds them. Examples of ethical and moral ways varies from giving back to needy groups in terms of monetary funding and healthcare, to integrating CSR strategies directly into the business tactic of an organisation. By means of integrating is having â€Å"employee-friendly human resource policy where safety in workplace, social security benefit, flexible office hour, recreation and other benefits are included† (cited in The Financial Express, 2010). ‘Breadtalk’, well-known for its commitment in providing the best for its customers in different countries, have given back to the society and providing internal support throughout its company. ‘Breadtalk’ continuously provides on-the-job training and supervision for its employees, awarding opportunities for head departments to hold higher positions abroad; such as overseeing business processes. Having close human relations have forged strong ties into branching out its brand even more till ‘Breadtalk’ now operates across 17 countries and all of which are carefully chosen locations. Overseas operations are guarded by key players who are chosen with good qualifications and competent ones that work well with other key players in the company. In commemorating its 10th birthday, ‘Breadtalk’ donated $50,000 to needy school children of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund in Singapore from 5 cents from the sale of each Floss bun. Organisational behaviour is the study of understanding the behaviour of individuals and to see them so that organisations can relate to such behaviours that come in a variety and find solutions for them. For ‘Breadtalk’, there are many positive reviews about the company and none is seen to lead to any pitfall that might occur. On the other hand, having an uncertain future does not mean that constant learning is stopped; upgrading oneself is key for future success. Organisational behaviour for ‘Breadtalk’ have moved from traditional to re-engineered values of which have cause a more globalised mindset for the company, changing nature of work due to upgrading technology, improved knowledge management, understanding different cultures, improving employee-employer relations, having work-life balance, and all these due to an ethical managerial behaviour called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The efforts to find solutions for a good Organisational Behaviour have allowed proper group dynamics and a sense of motivation within the company, a few examples of such solutions, which have been evaluated from CSR. (412 words) Questions 2: Why is an understanding of cultural differences important to the Business Managers at ‘Breadtalk’? To assist the Managers of ‘Breadtalk’ to decide if they should expand to Australia, briefly describe the Australian culture? Understanding cultural differences can help avoid acts of ethnocentrism, being aware of a country’s elements of culture – language, religion, values and attributes, customs and manners, material goods, aesthetics, education; complying to cultural dimensions – power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity; and preserving social structure. Understanding the elements of culture can avoid ethnocentrism. These elements help the understanding of cultural differences by relating to the country’s way of life. Cultural dimensions help the understanding of how people from various cultures behave and its uniqueness. In business, managers must understand the culture of other countries and l earn to accept them. In this process, managers have to fight against ethnocentrism and understand the social structure of the host countries. The Aussie culture is a fast-paced, self-absorbed society, typical in the urbanized world. The influences of aborigines’ culture give the outlook of Australia as casual and friendly. It’s a fair country allowing its people to make their own decisions at a young age. Both men and women gain equal rights in education and work. At young ages of 18 can one enter into a full-time profession of their choice. Retirement has no obligatory age. In terms of time and punctuality for business engagements, Aussies are deemed acceptable. In business, it’s generally â€Å"expected that production and service deadlines will be met whilst long delays are considered unacceptable† (cited in Australia Society and Culture Complete Report, 2010). Social engagements are equally important to be on time. The pros of expansion will be tapping on a wider consumer experience, increasing benefits in many areas, increased popularity, increased chances of joint-ventures and opportunities. The cons of expansion will be on-going competition if unresolved at lower stages of expansion, increased capital costs, reduced performance from foreign agents, conflicts of interests and objectives. Thoughts of expansion can be pondered on. From an interview with ‘BreadTalk’s’ management personnel, the brand would not branch abroad to a country unqualified in meeting the standards and demands required. Looking at the consumer size, it is rewarding if outlets branch into Australia. Although, looking at the needs and demands of the Australian community for food sources, specifically bread, competition is highly foreseeable. ‘Breadtalk’ having its many successes as of now is seen sufficient for the company. Its culture of branching out in Asia is seen a lot. Many hope to see the company’s success diverts into that direction. If it is for the best of ‘Breadtalk’, expansion into Australia can be a future food for thought. (410 words) (Total: 822 words) References Tan, Mindy. (2011) Active in talent management : BreadTalk Group CFO Catherine Lee tells MINDY TAN why CFOs are most suited to take on this important task. The Business Times, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/ Bayoud, N., M. Kavanagh, and G. Slaughter. (2012) Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Employee Commitment: Evidence from Libya. International Journal of Economics and Finance 4, no. 5, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/ Tan, Benjamin. (2012) Deft dough-maker. The Business Times, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/ BreadTalk Group Limited â€Å"Our Company†. http://www.breadtalk.com/business-overview.html Peck Ming, Chuang. (2012) PM has straightforward message for companies and workers :Firms must think long-term, workers must upgrade skills. The Business Times, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/ Express, The Financial. (2010) CSR soars, benefits all. 2012. The Financial Express, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/ Wei Sheng, Lim. (2012) How important is ethics in business strategy? The Business Times, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/ McGraw, P., and S. Dabski. (2010) CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORTING IN AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST COMPANIES. Labour & Industry 21, no. 1: 390-409, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/ Nair, Suja R. (2010) Organisational Behaviour. Mumbai: Global Media Express, The Financial. (2012) Nestle’s own style of CSR. The Financial Express, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/ Ngee Ann Polytechnic. (2011) Cultural Awareness. International Business: Chapter 4-6. Singapore: Ngee Ann Polytechnic Press, World Trade. (2010) Australia Society and Culture Complete Report. California: World Trade Press Sharmayne Saunders. (2012) Corporate Social Responsibility: A Helping Hand for a Better Belize. International Journal of Business and Social Science 3, no. 9: 174-175, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/ Wright, N., and H. Be nnett. (2011) Business ethics, CSR, sustainability and the MBA. Journal of Management and Organization 17, no. 5: 641-655, (accessed May 10, 2012) http://www.proquest.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/

Responsible Accounting Essay

1. Identify at least two behavioral that could arise There are two potential behavior advantages if manager accepts and participate in the responsibility accounting system and participatory budgeting system. Responsibility accounting is used to measure the performance of people and department to foster goal congruence whereas, participatory budgeting system is a budgeting process under which those people impacted by a budget are actively involved in the budget creation process. When BSC’S manager is likely to accept the system and be motivated to attain the budget target, they were actively involved in setting the goals and know what is expected of them. It would be motivate them to plan ahead and promote goal congruence. Besides that, manager would be pleased to be responsible only for those items they can control because they have certain objective to be achieved. Furthermore, communication and group cohesiveness would be improved because managers would feel part of a team due to participate in both planning and implementation system that are to be adopted 2. Identify at least two potential problems that could arise Responsible Accounting System In BSC responsible accounting system, the two potential problems that might be arise if the manager did not accept the changes in the philosophy. First they will be a problem if they could not resent in being measured on an individual basis rather than the new system. They may have responsible for costs over which they have no control on it. So the manager must understand the new responsibilities in new culture of management and how they must operates and gives cooperation on it. If the manager did not accept the changes, they might face with the high focus on their own departments goal and this will contribute to the lack of communication between departments and to the company performance. Participating Budgeting System Participating budgeting system encouraged the manager to be more motivated in doing their jobs and take responsibility to achieve the organization goals. This will encourage creativity and also ideas to the organization  community to work as a team and giving cooperation to each other. However, overemphasis on department goals can hurt cross departmental employee relation due to the different motivation and also goals. 3. Discuss the likelihood that the system will contribute to the alignment of organizational and personal goals. Responsibility Accounting System. This system is used to measure the performance of people and departments to foster goal congruence. It means that the employees and organization are achieving and have same goals and objective. Therefore, if the company adopting this system it will help to ensure that the organizational and personal goals are aligned and help to achieve company’s objective. Since Commercial Maintenance, Inc. took the time to fully explain and communicate the system to BSC’s managers, by pointing out the advantages and encouraging their participation, organizational and personal goals will likely become aligned. Hence, it will increase the management performance as well as the company reputations. Participatory Budgeting System. Participatory budgeting is a process of democratic and decision making, and a type of participatory democracy, in which managers or employees decide how to allocate the organization budget. Participatory budgeting allows both organization and employees to identify, discuss and gives them the power to make real decisions about how money is spent. If the company implementing this system it will give benefit equally to the organization and employees because the managers and employees will involve in setting up the organization budget. They will know and understand more what the company wants and needs. Therefore, this system also will contribute to the alignment of organizational and personal goals and give lots of benefit to BSC.

Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated in Glucose Transport

Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated in Glucose Transport A role for ataxia telangiectasia mutated in insulin-independent stimulation of glucose transport Abstract Literature reports suggest that ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) can activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a protein that can stimulate glucose transport in skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), an AMPK activator, would increase glucose transport in mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles in an ATM-dependent manner. AICAR-stimulated glucose transport was prevented by the ATM inhibitor KU-55933 and in ATM-deficient (ATM-/-) muscle despite normal stimulation of AMPK phosphorylation. S231 of TBC1D1 matches the sequence motif of ATM substrates, and phosphorylation of this site is known to inhibit TBC1D1 and lead to increased glucose transport. Accordingly, we assessed TBC1D1 phosphorylation and found that AICAR-stimulated phosphorylation of TBC1D1 at S231did not occurin ATM-/- muscle. However, activation of ATM without activation of AMPK was insufficient to increase TBC1D1 phosphorylation.The data suggest that ATM plays a role in AICAR stimulated glucose transport downstream of AMPK. Keywords: AMP-activated protein kinase; ataxia telangiectasia mutated; TBC1D1; AICAR; glucose transport; skeletal muscle Introduction The serine-threonine kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) appears to play a role in glucose homeostasis. For example, recent genome-wide association studies have found that genetic variations near the ATM gene are related to glycemic responses to metformin [1, 2], a commonly-prescribed drug for blood glucose control. While the mechanism for metformin’s effect on blood glucose levels is under debate [3-6], it is known that metformin acutely stimulates glucose transport into skeletal muscle concomitant with activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) [7]. Activation of AMPK is sufficient to stimulate insulin-independent glucose transport into skeletal muscle [8, 9]. Intriguingly, ATM dependence has been reported for activation of AMPK in response to DNA damage or insulin-like growth factor 1 in HeLa cells and fibroblasts, exposure of lung cancer cells to ionizing radiation,exposure of lymphoblaststo H 2 O 2 , or treatment of HeLa cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts with the adenosine analog AICAR [10-14]. Despite these suggestive data on the role of ATM upstream of AMPK, the potential role of ATM in AMPK-dependent stimulation of glucose transport has not previously been investigated in skeletal muscle, the predominant whole-body storage depot for glucose. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that glucose uptake stimulated by the AMPK activator AICAR would be dependent on ATM in skeletal muscle. Methods Materials Antibodies against TBC1D1, AMPK, phosphorylated AMPKÃŽ ± T172 (P-AMPK), and phosphorylated ATM S1981 (P-ATM) were purchased from Cell Signaling Technology (Beverly, MA, USA). Antibodies aga inst phosphorylated TBC1D1 (P-TBC1D1) S237 (S231 in mouse) were purchased from EMD Millipore Corporation (Billerica, MA, USA). Antibodies against tubulin and ATM were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (St. Louis, MO, USA). Horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibodies were obtained from Pierce Biotechnology (Rockford, IL, USA). The ATM inhibitor KU-55933 was a generous gift from Dr. Graeme Smith (KuDOSPhramaceuticals, Cambridge, UK). The AMPK inhibitor Compound C was provided by Merck & Co., Inc. (Rahway, NJ, USA). Doxorubicin was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. Radiolabeled 2-deoxyglucose and mannitol were purchased from American Radiolabeled Chemicals, Inc. (St. Louis, MO, USA).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Design Build Project Delivery Method Research Paper

Advantages and Disadvantages of Design Build Project Delivery Method - Research Paper Example It can be observed that convectional methods of project delivery have given way to more creative methods, and this has been done so to save time, save money, and to provide a more coordinated team approach with objective of reducing litigation. Each project delivery method has benefits as well as its own limitations. Design-built project delivery method constitutes one of the modern popular project construction methods (Darren, Pramen, Fasce & Masce 579). The premise of this method is that the owner hires one entity, which is a design-builder, and this design entity becomes the sole provider of both design and construction services (American Institute of Architects 504-505). Subsequently, the financing of the project remains the responsibility of the owner. More so, this method requires a clearly defined scope of work which in some cases may constitute existing prototype design, while also ensuring cost commitment is made early in the design process. Advantages In a study carried out by Roth (1995) involving six design build (DB) projects for Navy childcare facilities constructed through MILCON process, the author established that use of DB significantly reduced costs specifically those associated with design and construction (Darren, Pramen, Fasce & Masce p.580). ... The overall conclusion of the author was that, having critical skills of project management on the part of project managers coupled with experience of contractor led to greater results on the performance of the project than compared to project delivery method. At the same time, studies have been carried out to establish the relative time DB projects take as compared to DBB, and conclusion derived is that time can be saved by using DB project delivery method (Darren, Pramen, Fasce & Masce p.580). Evaluation of studies indicate that numerous methods were used and multivariate models were used with examination of unit cost, construction speed, delivery speed, cost growth and schedule growth, and in all these aspects DB performed better that DBB . Carrying out similar studies Molenaar et al. (1999) used DB project delivery method and analyzed 104 public-sector design/build projects (Darren, Pramen, Fasce & Masce p.580). At the end of the study, the authors ascertained that DB projects pe rformed better in terms of cost, time and quality, although the study did not compare these findings to any other project delivery method. Warne (2005) on the other hand took great effort to research, and published a report concerning performance assessment of DB contracting for highway projects. Carrying out study on 21 projects across the country, the author established that DB projects had better price certainty and also majority of DB projects were completed a head of schedule (Darren, Pramen, Fasce & Masce p.580). Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) in 2006 carried out a comparison project performance of DB highway projects against those of DBB highway projects and results indicated that DB projects possessed higher cost growth but lower schedule growth when

Differences Of Gender Communication Research Paper

Differences Of Gender Communication - Research Paper Example However, women get credit not only for being active listeners but also for responding to anything that they need to say; this is due to the fact that they react in a positive manner to this as compared to men. Women demonstrate attentiveness by means of verbal and non-verbal signs while men tend to avoid these cues that keep on appearing from time to time. The majority of men fail in listening to every single word in a dialogue; when speaking to a man, it is probable for a man to be a dynamic listener, yet when the conversation comes to an end, the same man may ask the name of the person. Considering that the person talking had clearly mentioned his name in the beginning of their conversation. It is even possible for the man to ask once again for the name of the speaker in the conversation; this is a clear indication that this man had been a discriminatory listener, so he forgot the name of the person speaking. Apparently, this happens to be the main distinction between men and women . The second subject at hand happens to be verbal communication; research shows that while men tend to seek status in a conversation, women, on the other hand, seek acceptance. While men tend to speak about their careers, their achievements, and their future, women tend to discuss issues that have a direct or indirect relation to men. Men have a tendency of telling more stories and jokes as compared to women, considering that telling jokes to happen to be a masculine way of negotiating a status. ... However, women get credit not only for being active listeners but also for responding to anything that they need to say; this is due to the fact that they react in a positive manner to this as compared to men. Women demonstrate attentiveness by means of verbal and non-verbal signs while men tend to avoid these cues that keep on appearing from time to time. The majority of men fail in listening to every single word in a dialogue (Crawford, 1995); for instance, when speaking to a man, it is probable for a man to be a dynamic listener, yet when the conversation comes to an end, the same man may ask the name of the person. This is remarkable, considering that the person talking had clearly mentioned his name in the beginning of their conversation. It is even possible for the man to ask once again for the name of the speaker in the conversation; this is a clear indication that this man had been a discriminatory listener, so he forgot the name of the person speaking (Crawford, 1995). Appar ently, this happens to be the main distinction between men and women. The second subject at hand happens to be verbal communication; research shows that while men tend to seek status in a conversation, women, on the other hand, seek acceptance (Barret & Davidson, 2006). This statement is obviously true when a man engages in a conversation with a woman; while men tend to speak about their careers, their achievements, and their future, women tend to discuss issues that have a direct or indirect relation to men. Men have a tendency of telling more stories and jokes as compared to women, considering that telling jokes happens to be a masculine way of negotiating a status. In most of those stories told by men, they almost always turn out to be heroes; conversely,

MILITARY PAY SYSTEMS Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MILITARY PAY SYSTEMS - Research Proposal Example DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT l. APPENDICES AND REFERENCES Time schedule Resources needed Personnel Assurances /Clearances Questionnaire/ survey/interview A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF MILITARY PAY SYSTEMS a. INTRODUCTION The military is a major arm of the government; it is an organization that is endowed with the sole and sensitive function of providing internal and external security of the country. A vital area of research under the military pay system would be general rather than specific. The research is therefore concerned with addressing the military pay in a diverse perspective: the structural make up of the system; how the structure operates; accountability; and responsibility of the system. Also, all the issues that impact the overall system will be addressed by the research undertaking; under issues, gender and military will be addressed, military and crime, recruitment in the military and their salary schemes including other relevant issues. It is these kinds of motivations and u rge to find out that have propelled the urge to find out about the military pay system. This study will lead to the development of strategies to help deal with the challenges depicted (Neuman 2009). This is to ensure that the future benefits realized from the system are maximized for the future generations. Research on Military pay is also because there is tremendous transformation in the socio-economic sector. The socio-economic changes have severely affected the stakeholders in the military by causing severe stress due to the culture and the social make up of the society. This has lead to the creation and sustained social crimes like rape, murder, and economic vices in the military. Therefore, this research project is towards seeking, exploring and investigating/finding out the following: To examine the extent to which the military pay systems and structures have influenced the economy of the country. To identify and evaluate the areas which require change and restructuring for ef ficiency. To assess the impacts of the changes affected ones they are in position. The evaluation here seeks towards finding a sustainable solution for the military pay tribulations. b. PROBLEM STATEMENT Military officers are an important asset to any country hence must be accorded all the assistance they need in order to perform their work efficiently. The research is hence seeks to find out why there is never enough compensation to the military for the work they do and the risk they expose themselves to. The relevant expected risks shall be identified and advocacy plus awareness be shouted to the government that they will never be in the position to provide enough compensation for the risks that the military are engaged (Neuman 2009). Those seeking to join the forces will also have enough knowledge and facts to make a basis before deciding to join the forces or not. c. RESEARCH RATIONALE The problem is that the compensation is never enough and the reason therefore has a fundamenta l task of finding why this is so; the major reasons behind this fact. This research is also towards finding out about the nature and magnitude of the risks and tries proposing a compensation that if given to the service men would be closer to substituting the risks that they face in the course of discharging their duties (Financial Friendly fire 2006). The research requires a dissection into the roles of the study and can only be determined using qualitative approach of data collection and analysis; this will be done through collection of information from a varied group of persons in the military identified through random selection, topics to be discussed with them is as well got randomly. The methods of investigation entail

Pharmaceutical(Pill Mills) Industry Regulate and profitability Research Paper

Pharmaceutical(Pill Mills) Industry Regulate and profitability - Research Paper Example Due to their short business span in a given location, they have huge crowds waiting to see the doctor and they have body guards just in case of invasion. This is misuse of pharmaceutical industry which calls for immediate action to protect lives of citizens and health sector (Drugs Policy Alliance, 2007). Yes, the pharmaceutical industry is regulated. Secondly, the law requires a medical professional to write prescriptions if you want to move large amount of pain killers in America. There is also existence of Healthcare Distribution Management Association [HDMA] which controls the supply of narcotic substance. Finally, DEA’s power to suspend/revoke licenses of distributors in case of ethical malpractices acts as control measure (United States-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council, 2011). DEA regulates the industry by formulating the policies to govern production, distribution and prescription of narcotic substances. Also HDMA in its management on distribution of health care products and combating drug abuse role. Food and Drugs Administration [FDA] is a regulator in that it supervises food safety, dietary supplements, prescriptions of over- the- counter medicines, blood transfusion and other medical and dietary specializations. As discussed above Pill Mills are not legitimate and their operations involve procurement of sub-standard drugs and supplements which are then prescribed to patients inappropriately. Law enforcement and implantation of drugs policy Acts make it hard for these businesses to transact. For instance, regulation of the amount of pain killers to be produced by DEA and monitoring of distribution channels by HDMA will affect their supply and establishment of their quack businesses. In addition, proper scrutiny of food and narcotic products by FDA makes it difficult for Pill Mills to establish their business (FDA’s International Post, 2010). Pill Mills are established with an immediate response to the common problems

Changing the Nature of Higher Education Research Paper

Changing the Nature of Higher Education - Research Paper Example n example, there was an authorized provision for â€Å"College Senate† in one of the institutions, but the bylaws stated that the membership could be drawn wholly from the board of administers and college governors, and not from the faculty. From these, one can assess that the creation and refinement of the structure is a legacy of the colonial colleges which in turn defined and shaped the higher education system in the United States to the present day. However, Thelin (2004) suggests that we do learn many straightforward incidents from Adams about Harvard in 1858. The classes were small and had about one hundred students per class with a total enrollment of about five hundred. Its faculty could enjoy a high local prestige in the society but were not well paid (p.63). This practice in the Harvard was implemented with intent to encourage them for developing the habit of self-criticism and even self-doubt. By the end of the 19th century, various systems in the German higher educ ation such as ideal of advanced scholarship and doctoral programs with graduate students had influences over the United States’ higher education system. The American university in the 1890s typically was the historic college that was internally renovated and enhanced by new programs. It seemed like a smorgasbord for students and a few of them opted for a bachelor’s degree from there. It was the Morril Act of 1862 contributed to the expansion of the state college into the university model of federated units (Thelin, p. 104). However, the faculty’s teaching overload remained the same even with the expansion into new system. Only token allowances were granted for graduate courses and seminars while curricular offerings were for undergraduates. The implementation of new academic systems resulted... From the disc ussion it is clear that  the higher education in the colonial era had been under the administration of queens, kings, and bishops for centuries. The faculty at these institutions faced daily scrutiny from the administrative board and received immoderate approach from the directors who appointed them. In fact, as Thelin states, the academic freedom and the rights of the teacher in respect to the â€Å"hiring and firing† received little consideration from the authorities. At this period, a class president usually reported to the board of administrators rather than the faculty.  This essay stresses that a major factor that influenced the changes in faculty system was the contributions made by Charles Eliot. He gained fame though often referred as notoriety by implementing bold modernizations at Harvard College. He introduced an elective system from which some colleges formulated provisions for electives in student curriculum, while others sustained the same cour se of study. There have been evidences about implementing more provisions for specialized departments. The faculty identification was the factor highly impacted by the provision to conglomerate the colleges.   The states’ silence on issues of higher education campus enhancement in the 1880s was not a result of the governments’ disinterest towards research, applied science or technology. It did not imply that colleges or universities were systems for large-scale government projects.

Nationalisation of Oil Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Nationalisation of Oil Industry - Essay Example However, Argentina has been forced recently to reverse its earlier decision to privatize the company by nationalizing 51% of YPF (Minder 2012). This move has been met with a lot of fury from Spain and other major stakeholders who are strongly opposed to move if media reports are anything to go by. The nationalization has been termed a forced purchase. As a result, the Argentine government is required to pay for Rapsol shares. Tracy (2012) reported that the Argentine government made such a move because of Rapsol’s continued failure to invest in gas and oil production in the country, a scenario that has forced Argentina to over-rely on imports to keep up with its high internal demand. For instance, Tracy (2012) reveals that Argentina spent over $9.4 billion in 2011 to import energy from other countries. This was despite the fact that Argentina is considered one of the countries with the largest hydrocarbon reserves in the world. The privatization of YPF snatched away the control of the government over oil and gas usage in the country. It is important for the Argentine government to understand that nationalization of oil supplies in the country has both its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages of Nationalisation to Argentine Government Oil and gas are commodities that contribute massively to the development of the economy of Argentina. As such they are products that should never be in shortage especially now that they are on high demand almost throughout the year. The Argentine government needs to ensure that no shortage of gas and oil is experienced in the country for their economic importance and therefore needs to be in control of the supply of the commodities. One of the main advantages of the move by the Argentine government to nationalize YPF is that it will give the government power to control how gas and oil is utilized in the country. Privatization takes these powers away from the government as has been the case since the Argentine government p rivatized YPF by selling it to the Spanish company, Rapsol. As Tracy (2012) states, the privatization of this YPF gave Rapsol absolute control of how gas and oil are used in Argentina. However, since Rapsol has not been able to adequately invest in equipment to boost productivity as was expected, Argentina has had to depend on energy imports from other countries, this despite its massive potential to produce its own energy. Nationalizing the company will give the argentine government control over the country’s oil and gas resources thereby enabling the government to invest in the petroleum industry and hence reducing its dependency on oil imports. Secondly, nationalization of the company will be of great advantage to the Argentine government in the sense that it will enable the Argentine government to be able to invest heavily in its oil and gas reserves so as to increase the production of oil and gas in the country. Doing this will enable the country become energy sufficient and avoid or reduce its import of energy as noted by Porter (2001). This is based on the fact Argentina is one of the countries that experiencing high-energy demand in the country. However, just as Tracy (2012) pointed out, privatisation of YPF interferes with the sector that used to supply much of Argentina’s gas and oil. As earlier indicated, Argentina spent over $9.4 billion dollars in 2011 alone because of energy shortage in the country. However, a closer look at what caused this shortage points at the inefficiency of

Six Basic Strategy Essay Example for Free

Six Basic Strategy Essay A Broad Differentiation strategy maintains a presence in both segments of the market. Competitive advantage is gained by distinguishing products with an excellent design, high awareness, and easy accessibility. RD competency is developed that keeps designs fresh and exciting. Products keep pace with the market, offering improved size and performance. Prices are above average. Capacity is expanded as higher demand is generated. Mission Statement Premium products for the industry: our brands withstand the tests of time. Our primary stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management, and employees. Tactics †¢ Research Development: We will keep our existing product line, and introduce at least one more line, maintaining a presence in both segments. Our goal is to offer customers products that match their ideal criteria for positioning, age, and reliability. †¢ Marketing: Our company will spend aggressively in promotion and sales in both segments. We want every customer to know about our superb designs, and we want to make our products easy for customers to find. We will price at a premium. †¢ Production: We will grow capacity to meet the demand that we generate, avoiding second shift/overtime when possible. After our products are well positioned, we will investigate modest increases in automation levels to improve margins, but never at the expense of our ability to reposition products and keep up with segments as they move across the perceptual map. †¢ Finance: We will finance our investments primarily through stock issues and cash from operations, supplementing with bond offerings on an as needed basis. When our cash position allows, we will establish a dividend policy and begin to retire stock. We are somewhat adverse to debt, and prefer to avoid interest payments. We expect to keep assets/equity (leverage) between 1.5 and 2.0. We measure performance in terms of market share, market cap, ROA, and profits.

Social Policy Essay: What is Social Policy?

Social Policy Essay: What is Social Policy? What is social policy? Social Policy Social Policy refers to the development of welfare, social administration and policies of the government used for social protection. Social policy is related to the governmental approach of development of social services towards formation of a welfare state (Alcock, 2003). British welfare state is associated with poor laws established to cater to the needs of the poor. Social policy is not just a mere academic subject but relates to social and economic conditions of a country, how to promote these conditions for the development of a welfare state. Social policy, administration and social work are all aimed at the administration of welfare and the main areas of concern include tackling of social problems, administration of health, education and employment services, community care, crime and disability. Social policy is also related to issues of race, poverty, gender and the relevant collective responsibility of society and community (Coffey, 2004). Social policy is heavily dependent o n related disciplines of social work, psychology, law, economics, sociology, politics, economics, philosophy and public health. According to Burch et al (1991), Policies are courses of action, whether intended or unintended, that are deliberately adopted or can be shown to follow regular patterns over time., and Social policies have to do with human beings living together as a group in a situation requiring that they have dealings with each other. (1991, p.2) Burch et al further claim that Social Policy is associated with de jure, de facto and default claims, which means that Social policy is rooted in legal framework and tends to follow a particular form of practice. Yet, social policies are also subject to failures and an absence of implementation. Explaining Social Policy Emphasizing on the need for proper implementation of policies, Krysik et al (1998) suggest that social policy is about decision making and choosing among many alternative courses of action. Giving a complete administrative and procedural description to social policy, they claim that implementation strategies towards particular goals should deal with: issues of financing and reimbursement, e.g., sources of revenue and formulas for sharing costs; whether to use market mechanisms or public provision, or some combination of both; appropriateness of administrative mechanisms for a particular policy; and level(s) of government involvement and appropriateness of roles. (Krysik et al 1998, p.3) Krysik et al bring out an important aspect of social policy suggesting that social policy and the concept of individual well being is mainly a consequent process of the Social Security Act 1935 that identified the following needs: economic security; employment (the Federal Employment Act of 1946 expressed the goal of full employment for everyone able to work); housing [the Housing Act of 1949 (P.L. 81-171) stated that all Americans have the right to decent housing, in decent surroundings of their choosing]; health (the Comprehensive Health Planning Act of 1967 stated that Americans have the right to the highest quality of health care services available); education for handicapped children (P.L. 94-142 of 1975 insured the provision of a free, appropriate public education for all). (Krysik et al, 1998, p.5) Social policy addresses two main aspects of welfare and administration. Welfare economics is understood in terms of utility or peoples well being and refers to the range of services that can protect people against sicknesses, old age and the associated term welfare state, is used synonymously with social protection referred to within the European union. Welfare is thus a broad term and a description of welfare state would aim to achieve not just a realization of peoples needs but a general physical and psychological well-being as well. Social policy towards a welfare state approach is guided by several humanitarian, democratic, religious and practical concerns. Humanitarian concerns are related to eradication of poverty and practical necessities deal with economic and social provisions and benefits (Hill, 2000). Religious aspects emphasize on the charitable duties towards the community at large and democratic concerns highlight social protection as a fundamental democratic right of every individual. In this sense social policy has political and sociological aspects concerned not just with well being but tends to highlight proper living as a fundamental right of an individual. Principles and values applied to social policy can refer to needs, interests or wants of people with conditions such as poverty being identified as projecting lack of well-being. Social well being is generally considered in the interests of families, communities and individuals as people depend on social interaction, education and cooperative work to achieve social targets and rely on social interdependence for personal well-being. Social policy and administration is closely associated with individual perception of society, social values and social interaction as a means to fulfill specific social responsibility aimed at common good. When considering the ideal conditions of a welfare state or the factors of a lack of well being, several aspects on poverty, necessity, unemployment, old age, mental illness, disability and social exclusion are brought into focus. These refer to problems or obstacles in attaining the condition of welfare or a state of well being for all. Poverty can mean a deprivation of basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, education but along with economic deprivation can also mean social exclusion, poor material conditions of living and is defined by normative or felt needs. However, poverty has its own stigma and can carry implications of inequality as poor people are the ones considered socially inadequate, who adapt themselves to a culture of poverty and poor due to the inequalities in social structure. Unemployment and social exclusion are other negative factors that tend to retard social policy towards welfare aims. Unemployment can be due to inadequacy in appropriate skills, or due to physical limitations such as old age and disability. Illness and old age are associated as health of old people are below average and most elderly individuals also suffer from some disability. All this is added to problems of isolation and mental dissatisfaction or some sort of psychological crisis in old age. According to the World Health Organization disability is however either an impairment as in problems in bodily structure or functions, a disability or inability to perform certain activities or a handicap which relate to problems with social participation (WHO, 2005). Disability of any form of permanent illness can have social, physical or psychological implications and forms a significant aspect of welfare considerations. Although social policy is focused on the more politically active and conscious younger generation and tends to attend to social needs of employment and rights and justice issues that concern young people. Social policy is thus an all-inclusive diverse di scipline with varied academic and socio-political aspects with active concerns on public health and welfare. Daly (2003) emphasizes on the importance of governance as a frame of analysis in social policy and investigates the usage and utility of governance as a discipline to study aspects of social policy. Using governance and political decisions as tools for development of social policy in the UK, Daly considers the public sphere, policy implementation, societal incorporation and policy making through governance examining the various strengths and weaknesses of governance including it focus on power and different levels of action and analysis. Daly approaches an important question as to whether a strong focus on state and governance leads to residualization of social policy and society. Taylor (1998) takes on a different approach and emphasizes the importance of social identity in social policy research. Taylors attempt was to go beyond for or against postmodernism arguments and argues that identity and difference from a social perspective and an analysis of social relations should also be considered alongside structural inequalities within the theoretical considerations of social policy. Taylor suggests that there are problems in the understanding of the concept of social policy which according to him is clearly misunderstood and delineates the necessity of a provisional theory that can distinguish between ontological and categorical identity in social policy. This he suggests would help to improve an understanding of the role of soils policy in the process of social identity formation. Franklin (2003) analyses the concept of social capital as an important instrument to political change. Franklin writes that the idea o social capital reconfigures the dynamics between social justice and economic efficiency and makes social relationships a key factor in explaining levels of inequality, economic prosperity and political participation (Franklin 2003, p.349). The concept of social capital as the focus of social policy shifts the focus of responsibility from government to individual, from economy to society informing policies that highlight social behavior reducing costs to government providing in turn economic solutions to social problems. The human as agency has also been taken up in social policy research extensively and Deacon and Mann (1999) focus on individual behavior in sociology and social policy research. The focus of the article is on the individual and the increasing moral and ethical dilemmas faced by an individual in a contemporary society, an aspect that has broad implications of social policy that is concerned with a general well being of every individual and a sense of well being is an important part of moral and ethical values. The authors suggest that moralists such as Field and Mead share the need for restructuring welfare to encourage responsible moral behavior. However sociologists Beck and Bauman believe that such a forced method might prove not only futile but even dangerous. Individualistic approaches and theories face considerable resistance from quarters that fear any support for atavistic individualism. However, the authors realize the need for a revival of theories based on the individual hu man agency that can create opportunities within social science and make it more sensitive to the activities of poor people and to the necessities and differences of a contemporary diverse British society. Conclusion: In this essay we analyzed the definitions of social policy and highlighted the all-encompassing nature of social policy and practice and how this is related to the concept of British welfare state. In this context we also analyzed the concept of welfare as government action to promote well-being considering the necessities of unemployed young people as also disabled or ill elderly persons. The needs of the poor and socially excluded are also considered in drawing up polices based on national health system and social security concerns. 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