Essay on Mgt 520 Final Exam Study - 1408 Words

MGMT520 Final Exam Study Guide Finals open on Saturday April 20 at 12:01 a.m. MT (Saturday morning) Finals close on Thursday April 25 at 11:59 p.m. MT (Thursday night) PLEASE DON’T WAIT TILL THE LAST MINUTE – THE SYSTEM IS BUSY AND MAY SLOW DOWN AND ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. YOU MAY WANT TO PRINT THIS GUIDE. 1. The final exam is open book, open notes. The maximum time you can spend in the exam is 3 hours, 30 minutes. If you have not clicked the Submit For Grade button by then, you will be automatically exited from the exam. In the final exam environment, the Windows clipboard is disabled, and so you will not be able to copy exam questions or answers to or from other applications. There are three pages to your final, and each page†¦show more content†¦Even cite paraphrased information. Quoted or paraphrased material should not dominate a student’s work; use it sparingly to support your own thoughts, ideas, and examples. Failure to properly cite material can jeopardize a passing grade on the exam. Your work may be submitted to turnitin.com, an online plagiarism checking service. * If you reference your text, it’s OK to just say Jennings, p__. 8. Some of the key study areas are as follows: (while these are key areas remember that the exam is comprehensive for all the assigned course content and this study guide may not be all inclusive. * TCO A: Given an organizational requirement to conform business practices to both the law and best ethical practices, apply appropriate ethical theories to shape a business decision. * Schools of thought * Ethical models – you will need to apply them to a factual situation much as you did in your midterm * TCO B: Given instances of federal regulation of business and commercial practices, determine the constitutional and regulatory bases for such regulation, and formulate a strategy by which an impacted business can influence or contest regulating outcomes. * APA * process of regulation promulgation * Legal challenges to regulations (recall our Week 2 assignment, especially #5) * TCO C: Given an example of corporate liability arising from the sale of defective and dangerous

The Effects Of Educational Reform On High School Programs

Educational reform is a subject frequently being evaluated, and it is currently needed more than ever. Due to high school programs such as No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top, teaching has been emphasized through a series of tests. The problem with this, is that â€Å"a teacher can prep students for a standardized test, get a bump in scores, and yet not be providing a very good education† (Rose 21). Meaning, instructors may be knowledgeable on how to raise test scores, but their students can remain uneducated; There is not a direct relationship between the two. Furthermore, this way of education highly impedes non-cognitive skills, such as critical thinking, which are now needed for the current job market. In fact, a jump of twice as many†¦show more content†¦Because a great amount of college education is being wasted, the United States is now facing a delay in intellectual and economic growth. Educational reform is needed to cultivate oncoming students, but inst ead off focusing on past mistakes, what the future holds additionally needs to be addressed. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) jobs are what is needed for the future, and these jobs require critical thinking. Therefore, a child’s education needs to stop being compressed into purely cognitive skills and personalized to properly develop a talented individual. In order to better educate students for the 21st century, students must be allowed room for creative growth and be able to take control of their own learning. All students should leave the classroom and participate in STEM- based apprenticeships or internships. In order to fix the deeply flawed school system, standardized testing needs to face an extreme reduction. These tests have become an obstacle course, rather than a solution to better educate students. Dramatically cutting these exams will also then free up a lot of time; the months typically utilized for preparing for these tests can be nearly elimi nated and used as time available for opportunities outside of the classroom. The second step is to offer more electives relevant to the 21st century job market, such as computer programming, robotics, and video game design. These courses are STEM related and will teach students how

Taking Responsibility free essay sample

When people take a look at the world around them, they see that people often are blaming others for their poor lack of judgement. Whether they are blaming their parents, friends, or a complete stranger, they should instead take the blame themselves to learn from the situation. In A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, the readers learn that it is easiest to take responsibility for their actions rather than blaming others. The main character, James, learns that it is easiest for him to take the blame for his actions rather than blaming others because doing so allows him for the most efficient recovery and life after rehab. While James is struggling to recover in rehab, he learns that blaming himself is the best throughout his past, present, and recovery experiences such as his neglected childhood, refusing to go to Alcoholics Anonymous, and finally being fully recovered from a harmful lifestyle. Throughout James’ life, he has always struggled with his anger issues that are commonly referred to as ‘The Fury’. During his last few weeks at the rehabilitation center, James learns that this is from his neglected childhood. At the beginning of the novel, readers learn that when James’ Fury takes over, he cannot control his actions or thoughts, the Fury completely takes over. â€Å"I turn and I walk back to my Room and it’s empty and I begin pacing and my body shakes and I try to control myself. half of me wants to go back to the Hall and fight whoever is there and either destroy or be destroyed, half of me wants to hide. † (Frey 50). This quote is significant to the theme because it is one of the first times readers realize how bad James’ anger issues are and how difficult it is for him to control himself. Towards the end of the novel, James has a family session with his family. When he has this confrontation with his parents, he figures out where his anger issues started. â€Å"He had ear problems. † (Frey 304). Since the first memories that James had as a child were of anger and pain, it has emotionally scarred him for the rest of his life and has also caused him to have immense anger issues that he has to learn how to control. These anger issues has made James realize that he cannot always blame others for uncontrollable events. â€Å"How do I get better? I take responsibility for myself and learn to deal with myself and I learn to deal with myself and I learn to control the Fury. † (Frey 303). This quote is significant to the theme of the book because this the true moment that James realizes that he is the only one who can fix his problems. James finding out that his past was the reason that he had issues with The Fury was helpful with his theory of blaming yourself instead of others. Since he decided to not blame his parents who were the main cause and instead just took the responsibility for learning how to control himself and The Fury. While his neglected childhood has made him learn how to take the responsibility and blame for his anger, his refusal of Alcoholics Anonymous taught him how to blame himself for his actions to allow him to have a better life. During James’ stay at the drug and rehabilitation center, the readers see him struggling with the issue of self-blame. While James wants to blame himself and only himself, but he is commonly advised to follow Twelve Steps. Twelve Steps is a set of guiding principles based on spiritual beliefs that outline a course of action for curing addictions or alcoholism. One of the common programs associated with Twelve steps is AA and it is highly recommended that all of the patients attend these meetings. â€Å"If what the Doctor says at the beginning is true, and joining AA is the only way to cure me, then I’m completely fucked. Fucked fucked fucked. † (Frey 78). This quote explains the way that James feels towards going to the AA meetings, he feels as if he should not be required to go since he does not believe that it will help his recovery process. James believes that AA meetings will help his recovery process because it is just replacing one addiction with another and he wants to live an addiction free life. â€Å"Too much whining, too much complaining, too much blaming. Too much bullshit about Higher Powers. There is no Higher Power or any God who is responsible for what I do and for what I have done and for who I am. There is no Higher Power of any God who will cure me. There is no Meeting where any amount of whining, complaining and blaming is going to make me feel any better† (Frey 76). This quote shows that James also thinks that AA meetings are for people who can’t accept the responsibility for what they did to themselves and want to blame it on a high power to be guilt-free. When James says â€Å"There is no Higher Power of any God who is responsible for what i do and what I have done†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Frey 76), he is saying that he does not believe in blaming somebody else for what he has done, instead, he can only blame himself for what he has done. While James’ past and present situations taught him that it is better to blame yourself rather than blaming them on others, such as a higher power, his future and his recovery teaches him and the readers of A Million Little Pieces that taking responsibility pays off in the long run. James truly learns the benefits of taking the blame for what he has created of himself when he is finally able to face himself and is completely recovered from being an addict of twelve years. â€Å"As I stand in front of the mirror with the razor, I look at my body. I am getting bigger. I am acquiring flesh. The veins on my arms are still blue, but they are a lighter blue. The bones of my cheek and the line of my jaw are less defined, the bruises the covered me are gone. There is a thin layer of fat over all of me and I am starting to get a belly I am becoming more like a human being. † (Frey 220). Not long after James realizes that he is the one who has to take the blame, he starts to notice the positive changes in his body. By taking responsibility for his actions, he is able to start the recovery process and become a healthier person. Towards the end of the novel, James is released from rehab and he has made the decision to test himself by going to a local bar and ordering a drink to see if he has control over himself or his Fury. â€Å"The Fury is screaming. Screaming like it has never screamed before. Its scream is stronger and more powerful, full of rage and need, of hostility and hunger. It is screaming for me to pick up the glass. Pick up the fucking glass. I have a decision to make. It is a simple decision. It has nothing to do with God or Twelve of anything other than twelve beats of my heart. Yes or no. It’s a simple decision. Yes or no. † (Frey 429) When James tests himself and his Fury, there is no way to tell if he will be able to control his Fury or not. Shortly after getting the drink, he tells the bartender to throw the drink down the drain. This decision is very important because James said â€Å" it has nothing to do with God or Twelve† (Frey 429), with that said, he is telling the readers that the reason why he is able to control his Fury and his desire to drink everything in sight is because he stepped up and took the blame his actions. Throughout James’ past, present, and recovery experiences, he was been able to recover completely and the only reason he was able to do this way by accepting the fact that he was the only one to blame for what he created of himself. It is the best decision to take the blame for your actions because it allows you to learn from your experiences. While James was unable to control what happened to him as a child, he decided not to blame his parents for what happened. Instead, he learned not to blame his parents for something that they could not control and to simply learn how to deal with his anger issues. This was James’ true first step to his recovery process and learning how to deal with his issues. James’ second step in his recovery process is when he learned that blaming others, specifically a God or Higher Power, wasn’t going to help him in any form. When James learns this, he discovers that he will have the best possible chances of recovery in his future. In his last step of recovery, James learns that what choices he made for himself, even though they went against what was highly recommended at the rehab facility, were the best possible decision for him. He learned that blaming himself would further his chances in life after rehab. This theme is important because everyone can learn from it. Whether they are young or old or anywhere in between, everyone can learn that by simply taking the blame for actions you have created that something positive will come from it.

Competitive Analysis Techniques for Environmental Factors

Question: Discuss about theCompetitive Analysis Techniques for Environmental Factors. Answer: Introduction An organization faces competition in an industry. To survive, it needs to come up with strategies that give it a competitive advantage. As a result, companies use analytical tools to know about their position, competitors' position, and industry. This essay explores the use of PESTLE, SWOT and Porter's Five. PESTLE PESTLE stands for political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors. Evidently, it is mainly used to analyze the external factors that influence an organization. According to Sammut?Bonnici (2015), this tool is used in making strategic decisions and planning. For example, knowing about economic factors can assist in setting prices. Additionally, PESTLE is used with SWOT analysis to get a comprehensive understanding of the organizations position (Mullerbeck 2015). In analyzing the company, first, the SWOT analysis identifies the factors affecting it and the PESTLE analysis provides a detailed discussion of these factors. PESTLE analysis is advantageous due to the following. Firstly, it creates a deeper understanding of the organization (PESTLE analysis n.d.). The understanding is acquired from evaluating its external environment. Secondly, PESTLE allows the organization to take advantage of new opportunities identified (PESTLE analysis n.d.). For example, from the analysis, the organization gains knowledge of opportunities in the external environment that it can use to increase production. Thirdly, the tool is easy to use and provides a simple outline (PESTLE analysis n.d.). PESTLE is used to analyze the factors mentioned earlier, which provides a simple framework for analyzing an organization. PESTLE analysis also has the following limitations. The first one is that it is based on the study of the external environment (PESTLE analysis n.d.). Therefore, the tool does not provide a complete analysis of the organization, which may make it difficult to make decisions. The second limitation is that it can lead to accumulation of too much data. The article Advantages and disadvantages of PESTLE Analysis" (n.d.) states that the excess data may make it difficult to analyze the environment and draw conclusions. The last limitation is that the tool is simple and may not provide comprehensive results (PESTLE analysis n.d.). Therefore, the organization may require additional tools for analysis. SWOT SWOT is a tool used to analyze a firm's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. According to Sammut?Bonnici and Galea (2015b), the use of SWOT analysis aids in identifying the competitive advantage of the firm. This objective is achieved through the analysis of internal factors because the firm identifies areas to improve to gain a competitive advantage. The tool also analyzes the external environment through opportunities and threats (Sammut?Bonnici Galea 2015b). The organization can use the information acquired to create a competitive advantage. Overall, the tool is used to analyze the internal and external environment to gain a competitive advantage. SWOT analysis has several advantages. The first benefit is the ability of the tool to be used on a specific objective of the company (SWOT analysis 2013). For example, a SWOT analysis of an existing products market can be conducted. For the second one, the SWOT analysis provides a guide that can be used by the organization (SWOT analysis 2013). SWOT analysis indicates areas of weakness, which a company can apply as a guide when improving performance. The last benefit is the use of SWOT to acquire a deeper understanding of the company (Harrison 2010). Evidently, SWOT is a tool that can be used to learn more about a company. SWOT analysis also has the following limitations. The first one is the difficulty in acquiring information about a companys internal environment (SWOT analysis 2013). The difficulty is witnessed as a result of the companys tendency to hide information especially if it reveals weaknesses. The second one is the subjective nature of the results, which may make them inaccurate (SWOT analysis 2013). The identification of strengths and weaknesses may be wrong if the researcher was biased. The last limitation involves the inability of the tool to provide a comprehensive analysis (Harrison 2010). The analysis may require other tools to explain the competitive advantage of a company wholly. 5F Porter's five forces technique entails the analysis of an industry. The use of this tool allows an organization to know the level of competition in its industry. First, the analysis of the competitive rivalry allows companies to know whether an industry is attractive (National Agency for Innovation, n.d.). Second, the threat of new entries enables businesses to know about barriers that limit competition by restricting entrance into the industry. Third, the threat of substitutes provides information about substitute products available in the market. Fourth, bargaining power of suppliers indicates the influence of suppliers (Mathooko, Ogutu 2015). Having many suppliers reduces their influence while fewer suppliers increase it. Fifth, bargaining power of customers reveals the impact of customers in the industry (Mathooko, Ogutu 2015). Having many consumers makes their bargaining power great meaning their influence is high while fewer consumers have low influence. Porters five has various advantages. The first one is that the company is provided with a way of knowing its position in the industry (Porter's five forces 2012). This knowledge assists in making decisions related to its competitive advantage. The second one is that the tool is simple and provides a comprehensive report (Porter's five forces 2012). It is not complicated to derive results from the framework provided. Porters five also has the following disadvantages. The first one is the availability of factors that change rapidly such as technology. The use of these factors makes the analysis to provide results that are short term because it cannot address the rapid changes (Beattie 2018). The second weakness is the use of this technique for the analysis of one organization. Beattie (2018), states that the tool was intended for the analysis of an industry thus misusing it may provide wrong results. Conclusion The analytical tools explored assist in making decisions concerning competition. Evidently, these tools are mainly used together to provide a comprehensive outlook because they are used for different types of environments. Overall, these techniques are vital to the survival of a business. Reference List Advantages and disadvantages of PESTLE Analysis n.d.Latest Quality. Available from: https://www.latestquality.com/advantages-disadvantages-pestle-analysis/ [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]. Beattie, A 2018.The pitfalls of porter's 5 forces. Investopedia. Available from: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/103116/pitfalls-porters-5-forces.asp [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]. Harrison, JP, 2010. Strategic planning and SWOT analysis.Essentials of strategic planning in healthcare,1(12), pp.91-108. Mathooko, FM and Ogutu, M, 2015. Porters five competitive forces framework and other factors that influence the choice of response strategies adopted by public universities in Kenya. International Journal of Educational Management,vol.29, no.3, pp.334-354. Mullerbeck, E 2015. SWOT and PESTEL understanding your external and internal context for better planning and decision-making.UNICEF Tools. National Agency for Innovation and Research n.d.Porter's Five Analysis. Available from: https://www.innovation.public.lu/en/innover/gestion-innovation/marketing/5forcesporter-en.pdf [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]. Porter's five forces a competitor analysis tool 2012. RapidBI. Available from: https://rapidbi.com/porterfiveforces/ [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]. Sammut?Bonnici, T and Galea, D 2015(a). PEST Analysis.Wiley Encyclopedia of Management. Sammut?Bonnici, T. and Galea, D 2015 (b). SWOT Analysis.Wiley Encyclopedia of Management. SWOT Analysis 2013. Free Management e-books. Available from: https://www.free-management-ebooks.com/dldebk-pdf/fme-swot-analysis.pdf [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018].

Business online security

Introduction The original makers of the internet did not intend it to be a place where business transactions would take place. However, many businesses have turned to the internet as a means of conducting financial transactions and advertising given its ease of access. With money changing hands so easily over the internet, thieves are constantly coming up with ways of stealing crucial information like credit card numbers and other personal information. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Business online security specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, the big question remains; is the internet safe for any business transaction? It could be, but the involved parties must take all the necessary precautions to prevent internet fraud on its part as well as their customer’s. Risks Involved There are numerous risks for business especially small ones that choose to transact online. One such risk is identity thef t, this is the crime involved when a person steals another’s personal identification information be it their credit card number, social security number or their ATM PIN (Miller, 2008, p.3). The stolen information can then be used against the victim as a means of blackmail, for industrial espionage or even to gain access to his or her financial accounts. Tactics used in executing identity theft are important to understand as they form the basis of creating adequate security while online. They include phishing where one is mislead by genuine looking sites to give away personal information, Spyware which are small program hidden and running in the computer that gives away one’s information and even hacking where the criminal hacks into your system and steals your information (Baskin Piltzecker, 2006, p.80). The others are email interception and wi-fi data sniffing especially in public hotspots. The other risk is tampering where the victim has his data compromised throu gh various means such as viruses, worms, Trojans or even directly. This can be used by a competitor to destroy the reputation of the victim or simply gain advantage over him or her in business. In light of these risks, it is important to take necessary precautions to prevent internet fraud. Solutions There are several precautions one can take to safeguard themselves against online attacks. For a business considering going online the first thing should be to understand their security concerns then come up with a security plan (Reuvid, 2005, p. 4). The next thing should be to ensure the computers are well protected using regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Advertising Looking for essay on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, having a firewall is essential in blocking most of the hackers and unwanted sites. Even though these might be expensive to implement a small to medium business cannot afford the loss that they prevent. Another precaution that cannot be overemphasized is the use of passwords, these should be long (about eight characters) and consist of numbers, lower and uppercase letters and special characters (Sinclair, 2007, p.264). Dictionary words are insecure as programs exist to reveal such passwords. Finally, when browsing the internet: Do not follow links given in emails even if they seem genuine and do not download files and applications from suspicious websites. A security plan that takes all these precautions into considerations should be adhered to strictly. Conclusion Online threats to businesses are a reality but also is the technology that has been developed to counter it. I think that since all businesses involve risks then there is no point being deterred from going online just because of the threats involved. Businesses need to develop a plausible security for the success of online transactions with limited risks. Reference List Baskin, B., Piltzec ker, T. (2006). Combating Spyware in the Enterprise. Rockland: Syngress Publishers. Miller, M. (2008). Is It Safe?: Protecting Your Computer, Your Business, and Yourself Online. New York: Que Publishing. Reuvid, J. (2005). The Secure Online Business Handbook:. London: Kogan Page Publishers. Sinclair, J. T. (2007). EBay Business the Smart Way: Maximize your Profits on the Web’s #1 Auction Site. New York: AMACOM publishers.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Business online security specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay on Business online security was written and submitted by user Allen B. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Nike Marketing Strategy A Guide to Selling Benefits and Not Products

Nike Marketing Strategy A Guide to Selling Benefits and Not Products We all think we know the classic Nike marketing strategy. Just do it comes to mind pretty quickly, as do Air Jordan sneakers, famous athlete endorsements, and the swoosh logo. But is that really all there is to what Nike is doing? Or, is there something deeper behind their strategy and tactics? The Nike marketing strategy that most of us recognize isnt the one that made them famous, at least not in the early days. Discovering the Nike marketing strategy that put them on the map is where the gold is. Furthermore, just like any true content marketing strategy, it  isnt really much of a strategy at all. Like many similar success stories, it was as simple as providing real customer value.How To Follow Nike's Marketing Strategy Secrets For Success via @garrett_moonThe First Nike Marketing Strategy Bill Bowerman was a track and field coach, as well as one of the co-founders of Nike. In the mid-1970's, he began experimenting with his wife's waffle maker to design a better tread for running shoes. As the story goes, he ruined the waffle maker but invented a brand new type of shoe. Get Organized And Save Time With This Free Course! Work efficiently, stay organized, publish compelling content, and schedule everything for maximum growth. Sign up now for this comprehensive marketing course. At the end of the course, you'll have a well-thought-out marketing strategy of your own. Time's limited! Get Started Now For Free He later used that design to create the first Nike shoe commonly referred to as the "Nike Moon shoe." It was the first step of many that put Nike on the map, but there is more to the story than just a great tread- wear design and a waffle maker. There's also the story of Nike's incredible, if not accidental and seemingly counterintuitive, approach to promoting their product. Bowerman, you see, is also credited as the man who brought about the jogging craze that swept America in the late 1960's and 70's. While you would think that jogging wasn’t something that needed to be invented, it wasn’t all that popular as an exercise or activity at that time. Bill’s work and research truly brought jogging out of obscurity and to the forefront of the minds of the public. After observing a jogging club in New Zealand, Bill began to understand the value of jogging as a traditional fitness routine. Bill immediately began writing articles and books about jogging and how it could be used as part of a fitness program. His first three-page pamphlet was called the Jogger’s Manual and was later expanded into a 90-page book (see below) that he wrote along with an experienced cardiologist. Jogging, the accidental content marketing showpiece by Nike founder Bill Bowerman. Along with Bill's other involvements with professional athletes, his work helped inspire the 1970's running boom that Nike clearly benefitted from. Was this the result  of a strong  marketing strategy? Or was it just a coincidence? The answer is probably a mix of   both. It would be really great to point to Bowerman's story as a case-in-point example of content marketing at its finest, but it is difficult to do. The book was technically released before the first pair of shoes, and even before he invented the waffle tread. So, if it wasn't true content marketing, what was it and  how did it even work? 1. Put Customer Interests First Customers like great products  and they like serious benefits. For them, things that benefit them personally are easy to justify. The Nike Moon shoes did this, but only because the customer was beginning to understand jogging and its benefits for their health. Bill's secret goal wasn't to sell shoes, he was simply promoting something that he believed in. This may not sound like marketing strategy, but it certainly should. 2. Base Your Strategy On A Felt Need Initially for Nike's audience, the felt need wasn't for better running shoes, but for a better way to get in shape. Certainly, running was already popular among kids and athletes in the 1970's, but it wasn't the widespread social activity that we see it as today. The growing white-collar workforce helped pave the way for social activities that included the promotion of cardiovascular health. Once the trend was ingrained, the need shifted and the "jogging shoes" themselves became the felt need. Want to increase product demand? Identify your audience's felt needs first. #marketing3. Believe In the Product You Are Selling It's unlikely that Bowerman's original goal was to become a millionaire as he penned the pages of his first jogging pamphlet. That wasn't why he did what he did. His only goal was to promote a sport and an idea that he believed in. As marketers, shouldn't we believe in the product and the ideas we are selling? For Bowerman, it sure made marketing a lot easier. He was "marketing" without even realizing what he was up to. 4. Sell Easily Identifiable Benefits Instead Of The Product While jogging is pretty easy to understand, the waffle tread isn't (at least not until you understand why Bowerman made it in the first place). His goal was to make the world's most light–weight running shoe. He believed that this factor alone could dramatically improve the speed of a distance runner. His product worked  and quickly gained the industry respect that it deserved. How Nike’s Marketing Strategy Evolved As the marketing landscape has changed since the 70s, so has the Nike marketing strategy. In fact, it’s remarkable how well the brand has adapted its approach to new trends and technologies without losing the core of their identity or brand voice. It’s key to understand that while their general aesthetic and tactics have changed with the times, their customer–centric messaging has remained consistent. 1. Embrace New Technologies While Nike's early marketing strategy centered on print publications, they later went on to dominate other mediums, like television in the 80s and 90s, through modern social media platforms today. 2. Adapt  To The Needs Of Your Audience Nike hasn’t historically adopted new communication platforms for their marketing just because they’re chasing new, flashy objects. Far from it. Rather, they’ve been quick to conquer new mediums because they’re where their customers are. For example, take a look at their Instagram profile. They know their core demographic includes heavy Instagram users and so it makes sense for their brand to maintain a presence there. However, they also make sure that everything they post provides value. Rather than interrupting the flow of their follower’s feeds with flagrant sales pitches, they share motivational messaging. View this post on Instagram 04:40:08. â  â‚¬Ã¢  â‚¬Ã¢  â‚¬ â  â‚¬ 280 minutes. Thats the amount of time it took @nani183 to not only prove that she was a runner, but to prove that she was a marathon runner. â  â‚¬Ã¢  â‚¬Ã¢  â‚¬ â  â‚¬ Hours after the winner had crossed the finish line, the first timer found victory in defeat. It didnt matter how daunting the distance was. She didnt care if she finished 4th or 4,000th forward. She just wanted to finish. â  â‚¬Ã¢  â‚¬Ã¢  â‚¬ â  â‚¬ Hanin told us, To be successful, you mustnt give up. Only giving up is failure. #NRC A post shared by nike (@nike) on Oct 6, 2015 at 11:01am PDT Other posts, like this one, subtly tie into the brand’s history while directing users to interest–specific Nike sub-accounts on Instagram. In this case, they could have simply said something to the effect of, â€Å"Check out our women’s footwear and apparel profile, and our general  running product profile." Instead, they went the extra mile and created something memorable and entertaining while staying relevant to what their audience wants to see. View this post on Instagram How to run your Fastest Mile: Step 1: Wake up hungry. Step 2: @nikewomen Step 3: @nikerunning Stay up to speed at nike.com/findyourfast. A post shared by nike (@nike) on Aug 30, 2015 at 2:07am PDT 3. Stay True To Your Sense Of Purpose They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. For Nike, that has certainly remained true. Throughout their current content marketing initiatives, Nike makes sure their brand message hasn’t gotten lost over time or across channels. They focus their emphasis on creating content that promotes the benefits of their products, rather than the features. Helping their customers be better at what they love to do is still the focus of their branding and message. By moving their content marketing to the platforms where their customers are it shows that they are keeping their audience’s needs in mind while staying true to themselves. Nike's marketing strategy has succeeded in sustaining a global brand while many of their competitors have come and gone from the spotlight. Go where your audience is. Help solve their problems. Stay true to your brand. #contentmarketingHow To Apply The Nike Marketing Strategy To Your Own Brand The history of Nike’s marketing strategy is interesting in itself. What you probably want to know at this point is how to apply these lessons to your own work. 1. Figure Out The Needs Of Your Audience Your audience is on the Internet because they’re looking for answers to questions. One way to position your brand or blog as an authority on your topic or market is to create compelling content that addresses those concerns. Doing this well means understanding exactly what your audience’s goals are and what they want to know, and then being there to answer and give solutions when they need them. Do this well enough, and you might even turn readers into passionate brand advocates. In Nike’s case, people were looking for new ways to stay in shape. As jogging became more popular, people needed jogging shoes. Nike then smartly positioned themselves not just as a company that made shoes, but a company that helped their customers achieve their fitness goals (and just happened to make shoes that supported that goal). If you’re unsure what your audience is really looking for, try putting yourself in their shoes for a moment (no pun intended) and think beyond the scope of your product or service. Instead of thinking about your product’s features or competitive advantages, think about what goal your customer is trying to achieve. Then, be there with the information, products, and services they need to make it happen. What goal is your customer trying to achieve? Now make content, gather information, and create products that will help your customers achieve their goals. This means you need to do your research first: Recommended Reading: How To Do Content Marketing Research For A Blog Post 6 Simple Tips For Using Online Research In Your Content Marketing 2. Figure Out The Best Way To Reach Your Audience In terms of your blog and overall digital marketing efforts, this means that you need to figure out where your audience hangs out on the Web and how you can best reach them there. Which social networks are they most active on? Should you pay to promote your content on those networks? Does an email newsletter make sense for your customers? Could print collateral be something they’re interested in? These are big questions to answer, but the key point to remember is that its important to go where your audience is. Before considering any content distribution tactic, think about your customer’s habits, what types of content they prefer, and where they prefer to find it. Make sure you're thorough in your approach  when it comes to doing everything you can to spread your content. After all, if you're  going to try to market like Nike, then you can't afford to settle for the status quo. Recommended Reading: The 6 Types Of Social Media Content That Will Give You The Greatest Value What 10 Studies Say About The Best Times To Post On Social Media How To Make Writing For Social Media Work For Your Business 3. Create Compelling Content That Addresses Audience Needs Whether it’s on your blog, social media channels, video platforms, or print collateral, every piece of content you create should address customer needs. Not only that, but you need to be creating the best content on your topic anywhere on the Web. If you’re not answering questions, solving problems, being entertaining, or otherwise helping your audience be better at doing what they love, then it’s time to rethink your approach. If you’re unsure of what your customer’s real needs are, consider everything from simple keyword research to surveys to get a better idea of what kind of content you can create that they’ll find valuable. You'll also want to consider what content creation budget and resources you have available. Key Takeaways About Nike’s Marketing Strategy To Grow Your Brand If this all seems like a lot of information to take in, that's because it is.  If there's just one thing you remember from this post, however, it's the idea of creating content that spreads, instead of content that just sells. The Benefits Of Not Selling Here's the cool thing: Bill didn't sell shoes; he didn't need to. Instead, he sold jogging and all of the benefits that came with it. This should make us pause as marketers. Instead of selling our products we should be selling the benefits that products like ours promote. Running shoes matter to people who jog, so selling them on jogging is always a good first step. The same goes for us here at . We are a content marketing and planning tool. The more people that use content to market their business, the more copies of our software we sell. We also gain the added benefit of understanding why our customers buy what we are selling in the first place. Even in the world of content marketing, there is a lot of selling. This is fine, but it misses the real point that Bowerman so aptly understood–spread ideas, not products. Spread ideas, not products. #contentmarketing #bloggingGood Content Marketing Doesn't Sell, It Spreads Content marketing is growing, and that usually brings fuzzy definitions that blur the lines between what something actually is and what it is becoming. It's often pegged as a process rather than a technique, but content marketing doesn't depend on a specific set of tools or a common workflow. It is about providing value and building trust with customers. Bowerman's book built trust and provided immense value–a trait that naturally carried over to his products. He didn't intend for the book to be used as content marketing, but because, with content, the lines between value and marketing are so blurry, marketing is exactly what he did. Strategy is great. Using keywords is smart. Blogging is the future. But providing customers value, no matter the medium, will never go out of style.

Britian is a georaphically disunited kingdom Essay

Britian is a georaphically disunited kingdom - Essay Example in 1801 when the Irish parliament was joined with the parliament for England, Wales and Scotland in London, and the whole of the British Isles became a single state. However, in 1922 the south of Ireland became the Irish Free State and in 1949 an independent republic.(Hamnett, p93) The people of United Kingdom are British and have British nationality. As a group they are usually referred to as the British, rather than as Britons, though this name is used in the media. Ancient Britons were the people who lived in Britain before Romans came. Only people who come from England can be called English. People from Ireland are Irish, People from Wales Welsh, and people from Scotland Scots or Scottish, and they do not like being called English. The term Brits is only used informally, often humorously. Many people from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have stronger feelings of Loyalty towards their own country than they do the United Kingdom. British people who have come originally from Asia, Africa or the West Indies may also feel two sets of Loyalties. (Pugh, pp57 – 60) Devolution involves the transfer of political power from a central government to a regional government. Scotland and Wales, mainly through their nationalist parties, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru, both fought to have power devolved from the parliament of the United Kingdom to their own political assemblies. Both parties had only a few MPs in the British parliament. (Bishop, p27) For many British people the ideal place to live is village set in attractive countryside. To those living in town villages conjure up images of peace, a slow pace of life, pretty cottages and a country pub. But living in a village may be inconvenient, especially for people without a car, as many village shops have been forced to close and public transport services are limited. Most people now live in towns, in city suburbs or in large villages, which have become dormitory communities. For nearby tows, some

An Examination of influence of Calligraphy in the Contemporary Graphic Essay

An Examination of influence of Calligraphy in the Contemporary Graphic of Eastern Culture(Korea, Japan and China) - Essay Example Eastern calligraphy has the same emotion with Korean traditional beauty possessing natural harmony and has an ordinary and tender character. Calligraphy of typography represents particular writing style using Chinese ink and brush that is showing on the current titles of film posters or stories as an influential impact. The effect of conveyable information with image instead of letter is getting greater. As individual expression that is different from mechanical printing type by development of printing is launched, that calligraphy that taking a serious view presentation and is developed. In recent, printing culture, the study for the special feeling, emotion and various ways of expression oriented from hand printed are needed for the coexistence between past and present. As it is most universal that is most nationality, think that is going to create only our peculiar culture that our colour can be better proudly defying in the world groping correct type and form in systematization. Recently, Calligraphy has been used in various parts in Eastern culture. This could be one of tendency that calligraphy naturally approaches to our life; it is used film poster or personal care goods. It may say that emotional consumers delight to use those products which have difference, freshness and novel with other film or products. In contemporary, citizens have been given huge affection by computer. Moreover, it has affected to the development of design as well as time and many of efficient side. However, calligraphy has started to spotlight in different way from consumers who accustomed with similar computer font and design. As calligraphy has huge possibility to be developed in design fields, concern for design has grown in Eastern culture. Therefore, it is analyzed and contextualized meaning of calligraphy and its history, and its expression in commercial contemporary graphic like film poster, CI/BI, package design etc. Chapter 2 Eastern calligraphy 2.1 Definition There is a definition of Calligraphy by Wang (2006, p.259) stated that Eastern calligraphy is considered to be one of the most beautiful and meaningful patterns in the world. Generally, it is defined as an art of beautiful, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering with pen or brush and ink. It engages the accurate construction of characters, the ordering of the range of parts, and

Charismatic Leadership Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Charismatic Leadership - Case Study Example The social conditions and patterns of the charismatic leadership were expected to be the reason for a strong bond between followers and the leaders. Dominating charismatic leaders are visionary and have strong convictions, sensitive to environmental resources and constraints, unconventional in behavior and self-confident. However, researchers have also argued that psychological attributes can also create charismatic leaders. The major assumptions regarding charismatic leadership are personal admirations among followers for the leaders and self-belief in the leader. Few of the basic characteristics of charismatic leaders are: A charismatic leader is creative and unconventional. While resolving issues and troubleshooting, charismatic leaders always look for solutions which are creative and unconventional. These methods are also used to attract others attention towards key issues (Jacobsen 75) They possess effective and influential interpersonal communication skills. They are always rea dy to demonstrate attention and respect towards self as well as others. Through self-sacrifice and personal risks, they are able to create loyalty and absolute trustworthiness. Theories of charismatic leadership Various theories have been established in order to explain the origin and evolution of charismatic leadership style. Few of the well known and popular theories are described below: Weberian Perspective Weber first coined the term â€Å"charisma† and described charismatic leaders as the one who bears the ability to implement drastic social changes. He identified that these kinds of leaders arise in periods of physical, economical, psychotic, religious, political or ethical distress. He also referred charismatic leaders as superhuman or supernatural with exceptional qualities and powers. According to this theory, the loyalty and passion of followers might have aroused out of hope, despair or enthusiasm. He also argued that the major difference between bureaucratic and c harismatic leadership is that charisma appeals to those with a revolutionary attitude. Rebel Leadership of Downton Downton (20-70) proposed the theory of charismatic leadership in context of political and rebel leaders. He argued that effect of charismatic leaders on followers is potent and influential because of their authority and transcendental ideals which facilitates the identification of followers with the leaders. This condition is characterized by psychological changes, solidification of trust and loyalty towards the leader. However, charismatic leadership is independent of other leadership styles such as inspirational. He had also concluded that the position of charismatic leaders can be maintained if they are able to establish security and provide a new cultural reinforcement or identity especially for those followers whose socialization or psychological dispositions are to obey orders. Psychological theory Psychological theory was first presented by House (189-207) in ord er to explain charismatic leadership behaviors. The overall psychological impact of this leadership style on the

Effect of Superstition on the Perception of Control

Effect of Superstition on the Perception of Control The Effect of Superstition on the Perception of Control over a Partially Uncontrollable Situation The effects of superstition on the an individuals behaviour has long been an area of interest in psychological research. Matute (1994, 1995) showed that an individuals response to uncontrollable circumstances is dictated by their level of superstition. Individuals with low levels of superstitious belief tend to show a decrease in cognitive capacity motivation, known as learned helplessness (Abramson, Seligman, Teasdale, 1978; Hiroto Seligman, 1975). Whilst individuals with high levels of superstitious belief, on the other hand, do not appear to develop this learned helpless, and it has been hypothesised superstitions provide an individual with an illusion of control (Matute 1994, 1995). Likewise, Dudley (1999) suggested that superstitious beliefs inhibit the learned helplessness effect by provided participants with an external locus of control. Conversely, it has been suggested that there may be other factors which inhibit the learned helplessness effect, such as attribution style (Abramson et at., 1978). Seligman (as cited in Rudski, 2004), conducted an experiment which showed that individual who formed particularly pessimistic attributions were susceptible to learned helplessness, in addition to depression. Furthermore, many studies which investigate superstitious belief the illusion of control do so by utilising judgements of contingency from the participant. Contingency judgements are useful as they help to explain how the illusion of control develops in participants (Yarritu, Matute, Vadillo, 2013). Blanco, Matute Vadillo (2011) showed that a participants contingency judgement is dependant on their level of action. It has been suggested, that the this combination with this level of action effect, and the high probability of a specific outcome, even when that outcome is uncontrollable, is what caused the participant to develop the illusion of control (Yarritu et at., 2013). This study aims to build on pre-existing research by investigating whether an individuals perception of control over a partially uncontrollable situation is impacted by their level of superstitious belief. To do this, participants were asked to perform a contingency judgement task, the results of which were then compared in relation to their level of superstition. It is hypothesised, firstly, that individuals with higher levels of superstition will report having higher levels of control in the active condition, when compared to individuals with low superstition and secondly, that this effect will be less apparent in the passive condition. Method Participants The participants were 996 undergraduate psychology students from the University of New South Wales (mean age = 19.8 years; 644 females: 352 males). They participated in this experiment as part of their week 5 tutorial class. Design This study took the form of a quasi-experiment, as it assessed the participants perception of control over a partially controllable situation, in relation to their level of superstition. As such, the independent variable, high or low superstition, was determined by the Superstitious Beliefs Questionnaires (SBQ). Participants were divided into the high superstition and low superstition groups based on a median split of the SBQ score. Based on the responses given, 492 participants (mean age = 19.7 years; 320 females: 172 males) were allocated to the high superstition group, whilst the remaining 504 participants (mean age = 19.9 years; 324 females: 180 males) formed the low superstition group. This experiment then tested two conditions, dubbed the active and the passive condition. The dependent variable, that is, the participants perception of control, was then measured, by self-report. Materials The experiment was carried out on standard computer terminals in one of the universitys computer labs. Inquisit software (Millisecond Software, Seattle) was used to present the experimental stimuli. In the active condition, participants were presented with a light bulb graphic button. Participants could choose whether or not to press the button, and the light bulb would either light up, or remain off as a result of their decision. As a result, there were four categories of trial: press with light, press without light, no-press with light and no-press without light. After 10 trials participants were asked to rate how much control they felt they had over the light bulb. In the passive condition, participants were only presented with a light bulb graphic, and informed that they would observe an imaginary friend, Bob, perform the task. As in the active condition, there were four categories of trial, and after 10 trials, participants were asked to rate the level of control they perceived Bob had over the light bulb. Participants completed the Superstitious Beliefs Questionnaire (SBQ), a demographic survey, and were asked if they were aware of the experiments design. The SBQ is a 26 item scale, designed to measure the level of superstitious belief in an individual. Each item of the SBQ can be scored from 0 up to 4, making a maximum score of 104 points possible. Participants who scored less than or equal to 46 on the SBQ were placed in the low superstition group, whilst those who scored above 46 were placed in the high superstition group. Procedure The participants were asked to complete a contingency judgement task, in two conditions. Each condition consisted of four sets of 10 trials. In the active condition, participants were instructed to choose between pressing or not pressing a button on the screen. This action or inaction then lead to a light bulb on the screen being illuminated. After 10 trials of this, participants were asked to rate how much control they had over the light bulb, using a sliding scale displayed on the screen. In the passive condition, participants were informed that they would observe an imaginary friend performing the task. The participants were able to observe the outcome (whether the light turned on or remained off) and were informed of the imaginary friend action (pressing or not pressing the button). Participants were again asked to rate how much control the imaginary friend had over the light bulb. References Abramson, L. Y., Seligman, M. E. P., Teasdale, J. D. (1978). Learned helplessness in humans: Critique and reformulation. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 87(1), 49–74. Blanco, F., Matute, H., Vadillo, M. A. (2011). Making the uncontrollable seem controllable: The role of action in the illusion of control. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 64(7), 1290–1304. Dudley, R. (1999). The effect of superstitious belief on performance following an unsolvable problem. Personality and Individual Differences, 26(6), 1057–1064 Hiroto, D. S., Seligman, M. E. P. (1975). Generality of learned helplessness in man. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 31(2), 311-327. Matute, H. (1994). Learned helplessness and superstitious behavior as opposite effects of uncontrollable reinforcement in humans. Learning and Motivation, 25(2), 216-232. Matute, H. (1995). Human reactions to uncontrollable outcomes: Further evidence for superstitions rather than helplessness. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 48B, 142–157. Rudski, J. (2004). The illusion of control, superstitious belief, and optimism. Current Psychology, 22(4), 306-315. Yarritu, I. Matute, H. Vadillo, M.A. (2013). Illusion of control: The role of personal involvement. Experimental Psychology, 61(1), 38–47.

A Tragic Situation Essay -- essays research papers

Tragedy is a description of an event that evokes a sympathetic feeling of emotion by the audience. The events involve people emotionally who were not involved in the situation physically. In the story of Antigone, Sophecles forces the audience to take pity on the poor girl’s situation. This story impacts the audience in such a way that the audience becomes emotionally enthralled in the plot of the story. All of Steiner’s, â€Å"Principle constants of conflict in the condition of man,† (360) were present in the tragic tale of Antigone. The conflicts confirm a tragic sense about the story. In a tragedy drama is experienced and the characters typically suffer extremely. Consequently, this can happen because of a tragic mistake. The first of the ageless conflicts of man is, â€Å"the confrontation of men and women† (360). This principle is applied in the conflict between Antigone and Creon. Antigone broke a law that her uncle, Creon, had created. As a result of this she was to be killed. Sympathy is felt for Antigone because she was punished for take a stand for what she believed to be the right thing. Unfortunately the risk she took was going against her uncle Creon, who so happened to have power over her. It was a tragic situation that Antigone was to be killed for such a ridiculous crime. Although Antigone should not have been punished for that law she had broken, she was willing to accept her death sentence. She said to Creon, â€Å"These laws- I was not about to break them, not out of fear of some man’s wounded pride, and face the retribution of the gods. Die I must, I’ve known it all my life- how could I keep from knowing? - Even without your death-sentence ringing in my ears. And if I am to die before my time I consider that a gain. Who on earth alive in the midst of so much grief as I, could fail to find this death a rich reward?† (374) Antigone was willing to risk her own life for the sake of her dead brother’s pride. Creon wants Antigone to know that he has control over her. She defied him and now he has no choice but to punish her. Otherwise it would mean a bruise on his reputation as a ruler. It would prove that he was of weak character, especially since a girl went against him. Creon said, â€Å"This girl was an old hand at insolence when she overrode the edicts we made public. But once she’d done it- the insolence, twice over- to glory in it, laughing, mocking us to... ...’s blood, feed their lust, their fury?- Feed their fury!- Law is law!- Let all go well.†(307) Clytemnestra killed her husband upon his return from the battle of Troy. She was so heartbroken that he had killed her daughter. The tragedy in this story is almost the same as that of Antigone. Death follows another death. Iphigenia was sacrificed by her father. He was killed for killing her and so was his mistress. Since Clytemnestra killed the two people she was sentenced to death. The tragedy is death. In the beginning of the story of Antigone the audience is forced to feel sorrow for Antigone. Towards the end they began to feel sympathy for Creon as well. His display of moral weakness was the cause of three unnecessary deaths. The story of Antigone and Clytemnestra were different because the Antigone was the innocent party in the story. Clytemnestra may appear innocent to the audience but to the people in the story she was a murderess. Tragedy plays a large role in these two plays. An emotion of sorrow is felt by the audience. The characters of the plays go through terrible situations. Tragedy makes the stories more appealing to the audience because they become emotionally involved. A Tragic Situation Essay -- essays research papers Tragedy is a description of an event that evokes a sympathetic feeling of emotion by the audience. The events involve people emotionally who were not involved in the situation physically. In the story of Antigone, Sophecles forces the audience to take pity on the poor girl’s situation. This story impacts the audience in such a way that the audience becomes emotionally enthralled in the plot of the story. All of Steiner’s, â€Å"Principle constants of conflict in the condition of man,† (360) were present in the tragic tale of Antigone. The conflicts confirm a tragic sense about the story. In a tragedy drama is experienced and the characters typically suffer extremely. Consequently, this can happen because of a tragic mistake. The first of the ageless conflicts of man is, â€Å"the confrontation of men and women† (360). This principle is applied in the conflict between Antigone and Creon. Antigone broke a law that her uncle, Creon, had created. As a result of this she was to be killed. Sympathy is felt for Antigone because she was punished for take a stand for what she believed to be the right thing. Unfortunately the risk she took was going against her uncle Creon, who so happened to have power over her. It was a tragic situation that Antigone was to be killed for such a ridiculous crime. Although Antigone should not have been punished for that law she had broken, she was willing to accept her death sentence. She said to Creon, â€Å"These laws- I was not about to break them, not out of fear of some man’s wounded pride, and face the retribution of the gods. Die I must, I’ve known it all my life- how could I keep from knowing? - Even without your death-sentence ringing in my ears. And if I am to die before my time I consider that a gain. Who on earth alive in the midst of so much grief as I, could fail to find this death a rich reward?† (374) Antigone was willing to risk her own life for the sake of her dead brother’s pride. Creon wants Antigone to know that he has control over her. She defied him and now he has no choice but to punish her. Otherwise it would mean a bruise on his reputation as a ruler. It would prove that he was of weak character, especially since a girl went against him. Creon said, â€Å"This girl was an old hand at insolence when she overrode the edicts we made public. But once she’d done it- the insolence, twice over- to glory in it, laughing, mocking us to... ...’s blood, feed their lust, their fury?- Feed their fury!- Law is law!- Let all go well.†(307) Clytemnestra killed her husband upon his return from the battle of Troy. She was so heartbroken that he had killed her daughter. The tragedy in this story is almost the same as that of Antigone. Death follows another death. Iphigenia was sacrificed by her father. He was killed for killing her and so was his mistress. Since Clytemnestra killed the two people she was sentenced to death. The tragedy is death. In the beginning of the story of Antigone the audience is forced to feel sorrow for Antigone. Towards the end they began to feel sympathy for Creon as well. His display of moral weakness was the cause of three unnecessary deaths. The story of Antigone and Clytemnestra were different because the Antigone was the innocent party in the story. Clytemnestra may appear innocent to the audience but to the people in the story she was a murderess. Tragedy plays a large role in these two plays. An emotion of sorrow is felt by the audience. The characters of the plays go through terrible situations. Tragedy makes the stories more appealing to the audience because they become emotionally involved.

Advanced Management

There is no ambiguity in saying that advanced management is a plan, ploy, position, pattern and perspective as it balances internal progressions of organizations with external factors. The overall strategic management of organizations is indivisible from strategic management of relationships, usually the accountability of the public relations or communication department.Strategic management rivets taking decisions and actions that resolve long-term organizational performance. The process comprises strategy formulation, completion, appraisal, and control. It underlines monitoring and assessing environmentally generated opportunities and restraints in light of organizational strengths and weaknesses.Essentially, advanced management is a vehicle for giving forward-looking leadership concerning the most essential issues of concern to an organization and its surroundings in a very determined, efficient, and valuable manner.At the heart of the progression is â€Å"the communal management of a strategic agenda that transforms as an organization's problems and opportunities transform. Effective advanced management is a core form of strategic management needs intensive, continuous, and collective concern of senior management† (Eadie and Stein bacher, 1985, p 425).The purpose of strategic management is to help formulate, implement, and evaluate cross-functional decisions in such a way as to assist the organization in achieving its long-term objectives. The strategic management process is seen as â€Å"an objective, logical and systematic approach for making major decisions in an organization† (David, 1997: 6) in which both analysis and intuition have a role to play.Another accepted perspective (Pearce and Robinson, 1997) emphasizes information flows through interrelated stages of analysis. It implies:The interconnectedness of all process components;The sequential character of strategy formulation and implementation;The necessity of ongoing feedback to asses s the success of strategies as they are implemented;The need to regard strategic management as a dynamic system (components of the process are constantly evolving; formal planning must â€Å"freeze† them to achieve its aims).http://www.ic.polyu.edu.hk/esh/KB/management_strategic/Koch(1999).pdf.Advanced management entails the configuration of a strategic management group to give leadership for the process. Characteristically, the framework of this group will comprise the C.E.O., top-line managers, and key executive staff members. In a small organization, for example, the strategic management group might comprise the mayor or the city manager and the heads of numerous operating departments.It is the responsibility of the advanced management team to give the configuration for developing and modernizing strategic plans and for guiding their realization in all areas. As advanced management is a continuous process, the strategic management group must meet on a usual basis to confer strategies, monitor development, evaluate efficiency, and generally sustain a shared focus on the strategic agenda.This comprises identifying newly promising strategic issues, estimate problems and opportunities as they develop, adapting strategies, and giving direction and control over completion plans to preceding the strategic agenda efficiently. Sporadically, it may consequence in the development of new strategic initiatives.The business environment has transformed drastically since the advent of internet. Business organizations have undertaken extreme restructuring by modifying their means of communication and synchronization of work activities. Internet has made it promise for companies to work on a real-time basis, whereby products and services are conveyed to the right place at the right time.Since then, internet has propagated and has undergone significant improvements. Costs have sustained to decline as these new technologies have emerged. A business not supported by a ne twork of computer systems (primary information technology) is more or less destined to fail, since it will be incapable to compete efficiently in today's complex and dynamic environment.Companies are not the only ones who have gained from advances in modern information technology. Consumers and interest groups have created strategic alliances and now capable to coordinate their activities as well as exchange ideas and thoughts through a number of database and network systems.For instance, owners of personal computers can subscribe to a computer network and without difficulty retrieve information on the products and corporations on line. Such information can also without problems be transmitted to other users.This huge use of internet by both consumers and companies affects, but the way business is run today. These consumer strategic alliances know no geographical limitations; oftentimes, they are global in nature, particularly among the industrialized nations.As companies can get in enormous profits from the better coordination, greater product elasticity, improved quality, leaner production, and more time-based competitiveness that internet offers, they also facades the threat that can come from these consumers' strategic alliances. For instance, corporations can no longer ignore consumer demands for constant product quality, reliability and respect for the environment, or timely delivery of services.As we move toward more and more advanced technologies, the labor force must be retrained. This training must not only expose workers to the technical matters adjoining the new process but also to the new focus of the organization.They have to be made responsive of the importance of advanced technology in improving work methods and in remaining competitive. Employee compulsion to the new process is imperative.Advanced technology by itself adds little or no value to an organization. There should be organizational as well as employee dedication to exploit the techno logy to the maximum. For instance, with ever-increasing use of computer-integrated manufacturing systems, and the stream of technical documentation that accompanies it, employees have to be skilled of recognizing the critical information at the right time.Once that information is recognized and properly interpreted, there must be an organizational dedication to use the information to make better decisions. Without this potential, the organization cannot take advantage from internet.Advanced management, therefore, will persist to be a critical factor in the survival of any organization. We sum up the influence of information technology on human resources as follows: ·Internet transforms the mode of communication and work processes. ·Custom or standardized operations are replaced with skilled and multi-skilled workers. An extremely trained labor force is desired to manage internet. ·Worker motivation and satisfaction might improve since workers are no longer restricted to routin e operations, enjoy management powers, and can contribute to developments in their work processes.Internet also has an impact on the organization itself, as follows: ·Organizational reformation is required. This reformation makes the organization flat. Decision-making powers are decentralized. ·Communications are better and the organization is capable to make timely responses to its environment. ·Introduction of new products and services is improved and varieties of products can be efficiently introduced and marketed by the organization. ·The organization is competent to improve its efficiency, quality, and competitiveness.Today's advanced technology can, conversely, easily become a basic technology. A rapid increase of internet also brings rapid obsolescence of earlier technologies. Policies concerning internet must not be static; they must keep evolving. Stalk (1988) points out that â€Å"competitive advantage is a persistently moving target . . . The best competitors, th e most thriving ones, know how to keep moving and always stay on the cutting edge.†

The Movie Romero essays

The Movie Romero essays The movie Romero is about the life of Oscar Romero, an archbishop of El Salvador. The movie illustrates the hardships and the sacrifices that Oscar Romero has done in order to help and serve the underprivileged people of El Salvador. The story unfolds as the church begins to see the discrimination and the unfair treatment of the government to its people. The poor people of El Salvador get treated badly and are deprived of their rights as a person belonging to that country. There are a lot of things that had caught my attention while watching the movie. I think that the whole plot of the story has struck me as important and significant as a Catholic and as a human being. One of the events that have transpired in the movie that stuck me the most was how some important powerful figure in the church are willing to close their senses as to what is going on around them. They close to remain ignorant and numb to the cries and the pleas of the people so that the government would protect them at all cost. Another one is when the people are still faithful to their church even though they know that the government is against them. Through this their faith in God is tested. The church began to help the people get their freedom back from the abusive government run bay the military after a lot of innocent people have been killed for not following the rules that the government wants to implement because they know that it would only cause them more pain and more sufferings in the future. They want to end the dictatorial kind of government that rules over their country once and for all. At first archbishop Romero does not believe on how the military abuses the people, but after his friend father Rutilio Grande got assassinated, Romero began to have second thoughts and tried to defend and help lessen, if not stop the sufferings of the people under the military junta that is happening tin their country. The church and the governmen...

Metropolis essays

Metropolis essays The Working Class vs. The Upper Class Movies must contain some sort of plot or conflict in order to make them interesting. In Metropolis, a definite social conflict emerges between the workers and their ruthless boss, John Frederson. This conflict is due to the major differences in the lives of the working class and upper class. The clear division in society provides a basis in which the revolt is able to erupt in the first place. At the bottom of society lie the pitiful workers, with the ruthless machine that controls them above. At the top, lies the rich upper class, particularly the Brain, John Frederson. In Metropolis, the workers are depressed, over-worked, and short-lived. Not only men work this terrible and dangerous job, but very young boys too. The workers are depressed since they all enter the factory, which resembles hell, early in the morning together, with their heads all hung down. They work a long shift that lasts ten hours. This is obvious due to the fact that the clock on the wall runs only until 10:00. Only working hours count. This machine, ironically resembling the Pagan god Moloch, runs continuously, producing overwhelming tasks for the workers as it devours them. Therefore, this horrible machine enslaves its workers, rendering them helpless against its unmerciful wrath. Unlike the working class, the upper class in Metropolis lives a joyous, yet unproductive, and easy lifestyle. The main character, Fredersons son, is seen playing around in a garden with a pretty little nymph. This scene portrays the upper class as people who waste their time away by involving themselves in unconstructive activities. Not only is the higher society not aiding the workers in their demanding job, but it does not even seem to care about the workers inhumane condition or health. For example, when the main character goes to his father about what he has seen underground, the father just tur...

Is the human soul immortal Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Is the human soul immortal - Thesis Example The combined effort of these three entities is required for the proper functioning of human life. Only the body is visible to us whereas mind and soul are invisible to us. This is because of the fact that body is made of physical things which are visible to us. On the other hand, mind and soul are invisible things even though we can experience the activities of these two things. The dual nature of body and soul was supported by ancient philosophers like Rene Descartes, Plato, Socrates etc. These philosophers believed that the soul is a non physical substance whereas body is a physical substance. Since soul is invisible, it is impossible for us to say accurately about what will happen to the soul after death. Science is keeping a meaningful silence in this issue even though it accepts the existence of mind and soul. On the other hand, only the religions are ready to answer the question with respect to the future of soul. Religious descriptions are based on beliefs rather than facts. I t is difficult to prove the religious beliefs or descriptions about soul scientifically. In short, the future of soul after our death remains a controversial topic or question. In my opinion, soul is immortal even though our body is mortal. This paper briefly analyses the immortality of soul based on the opinions of former philosophers like Plato, Socrates and Aristotle and also with respect to the some of the scientific facts available. Science says that energy can neither be created, nor be destroyed, but can be transformed from one form to another form. In other words, the total energy available in the universe is a constant. In all the activities we perform, energy is not destroyed, but transformed from one form to another. For example, a fan converts electrical energy into mechanical energy rather than destroying the energy. Soul is considered as an energy form by many people. This is because of the fact that it is difficult for our body to function properly in the absence of a soul since soul is the driving force of our body. If soul is an energy form, then there is no doubt about the immortally of soul even scientifically. Soul (Energy) which was in our body in one form could be transformed into another form after our death. In short, if science accepts soul as an energy form, it should accept the immortality of soul also. What will happen to the mind and soul if all the materials used in the making of our body were repalced with some other materials from another planet? It is difficult to answer the above question since we do not know the relation between body mind and soul. We do not know whether our body or the content of our body has any influence upon the making of our soul. Nobody knows whether life exists in other planets or not. If life exists, in other planets, what will be the nature of that life? How the body, mind and soul relationships will be there? Since science failed to give proper answers to all these questions, it is logical to believ e the words of religions with respect to the mortality or immortality of soul. Religions believe that soul is an entirely different thing which represents the Holy Spirit from god. Religions argue that human is the creation of God. According to Christian belief, God has transferred the Holy Spirit to human at the time of creation. In other words, God created the body of human from physical things and hence body will be destroyed after death. At the same time, God has given life to

Creat a one page course participation and self-assessment Essay

Creat a one page course participation and self-assessment - Essay Example It was also interesting to consider the various countries of Egypt, China, and India and the important geographical features of each. I also stopped to consider the religions unique to each of these lands. Religion seems to divide us today, but it is certainly meant to unify. I wonder if religion was such a divisive issue back during these ancient times. As we moved in Chapter 2 and looked at the ancient Mediterranean, I found myself wanting to travel there. This is a region so steep in history. Not only this, but this history seems alive today. The food in Greece, for example, is so unique and has been around for centuries. It would be great to travel there, see the ancient buildings, and walk on the very streets that people centuries before me had walked. It was equally valuable to learn a bit more about the religious customs associated with this region. They are so different from Egypt, China, and India, yet they are traditional beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation as well. I had never really considered all of the different customs and rituals associated with Judaism and Christianity. I suppose many of these are still practiced today and it would be great to travel to the Mediterranean region of the world and experience up

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 21

Human Resource Management - Essay Example The paper also aims to discuss the various constituents for successful learning and development strategy. Learning is a continuous process that leads to development. It is a process of understanding through which the modification in the attitude and the behaviour takes place. Through learning and development strategies, the competencies and the behaviours of the individual as well as the team can be enhanced and the goals of the organisation can be achieved. For the learning and development strategy to be successful, it is important for the organisation to foster an environment that provides the trainee with ample scope to learn and develop his skills, knowledge that is necessary to perform the job effectively. Adaption to the changes is very important for the employees in the organisation. If they can adapt to the unanticipated changes then the learning and development is said to be successful. The term human resource development can be said as a coordinated use of the training and the development, career development as well as the organisational development for the improvement of the individual and the group and to increase the effectiveness of the organisation. The learning and development strategy uses the various interventions and the techniques in order to improve the performance of the people in the organisation (Swart & Et. Al., 2005). Learning and development is not any course or any event, but it is a continuous process that requires commitment from all the concerned parties. Whenever changes occur it is important for the learners and the organisation to remain agile. If the organisation as well as the learner is able to adapt to the changes then that can be considered as the biggest gift of learning. Learning and development is the process of acquiring the information and it is a quantitative increase in the knowledge of the learner. It means to store the information in such a way that it can be reproduced as and when required.

Law & Ethics Essay Example for Free

Law Ethics Essay BB General Partnership Dracca is able to seek recover from Silva Gray individually on the judgment for BB partnership because the partnership has not been incorporated. In a general partnership each individual can be sued for the full amount of the business debt. The partners cannot have personal interest within the partnership (Bagley Savage, 2009 p. 729). If one partner incurs all of the debt, they can then sue the other partners for their parts of the debt. Within a Limited Liability Partnership these three items would differ from the general partnership. 1. Limited partners do not play an active role in the business 2. Limited partners are not personally liable 3. Limited partners face slightly different tax rules (NOLO) BB is not a formalized company under the laws of corporation and taxation, so in turn each individual can be held liable for the debt legally. However, Dracca should not have gone after Ms. Grey solely on a tip of her wealth. Business Judgment Rule The Business Judgment Rule states that as long as the board members have acted in good faith and meet the basic standards, there should not be a fear of prosecution when making decisions (Bagley Savage, 2009 p. 801). To insure that the board of directors did not fault their duty of care and the Business Judgment Rule several items must be analyzed. 1. â€Å"Were the directors interested in the transaction?2. Did the directors act in good faith? 3. Did the directors act in a manner that cannot be attributed to a rational purpose? 4. Did the directors reach the decision by a negligent process?† (Bagley Savage, 2009 p.801). The board must also consider their duty of care and duty of loyalty. Duty of care requires people involved in the company to make informed and reasonable decisions for the business. Duty of loyalty requires employees to act in good faith and in good interest of the company (Bagley Savage, 2009 p. 799). In the case of Dracca vs. BB, the board did not act in good duty of care, duty of loyalty or use the Business Judgment Rule appropriately. The overall concept to obtain the debt from BB was an action of duty or care and loyalty to the company. However, the way the board of directors went about the retrieval of the debt was not the best method. By pursuing Ms. Gray off a ‘tip’ the fund backfired and the company incurred a lot of fees that might not of occurred if the pursue was planned correctly. The process of pursuing the money was neglected, fault number three in the Business Judgment rule. Employment Discrimination The accounting manager for Dracca overseeing the BB account, Martin Long had his pay and responsibilities decreased by Accounting Director Mary Smith. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was developed to help employees against discrimination of age, sex, race, gender, national origin, disability, and religion (Bagley Savage, 2009 p.466). In Martin Long’s case he left the company because Ms. Smith’s visual and vocal opinions. The opinions turned into harassment and eventually Long left the Firm. By vocalizing and placing visual signs Ms. Smith was creating a harsh work environment for employees. Long will be able to sue Dracca for employment discrimination and argue constructive discharge because there must be evidence of unpleasant working condition that it forces the employee to resign and the employer has not taken care of the complaint within 15 days of being informed of the issues. The harassment must be worse than Title VII (Runkel, n.d.). Dracca is responsible for Ms. Smith’s actions/discrimination against Long. Kate was fired after reporting to the EEOC the harassment from Ms. Smith. Kate should not of been fired for reporting the discrimination. Due to Dracca’s action upon firing Kate, the company seems to approve of Ms. Smith’s actions. The EEOC Compliance Manual states that the person filing the complaint is â€Å"protected against retaliation by a respondent for participating in the statutory complaint proceedings even if that complaint involved a different covered entity† (Igasaki, 1998). From the EEOC, Dracca would be held liable for Hernandez’s actions within the court system. Hernandez violated the EEOC Title VII discriminatory actions. The Title VII makes two theories clear to businesses. 1. The theory of disparate treatment and 2. The theory of disparate impact. Disparate treatment means that the plaintiff has to prove that the employer intentionally discriminated against him/her denying a benefit of employment (Bagley Savage, 2009 p.471). Disparate impact is when employers make employment decisions based on selection, making employers complete test and evaluations. BFOQ stands for Bona Fide Occupational that an employer must prove that the type of person is not able to perform the job position. In this case, women with children were hired in order to sell the product. Dracca would have to prove that men were not able to perform the job. The BFOQ cannot be used as a defense when there is a preferred gender within the company. The following also apply. Usually BFOQ is not based on color and gender will not qualify when the 1. â€Å"Assumptions of the comparative employment characteristics of women in general, 2. Stereotyped characteristics of the sexes, and 3. The preferences of coworkers, employers or customers for one gender or the other (Bagley Savage, 2009 p. 485). Conclusion After reviewing the case, I recommend the following 1. Dracca hire new board members with a focus on the business, and not a focus on money. The Board of Directors should be compiled of people that are business savvy and care about the firm and about the financials in a legal and ethical manner. By the Board leaning on a tip and not fact, the business incurred a lot of debt that could have been spent somewhere else within the firm. 2. Dracca should have a firmer hiring process where the prospects are asked to observe and manage for a day, or write out a list of goals, or how to hire people for certain positions. This could show some speculation to discrimination. Also, Dracca should be stricter on company policy regarding religion, politics, and harassment. If need be the company can have classes on what is and is not harassment within the workplace. In this case, it seems that Dracca turned a blind eye on Mr. Long. References Bagley, Savage (2009 Feb. 5). Managers and the Legal Environment: Strategies for the 21st Century, Retrieved from: http://online.vitalsource.com/books/1111439885/S3.2/25 Igasaki, P., (1998), The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, EEOC Directives Transmittal, Retrieved from: http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/retal.htm Runkel, R. (n.d.), Constructive Discharge #9, Law Memo: First in Employment Law. Retrieved from: http://www.lawmemo.com/101/2005/12/constructive_di.html

Upton Sinclair :: essays research papers

Upton Sinclair was an American writer whose works reflects not only the inside but also the socialists view on things. Upton sinclair was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He was born into a family which held to it’s Southern aristocracy in every thing that was done. When Sinclair was ten years old, the family packed up and moved to New York City ( Where there were more opportunities to succeed ). Upton Beall Sinclair began writing when he was 15 years old. He mostly wrote ethnic jokes and fiction for a fun magazine. He wrote these silly stories and jokes in order for the magazine to pay for his studies at New York City College. After he was done at New York City College, in 1897, he enrolled at Columbia University. By this time, Upton was putting out many novels and respected works. He was already being realized as one of the greatest writers of his time. Upton was putting out up to two novels per week. This was unheard of at this point in time. During these years he wrote Clif Faraday stories such as "Ensign Clarke Fitch." He was also writing Mark Mallory Stories like "Lieutenant Frederick Garrison" for boys’ weekly magazine. His writing was on the right track, but he still didn’t have that one book to put him over the top. In 1900 Sinclair married his first wife. This was a start of a whole new era of writing for him. By 1904 Sinclair was moving toward a realistic fiction type of writing. He had become a regular reader of the "Appeal to Reason", which was a popular socialist-populist weekly magazine at that time. Upton’s big break came in 1906 when he published a book called, " The Jungle." As a writer this is where Sinclair gained most of his fame. This book gave him not only fame, but it also led to the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906. This book had the deepest impact since Harriet Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The books popularity enabled Sinclair to establish and support the socialistic Helicon Home Colony in Englewood, N.J. However the popularity of his type of writing fell away after that year. After " The Jungle" was written it set off many sim ilar studies of a group, and industry. or a region. Among some of them were: "The Metropolis" (1908) which was a exploration of New York people, "King Coal" (1917) which was a story about the Colorado Mining strike of 1914, and "Oil!" which was considered one of Sinclair’s most influential writings. Upton Sinclair :: essays research papers Upton Sinclair was an American writer whose works reflects not only the inside but also the socialists view on things. Upton sinclair was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He was born into a family which held to it’s Southern aristocracy in every thing that was done. When Sinclair was ten years old, the family packed up and moved to New York City ( Where there were more opportunities to succeed ). Upton Beall Sinclair began writing when he was 15 years old. He mostly wrote ethnic jokes and fiction for a fun magazine. He wrote these silly stories and jokes in order for the magazine to pay for his studies at New York City College. After he was done at New York City College, in 1897, he enrolled at Columbia University. By this time, Upton was putting out many novels and respected works. He was already being realized as one of the greatest writers of his time. Upton was putting out up to two novels per week. This was unheard of at this point in time. During these years he wrote Clif Faraday stories such as "Ensign Clarke Fitch." He was also writing Mark Mallory Stories like "Lieutenant Frederick Garrison" for boys’ weekly magazine. His writing was on the right track, but he still didn’t have that one book to put him over the top. In 1900 Sinclair married his first wife. This was a start of a whole new era of writing for him. By 1904 Sinclair was moving toward a realistic fiction type of writing. He had become a regular reader of the "Appeal to Reason", which was a popular socialist-populist weekly magazine at that time. Upton’s big break came in 1906 when he published a book called, " The Jungle." As a writer this is where Sinclair gained most of his fame. This book gave him not only fame, but it also led to the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906. This book had the deepest impact since Harriet Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The books popularity enabled Sinclair to establish and support the socialistic Helicon Home Colony in Englewood, N.J. However the popularity of his type of writing fell away after that year. After " The Jungle" was written it set off many sim ilar studies of a group, and industry. or a region. Among some of them were: "The Metropolis" (1908) which was a exploration of New York people, "King Coal" (1917) which was a story about the Colorado Mining strike of 1914, and "Oil!" which was considered one of Sinclair’s most influential writings.

Causes of the Franco-Russian Alliance :: European Europe History

Causes of the Franco-Russian Alliance During the late 19th century many countries sought an alliance with other countries to guarantee their own safety, preserve peace and sometimes to help their economic position. this is highlighted by alliances and treaties such as the "Dual Alliance" of 1879, the "Dreikaiserbund" of 1881 and the "Reinsurance Treaty" This was also the case for both France and Russia, with them agreeing the "Franco-Russian Military Convention" on August 18th 1892 and later agreeing the "Franco-Russian Alliance" in 1893. France and Russia were animated by a common desire to preserve peace. The only reason it was possible for France and Russia to form this alliance is because Germany allowed the Reinsurance treaty to become invalid. Both countries wanted different things from the alliance but there was one common reason between them, and that was to oppose Germany - although both countries had different incentives for this. France, Russia and Germany all contributed to the alliance being formed, either t hrough their aims or what they did. France aimed to get revenge on Germany for the Franco - Prussian war of 1970 - 1971 where France were disastrously defeated, Germany aimed to stay free from an invasion from France and keep Austria-Hungary happy as France and Austria- Hungary were on either side of German, and Russia wanted an ally so it could feel safe form Germany. France made an alliance with Russia because it was against Germany. France wanted Revenge on Germany because of the humiliation of losing the Franco-Prussian war and the valuable land lost, like "Alsace - Lorraine". They wanted revenge and this widely known. France knew that "without Russia's help, the wrong done to France by Prussia in 1871, in the matter of Alsace-Lorraine could never be repaired", so it was important France allied with a relatively strong power. Karl Marx said "If Alsace - Lorraine is taken, then France will later make war with Germany in conjunction with France". France needed an ally because she felt extremely vulnerable, this was mainly due to Bismarck and Germany. Bismarck had been successful in isolating France diplomatically over the previous decade, so she needed to catch up with the other major powers. France couldn't ally with Britain because Britain kept itself in "splendid isolation", so Russia was really the only real choice as they were the only other great power who was suspicious and disliked Germany. France feared Germany, Germany had a preponderant military, so to counterbalance the German - British alliance, France agreed the Franco-Russian alliance.

Columbia Business Environment

According to (Walter, J. (2006), any business worthy its salt must carry out a business analysis audit before venturing into expansion plans. This often saves an organization time and resources which would be lost if the decision to expand or relocate business is not based on sound business practices. The case below analyses the business environment in Colombia, by addressing the political, cultural, economic, and domestic and industry analysis of the country. Finally the paper gives a verdict based on the findings of the analysis which is basically a recommendation on the economic investment options for a business aiming at venturing into the Colombian market. Location. Colombia, neighbors Caribbean Sea, Panama, Venezuela, a well as North Pacific Ocean. With a population of about 40 million people, the country has a good domestic market. Colombia enjoys a mixture of climates such as coastal- tropic climate as well as in the eastern plains it also has cool highlands climate suitable for agricultural activities. Political environment Major political parties currently include, Democratic Alliance, Liberal Party, Patriotic Union, and Social Conservative Party (Kline, & Harvey, 1985). Political leaders include the president, Carlos Franco Echavarria, Antonio Navarro Wolff, Otty Patino, Carlos Alonso Lucio, Jose Fernando Bautista, Aida Abella and Dr. Eugenio Merlano de la Ossa. The country has democratic ties with the US and has ambassador in the US as well as hosts an ambassador from the US. In terms of religion the people are largely Roman Catholics, which constitute over 90% of the population with other religions forming the 10 percent. Currently the country is grappling with civil riots, poverty, lawlessness, depreciating currency as well as unstable political environment. The country has been faced with civil strife for the past 40 years something which has led to the displacement of over 200,000 people internally (Amnesty International, 2002). Currently, the presidency is from right –wing and many pundits have predicted that, as long as he continues to favor socialist ideals, the long waited reforms especially those addressing the plight of the poor in Columbia will continue unresolved. Economic conditions. The economy is predicted to grow at a rate of 6. 1something attributable to stable domestic consumption as well as favorable private investment situation. In the year 2005 the GDP was 5. 13 and a 6. 1 growth this year is appositive indicator of a favorable economic environment. The best performing sectors are trade, infrastructure and industry. Columbia’s GDP has been growing at a rate of 3. 1 to 3-6 in the last 3 years that is from the year 2004 to presently. Improved global economic environment is the reason behind a lot of economic activity being experienced in Colombia (Bagley, & Michael, 1987). In addition, the domestic market is growing in a sharp contrast to the impoverished people. The growth rate can be termed as encouraging with the country experiencing strong and predictable exchange rates, as well as low and favorable interest rates. On top of the above, the credit conditions have improved significantly as compared to the situation in the 90’s. Major economic sectors include textiles, oil exploration, beverages, chemicals, cement; as well as minerals like gold, coal, and emeralds (Thoumi, Francisco 1987). Labor conditions. The labor market in Colombia is ready and oversupplied. However major challenges lay ahead because of the deplorable labor movement conditions in that country. In a nut shell it is evident from the available literature that, labor organizations are non operational in Colombia, joining trade union is equitable to courting death something which has greatly affected the labor relations in the country. On top of that, employees’ morale in the country is on an all-time low due to the fact that, the workers in that country do not have a strong bargaining power (Peeler, &John, 1976). The situation becomes more complex due to the involvement of military groups which besides being armed, seem to operate undeterred by law enforcement agencies. There have been reported numerous abductions, threats and assassinations all directly related to labor issues something which calls for great planning on the side of a foreign company wishing to invest in Colombia. The above have had a negative effect on the economic environment of the country and have been the leading causes for investors shunning from investing in the country. Besides the above named conditions of crime, there has been of late a wave of economic crime such as hijackings of shipments, ransom demand kidnappings, counterfeit goods trade, all of which have made production costs to go up due to high risks. Colombia is active in regional and international organizations such as UN, Andean community, the Rio group and OAS (Martz, & John, 1962). The country’s political system is a democracy of bicameral congress and independent executive as well as judiciary. The biggest political parties are the Liberal and Conservative currently the president is, Alvaro Uribe. The people speak their ethnic languages of their respective ethnic groups but Spanish is the official and national language, such ethnic groups and languages include; Mestizo, Whites, Blacks, mulatto and Amerindian. The literacy level is very high with 91% of the population being literate which implies that skilled labor is readily available in the country. The people are known to be hospitable and rarely has there been reported animosity related to foreigners. Evidently, Colombia is not a politically stable country something which has resulted from continued guerrilla warfare as well as paramilitary activities. Urban crime rate is very high as well as the insecurity conditions in the whole country. Corruption is reported to be very high couple with drug trafficking and all other manner of social crimes. It is correct to say that Columbia is one of the most unsafe places to invest in and therefore the business should postpone its expansion plans in Colombia and perhaps relocate to other neighboring countries with same strategic business advantages as Columbia but less risks and therefore operational costs..