Educational Issue Paper: Standards Based Curriculum Essay

There are many concerns that of the education system of the U. S. are faced with. One of these concerns is that the education system does not and can not adequately prepare the students for the 21st century life and work. Because of this, numerous educational professionals across the county have been trying new ways in changing the U. S. educational system. Different educational reforms have been tried and tested in different states. In several states, policy makers are changing the educational system in such a way that the measurement of the effectiveness of teaching and education is being based on results or outcomes instead of traditional inputs such as hours spent in class and in course credits earned. Policy makers have termed this educational reform as the standards-based curriculum or the outcome-based curriculum. The position of the author of this paper is for the standards-based curriculum to be implemented and to continue to be implemented in all states of the U.  S. The author believes that the standards-based curriculum in the U. S. educational system will help improve student learning by the effective restructuring of the teaching and learning process guided by the standards which are set by policy makers and educational experts. The author will therefore aim to provide justifications on siding for the standards-based curriculum in this paper. This paper will further aim to give the strong points as well as the weak points of standards-based curriculum. Standards-based curriculum as an education reform is based on the analogy of education to the business and manufacturing sector where total quality movement is being implemented. Total quality movement in the business sector is a belief that the best way for business organizations to reach their ideal goals is to first determine where they are now and where they want to be in and then plan backwards to determine the best possible way for them to get from where they are now to where they want to be. The main idea behind the standards-based curriculum is standards. A standard is a level of quality or achievement which is thought to be at a level of being acceptable. A standard is also used to measure or to estimate the degree or quality of an object. When used in the educational system, standards would comprise of a cumulative body of knowledge and set of competencies which will be the basis for the quality of education. Standards would express what all students should know and should be able to do after attending school. Standards however, do not include how these students would be able to learn things (Judy Steiner, n. . ). Setting standards in a national level through the standards-based curriculum would give all students equal opportunity because all students would be compared to the same set of standards which would be set nationally. There is a need for these standards to be at a national level in order to have a degree of uniformity in every school. If these standards would not be uniform then each teacher or each school would set his or their own standards for students. The demands on students would then be different from teacher to teacher or from school to school. If this happens then there would be inconsistency in both instruction and in assessment. Thus, it is important that national standards should be set in the standards-based curriculum. Another advantage of having a standards-based curriculum is that it provides students with clear understanding on what they need to know at different levels of their education. Exams and assessment on student learning are given on a national level to determine the progress of students in achieving the set standards. These assessment procedures would also indicate students who are not achieving the standards earlier in order to give them effective remedial assistance (Judy Steiner, n. d. ). Having set standards through the standards-based curriculum would create effective learning because the curriculum would provide all students the expectations that the state has for them. Having set standards would also be beneficial to the different stakeholders in education. Standards-based curriculum would provide the state with a common reference tool which can be used to define the framework for national testing. Standards-based curriculum would also provide schools and districts with a clear focus on how to develop and organize their instructions and assessment programs as well as the content that they will include in their curriculum. Standards-based curriculum would also help teachers to design and restructure their way of teaching and assessment and would help them create more meaningful lessons. Teachers would also be asked to make their students understand clearly the expectations which would improve student learning. For the students, standards-based curriculum would give them a set of performance expectations that would be clear and would help them understand what they need to do to meet the set standards. Standards-based education would also allow the parents to determine how their children are coping up in their education through the communication of the set standards for learning. Once parents know the expectations on their children, then they will know if their children are attaining the standards or not (Judy Steiner, n. d. ). One advantage of standards-based curriculum is that the performance expectations are the ones that are identified. Standards-based curriculum does not indicate how the students should come to attain these set standards. This can be an advantage because teachers, schools and districts would be given the opportunity in coming up with new learning ideas that would enable their students to attain these set standards. Since there are many ways to arrive at the same result, teachers, schools and districts would come up with different approaches in teaching and eventually, through experimentation, would come up with a teaching approach that can be implemented at a national level. However, this can also be seen as a weakness in the standards-based curriculum because it would lead to the question of who will be held accountable in determining what standards to be set and how the schools and districts would reach the set standards (Judy Steiner, n. d. ). There are also other concerns about the weakness of a standards-based curriculum that it would lead to a centralized education in the U. S. Opponents of the standards-based curriculum argue that this educational reform would undermine innovation at the local level. Schools and districts would not be given the opportunity of improving their education system within themselves. Opponents to the standards-based curriculum also argue that setting national standards would limit what students should learn and would not allow for diversity among students and the specific needs of the different populations. Some learning expectations that are demanded from students may be applicable to some states but may not be applicable to other states or population within the U. S. (Judy Steiner, n. d. ). Although there are many concerns regarding standards-based curriculum, the author still maintains his position in favor for the standards-based curriculum because the author believes that this type of educational reform has more positive effects than it has negative. Another positive effect this type of curriculum has is on the assessment of students. Traditional curriculum would rely on students’ memorization and mastery of the subject matter in order to get good grades or marks during examinations. This type of assessment has the purpose of determining if students have learned specific knowledge that is part of the curriculum. In the standards-based curriculum, assessment is intertwined with standards and has become an integral part of both the curriculum and the instruction program. Assessment through the standards-based curriculum no longer tests students in terms of the accumulation of facts and information but would rather emphasize on the students use and application of such knowledge. Standards-based curriculum would then assess students on their ability to think critically in terms of knowledge application. Standards-based curriculum would focus on testing students’ higher order thinking skills rather than just their ability to master lessons or memorization. Assessment in a standards-based curriculum becomes a continuous process which would provide teachers the performance data of students to be set as a benchmark as students move on to the next level in education. Assessment in a standards-based curriculum creates an environment where students would become successful since assessment is not as rigid as those of the traditional curriculum. Students can attain a standard at different acceptable levels. All in all, standards-based curriculum has more positive effects than it has negative effects in education. Standards should be well thought of and should be applicable to all populations of the country. However, standards in and of themselves are meaningless. The author believes that the important thing to consider in the standards-based curriculum is how teachers, educators, schools, districts and other policy makers in education help the students in attaining these set standards. There should be a very good monitoring system in ensuring that teachers are doing everything possible in making sure that students attain and achieve the performance expectations that are asked from them.

Management Accounting and Management Decisions

Management Accounting, Cdn. 6e (Horngren/Sundem/Stratton/Beaulieu) Chapter 1 Management Accounting and Management Decisions 1) Both internal managers and external parties use accounting information. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 2) Internal accounting reports must follow generally accepted accounting principles and account for assets at historical cost. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 3) Organizations that do not make or sell tangible goods are called service organizations. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 7Objective: 3 4) The cost-benefit balance is the primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems and methods. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 2 Objective: 3 5) Planning refers to setting objectives, implementing plans, and evaluating objectives. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 6) A budget is a quantitative expression of a plan of action. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 2 Obj ective: 3 7) Management by exception involves a detailed analysis of all deviations from planned performance regardless of the amount.Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 2 Objective: 3 8) Sales growth occurs in the mature market stage of product life cycle. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 9) Line authority is authority exerted downward over subordinates. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 10) Line departments support or service staff departments. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 11) According to the Financial Executives Institute, the controller's function is to obtain both short-term and long-term loans.Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 14 12) The CMA program focuses on management accounting and its role in Canadian business. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 13) The factors causing changes in management accounting today include increased global competition, technological advances and increased production by Canadian companies. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 14) The essence of the just-in-time philosophy is to eliminate waste. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 5) The Society of Management Accountants of Canada (SMAC) has developed standards of ethical conduct for management accountants, which include standards of competence, confidentiality, integrity and objectivity. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 16) A survey of managers selected which of the following business areas as the most common starting-point for future managers? A) Accounting. B) Finance. C) Legal environment of business. D) Computers in business. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 2 Objective: 1 17) Management accounting refers to accounting information developed for A) shareholders.B) governmental authorities. C) managers within an organization. D) loan officers. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 18) __ ______ is a formal mechanism for gathering, organizing, and communicating information about an organization's activities. A) An accounting system B) Scorekeeping C) Management accounting D) Attention directing Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 19) ________ refers to accounting information developed for users within an organization. A) An accounting system B) Scorekeeping C) Management accountingD) Financial accounting Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 20) ________ is the accumulation and classification of data. A) An accounting system B) Scorekeeping C) Management accounting D) Attention directing Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 21) ________ means reporting and interpreting information that helps managers to focus on operating problems, imperfections, inefficiencies, and opportunities. A) Scorekeeping B) Attention directing C) Problem-solving D) None of the above Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 2) ________ i s the aspect of accounting that quantifies the likely results of possible courses of action and often recommends the best course to follow. A) Scorekeeping B) Attention directing C) Problem-solving D) None of the above Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 23) The codes of conduct for integrity include all of the following EXCEPT A) avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest. B) refusing to advise or assist with the commission of fraud. C) recognizing and communicating professional limitations. D) communicating information subjectively. Answer: DDiff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 24) A clerk prepares a monthly report comparing the actual phone bill with the expected phone costs. This activity would be classified as A) problem-solving. B) scorekeeping. C) planning. D) attention directing. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 25) Broad guidelines and detailed practices that together make up accepted accounting practice at a given time are re ferred to as A) GAAS. B) accounting conventions. C) GAAP. D) Revenue Canada regulations. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 26) Service organizationsA) sell tangible goods. B) are not wholesalers. C) are considered manufacturers. D) must be profit-seeking. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 27) A characteristic of service organizations is that A) labour is intensive. B) output is easy to define. C) major inputs and outputs can be stored. D) plant and equipment costs are high in proportion to labour costs. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 28) The watchword for the installation of systems in service industries and nonprofit organizations is A) maximize. B) simplicity. C) constraints. D) complexity.Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 29) Which of the following is a characteristic of both profit-seeking and nonprofit service organizations? A) Labour is intensive. B) Output is usually difficult to define. C) Major inpu ts and outputs cannot be stored. D) All of the above are characteristics. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 30) Financial accounting is constrained by GAAP. Management accounting is constrained by A) GAAS. B) the cost-benefit balance. C) Revenue Canada. D) the controller. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 1) The primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems and methods is A) simplicity. B) behavioural issues. C) cost-benefit balance. D) computerization. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 32) An accounting system should provide accurate, timely budgets and performance reports in a form useful to A) shareholders. B) bankers. C) Revenue Canada. D) managers. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 33) ________ is (are) a quantitative expression(s) of a plan of action. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: ADiff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 34) ________ prov ide(s) feedback by comparing results with plans and by highlighting deviations from plans. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 35) ________ is (are) deviations from plans. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 36) ________ concentrate(s) on areas that deviate from the plan and ignore(s) areas that are presumed to be running smoothly. A) A budgetB) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 37) Launching a new product line is an example of A) decision making. B) planning. C) controlling. D) organization. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 38) Answering the following questions: When is dinner? Who is cooking it? is an example of A) planning. B) controlling. C) budgeting. D) analyzing. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 39) Cooking dinner and tasting the food are examples of A) planning. B) controlling. C) budgeting.D) analyzing. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 40) Planning determines action, action generates feedback, and feedback influences A) reports. B) accounting systems. C) further planning. D) deviations. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 41) A quantitative expression of a plan of action is a A) variance. B) performance report. C) control. D) budget. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 42) Actual results are compared to budgeted amounts in a A) performance report. B) financial statement. C) production report. D) flexible report.Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 43) Management by exception means management concentrates on A) significant activities proceeding as planned. B) significant deviations from expected results. C) insignificant activities proceeding as planned. D) insignificant deviations from expected results. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 44) A synonym for deviation is A) planned. B) systematic. C) variance. D) reported. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 45) A significant unfavourable variance A) should be ignored because of materiality.B) could not result from careless budgeting. C) is the result of proper planning. D) should be analyzed, and measures should be taken to correct the situation. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 46) The product development stage in a product's life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low and decreasing sales. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 47) The introduction to market stage in a product's life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low and decreasing sales. Answer: BDiff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 48) The mature market stage in a product's life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B ) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low and decreasing sales. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 49) The phase-out-of-product stage in a product's life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low sales to no sales. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 50) The various stages through which a product passes are called the A) product life cycle. B) production plan. C) market analysis. D) product initiative.Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 51) Product life cycles A) are the same for all products. B) must be considered to effectively plan for production. C) are computerized bicycles. D) have nothing to do with product profitability. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 52) Authority exerted downward over subordinates is referred to as A) line authority. B) staff authority. C) general authority. D) specific authority. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 53) Authorit y to advise but NOT command is called A) line authority. B) staff authority.C) general authority. D) specific authority. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 54) An example of a line department at a jewelry manufacturer is the A) accounting department. B) finance department. C) maintenance department. D) sales department. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 55) According to the Financial Executives Institute, one function of controllership is A) investments. B) short-term financing. C) provision of capital. D) reporting and interpreting. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 56) The top accounting officer in an organization is oftenA) the controller. B) the treasurer. C) the CFO. D) the CEO. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 57) ________ is mainly concerned with the company's financial matters. A) The controller B) The treasurer C) The secretary D) None of the above Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 58) ________ is the designation that provides the greatest orientation toward management accounting. A) CIA B) CMA C) CEO D) CGA Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 59) According to the Financial Executives Institute, one function of treasurership is A) planning for control.B) protection of assets. C) investor relations. D) economic appraisal. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 Objective: 6 60) Chartered Accountants are A) internal auditors. B) management accountants. C) external auditors. D) clerical accountants. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 61) The largest Canadian association of professional accountants whose major interest is management accounting is the A) Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. B) Certified General Accountants of Canada. C) Government Accounting Institute. D) Society of Management Accountants of Canada.Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 62) A philosophy to eliminate waste by reducing the time products spend in the production process and elim inating the time that products spend on activities that do NOT add value is A) computer-integrated manufacturing. B) just-in-time. C) better late than never. D) added value tax. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 63) Systems that use computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, together with robots and computer-controlled machines are called A) just-in-time systems. B) robotic-computer systems.C) computer-integrated manufacturing systems. D) manufacturing-robotic systems. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 64) Which of the following factors is causing changes in management accounting today? A) Shift from a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy. B) Increased global competition. C) Advances in technology. D) All of the above are factors. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 65) Systems that use CAD and CAM together with robots and computer-controlled machines are called A) JIT. B) CMA. C) CIM. D) none of the above .Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 66) Below is a statement from the Code of Professional Ethics for the Society of Management Accountants. â€Å"Maintain at all times independence of thought and action. † It is an example of A) competence. B) confidentiality. C) integrity. D) objectivity. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 67) Management accountants are similar to CAs and CGAs in that they A) give opinions on financial statements. B) are licensed by the Canadian Institute of public accountancy. C) adhere to codes of conduct.D) are independent of the company they work for. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 68) The Society of Management Accountants has adopted a set of standards of professional ethics which includes codes of conduct regarding all of the following EXCEPT A) competence. B) independence. C) integrity. D) confidentiality. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 69) Which of the following individu als would likely NOT be users of management accounting reports? A) company presidents B) university deans C) bankers D) chief physicians Answer: CDiff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 70) Which of the following statements about management accounting is FALSE? A) It is concerned with how measurements and reports will influence managers' daily behaviour. B) It is less sharply defined than financial accounting. C) Its primary users are organizational managers at various levels. D) It is constrained by generally accepted accounting principles. Answer: D Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 71) Which of the following statements about ethical dilemmas faced by management accountants is FALSE?Ethical dilemmas A) are clear-cut. B) involve conflict between two or more ethical standard. C) require individual integrity and judgment. D) require the application of ethical standards. Answer: A Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 72) Which of the following statements about line a uthority is TRUE? Line authority A) is similar to staff authority. B) is indirectly related to the basic activities of an organization. C) is exerted upwardly from subordinates. D) includes the authority to command action. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 3) Broad concepts or guidelines and detailed practices, including all conventions, rules, and procedures that together make up accepted accounting practice at a given time. Answer: Generally accepted accounting principles Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 74) The person from whom the controller derives authority to set accounting procedures. Answer: The company president Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 12 75) Weighing known costs against probable benefits, the primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems and methods. Answer: Cost-benefit balance Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 11Objective: 7 76) A quantitative expression of a plan of action, and an aid to coordinating and implementing the plan. Answ er: Budget Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 2 Objective: 2 77) Deviations from plans. Answer: Variances Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 2 Objective: 2 78) Concentrating on areas that deserve attention and ignoring areas that are presumed to be running smoothly. Answer: Management by exception Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 2 Objective: 2 79) Authority exerted downward over subordinates. Answer: Line authority Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 12Objective: 5 80) Authority to advise but not to command. It may be exerted downward, laterally, or upward. Answer: Staff authority Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 81) The largest Canadian professional organization of accountants whose major interest is management accounting. Answer: Society of Management Accountants Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 82) A philosophy to eliminate waste, by reducing the time products spend in the production process and eliminating the time that products spend on activities that do not add value. Answer: Just-in-t ime philosophyDiff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 83) Describe the major users of accounting information. Answer: In general, users of accounting information fall into three categories: (1) Internal managers who use the information for short-term planning and controlling routine operations. (2) Internal managers who use the information for making nonroutine decisions and formulating overall policies and long-range plans. (3) External parties, such as investors and government authorities, who use the information for making decisions about the company. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 2 Objective: 1 4) Explain the cost-benefit and behavioral issues involved in designing an accounting system. Answer: The cost-benefit balance, weighing known costs against probable benefits, is the primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems. The system's value must exceed its cost. In addition, the system's effects on the behaviour of managers should also be considered. The system must p rovide accurate, timely budgets and performance reports in a form useful to managers. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 14 Objective: 7 85) Distinguish between line and staff roles in an organization, and give an example of each.Answer: Line authority is authority exerted downward over subordinates. Staff authority is authority to advise but not to command. It may be exerted downward, laterally, or upward. Line departments are directly responsible for conducting the basic mission of the organization, that is, producing and selling a product or service. Staff departments are indirectly related to these basic activities through servicing and supporting the line departments. An example of a line role would be the sales executives, whereas a staff role would include the top accounting executive.Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 86) Contrast the functions of controllers and treasurers. Answer: The treasurer is concerned mainly with the company's financial matters such as investor relat ions, provision of capital, short-term financing, credits and collections, and banking. The controller is concerned with operating matters such as reporting and interpreting, evaluating and consulting, tax administration, government reporting, and protection of assets. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 1 87) Explain a management accountant's ethical responsibilities.Answer: A certified management accountant must adhere to a code of conduct regarding competence, confidentiality, integrity, and objectivity developed by the Society of Management Accountants. An unethical act is one that violates the ethical standards of the profession. Management accountants have an obligation to the organizations they serve, their profession, the public, and themselves to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 88) Explain the role of budgets and performance reports in planning and control.Answer: Budgets and performance reports are essential tools for pl anning and control. Budgets result from the planning process. Managers use them to translate the organization's goals into action. A performance report compares actual results to the budget. Managers use these reports to monitor, evaluate, and reward performance and, thus, exercise control. Diff: 3 Type: ES Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 89) Discuss the role that management accountants play in the company's value-chain functions. Answer: Management accountants play a key role in planning and control.Throughout the company's value chain, management accountants gather and report cost and revenue information for decision makers. Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 90) Identify current trends in management accounting. Answer: Many factors have caused changes in accounting systems in recent years. Most significant are globalization, technology, and a shift from a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy. Without continuous adaptation and improvement, accounting systems would be obs olete. Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8

Analysing Strategic Management and Leadership

Analysing Strategic Management and Leadership This unit is all about strategic management and leadership. This assignment will cover the link between strategic management and leadership style in organisation in different situations. Strategic management and leadership is an ability to anticipate the future requirement that is for an organisation to be proactive in maintaining flexibility, motivation and empower the people to create the strategic change for the growth of organisation. Strategic management is all about shaping strategies and taking important decision for the organisation to survive and to get success in the face of competitive challenges and from other pressures from within and outside organisation. 1.1: Link between Management and Leadership Both word strategic management and leadership are often used interchangeably, although these words actually describe two different concepts. The main aim of management is to maximize the output of organisation through administrative implementation. His functions include; org anizing, planning, directing and controlling. While according to John Kotter (1996)† leadership is the set of practises that create the organisation in first place or adapt them to significantly changing circumstances. Strategic management is a vital area for any organization. It helps to improve an organisational performance and productivity. It is the responsibility of the strategic manger to design strategies for the future needs of the organisation. Designing and setting the plan is the job of strategic managers or we can say strategic management but to bring this plan and design into practice is the job the leadership. Leadership qualities are required to achieve those goals and targets which are set by the strategic management. ‘Central to strategic success is aligning the right leaders with the right skills in the right places at the right times to achieve desired competitive results’ (William J. Rothwell 1999) To run an organisation successfully and get th e goals and objectives of the firm both qualities of a manager and leaders are needed. A manager needs leadership qualities to be effective be and successful in taking initiative while leader needs some management capabilities to run the organisation. It is the job of the strategic manager to decide what they need to do and what they need to avoid to achieve objective in longer term. They make the policies internally and externally to achieve their goals. 1.2: Impact of management and leadership styles on strategic decisions. Management and leadership style play pivotal role on strategic decisions. They make decision according to the expectation of the organisation and their decision always have the support of the team. It is the style of the management and leader which keeps organization moving. Different styles have different type of impact on strategic decision and organisation. For example if we look at the democratic style of management and leadership, in this style management always consult and discuss with their team which makes them feel more responsible and motivates them to work hard. It is the job of strategic manager to decide and make critical decision regarding the future of the organisation. It is the wisdom of the management and leadership that drives the organisation forward. It is their vision which has always great impact on the organisation. Their style of management and leadership plays vital role on the decision making and on the future of the organisation. They should have the style which changes according to the situation, sometime they are very much cooperative and give everybody chance to express but if situation demands them to be more authoritarian they have the style approach and power to change them.

THE DOLMAN HOTEL Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

THE DOLMAN HOTEL Case Study - Essay Example The Dolman is being operated by David Mannering whose expertise is in financial management. David might be very good in his field but managing an organisation such as a hotel is different. This is probably the reason why the policies at Dolman do not seem to be appropriate for their staff. Another factor that imposes a problem is having David's personal assistant look after personnel administration. In short, the organisation did not have a skilled HR manager to handle the hotel's human resources. This is the reason why a lot of employees at Dolman were having problems and issues. The organisation does not have clear policies on their human resources which affected the staff turnover and the service that the employees provide the customers. As a business advisor specialising in Human Resource Management, I have to find ways to resolve these issues in the company. I will look for alternatives that might be helpful in solving the organisation's problems and implement the appropriate policies in the areas of flexible working, internet recruitment, selecting and inducting people with the right skills, staff retention, and the involvement and participation of staff at The Dolman. Fluctuating demand and supply of labour may impose a problem in an organisation if they are not handled properly. Some employees might find it hard to balance their family life and work. Sometimes, this results to frequent staff turnover and loss of employees. However, there are still a lot of ways that can be done to manage this problem. One of them is flexible working. According to Hewitt (2007), "allowing people to work in a sensible way that allows them to balance earning a living with looking after their children is not only good for families and children, it is good for business too." There are different types of flexible working and some of them might be very useful for The Dolman. One type of flexible working is Part-time working where in the employee can work less than the standard working hours (BusinessLink). This can be useful in the organisation because it will allow their workers to spend more time with their private lives whenever it is needed. Through this, employees will be satisfied with their jobs and will perform in the workplace effectively. Flexi-time is also one of the most implemented flexible working in the U.K.(NHS 2005) where the employee is given the right to change their working time as long as it is outside the set core of hours set by the employer. It also allows employees to arrive early or finish late or the other way around (European foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions 2007). The Dolman can benefit to this because this HRP is capable of reducing absenteeism (Salix software ltd). With flexi-time, it is easier for the employees to accommodate their personal needs so they won't have to leave their job due to family matters and other personal things. The organisation can also benefit in terms of revenues because it can extend its opening hours which will allow them to cater to more customers. However, this will not be a burden to the company since employees are still required to be present during the core time or the peak hours of the business. Another HRP on flexible working that might be helpful on The Dolman is self-rostering where employees choose the shifts they would prefer. With this, the employee is able to give

American Perception on Arranged Marriages and Dating Essay

American Perception on Arranged Marriages and Dating - Essay Example A conservative mosque may assist arrange marriages in hopes of maintaining modesty and chastity, the most important norms in Islam. Religion, ethnicity, and community all play significant roles in the negotiation of marriage options for new immigrants (Ternikar 1-22). Whereas, the person is central to American culture and his/her unique attributes are respected while in other (Markus 80-82). In this paper American perception on arranged marriages and dating in some of the immigrant communities is presented. In arranged marriages parents agree before children do. The Americans wonder how could someone marry if they have not lived together before. In Islamic culture males are raised differently than females . They are considered superior and take all decisions. For marriage, their friends or family introduces young men. The male's parents play an important role, they judge the suitability of the girl for marriage on the basis of her financial condition and family back ground. If satisfied, they make a proposal. They visit the girl's house where she serves them tea. The man can, then, take the girl out usually with her parents to coffeehouse, ice-cream parlor, park or even a movie. The girl wears modest cloths and couple cannot touch each other. They cannot even hold hands. Three such dates mean they are ready for marriage (Kuriansky 37). In an example of a Muslim marriage, the american-muslim husband replies as an idealist that he would love his wife selected by parents, regardless of who she is. He further said that in American culture a man looks for his special someone himself while in his culture he makes the girl selected by parents 'the one'. The match works well and they share something deeper than love and great compatibility (Tarabay par.1). Actually there is no concept of dating in Islamic culture. Live-in or physical relationship or any premarital relationship between man and women is absolutely taboo (Joseph and Najmabadi 95). They further disclose that Internet, though, is permitted to get in touch where the people of opposite sex can exchange their ideas, liking and disliking. They can communicate with more than one prospective life partner also. The Internet puts mind and personality over physical appearance. Similarly Indian culture permits boy and girl to meet before marriage though in presence of family. They can talk about their preferences etc. It seems like the parentally facilitated dating of United States but it is not (Yalom and Carstensen 217). They further explain that boy and girl may have multiple meetings prior to wedding but the acquaintanceship or dating leading to romantic love does not develop as in America (219). The girl should ideally be docile and good in running the home. An independent or opinionated girl does not make good wife. A woman has to make more sacrifices in arranged marriages. She has to compromise more also. The word of male is final and the verbal communication to handle conflicts is less (Yalom and Carstensen 224). As a result, they say the women suffer silently and conclude that love, attraction, similarities, commitments may provide marital choice

Written Business Communication (Original Posting #1) Assignment

Written Business Communication (Original Posting #1) - Assignment Example I should try to resolve the conflict with my current employer by asserting the involved legal and ethical issues in the case for abolition of the intention to implement the technology. I should insist on a win-lose strategy in which I should be the winner because my position is right, as opposed to that of my employer (Singh, 2009). If the attempt fails then I should inform my previous employer of the case and at the same time seek legal protection for my job. While I recognize breach of my former employer’s intellectual property rights by using the software in my current organization, allowing the organization to proceed with the implementation undermines justice to my former employer. Virtue ethics, on this basis, requires my firm stand against implementation of the software by my current employer. My position against use of the software also does not justify my dismissal and this means injustice should I lose my job for doing the right thing. The situation therefore justifi es my right to seek legal intervention against my dismissal (Brooks and Dunn,

To what extent does Karl von Clausewitz explain the changing nature of Essay

To what extent does Karl von Clausewitz explain the changing nature of warfare after 1798 - Essay Example Clausewitz’s main claim in his book ‘On War’ published in 1831 revolves around the fact that in order to understand warfare, it must be considered as a social phenomenon. War comes from deliberate circumstances and these circumstances make wars easier to understand. This statement was considered in the light of two conceptions of war at that time, first, that war is capable of linear solutions, and secondly, that war is basically chaotic and cannot be rationally evaluated (Gat, 1989). This view of war led to the perception that it is merely an offshoot of politics, mixed is with violence. This perception hid a more complex phenomenon. First and foremost, war has changed over time. Since social organizations have changed over the years, the nature of parties competing has also changed. Secondly, in seeking a better understanding of what is happening in conflicts, there is no longer a need to consider the military events in a political setting. Third, there is a nor mative element in the formula. Clausewitz was of the belief that force was more acceptable when it was considered as a tool for state policy. Considering the suffering caused by war, this was the justifiable reason utilized in the use of violence; however a normative failure would not negate the analytical process. (Clausewitz, eds, Howard and Paret, 1979, p. 586). In order to establish a practical understanding of war, there was a need to evaluate the relationship between military activities and the political climate of these events. On the outset, there was a direct linear link between the scale of the goal sought and the extent of force required to fulfill it. In a conflict which was carried out to conquer an opponent who aimed to totally conquer and annex a country, one is almost always certain to expect significant efforts to defeat the aggressor. On the other hand, where a smaller objective was sought, a smaller consequent action would be seen. Clausewitz was of the understand ing that events on the battlefield and in the political arena are very much related to each other. A battlefield victory might prevent other nations from being embroiled in any conflict, it may also convince them of the fact that a victor has become a threat to them (Szabo, 2008). A victory may also convince a nation that its competitor is weak and that it needs to improve its objectives. The consideration of a country deciding to intervene or step away from a conflict would

Death Race Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Death Race - Movie Review Example The entry of the deadly Dreadnought is the main highlight of the movie. The race is posted online so this race becomes the world's most popular pay per view showing violence and killing real time. The main objective of the car race is to kill the other car racers so that the winner is the one who stays alive. Each convict who participates in the race is given a female navigator who comes from the female prison facility. The navigator is also freed if her race partner wins the race. She also dies if the car is attacked by the other race drivers. In exchange for winning in the race, the prison convict who is a winner gets to win his freedom. Jason Statham's character in this movie is that of a daily worker who is framed and is convicted for a crime he did not commit. He enters the prison and the jail warden had asked him to play the role of the evil Frankenstein. He enters the race wearing a special evil mask to hide his own identity. The objective of the other car racers who are also prison convicts is to defeat him. This movie is very relevant as it presents a setting goes against many of the basic human rights of US prison convicts. First, any form of gambling, whether internet based or site-based not is never permitted inside the premises and facilities of the US prison system. By posting the car race in the internet and encouraging gambling, the jail warden has committed a serious crime.Moreover, gambling in the internet also violates the non-profit nature of all the federal rehabilitation facilities of the US prison system. All of the prison convicts are entitled to basic human rights as provided for by the US constitution and the United Nations Human Rights Document. Maine and Vermont are the only states which even allow prisoners, parolees and probationers to vote during elections.Second, the prison convicts are forced to enter the car race or else they are threatened, penalized and put in isolation cells. This situation happened to Jason Statham wherein he was forced to join the race aga inst his will. He did not like the violence and the killing which was an integral part of the car race but the jail warden forced him to consider this or else he will be given a hard time while inside prison.This prison car race policy goes against human freedom which enables a person, even a prison convict to have the personal freedom decide to do whatever one wants without being held under duress. The movie denies the value of a human life even that of a convicted inmate. The movie also did not feature the personal rights or freedom of a convict to communicate with and consult his or her counsel in cases where he feels a degree of uncertainty in any activity he undertakes while he is in prison.Third, the prison convicts were told to compete in car racing without having the proper racing outfit, a stipulated and duly signed contract for payment and additional compensation, adequate preparatory driving training and an orientation on car safety measures. These facts violate basic hum an rights since the warden makes good money at the expense of

Strategic Plan Internal Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Strategic Plan Internal Analysis - Essay Example The bargaining power of buyers is high and consumers have access to more options in the mobile market characterized by the introduction of affordable smartphones from companies like Samsung and executive devices from Apple which have proved to be of high innovative power compared to BlackBerry. These companies have lured customers with user friendly technologies enabling their devices to be useful in all communication and productivity purposes. The availability of more choices for consumers has reduced the power of Blackberry to demand for higher prices for its products. Carriers like Verizon and Telus purchase in large volume in order to meet their subscribers demand. When the demand of an item declines like in the case of Blackberry, vendors are forced to enter into contracts with other manufacturers to ensure demand is met and shift from low-profit grossing brand is addressed economically. Despite the fact that there are barriers to competition established by the government in the Canadian business market, the consumers’ ability to choose their products is reflected in the orders booked with suppliers like Blackberry by an individual telecom carrier (Levi, 2011). In the competitive smartphone world, Blackberry lagged behind one or more phases in the adaptive cycle of innovation due to misalignment. This happened after the launch of the iPhone, a product customers considered mobile innovation meeting customer expectations in both design and capabilities. The 2007 iPhone design was extremely intuitive and user friendly, a competitive product that is responsible for declining sales towards 2010. Additionally, An android platform was then introduced by Google and focused on a user interface design for their operating system. In 2008, Levi (2011) reports that Blackberry introduced the Blackberry Storm smartphone to face the competition and offer consumers an optimal experience and a better design. Unfortunately, this

10 Tenets of MOT and the IT Organization Essay Example for Free

10 Tenets of MOT and the IT Organization Essay A tenet is a principle based on observation, intuition, experience, and in some cases, empirical analysis. Based on a study presented in the Handbook of Technology Management by Gerard Gaynor, Ten tenets are proposed as guiding principles for an organization to operate within a technology cycle framework. These are: 1. Value diversification is a poor substitute for MOT. 2. Manufacturability must keep pace with inventiveness and marketability. 3. Quality and total productivity are inseparable concepts in managing technology. 4.  It is management’s responsibility to bring about technological change and job security for long term competitiveness. 5. Technology must be the ‘servant’ not the ‘master’; the master is still the human being. 6. The consequences of technology selection can be more serious than expected because of systematic effects. 7. Continuous education and training in a constantly changing workplace is a necessity, not a luxury. 8. Technology gradient is a dynamic component of the technology management process, to be monitored for strategic advantage. 9.  The RTC factor must be carefully analyzed and meticulously monitored for gaining the most out of any technology, particularly a new one. 10. Information linkage must keep pace with technology growth. See more: The Issues Concerning Identity Theft Essay In the case of an IT Organization, the essence of the management several factors of technology are realized based on the above specified MOT principles. The following may be derived: †¢ Importance of Core Technologies and Core Competencies. Analysis of the competencies and technological capability of an IT Organization will provide information on the inherent competitive ability of the organization, or the absence of such. This is a step towards active management of technology. †¢ Inventiveness versus Market Drive. For an IT Organization, this translates to building an output-driven innovative culture versus customizing products and processes based on Market-demand. †¢ Total Quality Management. Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures are essential to monitor processes and the process improvement practice within an organization. †¢ Initiation and Management of Technological Change. Conscious effort to improve current technology should e a consistent activity in an IT Organization. This may be a result of observed updates in the industry or an internal effort to innovate and update according to changing business needs. †¢ Security for Competitiveness. As an industry with established processes, functions and professional track, job security through skills-based retention and promotion should be encouraged. This will invite constructive competitiveness and improve the industryà ¢â‚¬â„¢s workforce. †¢ Technology is the medium and the tool, it is not the solution.  The main product for an organization that offers Information Technology as a service is the solution. The technology is the enabler, while the process is the company-specific activity that adds value to the solution. †¢ Organizational Systems and the Effect of Technology. The effect of information technology to the organization encompasses structures and organization systems. As processes and needs are updated, technologies or the manner that it is implemented should be revised complementarily. The reverse does not always follow. The Essence of Training and Education in an IT Organization. With the Human Resource as the main and sole source value and new service introduction, investment in further education is essential to an IT Organization. Technology managemet assessment: TA is the study and evaluation of new technologies. It is based on the conviction that new developments within, and discoveries by, t he scientific community are relevant for the world at large rather than just for the scientific experts themselves, and that technological progress can never be free of ethical implications. Also, technology assessment recognizes the fact that scientists normally are not trained ethicists themselves and accordingly ought to be very careful when passing ethical judgement on their own, or their colleagues, new findings, projects, or work in progress. Technology assessment assumes a global perspective and is future-oriented, not anti-technological. TA considers its task as interdisciplinary approach to solving already existing problems and preventing potential damage caused by the uncritical application and the commercialization of new technologies. Therefore any results of technology assessment studies must be published, and particular consideration must be given to communication with political decision-makers. An important problem, TA has to deal with it, is the so-called Collingridge dilemma: on the one hand, impacts of new technologies cannot be easily predicted until the technology is extensively developed and widely used; on the other hand, control or change of a technology is difficult as soon as it is widely used. Some of the major fields of TA are: information technology, hydrogen technologies, nuclear technology, molecular nanotechnology, pharmacology, organ transplants, gene technology, artificial intelligence, the Internet and many more. Health technology assessment is related, but profoundly different, despite the similarity in the name. Forms and concepts of technology assessment The following types of concepts of TA are those that are most visible and practiced. There are, however, a number of further TA forms that are only proposed as concepts in the literature or are the label used by a particular TA institution. 2] †¢ Parliamentary TA (PTA): TA activities of various kinds whose addressee is a parliament. PTA may be performed directly by members of those parliaments (e. g. in France and Finland) or on their behalf by related TA institutions (such as in the UK, in Germany and Denmark) or by organisations not directly linked to a Parliament (such as in the Netherlands and Switzerland). [3] †¢ Expert TA (often also referred to as the classical TA or traditional TA concept): TA activities carried out by (a team of) TA and technical experts. Input from stakeholders and other actors is included only via written statements, documents and interviews, but not as in participatory TA. †¢ Participatory TA (pTA): TA activities which actively, systematically and methodologically involve various kinds of social actors as assessors and discussants, such as different kinds of civil society organisations, representatives of the state systems, but characteristically also individual stakeholders and citizens (lay persons), technical scientists and technical experts. Standard pTA methods include consensus conferences, focus groups, scenario workshops etc. [4] Sometimes pTA is further divided into expert-stakeholder pTA and public pTA (including lay persons). [5] †¢ Constructive TA (CTA): This concept of TA, developed in the Netherlands, but also applied and discussed elsewhere[6] attempts to broaden the design of new technology through feedback of TA activities into the actual construction of technology. Contrary to other forms of TA, CTA is not directed toward influencing regulatory practices by assessing the impacts of technology. Instead, CTA wants to address social issues around technology by influencing design practices. †¢ Discursive TA or Argumentative TA: This type of TA wants to deepen the political and normative debate about science, technology and society. It is inspired by ethics, policy discourse analysis and the sociology of expectations in science and technology. This mode of TA aims to clarify and bring under public and political scrutiny the normative assumptions and visions that drive the actors who are socially shaping science and technology. Accordingly, argumentative TA not only addresses the side effects of technological change, but deals with both broader impacts of science and technology and the fundamental normative question of why developing a certain technology is legitimate and desirable. [7] †¢ Health TA (HTA): A specialised type of expert TA informing policy makers about efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness issues of pharmaceuticals and medical treatments, see health technology assessment.

Personal development plan

Personal development plan PURPOSE: Human nature is forgettable, that is why I would like to make my personal development plan. I would like to see myself in next 4 years as a manager in my company where I am working now. My company is a large-scale company and we are doing corporate services such as a payroll, accounts. Document keeping and outsources. There are lots of small scale and medium scale business in the markets who do not have possible to hire there on accounts and payroll works who do there outsource work to give companies like my company who provide above services. Now a days I am working as a admin assistant in my company I would like to see myself as a manager in admin team. I have to do some plans to achieve my vision. There are some study skills I require to achieve my personal development plan. Thats why I start my study and l am doing my post diploma degree, this is one year plan and after that I will do my MBA degree. Which will very helpful to achieve my goal and other side I have to develop my skills which is such an important for achieve my goal. I will try to analyse myself and I will try to eliminate my weaknesses and threats. In addition, I will strengthen my abilities and I will look forward for my opportunities. This plan is a way to a get perfection in life and accomplish my goals. The aim of this Professional Development Plan is to establish a process of self-management and self-development. To develop myself, it is important to have an idea of my strengths and weaknesses and how can I convert my weaknesses to strengths. It also contains the opportunities that I have in me, I can take advantage of them, and if any change happens in the environment, how can I face this change and get adjustable to these changes. This personal development plan is the key to carry out my goals. It will not only help me to develop myself but also will help me to reach my goals and be successful. SKILLS: There are two type of skills require to achieve my goal. Fundamental skills Professional skills 1) Fundamentals skills : Discipline and time keeping Team work Stability 2) Professional skills Supervisory Sales skills Group activities Above skills are useful to achieve my personal development plan and my long terms goal. There are more skills are required such as communicating, roll model, attitude, self motivation, decision making, hard work dedication, safety in work, carefulness etc . I did my on exercise to achieve some skills. These are skills use to achieve my goal where I am now. I will try to complete all skills, which are taking me to my manager goal. Support for Managers Framework Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes Required: Team Member /Supervisor Manager Management An understanding of the role of a supervisor/team leader * Supervisory skills Motivation and organisational skills Knowledge of relevant systems, processes, policy, legislation, quality standards and procedures Basic management models Management styles Team motivation Delegation i.e. why, how and when Dealing with conflict Comprehensive knowledge of relevant systems, processes, policies, procedures, internal and external regulations, legislation and quality standards Basic principles of strategic management Communication skills Methods of communication to individuals and groups Effective written and verbal communication Feedback and briefing skills Understanding and interpreting the requirements of others Communicating information to others Dealing with confidential/ sensitive issues Team working Purpose of a team Stages of team development Being an effective team member Supporting performance of others Teambuilding skills Balancing team roles and using strengths Team dynamics Supporting Staff Performance Performance management principles Delivery of basic on-the-job training Delegation skills Reviewing individual and team progress and performance Coaching skills Recruitment and selection policies and procedures Basic interviewing skills Problem solving/decision making Understanding of who to take issues to and when Problem solving cycle Developing creative approaches Decision making (identification/solution/ implementation/ implication) Creative thinking Critical thinking Project management Basics of project management Organising resources and prioritising activities Assessing and organising resources, and planning and progressing work activities Using basic Project Management principles Organisational skills Personal effectiveness Assertiveness Time management/personal effectiveness Goal setting Developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout own work area Adapting/transferring own skills to new circumstances Pursuing relevant professional qualifications Joining/progressing within own professional body Awareness (where appropriate) of wider developments in own profession The above skills and managerial framework are helping me to know my area of goal. SKILLS AUDIT: I did my skills audit and its help me address of area where I have to change myself. These are below. 1)Professional Skills Current level 5= Strong 1= Weak EXAMPLE HOW TO IMPROVE 1 Communication 3 I worked as corporate service company as an admin team member My responsibility was to communicate with customer and do there paper work. I also did letters, report and budget writing. Being from a commercial background, I lack some of the skills for effective business communication. To improve this I have enrolled for management course. I am also taking BEC listening lessons. Practicing report writing, doing presentations, group discussion and debate are the ways to improve communication skills. 2 Problem Solving 3.5 During my one-year tenure as admin, office solved various problems related to business administration. During this course, we are given assignments that are more practical. Some requires solving problems. More practical assignment, where in we are made to think taking into consideration present market situation, present business scenario and people involved in them will definitely improve our skill of problem solving. Reading case studies, articles and analysis report or various people and companies 3 Planning 4 When I joined company, I got one year planning to do all works with my clients, and I done this with on my hard work and plans. During the course, to complete the assignment we discussed and planned within the group to complete the task and meet deadlines. This assignment guides us to plan thing for our career. Maintaining diary to do planning regarding studies and personal matter After done my MBA it will be a platform to show our planning skills and to learn new techniques related to planning in the business world. 4 Supervision and Management 3 I was admin head in my company when my admin head was on holiday. In my last job in India, I was department head in my school and I use to supervision and management my department. Getting opportunities to lead a small team at the start, It would be beneficial. This skill matters how well we understand our team, so reading books on effective management and understanding team members psychology will help. 5 Innovation, Creativity and Development 3 During our first term in this course, we had assignment and various class activities that involved creative and innovative thinking. Doing more assignments where research and problem solving is required. Showing our creativity in power point presentation 6 Organising 3.5 During my university education, I was involved in organising Technical Festival named FERVOR08 and other technical events throughout the year. I also organised annual function of our hostel in India when I was a Head Boy. Chance to lead and organise event or project will help to improve this skills. Not necessary to be a big one 7 Delegating 3 Have done during academics assignment and events, but not in business world. This skills can be improved by leading a team in assignment of project or event. Reading books and articles for effective delegating will help to build up this skill. 8 Leading Chairing Meetings 3 During university, I lead my sport team of our sport event. In business world, I have not yet reached this position. 9 Delivering effective presentation 3 I was involved in-group presentation for assignment in my last year of my degree. In addition, I did well. However, there is lot of room for improvement. Delivering as many presentations as possible to different audience and on variety of subjects during this course. Also taking presentation audit that we already did, in every term. 10 Professional Knowledge 2 As an admin tem member, I have sound knowledge of my field but I aspire to be in business management. I have little knowledge about business management. This course is the first step to learn business management. I could show my skills as well as learn and demonstrate my business skills. 2) Personal Skills Current level 5 = Strong 1= Weak EXAMPLE HOW TO IMPROVE 1 Time Management 3 I have been timetable follower all my life. Sometimes I do miss my timetable. We as a team planned to meet deadlines for the assignment. In addition, I manage time for my studies and part time job to build my career and also earn for my living expenses. Attending seminars on tips on time management, or making it a part of our course. Reading book on time management. Making daily log and task schedules and following them. 2 Analysis 3 I many times analyse the situation before reacting to it. Still need to work a lot as far as analysis as a personal skill is concerned. Managing changes in organization assignment was on real estate, which required research and analysis. I have been able to do quite well Assignment and case studies involving lot of research and analysis will help us to develop this skill from business point of view. Also analyzing and then addressing all issues that come on our way to make a successful career. 3 Objective Setting 3 To improve my managerial skills, which I am lacking, I enrolled for this course. My objective is to improve my technical skills and managerial skills to be a competitive candidate in business world. Objective setting skills can be learned by discussing and brain storming session by counsellor, teacher, friends and family. 4 Prioritizing Work Tasks 2 I sometimes find difficulty in prioritizing tasks. We got assignment and Job as a Christmas Temp so it was difficult to manage and prioritize, as both were important. One for living and other for career Preplanning and brainstorming can be done to prioritize work. Maintaining diary and scheduling will help to improve this skill. 5 Decisive / (Procrastination) 2 In this term, I have delayed my submission. Again, planning and challenging self to stick to deadlines will help. Also reading and taking tips to avoid laziness helps. Doing Yoga to improve concentration and self control 6 Dealing with interruptions 2 When I am talking to someone and if other person interrupts, I lose my point of discussion and thus get frustrated with interruption. But when I am doing a task or studies I dont feel interruption by music or a call by friend. I get back to work as soon as I finish with interruption. Improving memory Doing Yoga to improve concentration. Reading books on this. 7 Planning Organising Skills 3 I plan and organise task before implementing. Like I have done in all my assignments In addition, I plan when it comes to personal or family occasions and matters. Learning to plan things in our work and daily life from our teachers, parents and colleagues Reading books and case studies on planning and organising 8 Problem-solving 4 Right from my childhood, I have been away from my parents for study and career reasons. I manage my problems myself and solve them personally. Sometimes I do concern my family of teachers for this. Leaving independent life help us to learn this skills. Solving problems ourselves first and if it is too worse than only concern to others. I have read the book ‘Heart of Change by John Katter et al. that shows how people solve their business problems with simple techniques. 9 Team Work 3 Worked in team in my job. Team was productive and we did well to deliver the result. Also worked in a team for organising various events during my university education as mentioned earlier Being a part of different team each time during new project will improve our skill. Also understanding our responsibilities and roles in the team will improve our skill. 10 Networking 3 I am extrovert and like to meet people and make contacts. I am so many contacts from my university days. This helps us to share and learn new ideas not only at personal level but also at professional level. Making groups on networking website Like we have made an academic group â€Å"stcdms0910† on yahoo groups to be in touch not only for this course but throughout lifetime to share both business and personal information. 11 Self-management 4 I dont change my plan or get distracted by my friends activities. I will do what I planned and what is important to me. Learning self-control improves this skill. Doing Yoga, Reading books etc 12 Technology Skills 4 I did my bachelor in science degree with first class. I am interested a lot in reading and browsing about new technology. Keeping one, self well aware of changing technology, Reading and browsing for learning about new technology Never be afraid of trying out gadgets or software packages due to fear of damaging it. 13 Communication 3 I have done well in presentation though I am improving on various aspect of delivering effective presentations. I am little weak as far as spoken and listening is concerned. I have taken BEC listening lessons to improve my listening skills. I read a lot to improve my vocabulary. In addition, I do presentations. 14 Listening Skills 3 I am a good listener as my friends say. They approach me to discuss issues. I consider that everyone has talent and they are worth listening. However, as an activist as far as learning style is concerned I feel bore to listen to long lectures. Firstly being patient. Understanding others feeling. Taking interest in what others have to say. Doing Yoga to improve concentration will help. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: When I was making my personal development plan, I need several steps to achieve my goal. That why I follow bellow structure which are provide me to show my way to manager post in next 4 years. Step involve in personal development plan. Regarding above structure I can consider myself now a days as a team member in my company. There are many things are help me to achieve my goal. I would like to become a manager in my four years to come. Now days I am doing as a team member in my company and there are some skills which are good in my life and some of skills I need to be improve in my future. SWOAT ANALYSIS: To achieve my goal I have to do my SWOT analysis. SWOT Analysis is a tool that will reflect your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats .it will help me to develop my currier way that takes best advantage of my ability, talents and opportunities. The first step of a SWOT analysis is the internal factor: Strengths and weakness. SWOT Analysis are inbuilt they are not inhere tent by others. Below are my strengths and weaknesses. STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Ø I can learn things faster Ø I am bad in time management Ø Positive attitude Ø Short tempered Ø Punctual Ø Friendly nature Ø Energetic Ø Poor presentation skills The next step is considering the external factor these are things like economic, market, environmental change etc. Its involve opportunities and threats. Opportunities Threats Ø Getting MBA degree in known university, Ø Lack of job in my field due to recession Ø Getting chance to work in UK get PSW visa (work ) Ø Emotionally attached with the family in back home, Ø Chance to build my network, Ø Visa extension is very strict and may get refused, Ø Getting experience in market my company , Ø UK is very expensive to live continue my study and future, GOALS: It is very important for me and every individual organisation to have goals in life, the goal should be SMART: S- Specific, significant, stretching M Measurable, meaningful, motivational A Achievable, acceptable, attainable R- Realistic, relevant, reasonable, rewarding T- time-base, tangible, traceable My goal is after four years to become a manager in my company. As I use to deal with my work and I have complete knowledge for how can I reach there and how it works in my life.

Disability as Power in the Works of Mary Duffy, Frida Kahlo, and Vassar

What do you do without either of your arms? What do you do for a living constrained to a wheelchair? What do you do without control over your own body? Many people in the world today spend their lives wishing things were not as they were, attempting to forget how they are, or trying to change how they are going to be. When "disabled" people succeed, it is commonly thought that those individuals are amazing for overcoming their disabilities and thriving in life. Is this really what they are doing? The following three women, Mary Duffy, Frieda Kahlo, and Vassar Miller transform their disabilities into the ability to create complex forms of art that force the audience to gain a different perspective on disabilities. Their disabilities become their power. The artists use this power to force their audiences to look at their disabilities in an utterly new way using the "stare and tell" method. These women do not succeed despite their disabilities, but instead succeed because of them . The "stare and tell" is a term that Rosemarie Garland Thomson, a disability studies scholar and writer, has created to explain a method in performance art that forces the audience to look at disabilities in an entirely new light. She states "As a fusion of both seeing and telling, disability performance art foregrounds the body as an object both to be viewed and to be explained." The artist first beckons the audiences to break the social "normative" and forces the audience to stare at the artist?s disability. Once the attention of the audience is solely on the artist and his or her disability, the method then takes on the "tell" aspect and enables the audience to become aware of what exactly the artist has to say in his or her own words. Mary Duff... ...ly amazing affects she had on her audience. Although she died in 1998 at the age of seventy-four, her poetry is still gaining fame and affecting people across the United States. Often, many people do not know of such individuals. If one has heard of them is it most likely in the category of amazing individuals who are able to overcome life?s most challenging obstacles and succeed in ways never imagined. This is just not so. These women do not succeed in spite of their disabilities, but instead succeed because of them. Mary Duffy, Vassar Miller, and Freida Kahlo have all forced their audiences to visually give attention to their disability and thus have challenged societies stereotypical assumptions, whether on stage, in writing, or on a canvas. Their endeavors are summarized in the words of Frieda Kahlo, "Feet, what do I need them for, if I have wings to fly?"

Grapes Of Wrath Essay -- essays research papers fc

John Steinbeck uses symbolism to enrich his writing. Several of these symbols can be found in his book, The Grapes of Wrath. The Joad’s, a family from Oklahoma, are in search of a better life. They leave their home in journey to California because of the dust bowl. The symbols in the book are the dust, the turtle, names of people, and the grapes. These symbols give the reader an additional perspective of the book. Dust represents life and death. Dust makes a mess of things and leaves possessions under a mucky film. The farming in Oklahoma becomes difficult because the heavy winds uplift the soil and carry it great distances. Then the farmers are left with no soil to grow their crops. The Joad’s livelihood depends on the soil. If the soil is rich, then it will feed hundreds. But if the soil is dry, it destroys crops and causes famine. The dust covers Oklahoma and leaves the Joad family with no other choice, but to move. The Joad’s journey to California is as slow as a turtle. Heat in the desert, car problems, and the death of the grandparents make the journey long and painful. A turtle shelters himself by pulling his head, legs, and tail inside his shell. The Joad’s gather together as a family to comfort and shelter themselves. A turtle feels safe when it enters his shell and the Joad’s feel safe when they gather as a family. There is symbolic significance in the names of characters throughout The Grapes of Wrath. Tom, one of the main characters, is hitchhiking home when he stumbles upon a preacher by the name of Jim Casey. Jim baptized Tom, but now he is no longer preaching because he has found that everything is holy and man needs no preacher. His initials are J.C. which are the same as Jesus Christ. Jim shows similar characteristics to Jesus Christ. He sacrifices himself for Tom. Tom has caused a deputy to loose his suspect and is said to be under arrest, but Casey steps in and takes the blame. â€Å"It was me, alright† (p.364). Casey is taken by two deputies, but appears to be proud because he knows he has done the right thing. â€Å"Between his guards Casey sat proudly, his head up and the stringy muscles of his neck prominent† (p.364). He gives up his freedom so the Joad’s can accomplish their dreams as a family. Tom then meets Muley Graves, an old neighbor. Muley shows animal like characteristics and acts like a mule. Just like a mule, Muley is stubborn. ... ...ouldn’t share. â€Å"So Ruthie got mad an’ chased ‘em, an’ she fit one, an’ then she fit another, an’ then one big girl got up an’ licked her† (p.563). Although she appears to be strong in reality she is weak . Grapes are the fruit of the vine; something sweet. But in actuality for the Joad’s they are a disappointment. The Joad’s talk about them as being this wonderful fruit that will bring them a better life. They will pick the grapes and earn money. But as they stare at the open fields they realize that it is all just a dream. There are no grapes. They continuously think of the grapes as an escape from their depression. The grapes would be so fruitful that they would be able to bathe in the sweetness, but in their case it turns out completely different. Discussing the symbols of the dust, the turtle, the names, and the grapes makes the reader aware of another aspect of the story. The reader is able to realize just how well Steinbeck is able to bring his stories to life. As a reader you learn to appreciate his style of writing. Once you read his books you realize that he is not only a author, but an artist too. Bibliography the symbols in the Grapes of Wrath Word Count: 1716

Rastafarianism in Jamaica Essay -- Religion

Rastafarianism arose in the slums of Jamaica around the time between the nineteen twenties and nineteen thirties. It has a lot of inspirations of Christianity combined into its culture. Rastafarianism is a very interesting religion; it’s followers known as Rastafarians as well as Rasta’s or Rastafaris, derived from Jamaica to form a unique clan of Jamaican-English. For most Rastafarians what they believe is not a religion, but simply just a way of life. Rastafarians share their emotions about oppression, poverty, and black discrimination along with their religion. The next few paragraphs will explain Rasta history, major beliefs, religious practices, and the religions subdivisions. In the early years of this religion a man by the name of Marcus Garvey, born in Jamaica in 1887, started teaching to other Jamaicans to stand up for their race and culture. He formed the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914. Marcus Garvey preached all over Jamaica, he believed that Jamaicans were really Israelites and were shunned to Jamaica as a punishment. Garvey wrote a very powerful play called â€Å"The Coronation of The King and Queen of Africa†. Many Rastafarians have said Garvey told them they need to go to Africa and there they will find the king they are looking for to save them. Soon after on the second of November 1930 they crowned Ras Tafari Makonnen as their emperor of Ethiopia. This emperor took the name of Haile Selassie, which by definition means â€Å"Might of The Trinity†. To many he was a form of Jesus Christ. On the other hand Marcus Garvey disliked emperor Selassie immensely, he thought that he was an unequipped leader. Haile Selassie s pread the thought that god created the black man before he even created the white man. â€Å"Rastaf... ...birthday and a certain color. Rastafarianism began on the principles of equality and black freedom. Over many years it has grown into a huge religion practiced by many. It has spread not only in Jamaica, but the Caribbean, England, the US and Canada also. There are now over one million people today that practice the religion of Rastafarianism. If someone wanted a calm, peaceful, and meaningful life without hatred they should defiantly consider practicing the religion of Rastafarianism. Overall this religion brings the unity of all ethnicities and the harmony and unity of its people with the environment. Works Cited Beyer, Catherine. "Rastafari." . N.p., 2012. Web. 6 Apr 2012. . . "Rastafari." . N.p., 2004. Web. 6 Apr 2012. . . "Rastafarian History." . BBC Religion, 21 Oct 2009. Web. 6 Apr 2012. .

I Believe in Forgiveness Essay

I never really understood the meaning of forgiveness. When people hurt me or treat me badly I always thought the best way to handle it is to hold it in. I never showed anger on the outside but just kept it all in. Instead, I let it boil inside of me. My kind act toward those who hurt me was a shield from my pain. Most of my kind act was at my mother. I blamed my birth mother for every relationship I have ever been in that ended with my hurting the guy or me thinking I am just going to be like my mother and leave him for the next person. see more:to err is human meaning Over the years, her actions and mishaps became the victim for my own actions. The fact that I have not yet become a divorcee like her was justification for her being irresponsible, dishonest, and ungrateful. Throughout the years of struggle, dysfunctional relationships, and little to no relationship, I hardly took responsibility for anything that I had done. I laid all my relationship troubles on my birth mother. I call her my birth mother because I never grew up with her but I have met her from time to time. She gave me to my dad when I was seven years old because of another man. I blame my relationship trouble on her because she never had a solid relationship for me to learn from. She has been married four times and the longest have been a year and that was to my dad. Then a few months ago, something shocking happened to me: I was in a committed relationship for the first time in my life. I was so scared I would be just like her or I was going to ruin this wonderful guy’s life. One night, as I was trying to sleep, thinking about my life, I suddenly became filled with fear. I was convinced I would screw up my life —that all my fear of being like her was tarnishing my relationship life. Strangely, while panicking about my life becoming a doom, my mother came to mind. I sat there in the dark, surrounded by the soothing sounds and smells of my air freshener in my room, and I thought of how my mom must have blame her mother for the same reason I am blaming her. I knew at that moment that she never intended to hurt me. I realized that might have been as scared like I am when it comes to commitment just as I am. I knew that she had done the best she could to stay in those relationships, but it was not the right thing to do. I forgave my mother that night—for all the times she got divorced, embarrassed me, or hurt my father or made me feel like I can never have a relationship because I always think I would end up like her. I forgave her for not being around. I let go of the resentment I’d held toward her for so many years. I stopped blaming her. For some reasons maybe my reasons were not very noble. Maybe I was afraid my life would turn out to be just like hers or maybe I might never find that person to settle down with. Whatever the reason, for the first time, I saw my birth mom as a real person. A person with flaws and mistakes. I knew she did not jump from marriage to marriage to hurt me. She got divorced for four times because she was flawed and hurting. I knew that if I did not forgive her, I would never have the kind of relationship I wanted with my future husband. If I kept blaming her I would never start living my own life. My mom have not asked for my forgiveness; she’s never acknowledged that she’s done anything wrong. But I realized that in forgiving her, what I was really doing was taking responsibility for myself and my own actions for the first time in a long time. Forgiving my mom changed my life. I accepted her for who she was and that set me free. I realized that when we forgive someone it is not for them but for you. After I forgave her it was like a burden was taken off my shoulders. I felt this inner peace that I have never felt before. My relationship with my boyfriend is going good and I don’t think or say to myself that I am going to end up like my mother. My eyes are open now to my own failings. I am going to take responsibility for every mistake I make in my relationships and not blame someone for them. And I discovered that forgiving someone is both an innately spiritual act that brings us closer to a higher power, and a uniquely human act that connects people in a way that strengthens us all. Forgiveness is a powerful thing. This I believe. I Believe Essay Draft 1 09/12/12 Word Count 752 The Power of Forgiveness I believe in forgiveness. I never really understood the meaning of forgiveness. When people hurt me or treat me badly I always thought the best way to handle it is to hold it in. I never showed anger on the outside but just kept it all in. Instead, I let it boil inside of me. My kind act toward those who hurt me was a shield from my pain. Most of my kind act was at my mother. I blamed my birth mother for every relationship I have ever been in that I had to end because I feel I am going to hurt him or he is going to hurt me. Over the years, her actions and mishaps became the victim for my own actions. The fact that I have not yet become a divorcee like her was justification for being irresponsible, dishonest, and ungrateful. Throughout years of struggle, dysfunctional relationships, and little to no relationship, I hardly took responsibility for anything that I had done. I laid all my relationship troubles on my birth mother. I call her my birth mother because I never grew up with her but I have met her from time to time. I grew up with my loving stepmother and father. She gave me to my dad when I was seven years old because of another man. I blame my relationship trouble on her because she never had a solid relationship. She has been married four times and the longest have been a year and that was to with my dad. Then a few months ago, something shocking happened to me: I was in a committed relationship for the first time in my life. One night, as I was trying to sleep, thinking about my life, I suddenly became filled with fear. I was convinced I would screw up my life —that all my fear of being like my mother was tarnishing my relationship life. Strangely, while panicking about my life becoming a doom, my birth mother came to mind. I sat there in the dark, surrounded by the soothing sounds and smells of my air freshener in my room , and I thought of how my birth mom must have blame her mother for the same reason I am blaming her. I knew at that moment that she never intended to hurt me. I realized that might have been as scared like I am when it comes to commitment just as I am. I knew that she had done the best she could to stay in those relationships, but it was not the right thing to do. I forgave my mother that night—for all the times she got divorced, embarrassed me, or hurt my father or made me feel like I can never have a relationship because I always think I would end up like her. I forgave her for not being around. I let go of the resentment I’d held toward her for so many years. I stopped blaming her. For some reasons maybe my reasons were not very noble. Maybe I was afraid my life would turn out to be just like hers or maybe I might never find that person blame. But whatever the reason, for the first time, I saw my birth mom as a real person. A person with flaws and mistakes. I knew she didn’t jump from marriage to marriage to hurt me. She got divorce for four times because she was flawed and hurting. I knew that if I didn’t forgive her, I would never have the kind of relationship I wanted with my future husband. If I kept blaming her I would never start living my own life. My mom hadn’t asked for my forgiveness; she’s never acknowledged that she’s done anything wrong. But I realized that in forgiving her, what I was really doing was taking responsibility for myself and my own actions for the first time in a long time. Forgiving my mom changed my life. I accepted her for who she was and that set me free. I realized that when we forgive someone it is not for them but for you. My relationship with my boyfriend is going good and I don’t think or say to myself that I am going to end up like my birth mother. My eyes are open now to my own failings. And I discovered that forgiving someone is both an innately spiritual act that brings us closer to a higher power, and a uniquely human act that connects people in a way that strengthens us all. Forgiveness is a powerful thing. This I believe. 09/14/12 Process Memo At first I didn’t know what I was going to write about so I wrote down some things that I believe in. some examples like family, forgiveness and friendship. I listen to some of the essays on thisibelieve. om and it gave me an idea of what to write. I made a list of who took me so long to forgive them then I chose one and then I chose one. I wrote down things they did that made me not to forgive them. I also wrote down the process it took me to forgive them. I then developed and created my essay. The workshop in class helped a lot from reading other people’s essay it gave me a better idea of how to arrange my paper. My group members gave me nice idea on how to develop and make it more interesting and correct my mistakes. The workshop helped a lot.

A Book Review on “The Wisdom of Confucius”

† When you see a good man, try to emulate his example, and when you see a bad man, search yourself for his faults. † That quote is one of the many morals stated by the ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius, which we still live by today. The Wisdom of Confucius, edited and translated by Lin Yutang, takes the best things said and said about Confucius and put them into one three hundred page book. It follows his life, from his lowly birth in the small town of Tsou, to his death as one of the world†s greatest philosophers. The book also shows his ideas and beliefs on such subjects as education, politics, and music, subjects still evident in modern day society. The book is mainly comprised of sections and chapters taken from ancient Chinese literature and translated into English by Yutang. He has also added his own commentary and a very lengthy introduction. Some of the books that Yutang used were: The Analects, written by one of Confucius† disciples Mencius, Spring and Autumn, written by Confucius himself, and The Book of Songs, which includes over three hundred Chinese songs and anthems edited by Confucius. Confucius was born in the small town of Tsou, Lu in 551 BC. His real name was Ch†iu K†ung. Ch†iu literally meant â€Å"hill†, and he was named this because he was born with a large bump on his head. The name Confucius means â€Å"K†ung the master. † When he was a young boy, Confucius† father and mother died and were buried together at Fangshan, a town in eastern Lu. While he was still grieving a corrupt official told Confucius that the baron of his city was giving a banquet for all of the scholars and he as not invited. This upset Confucius greatly so he left Lu. On his deathbed , the baron of Lu, Li Meng, told his son, Yi Meng, that Confucius was the descendant of a great nobleman. He also told him that Confucius would grow up to be a great philosopher, and Confucius returned to his home country of Lu, and more and more disciples came to study under him. He never stayed in the same spot for a long time. He would travel from place to place in China for long periods of time. The books calls these times as â€Å"periods of wanderings. It was during these periods of wanderings that the books were written that recorded his sayings and teachings to his disciples. These books are what has made him one of the most famous philosophers. The book does not go into any detail about where he went or what he was doing during the periods of wanderings. It only talks about what was going on in China at that period of time. The rest of the book has Confucius opinions and sayings on certain subjects. It is mostly â€Å"Confucius said this, and Confucius said that. There were a lot of interesting uotes in this part of the book, but it was extremely hard to read without falling asleep. On the subject of education, Confucius said â€Å"Forever occupy your thoughts with education. † He is telling the reader that you should always think about learning something new. You should be open to learning something from anyone you meet, no matter how old or smart you think you are. He also said â€Å"Teaching is half learning. † This means that the person who is teaching is also learning from their students. When asked the question â€Å"What do you think of repaying evil with kindness? Confucius replied â€Å"Then what are you going to repay kindness with? Repay kindness with kindness, but repay evil with justice. † Confucius† main teaching subject was gentlemen like conduct. He believed the best way to live you life was being kind . I thought this book was very hard to read. The beginning was alright when it was talking about his life, but when it got to his quotes it got tiring to read the same thing over and over. It would be a good book to read if you wanted to find a quote to make yourself sound cool in conversation or to do a report on philosophy.

Colgate Pricing Strategy

In a highly competitive oral care market, Colgate holds its’ own, and maintains a category leadership position. The company's strategies to category growth are accomplished by long-term, joint planning with retailers; understanding consumers and how they shop; and employing integrated marketing to demonstrate the benefits of new products. The company has long been on the voyage to establish the best brush possible, and in doing so, has developed a number of impeccable products along the way. The introduction of the Wisp portable mini-brush, which was voted 2010 Product of the Year and marketed through online video and social media, increased Colgate's market share of the U. S. manual toothbrushes to a record 32. 2% last year. In the toothpaste segment, Colgate took the leadership position with 36. 2%. Earlier this year, Colgate introduced Wisp Plus Whitening with over 15 million impressions in the second quarter. Articles in Fitness and InStyle magazines and mentions on â€Å"The View† television program and numerous blogs further promoted awareness of the product, as did sampling at colleges and conducting a Facebook fan drive. In keeping up with consumer trends, Colgate began to focus on features, comfort and professional recommendations. Consumers first purchased toothbrushes without much knowledge or information concerning the product’s benefits. As new product development increased, and consumers became better informed about the benefits of toothbrushes, they began to focus their interest not only on cavity prevention, but also on the health of their gums, their oral hygiene, and their cosmetic appearance. Because consumer interest and toothbrush purchases began to increase, advertising and promotion also began to increase, which lead to the development and addition of the super-premium product class (McCarthy, 2002). Consumers began to purchase toothbrushes based on the specific benefits each toothbrush and company had to offer. One study identified 46% of adults as being therapeutic brushers – that is, brushers acting primarily to avoid cavaties and other problems with oral care (Pauszek, 2009). In reaction, Colgate developed the new Prescision toothbrush. CP tracked consumers brushing movements and how they affected plaque removal, thereby developing a brush with a varation of bristle lengths to thoroughly clean hard to reach areas (Younger, 2002). Production began in 1989 when the company put together a research team whose purpose was aimed at testing the design of the toothbrush, how the company would market the product, and how the company would gain a competitive advantage over others. Colgate-Palmolive’s mission was to â€Å"develop a superior, technical, plaque-removing device† (Laidler, 2003). The research team tested and experimented with the toothbrush for eighteen months by the usage of â€Å"dental professional focus groups and product usage tests. † This led to the introduction stage of the product life cycle, with the â€Å"launching† of the Precision toothbrush to the oral health care market in 1993 (Laidler, 2003). Colgate-Palmolive considered many different names, which included, â€Å"Colgate System III, Colgate Advantage, Colgate 1. 2. 3, Colgate Contour, Colgate Sensation, and Colgate Probe† (Laidler, 2003). Colgate-Palmolive decided upon the name Precision, because they did not want a name that could lead customers to associate the new toothbrush with their already existing toothbrush, Colgate Plus. The price budget for promotion was set at 14. 4 million dollars. The company’s promotion plan was to â€Å"induce trial† (Laidler, 2003). Colgate Palmolive planned to promote the Precision toothbrush by offering a free five-ounce tube of toothpaste or a fifty percent off coupon that could be put towards any other size of toothpaste to every consumer who purchased a Precision toothbrush, and by offering $. 0 off coupons (Younger, 2002). The position of the Precision toothbrush could be niche or mainstream (Colgate Palmolive, 2009). The focus of niche positioning would be placed on consumers who are concerned about the prevention of gum diseases. There would be many positive benefits to the company if Colgate-Palmolive were to position the Precision toothbrush as a niche product. These benefits would include one, by targeting the segment of consumers who are worried about gum disease; Colgate-Palmolive would be able to charge premium prices (Colgate Palmolive, 2009). Two, Colgate-Palmolive would be able to differentiate the Precision toothbrush from other toothbrushes, because of Precision’s technological superiority over the other toothbrushes already on the market. In contrast, mainstream positioning would place emphasis on the Precision toothbrush as being the most appealing and effective toothbrush available on the market. The advantages of using mainstream positioning for the Precision toothbrush would be that most retail stores are under a mainstream position rather than a niche position. In addition, in the super-premium category, the Precision toothbrush would be the most superior product (Younger, 2002). By positioning the toothbrush as a mainstream product, it would in return increase name recognition for Colgate. Negative advantages of using mainstream positioning for the Precision toothbrush are that although the toothbrush would be superior to the other super-premium toothbrushes, the prices for the Precision and other brushes would be equal. Equal prices would then lead to increased competition, which in return could cause prices to go up. A second disadvantage could also lead to the cannibalization of Colgate-Palmolive’s other super-premium toothbrush, the Colgate Plus. By producing a superior toothbrush, that offers more qualities than the other toothbrushes available on the market, at or around the same price as the competition, consumers will hopefully want to purchase the Precision toothbrush over the others. There will be more qualities offered at no extra charge. The price of the toothbrush if positioned as a mainstream product will have to be equal to the prices of the other toothbrushes already available on the market. If the Precision toothbrush is profitable and there is a high percentage of consumer demand, then Colgate-Palmolive might want to consider increasing the price of the toothbrush by a small margin. The price of a product says something about the quality. Even though the quality of the Precision toothbrush will be significantly higher than other leading toothbrushes, the price of the toothbrush will be determined by the prices of the other toothbrushes already in the market (McCarthy, 2002). This pricing strategy is a result of positioning the toothbrush as a mainstream product rather than a niche product.