Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Exams questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Exams questions - Essay Example This was interpreted by some commentators as the Jihadists’ way of warning Australia and deterring it in collaborating with the United States. But unfortunately, the message was ignored by the Australian government, putting its citizens at ever greater risk. Bali might not be officially Australian soil, but with the organization and skill with which the Islamic militants operate, it might not be long before Australia is made to pay for its ill advised alliance with imperialists further north (Abuza, 2003, p.170). With the apparent failure of its participation in the War of Terror campaign, the policy makers in Canberra should also remind themselves of the real causes of Bali bombings. The Establishment press, most of it owned or controlled by Rupert Murdoch and keen on promoting its own interests had presented a blanket view in its Bali reports. For example, the Australian mainstream media wants its citizens to believe that the terror attack in the Indonesian island was a sequel to the campaign of hatred against western way of life that was kick-started with September 11 attacks. But this view-point is not accurate. The South East Asia region has a large Muslim population. Indonesia is a thriving centre for Islamic scholarship and practice. But unfortunately, Australia had in the past sided with the oppressive Suharto regime (with the tacit support of the United States and Britain) and had indirectly aided injustice in the past. The Muslims in the region have every reason to feel aggrieved. What Australia needs to do is to keep its intelligence gathering efforts to a minimum and focus its energies on reaching out to its neighbours. A real change in the threat of terror will only come about when economic opportunism and imperialist ambition is replaced with humanitarian concern and noble statesmanship. It is becoming obvious that the best way forward for policy makers in Canberra is to sever

Monday, October 28, 2019

Indian Lubricant Industry An Introduction Marketing Essay

Indian Lubricant Industry An Introduction Marketing Essay Indian lubricant industry in a recent past has presented new market opportunities. Firm growth in the Indian power, engineering and automotive sectors has been a boon for lubricant manufacturers. In automotive sector, as consumers migrate to efficient vehicles and motorbikes, they use higher grade lubricants. As a result, multi-grade lubricant products are getting benefitted. In the industrial segment, high level of investment in manufacturing, transport and power sectors have the potential to drive very strong growth for marine aviation lubricants and transformer oil. The automotive lubricant market in India is highly price sensitive the volume growth is getting stagnated due to longer lasting lubricants. The retail trade and original equipment segment are two major marketing channels in the Indian context. Due to ever growing competition, tie-ups OEMs are becoming important as they provide the value proposition of a brand. In retail trade, Petrol pumps (ROs) form the major distribution channel. Sales of lubricants via ROs or the bazaar trade has changed the Indian automotive lubricant market into a FMCG sector. The other marketing channels are garages, super markets, rural and agricultural dealers, authorized service stations and wholesale distributors. PSU companies manufacture their own base oil and follow a different distribution strategy as compared to their private counterparts that solely dependent on imports. PSUs sell from their own wide spread network of ROs while private manufacturers prefer supermarkets. Engine oil plays the most important role in deciding the market share of lubricant manufacturers. Increase in demand for 4-stroke motorcycles, tie ups with OEMs and implementation of new norms of pollution are few of the key drivers of the growth of the engine oil segment. Growth in heavy commercial vehicle segment, increasing awareness among the customer base, new cooling technologies and OEM tie-ups has led to increase in coolant demand which has become the next largest segment in the automotive lubricants market. In brake oil segment, introduction of new brake systems, increasing growth in LCVs, consumption of lubes by CPVs and changing customer mindset related to specialty lubricants are believed to push demand further. The gear oil market is also growing fast and has high potential owing to increasing number of vehicles on road. Vehicles of new generation with advanced gear system technologies automatic transmission systems need special type of lubricants conceiving greater demand for API synthetic and multi axel gear oil, API MT-1, API GL-5 ultra-Matic, which reduces the oil changing intervals. In the long run, the overall picture for automotive lubricants sector looks bright due to growth of Indian economy along with increased purchasing power of consumers. BPCLs Lube Division Bharat Petroleum offers a complete range of Gear Oils, Automotive Engine Oils, Specialty Oils, Transmission oils and Greases. The fine quality of the lubricant and its correct usage ensures longer engine life and trouble free operation. Lubricants were totally deregulated during the liberation era of early nineties. Thereafter, a large number of players have forayed into this market. Despite operating in a totally competitive environment, BPCLs Lubricants SBU has been registering a growth in lubricant sales continuously over the past couple of years. As compared to 2008-2009, a growth of 13.73% has been achieved and sales volume of 231.12 TMT has been achieved. The channels viz. retail and direct saw a growth of 20%. BPCL has a strong RD competency, extensive distribution network; own source of Group II+ base oil, highly motivated and dedicated workforce which serves as a strengthening mechanism for it but due to increased competition and continuous phasing out of 2-stroke engines are threat to the company in its growth path. Birth of MAK In 1998, BPCL re-launched lubricants in new attractive packs. It was mainly in automotive category with three major brands- Automol for Petrol Engine oils, MAK for Diesel Engine oils and Glide for 2-3 wheelers. The year 2003, MAK was named as an umbrella brand and subsequently all industrial grades too were branded with it. MAK Lubricants sales and its market share The Lubricants business of BPCL delivered a sales volume of 231.12 TMT in 2009-10 as compared to 203.22 TMT in 2008-09, a growth of 13.73%. The volume of finished lubricants grew by 23% during the last year. Both the reseller channel and direct channel grew by over 20%. MAK Lubricants are now available at more than 23,000 retail counters across the country apart from the small mechanic shops and authorized service stations. Products like MAK Chakda and MAK Boat XP were launched during the year. There has been an expansion in customer base across the segments with prime focus on the key growth sectors. The wide range of products cater to normal applications like Engine oils to Hydraulic, Marine, Cutting and very specialized products for Defense applications and Railways. Products catering to specific applications like MAK Amocam Plus, MAK Steel for steel plant applications and superior Industrial Gear Oils were launched. In the retail channel, focus was on generating secondary sales at the retail outlet. Initiatives like One Day Wonder and MAK QUIK improved visibility of the brand and also offered a value proposition to the customers. Segment specific oils like MAK Auto XL and MAK D-Gen were introduced to cater to niche markets. The network of MAK distributors was further expanded with the objective of achieving leadership position in the high value grades. On the exports front, BPCL entered Sharjah and consolidated its presence in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Point of Purchase Lubes Shop They are exclusive lubricants reselling points to facilitate the customers for their Lubricants requirement and confirming with the Quality and other standards of BPCL. The deregulation in the industry along with entry of multinationals has led to a shift of trade to the bazaar. Owing to huge potential with competitors providing huge discounts, BPCL too has forayed in this direction and has started giving discounts to the end customer instead of the channel. These branded lubes shops are available all across the country in all major cities. These C:UsersRomioDesktopLubeshoppe.gif MAK Garage BPCL started a campaign by enrolling the mechanic segment under the umbrella network of MAK Garage. It was launched in 2006 to promote the MAK lubricants and currently about 800 MAK garages across the country exclusively uses MAK Lubricants C:UsersRomioDesktopmak_garage.gif Hero Honda Service Stations JV between Hero Honda and Bharat Petroleum. The initiative is to utilize the vast BPCL network across the country to provide value added services to the customers through the City Work network at our ROs. Currently, there are around 170 Hero Honda City Works operating across the country C:UsersRomioDesktopcitywrk.png TASS TATA Authorized Service Station is yet another initiative for strengthening our relationship with TATA, Indian Auto Major. There is a joint collaboration for marketing co-branded greases, lubricants and specialty products MAK TATA products. TASS provides TATA vehicle service network throughout Dealer network across the country. This network of service is of two types SUVIDHA for TATA Ace vehicles and TASS for heavy vehicles C:UsersRomioDesktoptass.jpg VCC BPCL launched a new initiative VEHICLE CARE CENTRE at the retail outlets. This ought to provide esteemed customers state of the art facility at affordable rates. The network is in growth phase and is gaining huge popularity across the country. C:UsersRomioDesktopvcare.png MAK Quik Lube Oil Change To value the time proposition of the esteemed customers, new initiative MAK Quik Lube oil Change has been started at various outlets. It mainly caters to the Bike and Car/SUV customers for changing the Engine oil in the vehicles within a short span of time. The major advantages to the customer out of this initiative is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Quick Oil change in front of eyes à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Mechanized system of changing Oil which helps in removing the layer of old oil completely. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Genuine MAK product à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ No Servicing cost- only the cost of product needs to be paid by the customers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fast turnaround time for the customers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Exceptional offers to the customers C:UsersRomioDesktopservice_makquik.jpg OEM Tie-ups   Due to the ever growing competition, the tie-ups with OEMs have become important as they help in reinforcing the value proposition of a brand. BPCL is continuously working with OEMs to help them in providing the best value for money to the customers by developing and upgrading genuine oils for the vehicles and equipments by addressing the requirements of the changing technology. The marketing and RD teams have been providing the solutions for specialized lubricant applications in cement, power, steel, road construction, engineering and other leading industries in India. The RD team has developed about 300 different formulations in last 10 years out of which last 3 years saw about 50. BPCL has started its own LOBS plant in Mumbai by using the latest All Hydro Processing Technology a Chevron Lummus Global patent. This has enabled them to manufacture finer quality MAK Base oils beyond the requirement of API Group II which is rated as Group II plus. OEMs acknowledge BPCLs identity in producing quality base oil, best of RD capabilities and deep marketing acumen. OEM Partnerships BPCL has agreements with top notch automotive manufacturers which have both National and International presence. This is in addition to presence across the country with plethora of options available for all the sections of the industry. With superior technology, strong brands and vast distribution, MAK Lubricants is a perfect partner for OEMs looking for offering their consumers the best of products and services. Hero Honda Motor Limited It has an association with BPCL since the year 2004. MAK Lubricants has become the biggest supplier of engine oils in a span of first five years for initial fill and to Hero Honda Motor Limited dealers, Authorized service stations spare part stockists.   BPCL has been developing speciality products like Engine oils Shock Absorber with joint working with HHML that can meet the stringent HONDA, Japan specifications. Also, BPCL has started Hero Honda City Works exclusive service outlets for HHML customers  at BPCL ROs.http://www.maklubes.com/Images/HHSuperPremium4TPlus.jpg http://www.maklubes.com/Images/Hero_Honda.jpg This is the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India. There exists a strategic alliance with Authorized Service Network, Tata Motors dealerships and Tata Motor Spare part dealerships for supply of Engine oils and Co-branded engine oils speciality products to. MAK Lubricants jointly works with Tata Motors in areas including joint product development, customer service promotion. MAK TATA MOTORS CH4 15W40, specially developed for Tata Motors, is authorized by Tata Motors to use in all commercial vehicles fitted with Tata Cummins Engine. Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Division http://www.maklubes.com/Images/MAK_ATF-A.jpg http://www.maklubes.com/Images/tata_motors.jpg BPCL and GM have entered a strategic alliance to supply Co-branded engine oils and speciality products to the GM dealerships authorized service networks across the country. BPCLs GM MAK Genuine 15W40 Diesel Petrol Engine Oils are specially developed for GM is endorsed by GM for use in all its passenger cars and Utility vehicles.  General Motors India http://www.maklubes.com/Images/MAK_Genuine_Diesel_Engine_O.jpg http://www.maklubes.com/Images/general_motors.jpg The 3rd largest 2-wheeler manufacturer in India and among top ten in the world, TVS had an annual turnover of more than $1 billion in 2008-2009. BPCL and TVS Motor Company have an exclusive tie-up to supply engine-oils for initial service fill TVSM dealers, spare part stockists Authorized service stations. TVS TRU 4;  the 1st JASO MA2 specification oil of its type has been manufactured by BPCL for TVSM two- wheelers. It is available at all TVS Motor authorized dealerships workshops and BPCLs extensive reseller network. TVS Motor Company Limited http://www.maklubes.com/Images/Mak_TVS_tru4.jpg http://www.maklubes.com/Images/tvs_motors.jpg   LT KOMATSU A market leader in excavator segment, it commands greater than 50% of the market share. Tie-up for past 5 years for supplying oils LT Komatsu dealerships and users. BPCL also develop, manufacture supply specially formulated speciality products and hydraulic transmission oils for use in to LT Komatsu excavatorshttp://www.maklubes.com/Images/LT_Komatsu.jpg . Competitors of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Lubricants HPCL IOCL Honda Engine Oil Yamaha Lubes Castrol India Ltd Savita Group Total Group, India Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd (Lubricant Division) Apar Industries Ltd The Andrew Yule Group Gagan Gases Ltd Balmer Lawrie Co Ltd Major Competitors Engine Oils used at authorized Service Stations Honda Engine Oil Honda 4-stroke engine oil is developed by the RD, Honda Motors Ltd., Japan. It conforms to International specifications of SAE 20W40 and API SJ. It has been developed keeping difficult driving conditions prevalent in India. Savita Chemicals Limited In 1961, it started as a small manufacturing unit in Mumbai started producing white mineral oil. Presently, SCL specializes in manufacturing of petroleum specialty products like petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin, white mineral oil, transformer oil, automotive other industrial lubricants. It is in technical collaboration with largest independent oil company of Japa, Idemitsu Kosan, for manufacturing automotive and industrial lubricants. It supplies lubricants to OEMs like Honda Siel, Toyota and HMSI. Yamalube ® These are made by combining base oils, additives and solvents; chosen and mixed to work perfectly for the vehicle. It was designed to work in harmony with the important mechanical components of vehicle. 4-stroke fully synthetic engine-oil for high-performance bikes and competition engines. 4-stroke semi-synthetic engine-oil Æ’Â   a unique blend for all road bikes in normal conditions. 4-stroke mineral engine oil premium quality 2-stroke semi-synthetic engine oil for 2-stroke engines Æ’Â  for standard or unleaded petrol engines. The Marketing Channels **Pie areas not to the scale Till date, the Indian consumers associate filling of lubricants to petrol stations. With the deregulation of market fierce competition, lubricant is being positioned as high involvement consumer goods. Hence, there is a resultant drift outside the petrol stations, shift to bazaar trade. In the developed World, Do-it-Yourself concept has evolved for filling up of engine oil as customers have high degree of awareness sensitivity. This is still the job of mechanics service stations in India. This shift had the following effects: Dumping of products in bazaar. Decline in Market Share of oil companies in public sector. Industry got transformed to FMCG owing to crowding of the market Entry of spurious lubricants. War of trade discounts ending in lesser margins for dealers. Consumer Buying Behavior To start the understanding of the behavior, first we need to know who the consumer is or rather we should define the consumer. A consumer is one who owns a motor vehicle; it can be a motor-bike, a car, a truck or an auto. Let us take example of a farmer who owns a tractor, jeep and a truck. He does not buy separate lubricants for his truck or tractor but rather he would buy for one in bulk and would use it for other two. This might be due to his belief that diesel oils are better than petrol ones. Also, in many parts of country, the farmers use left-over/old oils in their tractors/trucks into the agricultural pump sets. Motivators The main motivators or influencers in the buying decision of customers are retailers/mechanics/dealers. As quite obvious, the owner of the vehicle or the driver has a very little chance of knowing about the intricacies or the composition of the lubricant oils in the market. Initial purchase of lubricant for hi is influenced by the brand recommended by the dealer or the mechanic. Subsequent purchases may be influenced by the petrol pump attendants or dealers. He would go for the brand which provides him value for money and would not consider the costliest one. Favorite brands As seen during the study, the consumers are bargain seeker and can shift their loyalty for a matter of few bucks. This can be attributed to the fact that the purchase of lubricants is a low involvement purchase for the majority of people. For a person having multiple motor vehicles can purchase the engine oil and subsequently use them in some other means as for example in pumps as discussed earlier. But one who is having a sole motor vehicle say a truck would rather prefer to buy diesel than lubricants as this would directly have an effect on his livelihood. His choice of lubricants would be influenced by:- Promotions Now-a-days, by adopting a customer-oriented approach, companies focus on creating brand awareness via print and visual media. E.g., promotional campaigns and trade shows offer gifts to their customers; these are ways of driving sales of the automotive lubricants MAK MALAMAAL DAILY JEET KI KHUSHI SCRATCH WIN This promotional offer provides a chance to win up to Rs. 30 on MAK 4T plus 900 ml 1 ltr pack and a chance to win up to Rs.100 on selected MAK Petrol Diesel Engine oil packs from 3-5 ltrs. http://www.maklubes.com/MAKADMIN/Promotiondata/8_Image_JEET_%20KI_KHUSHI.jpg This promises the customers a Promise Tooth Paste and Binaca Toothbrush free with every pack of MAK GE 20W-50 : 1 ltr pack MAK PUMP 3.5 ltr pack. GADI MEIN DHAMAK HASI MEIN DHAMAK! http://www.maklubes.com/MAKADMIN/Promotiondata/10_Image_HASI_MEINDHAMAK.jpg MAK MALAMAAL DAILY KISMAT KI BALTI KHOLO This provides a chance to win up to Rs. 500 on purchase of MAK Lubricants Engine/gear oils packs from 7.5 -20 ltr packs. Double offer An unbreakable LED torch light free with every pack of 15 20 ltr http://www.maklubes.com/MAKADMIN/Promotiondata/2_Image_Kismat_ki_balti.jpg Awareness/Sales Booster Mechanism Diversification Going on the lines of innovation, BPCL MAK have embarked upon thinking beyond Lubricants. As a part of this inventiveness, MAK lubricants have through dynamic RD have offered new products catering to specific requirements and the problems faced by the customers. MAK All-Season HMO Apple Spray Tea Spray Oils This Horticultural Mineral oil is manufactured out of Group II plus MAK Base oils which are environment friendly, therefore, they not only protect the tender plants and fruits but also their users. It is superior to both Summer and Dormant Oils and has no side effects. All season protection Reduces number of sprays Broad spectrum protection against pests and diseases Avoids usage of synthetic pesticides Excellent crop return Valuable tool when it comes to integrated pest management programs Reduces pest control costs Environmental benefits Eco-friendly approach No residue on evaporation Organic biodegradable Safe on predatory complexes No toxic elements No interference with plant respiration Authentication Increases crop value

Friday, October 25, 2019

Hemp: The Earths Greatest Plant :: essays research papers

Hemp: The Truth About the Earth's Greatest Plant   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In a perfect world there would be a product that could serve as a fuel source, a food source, a paper source, a textile source, and this product would be easy to produce in any of its forms. Believe it or not such a product does exist; it is the plant known as hemp. No tree or plant species on earth has the commercial, economic, and environmental potential of hemp. Over 30,000 known products can be manufactured from hemp.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hemp was a common crop grown in the U.S. until 1937 when it was unjustly banned. A common misconception about hemp is that it was banned because it was a widely abused, harmful drug. Hemp was banned because it was a competitive threat to the wood industry. Corporations that profited from the demise of hemp spread rumors that marijuana was a major drug problem, which it was not at the time. They also propagated a campaign that it was a drug that induced uncontrollable violence, another complete falsehood.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hemp is the plant scientifically known as cannabis sativa. It is referred to as hemp when it is grown for its fibers, stem, and seeds. Its leaves and flowers produce the drugs marijuana and hashish. However, sterile breeds of the plant are still illegal to grow in the U.S. Literally millions of wild hemp plants grow throughout the entire Midwest today. Wild hemp, like hemp used for industry purposes, is useless as an intoxicant. Yet U.S. drug law states that one acre of this can result in the owner being sentenced to death. The death penalty exists for growing one acre of perfectly harmless, non-intoxicating weeds!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hemp can produce any product that paper can produce. The difference is that one acre of hemp can produce four times as much paper as one acre of trees ( a study done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Also, a crop of trees takes twenty to fifty years to be ready for harvest where hemp is ready to harvest four times as much in just a year. In addition, hemp produces twice as much fiber per acre as cotton. Twenty five percent of all pesticides in the world are used on cotton, averaging to four pounds of chemicals per acre of cotton in the U.S. every year. Since hemp is a natural repellent to weeds and insects, it needs almost no insecticides or herbicides. If it were substituted for cotton it could greatly reduce the pesticide usage. Again, hemp can produce anything cotton can and what's more it can produce it better.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Motivational factors on the employee’s commitment Essay

Today’s organizations and companies want their enterprise to be around in the future, successful and sustainable; avoiding the risk of performance or any negative effect. They consist of employees known as personnel that turned into human resources. Some of the major factors shaping the outcome are the quality that you hold: if employees are the right people; how the manager could keep it up; how they can be motivated for good performance. Motivation is a necessary tool for management or leadership providing a reason to employees to perform in a certain way. In addition, the essay will include the academic background of motivation theories as that of Herzberg, Maslow, Adams and Vroom. Setting goals is an essential motivating process and has been the focus of recent research and theory on work motivation (Locke and Latham, 1990). Thus, examples would be provided for further and practical explanation of theories, as the cases of Starbucks, Freese and Nichols (FNI) and Apple†™s iPhone. At the start of the 20th century fundamental theories of motivation are presented, models about what motivates workers and their responses. Several theories of motivation try to analyze and estimate who wants, what and why. This is the reason why the theories of Herzberg, Maslow, Adams and Vroom have implications on the contemporary business. First, the bigger portion of Herzberg is that he developed the motivation –hygiene theory, which believes that there are many factors that workers could be motived. Byhese factors generate satisfaction and dissatisfaction. According to Herzberg (1959) accomplishment, the work itself, responsibility, growth and recognition, and company policies, work  conditions, supervision including relations with peers and management, salary causing respectively the two different distinctions. Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction portrait two different human needs driven by salary to purchase shelter and food and by actions leading to grow and attain (Herzberg, 1987). However, job satisfaction does not imply always-high level of productivity or excellence of motivation response. Practicing in business, the challenge at work is to raise the utility of ability of employee leading to the growth of responsibility levels. Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory and Maslow’s are the main theories of motivation. Continuing with Maslow’s model, Maslow classifies the human needs and examines how the classifications are connected to each other. A person starts at the bottom level, where they try to satisfy basic needs (food and house). When the needs have been fulfilled, there are no longer a motiving force and the individual goes to the next stage. Moving on the rest hierarchy; we can recognize safety needs (loss or protection against unemployment), social needs (communication, teamwork), esteem needs (human to be accepted and valued by others, respect from others) and self-actualization (how people think about themselves) (Maslow, 1954). If the management can find which level of need each employee expects, they can then decide corresponding rewards. Besides, one of the most relevant process theories of motivation is Adams’ Equity Theory. According to Adams, the theory argues the comparison of employee’s job input and outcome and also the same with that of other person at the same level (Mowday, 1991). Adam identified inputs as characteristics (age, sex, education, social status) that guide individual to ‘’social exchange’’ for an effort. Outcomes are specified as the benefits, the rewards or privileges (money, work duties, better status, power, authority). The employee is not moved to an action when there is a balance between inputs and outcomes, because they are already satisfied and equality exists. However, if the individual notices that the ratio of outcome/input is less than that of expected, then inequality exists and motivation forces start to build up the lost equity. It should be noted that there are two main different ways to restore the equity. Either the individual might choos e higher outcome based on their lower inputs, or reduce the inputs in relation  to the same outcome (Adams, 1965). The actual purpose is the equality between input and outcome. Therefore, inequality could be when the employee is either over-rewarded or under-rewarded (Fok et al, 2000). It was initially proposed in the early 1960s the Expectancy Theory by Victor Vroom, which premises the significance of motivation. The theory tries to examine why individuals choose specific behavior or action. According to Vroom (1964), there are three central components; Expectancy (effort leading to a particular level of performance); Instrumentality (that performance will lead to outcomes); Valence (the value that the individual places on the outcome). Droar (2006) suggests that for a person to be motivated the key elements must be linked. Otherwise, Porter and Lawler (1971) argue that Expectancy theory needs to be updated, because it includes some flaws. For example, an employer gives a reward, such as a promotion or financial bonus hence the employees will bonus their productivity to gain the reward. However, this only works if the employees believe the reward is favora ble to their actual needs. Apple is a company that can be used to exemplify the theory of Herzberg. Behind Apple and the design of products by employees is the psychology of extrinsic and intrinsic characteristics driven by the question ‘’Will I enjoy using this product myself? ‘’. The extrinsic motivation is based on rewards for executives by giving them 3%-5% bonus of their salary. Next, all Apple employees receive discounts on products or they might receive free iPhone or iPad if they are on the developing team (Issaacson, 2011). This is more efficient than the increase of the salary as long as they see in front of their eyes the results of the effort, but also it is cheaper for Apple. In addition, intrinsic motivation is driven by corporate culture. Employees are weightily committed to their job, as ‘’monotonous encoding’’ that they enjoy it (Issaacson, 2011). The culture of Apple was forced by Steve Job. What motived him to follow his dream and his heart was the passion, creating innovative products based on enjoying using himself rather than to bring profits to Apple. The core principles for this are: Do something direct for your life; Get better and better at something that matters; There is no reason not to follow your instinc ts and your heart, nothing to lose (Awareness of his death) ; Understand that you live only once. Apple is a company that works and thinks outside the box helping people to change the world (Gladwell,2011). Furthermore, Freese and  Nichols (FNI) is a practical example of expectancy theory. FNI is the first engineering/architecture firm to receive this honour. Employees are trained to improve quality in the work and seminars and FNI University training offered by the company. Workers have the authority to work on their own. In 2010 FNI gained the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. In addition, Starbucks Corporation, the most famous chain of coffee shops in the world, attracts customers for its quality and the good value for money while the prices are high. Beyond, the employees are also satisfied. Major motivational principle of king of coffee is the equity, meaning how fair the employees are treated by the employers during their work (Economist.com , 2009). For Starbucks employees are partners, not just employees, giving them valuable knowledge and training and providing them with rewards and benefits. Besides, Starbucks offer a creative and excellent work place, as part of ethics program, where the company treats its ‘’partners’’ with respect and prestige. Motivation theories should be examined in a deeper and macro level. Firms corporate operate and have subsidiaries in different countries, where there are different employees around the world with different cultures and values. It is complicated for an organization to motivate different cultures, for the reason why each has different temperament and the ranking of needs differs among cultures. The motivation to work differs across cultures and this could be illustrated the following example. In countries where there is high risk of economic failure the reward of success is low, like Greece, where there is an enthusiasm for work because the deep recession. Great enthusiasm for work could be found when high uncertainty of outcome combined with positive reward (Triandis,1982). To conclude, according to the background theories, personal goals are contributing to the developing of human behavior. They are used by individuals to monitor, to modify and evaluate their behavior. Generally speaking, motivation can be preferential and selective aspect of particular behavior. It should be understood that motivation is important for the explanation of force toward a particular behavior or action. Vroom’s expectancy theory also places emphasis on the importance of motivation in the explanation of why people choose a particular action or behavior. Managers’ responsibility is to inspire, empower, envision and motivate employees for the fulfillment of their needs based on the different cultural  background. References Adams, J. (1963) Towards an understanding of inequity. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67 p.422-436. Adams, J. (1965) Inequity in social exchange . Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Academic Press. Droar, J. (2006) Expectancy theory of motivation. Economist.com (2009) Woke up, smelled the coffee. [online] Available at: http://www.economist.com/node/14536977 [Accessed: 23rd October 2012 ]. Fok, L. et al. (2000) Human factors affecting the acceptance of total quality management. International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, 17 (7), p.714-729. Freese and Nichols Website (2010) Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Report. [online] Available at: http://www.freese.com/sites/default/files/Malcolm%20Baldrige%20Service%20Sheet.pdf. Gladwell, M. (2011) The Tweaker: The Real Genius of Steve Jobs. New York:. Herzberg, F. (1987) One more time:How do you motivate employees. Harvard Business Review, 65 (5), p.109-120. Herzberg, F. et al. (1959) The Motivation of work. 2nd ed. Barbara B. Snyderman:. Isaacson, W. (2011) Steve Jobs. New York: Simon and Schuster. Locke, E. and Latham, G. (1990) A Theory of Goal Setting and Task Performance. Prentice Hall: Englewood, NJ. Maslow, A. (1954) Motivation and personality. New York: Harper and Row New York, p.91-93 , 256. Mowday, R. (1991) Motivation and work. New York: McGraw-Hill. Porter, L. and Lawler, E. (1968) Managerial Attitudes and Performance. Homewood: IL:Richard D. Irwin Inc. Triandis, H. (1982) Cross-Cultural Management :Conceptual Analyses. International Studies of Management and Organization, 12 (4). Vroom, V. (1964) Work and Motivation. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Anne Frank Book Summary Essay

I’ve just finished reading The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank. Anne Frank’s diary was begun on June 14th, 1942 and her last entry was on August 1st, 1944. Her diary was mostly about the Holocaust, when her family went into hiding. Anne’s family included herself, her sister (Margot Frank), her mother (Edith Frank), and her father (Otto Frank). This story was set in Prinsengracht, Amsterdam. I chose to read this book because stories that relate to war, really interest me. It all started on Anne’s thirteenth birth, when she received a diary from her parents. She was really excited because she wanted someone or something, she could tell her thoughts to. Even though Anne had a rich social life, she felt as if people didn’t know the real her. She began writing about daily events, school, boys, etc. Within a month, her entire life changed. More and more Jewish people were getting captured and receiving call ups. Call ups mean to surrender now and go to concentration camp. The family decided to go into hiding. They moved into a little section of Anne’s father’s office building that was walled off and hidden behind a singing bookcase. It was called â€Å"the Secret Annex†. For two years, the Frank family lived in â€Å"the Secret Annex†. Mr. and Mrs. van Daan and their son Peter (a little older than Anne) were also hiding with them. Later, Mr. Dussel, an elderly dentist, moved in and Anne had to share a room with him. Anne’s whole life now revolved around getting used to hearing gunshots and bombs. She started drifting away from her family because she spent more time studying and ready instead of spending time with them. Anne started to change as she began to spend time with Peter van Daan. Around that time, she started having dreams about a bout she was in love with, another Peter, Peter Schiff. She always came to see Peter (of the Annex) more than she used to. Before, Anne thought he was an obnoxious, hypersensitive and a lazy guy, but he turned out to be sensitive and caring. Eventually their relationship changed, and they became more than friends. Another big change for Anne happened, when the war was beginning to end. She heard on the radio that â€Å"personal accounts such as her diary will be in demand after the war ends†. She than started editing her diary with excitement! Unfortunately that didn’t last long. Anne started becoming more sensitive to the world around her. She felt completely alone. She felt constantly criticized and there was no escape. At one point, Anne thought it might’ve been better if she and her family had all died instead of hiding in the Annex. Things got a lot harder on Anne. The secret Annex was raided. On the morning of August 4th, 1994, they arrested all of the people in hiding. They were first brought to a prison in Amsterdam and then transferred to Westerbork, the transit camp for Jewish people in north of Holland. They were deported on September 3rd, 1944, in the last transport to leave Westerbork, and they arrived three days later in Auschwitz (Poland). Mr. van Daan (Hermann van Pels) was gassed to death in Auschwitz in October or November 1944. Mrs. van Daan (Auguste van Pels) died at and unknown concentration camp. Peter van Daan (Peter van Pels) was forced to take part in the â€Å"death march† from Auschwitz to Mauthausen (Austria), where he died on May 5th, 1945, right before the camp started. Albert Dussel (Fritz Pfeffer) died on December 20th, 1944, in the Neuengamme concentration camp. Edith Frank died in Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 6th, 1945, from hunger and exhaustion. Margot and Anne Frank had gotten typhus, caused by one of two types of bacteria: Rickettsia typhi or Rickettsia prowazekii, and their bodies were dumped in the Bergen-Belsen’s (concentration camp) mass graves. The only sole survivor was Otto Frank. He was the one who published Anne’s diary. The thing is, to this day, no one knows who exposed them. Every time I read this book, it gets better every single time. It also leaves me crying about ten minutes. It also makes me realize how lucky and blessed I am. Anne was such a brave girl, I could never imagine being in her position. I give this book ten out of then, it was one the best books I’ve ever read. I definitely recommend everyone to read The Diary of a Young Girl.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Medical Ethics4 essays

Medical Ethics4 essays Medical Ethics Bioethics comprise every possible aspect of health care, medical, moral, social, political, religious, legal and financial? (Weiss 3). This includes the questions raised by new research. It takes a look at the results of that research that is used on patients. It takes into consideration contemporary ideas of personal freedom and human dignity. It deals with growth in medical services available in the United States and the sky rocketing cost. Bioethics also deals with the medical advances in technology that has reshaped traditional medical ethics. Medical ethics have changed drastically over a period of years. From old commandments to new commandments, guidelines that provide structural framework, classic experiments that challenge that framework, or even how things are defined in medical ethics.Medical progress goes on, and the perils of progress must be heeded? (Leone 165). Changing times have in turn changed our codes of ethics. There are five old commandments of et hics and five new commandments of ethics. These commandments come from many years of heavily advised dictates from various people. A commandment by definition is, ... a dictate or a strongly advised piece of advice? (Halsey 201). The first traditional commandment is, Treat all human life as of equal worth? (Singer 190). This statement is very difficult to follow; almost no person believes this statement whole-heartedly. The statement makes more sense on paper or just being heard, but its application in life is almost impossible to ensure. In comparison to the first old ethic, the first new ethic states,Recognize that the worth of human life varies? (Singer 190). This statement allows for variation and livability in society. It gives way for someone to say, if a person is a vegetable, has no vital capabilities, this person's life is of no worth anymore. Without this sort of change in today's advancing civilization, it would make it ethically wrong topull ...

Monday, October 21, 2019

East Asia essays

East Asia essays During the years between 1000 and 1400 the East Asian region saw extensive change and development concerning the nature of the elites that ruled respective countries. In China there was the growth of the examination culture, Japan experienced the emergence of the Samurai, Korea saw the growth of the Yangban, and Vietnam became content with a tribute system to China. Each of the respective countries grew and developed independently and for the most part were able to distance themselves from China and begin to form their own national identity along with their own system of ruling elites. In China there is a definite beginning to the new political elite which stems from the transition from the Tang to Song dynasties culminating in 960. The Zhao Brothers, who are the leaders of the revolution and the only ones able to consolidate power, know that they are only military strong men and realize that they need a system that will help prevent them from loosing power. As a result they look away from the landed aristocracy, that had previously ruled China and in the fighting has been greatly weakened, and focus their attention on creating a new political structure to develop government officials. The Zhao brothers institute the Confucian Examination System (CES), which no longer relies on recommendation but is merit based. The provincial exams are held every three years, with the number of people passing the final exam (Jinshi) being around 100-150 out of the original 100,000. Around this examination system there was now a rise of a new elite, the Literati. With the b eginning of the CES there began a steady decline of military power in China and the emergence of the Literati. During the Mongol invasion the exams were stopped, which led to cultural development of the Literati because they had no political power with the Mongols, but with the re-institution of the exams by the Mongols in 1313 the Literati again begins once again a...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Why They Extend Contest Deadlines

Why They Extend Contest Deadlines I have a writing friend who gets downright angry when a contest extends the deadline. He considers it an insult, or that the editors are looking for specific people who didnt make the deadline. In reality, contests are run Heres how I see it when a contest announces a later deadline for submissions: 1. The obvious. They didnt receive enough quality submissions.   Keep in mind that their reputation is based upon what they publish as a result of contest entries. So, if they extend the deadline in order to obtain better material, is that so wrong? However, if I had entered on time and saw an extended deadline, admittedly, I would interpret that as my work not being acceptable enough. Professionally, however, I see this as the contest not being organized enough to get the word out properly. Just my two cents. 2. They received fewer entries than expected.   Contests like to grow over time. When I ran the FundsforWriters Essay Contest for nine years, the submissions grew in number each year. . . such that I could not manage it any longer and write novels at the same time. That number is representative of a contests success in reaching the masses the talented writers out there. If last year a contest brought in 325 entries, and this year, a week before the deadline, theyve only received 150, something went awry. The contest doesnt want it known that the numbers dropped, so they extend the deadline. 3. They need more money to cover prize money. This reason isnt as common as one might think, but Im sure it happens. Lets say a journal promotes a $1,000 prize and publication. The entry fee is $15. The first prize figure merits a need for 67 entries to break even. Thats not considering the cost of publication and paying a judge . . . maybe advertising. Even in the world of the arts, budgets are a factor. But again, I read this as poor planning. 4. Crisis management.   You never know if something happened that sabotaged the event. Maybe the ads didnt make it out in time. Maybe the judge got sick. A sponsor may have backed out. What if the online entry form was down for a week prohibiting entries? So, you can look at deadline extensions as tricks

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Foundation of Law concerning Employment Assignment

Foundation of Law concerning Employment - Assignment Example In the same way that the employer is legally entitled the profits of an employee’s work, the employer has also a legal liability if the same work results in harm. On the other hand, is someone is injured and needs to be compensated; the legal system makes the victim whole and assigns liability to the employer and not the employee. The employer is therefore liable for any harm caused by their servants acting within the scope of employment. There are various legal theories which the employer may be held responsible for the actions of their employee. The master can be held liable for any harm caused by the employee acting in the scope of occupation. This applies to both employees and to the independent contractors for as log as there is an agency relationship. According to the plaintiff’s attorney, the employer should know that the employee might cause harm. If the employee cause the harm while acting within the scope of employment, his/her employer is liable for damages incurred by the victim. This means that irrespective of the employer’s good intentions, or policies, I the employee cause an injury or harm to anybody within and without the company, while performing within the scope of the employment, the responsibility traces back to the employer. Unlike the vicarious liability, the negligent hiring, retention and supervision arises from actions performed by an employee outside the scope of his/her employment. An example of this liability occurs when the employer is held responsible for criminal conducts of the e mployee. The bases of this liability are upon the carelessness of the employer on hiring a criminal for a piece of work that he expected would endanger the lives of others. This is now recognized as a cause of action by many nations. There elements are required for liability to attach to the master (employer). Firstly, employers who employ individuals must train them in every sector of their job responsibilities, if failing to do so would result to injuries. Â  For example, employees who operate a vehicle should be adequately trained to do so to avoid destructed driving because the risk is foreseeable. Secondly, the employer is responsible for hiring, training and supervising employees. Failure to do so is described as a breach of that duty. Lastly, there must be causation between the injury and the conduct. Â  By virtual of employees using some unnecessary devices at work such as the mobile devices while driving company’s vehicle, the employer is said to have breached his/ her duty to supervise his/her employees and is thus held liable to the accident victims.

Effectiveness of NGO'S in Haiti Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Effectiveness of NGO'S in Haiti - Research Paper Example occupations (twice), brutal dictatorship, and militaries), which have contributed to the worsening of the public infrastructure and pervasive poverty within the country. 80% of the Haiti lives below the poverty line, a situation that remains aggravated by wide income inequality. It is widely approximated that NGOs operating within Haiti numbers around 3000 to as high as 10,000. Aid groups usually avail close to four-fifths of social services, and NGOs may account for close to 25% of the GDP (Schwartz 235). One of the most memorable leaders who have played a remarkable role in the country’s history is Aristide, who was ousted out of power in a coup by General Cedras Raoul in February 2004. In particular, the government is left without the capacity to fight poverty or address the country’s most harmful impacts such as education and health, entrusting most of these functions to international NGOs (Schwartz 236). Introduction Haiti is heavily aid dependent as the country ca nnot execute majority of the key functions of government inclusive of operations, and maintenance or the delivery of core public services devoid of foreign aid expertise and funding. A prominent reason for Haiti’s over-reliance on aid and the subsequent negligible impact draws from the series of corrupt, incompetent governments (Schwartz 235). Systemic corruption has been highlighted that the most prominent obstacle facing successful reconstruction and development of Haiti. This thesis analyses of the impact of NGOs effectiveness on Haiti development (economic, social, and political). I argue that the bulk of NGOs in Haiti has not been effective in discharging their mandate owing to absence of accountability and coordination (Kivland 248a). 1.2 Statement of Research Problem Most Haitians are very poor, living on less than $2 a day, a situation that has been worsened by the inability of the Haitian government to provide basic services such as health care and education (Buss 25 6). The UN approximated that international donors awarded Haiti more than $1.6 billion in relief aid since 2010 (close to $155 per Haitian) and more than $2 billion in recovery aid (close to $173 per Haitian), yet despite the massive aid, Haiti appears as if the earthquake happened less than four months ago (Johnston and Main 3). Close to half a million individuals remain homeless habited within hundreds on informal camps, and the bulk of the debris from destroyed buildings still remain on the streets, and cholera, a preventable disease is increasingly becoming an epidemic annihilating thousands and sickening hundreds. It is apparent that roughly none of the money that the public perceived was going to Haiti went directly to Haiti. The international community selected to sidestep the Haitian people, government of Haiti, and Haitian non-governmental organizations, whereby the funds were rather diverted to other governments, private entities, and international NGOs (Haggerty 25). One of the reasons given for the donors not dealing directly with NGOs rather than the government is the perception of widespread corruption in Haiti (Gurt 10). Overall, progress has been extremely low in all ways, a situation that can be attributed to ineffectiveness and lack of accountability in the channeling of donor funds and implementing projects. The question of accountability

Friday, October 18, 2019

Open forum intelligence analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Open forum intelligence analysis - Essay Example My primary concern is how can I efficiently conduct an ACH by use of the subjective process? How is the Analysis of Competing Hypothesis different from conventional intuitive analysis (Hypotheses 2008)? Richards asserts that there might be no apparent guarantee that any form of analysis might produce accurate answers. Reason being, it all depends on imperfect human judgment on incomplete information. Consequently, this has led to the failure of intelligence systems. Therefore, what are some of the essential factors needed to make the analysis of competing hypothesis more effective (Intelligence Reports 2013)? Hypotheses, Analysis of Competing. "Analysis of Competing Hypotheses." Central Intelligence Agency . July 2008. https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/books-and-monographs/psychology-of-intelligence-analysis/art11.html (accessed October Thursday,

Contract law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Contract law - Essay Example Since a breach of contract implies that one of the parties to a contract has suffered a loss or injuries, the law requires that the other party pay for damages to the injured party. Award of damages to the injured party is the major remedy which is available at common law for breach of contract. In general terms, damages refer to the monetary sum that is determined by the court in order to compensate the injured party. Damages intend to restore the injured party to his previous financial position (Beatson and Burrows and Cartwright, 2010, p. 39). In the scenario presented, Megatractors plc has suffered loss as a result of the crashing of the vehicle which was carrying its equipment. Megatractors plc had contracted the services of the Ace Transport Ltd to transport an expensive harvester to a customer, Home Farms (Flempton) Ltd. Since Ace Transport Ltd had provided similar services to Megatractors for a number of years, the latter was convinced that the former will perform its duty as per the contract. However, this did not happen as the driver’s error caused the vehicle carrying the equipment to crush and badly damaging the equipment thereby causing loss to Megatractors. After the incident, Ace Transport Ltd advised Megatractors that it intends to rely on the following clause: â€Å"Ace Transport Ltd will not accept any liability for loss or damage caused to customers’ property during transportation, no matter how the loss or damage was caused. Customers are advised to take out their own insurance.† Ace Transport further points out that the clause had been prominently displayed outside the entrance to their main offices, and is also reproduced on the back of all i9nvoices, confirmation of order notices and the receipts of the company as required under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 (Stone, 2009, p. 71). In the light of the facts relating to Megatractors scenario and the laws regarding the contract, the Managing Director of Megatractors plc should first be aware of the situation’s legal position. Megatractors plc has indeed suffered a substantial loss considering that the equipment which was damaged was described as expensive. As such, the company is ideally supposed to sue in order to recover substantial damages. Inherently, Megatractors plc can sue for special damages because it has suffered a quantifiable monetary loss; in this case damaged equipment. In addition, the company has suffered direct losses in the form of economic or consequential losses as a result of lost profits. Since it has been identified that; the crushing of the vehicle carrying the equipment was due to driver’s error, Megatractors has a right to sue for both punitive and compensatory damages for the tort that was committed resulting to the loss it has suffered (Fafinski and Finch, 2009, p. 20). The damages sought will intend to restore Megatractors plc to the position that it was at before the crushing had taken place. It is pa ramount for Megatractors plc’s Managing Director to know that in order to recover the substantial damages that it has suffered; it has to show that it had actually suffered the loss it is claiming. In this case it has suffered two types of losses: incidental loss due to the damaged equipment caused by driver’

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Team Leadership & Self Managed Teams Term Paper

Team Leadership & Self Managed Teams - Term Paper Example These groups are also responsible for performing other supportive roles that include performance appraisal, quality assurance and production scheduling among others (Cork 1-100). THESIS STATEMENT The paper intends to discuss about the aspects of team leadership and self-managed teams along with highlighting the background of the key issues surrounding these aspects. Moreover, the procedure of handling these aspects by certain specific companies would also be discussed in the paper. HISTORY/BACKGROUND The history of team leadership dates back to the period of 1980s when certain skills representing leadership aspects came into public display and have been addressed for the first time. In relation to the aspects associated with the notion of team leadership, it can be apparently observed that this particular idea demonstrated the influence made by individual hereditary facets on leadership. It is worth mentioning that the changing business environment has eventually raised the significa nce of performing effective teal leadership qualities along with skills and building self-managed teams. All these significant aspects ultimately highlight the importance of the aforesaid aspects by a certain degree (McCarthy, â€Å"Global Leadership: An Analysis of three Leadership Competency Models in Multinational Corporations†). In order to highlight the history or the background of the key issues surrounding the above discussed aspects, it can be affirmed that the word ‘team’ can be well related with the Anglo-Saxon word i.e. ‘family’, which is basically referred to as harnessed animals that are responsible for pulling a load towards the accomplishment of certain common objectives. With the passage of time, the notion of teamwork has been able to gain all round importance within organizations to a very large extent. This notion primarily considers specific measures that are needed to be adopted along with executed effectively, so that a team is fully empowered and equipped enough to perform various significant functions (Cork 1-100; McCarthy, â€Å"Global Leadership: An Analysis of three Leadership Competency Models in Multinational Corporations†). EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC COMPANIES Development of both of these aspects i.e. self-managed teams along with team leadership can be duly considered as an issue, which is on the rise. This factor can be provided with the maximum amount of weightage owing to the fact that development of such team and skills are highly demanded in the present day context. This issue can be well addressed in the future by way of analyzing and highlighting its importance in the overall management context. It is quite evident that both of these aspects i.e. self-managed teams along with team leadership is of primary importance in the modern day management context, as these represents high end sense of performing various job responsibilities. In relation to this context, issues pertaining to both of t hese management aspects are needed to be delivered high amount of weightage owing to the fact that it will help organizations to build greater leadership skills that are required for the purpose of creating organizational efficiency. Moreover, team leadership can help individuals to be highly competent in meeting the

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 14

Strategic Management - Essay Example The scope of the report is centered on analyzing the external and internal conditions of the organization. This gives details of the position of the organization in the industry in which it operates in. The internal analysis provides essential factors that are necessary for Fortescue’s growth as an organization in both the short run and the long run. On the other hand, the external analysis is based on three major fronts which include competitor environment, industry environment and general environment. The sources of information used to gather data for the report are quite reliable and sufficient. The SWOT Analysis Between Myth and Reality, is a journal that has widely been used to explain the internal analysis of the organization that helps reveal various factors that the organization has put into consideration as far as strategy is concerned. Another major source that has been used is Contemporary Strategic Management to explain the strategic approaches that the organizatio n uses. However, these sources had various limitations. Some of the sources were not easily available and some of the website sources are subject to change due to updates. However, the report was able to deduce substantial findings from the sources. The external analysis, such as the political element, is influenced by which policies the government employs. The strategies that the Fortescue tries to engage are adjusted to fit the changes that occur in the external environment. On the other hand, the organization has complete control of the internal factors, such as its strength, and can always manipulate it in order to remain competitive in the market. There are various recommendations that have been made by the report. As a start-up business, Fortescue should always be on the look out of the opportunities that are available for it in both the external and internal environment. They should utilize every possible opportunity in order to increase its competitiveness in the

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Team Leadership & Self Managed Teams Term Paper

Team Leadership & Self Managed Teams - Term Paper Example These groups are also responsible for performing other supportive roles that include performance appraisal, quality assurance and production scheduling among others (Cork 1-100). THESIS STATEMENT The paper intends to discuss about the aspects of team leadership and self-managed teams along with highlighting the background of the key issues surrounding these aspects. Moreover, the procedure of handling these aspects by certain specific companies would also be discussed in the paper. HISTORY/BACKGROUND The history of team leadership dates back to the period of 1980s when certain skills representing leadership aspects came into public display and have been addressed for the first time. In relation to the aspects associated with the notion of team leadership, it can be apparently observed that this particular idea demonstrated the influence made by individual hereditary facets on leadership. It is worth mentioning that the changing business environment has eventually raised the significa nce of performing effective teal leadership qualities along with skills and building self-managed teams. All these significant aspects ultimately highlight the importance of the aforesaid aspects by a certain degree (McCarthy, â€Å"Global Leadership: An Analysis of three Leadership Competency Models in Multinational Corporations†). In order to highlight the history or the background of the key issues surrounding the above discussed aspects, it can be affirmed that the word ‘team’ can be well related with the Anglo-Saxon word i.e. ‘family’, which is basically referred to as harnessed animals that are responsible for pulling a load towards the accomplishment of certain common objectives. With the passage of time, the notion of teamwork has been able to gain all round importance within organizations to a very large extent. This notion primarily considers specific measures that are needed to be adopted along with executed effectively, so that a team is fully empowered and equipped enough to perform various significant functions (Cork 1-100; McCarthy, â€Å"Global Leadership: An Analysis of three Leadership Competency Models in Multinational Corporations†). EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC COMPANIES Development of both of these aspects i.e. self-managed teams along with team leadership can be duly considered as an issue, which is on the rise. This factor can be provided with the maximum amount of weightage owing to the fact that development of such team and skills are highly demanded in the present day context. This issue can be well addressed in the future by way of analyzing and highlighting its importance in the overall management context. It is quite evident that both of these aspects i.e. self-managed teams along with team leadership is of primary importance in the modern day management context, as these represents high end sense of performing various job responsibilities. In relation to this context, issues pertaining to both of t hese management aspects are needed to be delivered high amount of weightage owing to the fact that it will help organizations to build greater leadership skills that are required for the purpose of creating organizational efficiency. Moreover, team leadership can help individuals to be highly competent in meeting the

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Conduct an investigation into any business organization. I choose ( Essay

Conduct an investigation into any business organization. I choose ( Ooredoo Qatar ) - Essay Example Ooredoo is a public telecommunication company based in Qatar. It provides mobile, wireless, wireline and content services (Ooredoo.om, 2015). The state partly owns the company. It was a monopoly before starting to trade publicly in 2006. Ooredoo was first launched in Kuwait in 1999 before Qatar Telecom acquired 51% Wataniya Telecom shares from Kuwait Projects Holding KSC (KIPCO) group. In 2012, Qatar Telecom (QTel) made an offer to acquire the rest of the company. It has since increased its share to 92.1%. Its name changed to Ooredoo from Wataniya. QTel itself began in 1949 but was officially established in 1987. It developed to be National Telephony Services in 1970, operated by Qatar National Telephone Services (QVTS) while international services by Cable and Wireless. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a duty that organizations have, other than making profits, to communities in which they find themselves. It is an emerging concept that has become universally accepted and adopted by many business entities as a way of appreciating communities and other stakeholders of organizations worldwide. CSR consumes the resources of organizations thus reducing their profits. This appears to be an inconsistency to the role of directors, which is to increase the wealth of shareholders by increasing profits. However, CSR does not start or end with the communities themselves but also with the shareholders too. Managers of organizations have a corporate social responsibility to shareholders in varied ways. The first corporate social responsibility and the most important are maximizing profits leading to good returns and dividend policies. Organizations have a responsibility to shareholders who are the owners of capital to offer them good returns. This, therefore, calls upon the managers of Ooredoo to always make favorable and attractive dividend policies, which will attract more investors and create value for the shareholders investments. It is the

Monday, October 14, 2019

Are Leaders Born or Made Essay Example for Free

Are Leaders Born or Made Essay People have debated whether leaders are born or made for centuries. However, I am absolutely convinced that good leaders are made than born. If you have the desire and willpower, you can become an effective leader. â€Å"Good leaders can develop through a never ending process of self-study, education, training and experience† (Jago, 1982). To inspire workers into higher levels of teamwork, there are certain things a leader must be, know, and, do. These do not come naturally, but are acquired through continual work and study. Good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their leadership skills; they are NOT resting on their laurels. Definition of Leadership Before we get started, let’s define and understand about leadership. Leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. Leaders carry out this process by applying their leadership attributes, such as beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge, and skills. In the field of organizational learning, leadership entered the discussion as a proxy for the organization. Initial concepts of leadership in organizational learning were based on the notion of the dominant coalition. Organizational learning theorists had suggested that the senior management team, or dominant coalition, was in fact the organization level of organizational learning. Moreover, leadership has been described as the â€Å"process of social influence in which one person enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. According to Ken â€Å"SKC† Ogbonnia, â€Å"effective leadership is the ability to successfully integrate and maximize available resources within the internal and external environment for the attainment of organizational or society goal. Charismatic Leaders are made but not born. However, there are many well-educated and motivated people who lack of the knowledge to lead others. So they don’t assume leadership positions, or if they do, they don’t do very well in them. Thus, to become a made leader, we need to know about the characteristic of a leader for us to learn and explore from there. Having charisma is an important quality to any successful leader, that’s all highly successful people must develop to maximize their success in leadership roles, as well as use it to gain a great advantage over their competition. Charisma can be explained as an indefinable personal magnetism that helps draw people to you, and makes them want to cooperate and work with you to accomplish your dreams. To increase your own level of charisma, you must first be confidence in your own vision. If you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish, then you need to focus on setting goal for yourself, and make plan to achieve them without delay. The clearer you are about your purpose, and how you are planning to achieve it, will naturally to attract others to help and support you in any way they can. However, some say charismatic is born but not made. Yes, it’s. But without the born charisma, you can also increase the level of you charisma by talking and interaction with other, certain interactions and rewards increase starting relationships, such as a Celebrity using a Charming Introduction will instantly have a new friend. Charisma skill-building requires friends and relationships to progress. Personality and Physical Build Besides, the personality is also an important element to become a made leader, great leaders must have the ability to project themselves, to communicate with subordinates in order to accomplish a task by teamwork. The dictionary definition of personality is the collection of emotional and behavioural traits that characterize a person. That is, your personality is how you present yourself to the world. It is how others see you. Is that important for leadership effectiveness? I think so. Your public persona is the catalyst for enrolling followers. For example, you might be typically dominant, or perhaps you’re always a friendly person, or even someone who takes very few risks. These examples are personality traits. You may also simply improve your personality by your appearance such as dress up and make up well as the appearance oneself always the first impression they given to other. Aside of personality, physical build is also a trait of characteristic for being a leader, this can be made and improved by one self. For example, the children now are mostly taller and stronger than their parents because of the better knowledegement care. Talent, skills and knowledge Beyond the personal traits of a leader, leadership talent, skills and knowledge someone must master if they want to be a leader. Leadership talent is those innate traits that a person is born with but which they need to work on to develop their potentiality, Leadership skills are learned behaviours that a person practices and hones over time. And leadership knowledge is acquired learning about the methods, strategies, successes and failures of other leaders in business and in different walks of life. The traits include intelligence, creativity, diplomacy, persuasiveness, and organizational ability. The difference of the three is an intrinsic character of the leader and the latter two are learned. And an effective leader combines all three: harnessing mixture of their natural characteristic, their learned replicable behaviors, and their mental data and learning into their own unique way to expressing themselves as a leader. Knowing well of the managerial function Besides, knowing well of the managerial function is also a must for a made leader. From day-to-day operating, they should be able to learn about planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling in order to lead their subordinates in an effective way. Planning refers to anticipate the opportunity, problems and conditions and choosing from among the alternative of future courses or actions. That includes forecasting, programming, scheduling and etc. The organization functions consist of developing the organization, delegating authority and establishing relations. Staffing is about planning the organization with suitable personnel constitutes the staffing function. Direction function involves managing people and work through the means of motivation, proper leadership, effective communication and coordination. Controlling function enables management to ensure the achievement is in accordance with the established plans. Communication skill Moreover, to be a made leader, we should train ourselves to make effective communication thru experience. The communication skill can definitely be improved if you have the desire to do it, a smart leader must always the â€Å"30 seconds message† which transmitting the most important message within the shortest time. Effective communication is more than just being able to speak and write. A leader’s communication must move people to work toward the goal the leader has chosen. Besides that, a leader has to be able to motivate everyone to contribute. Each of us have different â€Å"button†, a great leader should knows how to push to right button on everyone to make them really want to do their best to achieve the leader’s goal. This is definitely not born because leader could press the right buttons on everyone through understanding their personality. Honesty and Integrity, Forward looking, Independence and Innovation. In addition, the characteristic of a leader is also consisted by honesty and integrity, forward looking, independence and innovation. Once should not even be considered to become a leader without having demonstrated the honesty, integrity and trustworthiness to have and maintain a position of public trust. At all levels, individuals with integrity and honesty show moral courage by doing the right thing even when it is not popular or by expressing dissent when actions or pending decisions would violate organizational and/or constitutional values, laws, and regulations. In addition, they confront unethical behavior in others. Furthermore, the honestly and integrity is about following rules and regulation, this is made as we have no choice but have to follow the rules and regulation of the organization. As a great leader, we always need to be forward-looking toward any issue or problem. When people do not consider their leader forward-looking, that leader is usually suffering from one of two possible problems which are the leader doesn’t have a forward-looking vision and the leader is unwilling or scared to share the vision with others. The forward-looking attitude can be influenced by those people who are surrounding us with positive-minded, this can be made but not born. Last but not least, a great leader is also an innovator. Innovation is about making new tools, products and process, bring forth something â€Å"new† which allows human being to accomplish something they were not able to accomplish previously. We can be innovation through study, research, discuss and deliberated from past experience. Leaders must be tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry, human enough to make mistakes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the pain, and resilient enough to bounce back and keep on moving. Leaders must be tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry, human enough to make mistakes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the pain, and resilient enough to bounce back and keep on moving. Leader is made because a person becomes a leader through life and work experiences, through mentors and personal reflection. Leader takes time to develop and they were made just like anything else, through hard work. If you are given a chance, you practice, you can also be a leader.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Management Planning and Ethics :: Business Management Coursework

Planning is concerned with the future impact of today’s decisions. It’s easy to postpone planning and therefore plans are seldom made. In the company I work for, the need for planning becomes apparent long after a decision has been made. Due to the lack of planning, short-run solutions are constantly put into place.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In our organization, planning is usually what takes the most time, which we are not given much of when it comes to projects. Even when we get to plan, we don’t get to plan as much as we’d like, usually. On the same token, I believe that there should be a cutoff point for planning as it can definitely suck up all of the time needed to execute a project.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I as a manager, I attempt to plan things as well as I can with my staff, but find that my requested timeline in accordance to the timeline given by my upper management, and to the timeline promised to the executives, find it very difficult at times. It is mentioned in the text that organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling functions in management stem from the planning function. This would explain another tribulation we have at work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We find that we are sometimes disorganized and understaffed. For the most part I maintain the leading and controlling function with what resources I have. This is really never accomplished up to par because of what is lacking in the other areas. Goals and plans to reach them has been the main project on my plate, because of how difficult it is. For the most part, I’ve used my own management instinct to lead the group, and have been successful, to certain degree.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  But my influence on the group is quite limited as I struggle to plan for goals and methods of achieving them. My measurement of the completion of our goals has hap hazardously been reported on Monday mornings as second priority to certain tasks that need to be completed before I could even call my group successful. Sometimes this act is confusing and doesn’t appear to serve a purpose to me, immediately. Although, I know that it does in the long run.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have grown to understand how important planning is at all levels of management. I’ve also noticed that its characteristics vary with every level of management. Sometimes it appears as though the higher level of management isn’t really putting the planning function of management into use, causing just as difficult a time for me to plan as I’m currently having. Management Planning and Ethics :: Business Management Coursework Planning is concerned with the future impact of today’s decisions. It’s easy to postpone planning and therefore plans are seldom made. In the company I work for, the need for planning becomes apparent long after a decision has been made. Due to the lack of planning, short-run solutions are constantly put into place.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In our organization, planning is usually what takes the most time, which we are not given much of when it comes to projects. Even when we get to plan, we don’t get to plan as much as we’d like, usually. On the same token, I believe that there should be a cutoff point for planning as it can definitely suck up all of the time needed to execute a project.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I as a manager, I attempt to plan things as well as I can with my staff, but find that my requested timeline in accordance to the timeline given by my upper management, and to the timeline promised to the executives, find it very difficult at times. It is mentioned in the text that organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling functions in management stem from the planning function. This would explain another tribulation we have at work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We find that we are sometimes disorganized and understaffed. For the most part I maintain the leading and controlling function with what resources I have. This is really never accomplished up to par because of what is lacking in the other areas. Goals and plans to reach them has been the main project on my plate, because of how difficult it is. For the most part, I’ve used my own management instinct to lead the group, and have been successful, to certain degree.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  But my influence on the group is quite limited as I struggle to plan for goals and methods of achieving them. My measurement of the completion of our goals has hap hazardously been reported on Monday mornings as second priority to certain tasks that need to be completed before I could even call my group successful. Sometimes this act is confusing and doesn’t appear to serve a purpose to me, immediately. Although, I know that it does in the long run.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have grown to understand how important planning is at all levels of management. I’ve also noticed that its characteristics vary with every level of management. Sometimes it appears as though the higher level of management isn’t really putting the planning function of management into use, causing just as difficult a time for me to plan as I’m currently having.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Interactive Cable Archives and Videoconferencing :: Technology Education Curriculum Essays

Interactive Cable Archives and Videoconferencing The integration of technology into curriculum and instructional practices in P-12 education has been gaining momentum in classroom reform across the nation (Mowre-Popiel, Pollard, & Pollard, 1994). Interactive and digital technologies are now recognized as tools by which educators can bring unique resources into the classroom (Schutte, 1998; Wise, 2002) and engage students in dynamic, self-constructed learning (Branzburg, 2001). The use of technology as a tool that supports instruction and learning is transforming the traditional way of teaching; both digital and geographically located resources now offer an enriched content that was not available to earlier generations (Branzburg, 2001). As a result, many authors and researchers believe that the use of technology within educational settings will serve to motivate students to learn more, both with and without teacher assistance, effectively promoting increased cognitive development (Gernstein, 2000; Wise, 2002). While there are many projects involving the utilization of interactive and digital technologies in classroom instruction (Buckle, 1995; Gernstein, 2000; Warner, 1999; Petersen, 1998), there is limited scientific evidence of its effectiveness in improving teaching and learning when compared to traditional instruction. In addition, there exists almost no literature that illustrates the impact of the combined effect of both digital and video resources. Purpose of the paper The purpose of this paper is to describe the developmental process used to create technology-infused curriculum and the methodology used to document the combined impact of the enriched curriculum and instruction on students’ affective and cognitive domains. In addition, preliminary findings of pilot studies, conducted during the summer and fall of 2003 will be presented. The curriculum unit under study consisted of a civics education unit on the â€Å"Power of the Presidency† prepared for use in grades 7-12 (AP). Technological resources included interactive cable archives and point-to-point videoconferencing. Review of Literature The late 1980’s ushered in a period of change in the American educational context, with a major focus on integrating technology in P-12 classrooms (Dwyer, Ringstaff, & Sandholtz, 1990). Several authors credit this continued use to the belief that technology integration supports philosophies of instruction that perceive each student as a unique learner, thereby aiding in the transformation of teacher-centered classrooms into student-centered settings (Mowre-Popiel, Pollard, & Pollard, 1994; Bork, 1997). Research has provided at least partial support for this belief. Multiple studies have shown that instructional technology enhances learning (e.g. Clouse, 1991-1992; Phillips & Soule, 1992). An early study of technology-supported instruction, conducted by the Educational Testing Service, found that students learned more quickly in a web-based environment, compared to traditional classroom settings (Ragosta, 1982).

Friday, October 11, 2019

How has the Media changed over time

Freedom of Speech within the Media has progressed vastly over the recent years. National legislations restricted journalists, but as globalization began and spread quickly, along with technology, these national barriers disappeared, as did the legislations that go with them. The availability to a bigger and wider variety of information and news from all around the world has increased, and journalists have a larger freedom of expression. However, is absolute freedom of speech really desirable? This essay discusses changes in media over time and its influence on freedom of speech. Furthermore, it outweighs the benefits and implications that come with this freedom of speech.Old Media refers to the more traditional methods of communication and expression that have existed prior to the invention of the Internet, e.g newspapers, magazines and books. Alternatively, New Media refers to the access of information anytime, anywhere, and interactive user feedback and creative participation. Anot her characteristic is its unregulated content. (Schivinski et al., 2013, p. 5).The Old Media faced many constraints which new technology has aided to breakdown, making information today more accessible and easier to use. There are vast differences and progressions from the Old Media to the New Media. Briefly, information is easier to use and can reach wider audiences, it preserves and stores information more effectively, encourages copying, changing and growth of information, uses images and sounds instead of text and all in an instant, in faster ways, completely unimaginable before. Katsh (1988) points out 3 distinct qualities possessed by the New Media (electronic media) in transmitting, storing, organization and processing of information.The barriers of time and space that were obstacles in the past have been overcome through electric communication. The result now is the unimaginable increase in the speed of the transmission of information. The dependency on inefficient transport ation for distribution is no longer a barrier to the spread of information and through the Internet information can be transmitted instantaneously. This information can then be responded to and  passed onto others equally as rapid.The audience of this new media is much larger than that of the print era. Not only is information reaching a larger audience, but it is reaching new audiences and enabling communication between groups of people that previously couldn’t, through the disintegration of the geographical barrier. As Hiltz and Turoff (1978) explain, â€Å"until now there has been no means for a group of people to adequately exchange information among themselves and reach decisions, other than to meet frequently face to face and talk it out†.The computer and New Media has introduced new means of organizing and storing information. Compare the huge, almost limitless, quantities of information stored everyday on the internet to the restricted and finite storage capa city of traditional filing cabinets or print libraries. Katsh (1988) refers to it as an ‘information chain’ for the process of acquiring, processing and generating information, like a chain that grows longer and longer, building on existing knowledge.There is an obvious increase in avenues for acquiring information that coax ‘the seeker of knowledge’ to find alternative paths to information that are continuously being created. Katsh (1988) emphasizes that â€Å"because information is organized differently, the electronic media encourages interaction with data that is different from reading a book†.The processing of data has also drastically reformed in New Media. The digitalization and facileness of copying electronic data aid and increase the speed of processing information electronically. Katsh (1988) explains that digitalization is the process of recording reality by breaking it down into parts and are then given a numerical value which allows for data to be manipulated in ways that enlarge the number of ways it can be used and distributed. â€Å"All digital machines copy in order to communicate. They are essential repeaters able to regenerate perfect copies without abandon† (R. Solomon, 1985).Zuboff (1988) expands on this idea by arguing that â€Å"information technology, even when it is applied to automatically reproduce a finite activity, is not mute. It not only imposes information but produces information† and believes that New Media ‘informates’ as well as automates.Many of these characteristics that at first glance make the Internet appealing, (ease of transmission, perfect reproduction etc) is essentially what could cause problems with the technology. There are difficulties in enforcing and imposing freedom of speech rights in cyberspace as the Internet does not belong to any country in particular. It doesn’t belong within any geographical borders. So this leads us to the main issue: if the Internet doesn’t belong to any geographical boundaries, then which/who’s jurisdictions and laws does it follow?The ability to transmit information instantaneously online, without internet control de facto censorship and without the borders of countries, it is very hard to control the information appearing online. However, before proceeding, there appear to be many misconceptions about what free speech and its limitations and consequences are actually composed of. The U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Art. 19, states: â€Å"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers† (U.S. Constitution).However, when these rights to freedom and expression were actually last clarified, the use of New Media and the Internet was highly underdeveloped and limited and its actual effect on mainstream media was still under speculation (OHCHR). As Katsch (1988) explains, â€Å"censorship laws were an attempt to use law to regulate what had been controlled earlier by the inherent qualities of writing†.So, what are the benefits of complete freedom of speech and expression? The importance of free speech as a basic and valuable characteristic of Western society cannot be underestimated. As previously discussed, the internet provides an outstanding amount of resources for information and knowledge. This allows for new opportunities for expression and participation of ideas. It becomes a great social strength promoting creativity and individuality and the sharing of ideas between people from different backgrounds and views.Practically, freedom of speech serves many functions. Arguably most importantly, freedom of speech is important at all levels of society as decision making is based on discussion and consideration of an array of various views. As well as this, gov ernments can benefit from getting direct opinions voiced from the people, and if the criticisms towards the government are openly voiced, they have the chance to respond to these unjust comments about it’s actions. If speech was otherwise restricted, these same criticisms and rumors would still circulate only another way, by word of mouth which the government is then in no position to respond or answer to these views as they aren’t publicly made. (Turley, 2012).However this freedom of speech can easily be misused. Implications of freedom of speech involves toleration of ‘a great deal of nonsense’ and there is the increasingly popular view that information based on ‘bad taste’ and offensiveness to particular groups should be censored. More extreme, what happens if a misinforming story goes viral shared between thousands of people across the world? When the right of freedom of speech was announced in the Universal Declaration of Rights, they did not foresee the power and largeness of the mass media of today. How in one second an article can be published online and the next it can be starting a huge discussion with thousands of people from opposite sides of the world.And what about extremist groups? As well as this what about fraud, child protection, decency, libel and hate speech? Shouldn’t these to a certain extent be controlled? John Stuart Mill (2007) suggests that it is only the prevention of harm to others which justifies the state in restricting our voluntary conduct (Cooray, 1997). But what does harm really entail?To conclude, the progression the Media has made in the relatively short amount of time merited by the introduction of the Internet and other electronic communications is undeniable. Many barriers to communications present in the Old Media have been eradicated, leading to quicker exchange of information, as well as a much more varied information scope and audience, connecting people through informati on from all around the world.It is these ‘benefits’ of diminished barriers of geography (which are irrelevant because information no longer needs to necessarily be published and distributed but can simply be posted online instantaneously) that actually pose the problem when it comes to freedom of expression. Because of these lack of borders the Internet/New Media doesn’t fall under any one particular country’s jurisdiction and the issue of who’s laws, language or  codes of conduct should be applied is raised. Furthermore, the importance of freedom of speech as a basic and valuable characteristic of Western Society cannot be denied. However there is a fine line when it comes to freedom of speech.I believe that freedom of speech will lead to an array of views, some which you will agree with, and others that you could find offensive or wrong. However if you want the right to express you opinion, there are certainly going to be ideas you disagree with or maybe even feel insulted by. But this is the price that comes with freedom.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Breach of contract †contract law Essay

Spanish Contract Law provides a broad notion of breach of contract for any behavior that departs from the specified behavior in the contract in any way (time, quality, substance, etc.) or is not specially justified on legal grounds (actions forbidden by the government are not breaches since they are justified on a legal ground). The general benchmark to determine breach is the contract agreed by the parties themselves, and not external notions. However, external notions are used in important situation such as the consumer’s market where the consumer’s expectations are the primary benchmarks to assess quality and performance since there is not an explicit contract. External notions are also important in other market, where a third party may have some duty or responsibility over the contract, and therefore, is responsible (at least in part) for any potential breach. The reason for breach does not exclude the breach. What matters is the breach. The analysis of breach takes place in objective terms. Subjective factors generally do not exclude breach, although they may affect remedies. In certain contractual areas, breach of duty and fault are generally required (professional contracts, management contracts: breach requires violation of a duty of care or a duty of loyalty). In professional contracts, the fault may be of a professional who was in contract with the firm, and in management contracts, it may be the fault of the manager. 2) Remedies: Spanish Contract Law provides a wide range of general remedies for breach of contract: †¢ Specific performance: the court forces the breacher to act as it was established in the contract. If for example, the contract stipulated that the promiser had to give the promisee a product of quality 2 and he delivers a good of quality 1, then as remedy the court force the promiser to deliver a good of quality 2. †¢ Damages: the court force the breacher to pay a certain amount of money  (damages) to the other party as compensation. It is a monetary remedy. The court calculate the amount to be paid. †¢ Liquidated damages: these are also monetary compensation, but with the difference that they are not calculated by the court, but they are instead specified in the contract itself. One example are the soccer players’ contracts, or sale contracts that specifies the amount to be paid for each day of delay. Other general remedies that we can find are: †¢ Termination: if a party suffers a breach, it can contract with another party and abandon its contractual obligation. If the breacher does not agree with this, court is necessary. †¢ Reduction of prices: in case of breach of a party, a general remedy is to reduce the price to equilibrate the contract. Generally, it is the aggrieved party who chooses the remedy to be imposed. 3) Specific performance: Specific performance is a remedy for breach characterized by the fact that a failed performance or departure from required action by the contract will be imposed upon breaching party. It is also characterized by several material variants of the remedy such as: forced delivery, forced action, injunction not to do, repair defective performance and replace non-conforming good. In the case of the injunction not to do, the court oblige the breacher not to do something, such as obliging a CEO to work for the competition if in the contract it was stipulated that he cannot. Specific performance conceptually includes repair and replacement of consumer goods. The main issue with specific performance, when it is feasible, is the issue of the balance of benefits and costs of the remedy. Specific performance implies that the breacher perform as the contract establishes. However, sometimes, the cost of this performance may be higher than the benefit in social welfare terms. Take the example of the mining firm, which has a contract with the owner of the land to mine for 10 years and then clean the land. When the 10 year pass, the firms breaches the contract and refuse to clean. The cost of cleaning the land is 20 millions, and the benefit for the  owner is 1 million. So if the court imposes a specific performance to firm, society will loose 19 millions. A good alternative would be to impose damages to the firm, which would be preferred by the owner, since an agreement between the firm and the owner will be reached that maximize the social welfare. In these cases, performance may be more costly than its value for promisee: performance may be ex post inefficient. There are both positive and negative features of specific performance as a remedy. As positive features, we can distinguish low informational requirements to apply remedy (avoids cost of error linked to estimating damages) and the party aggrieved by breach appears to be satisfied in its promissory expectation. As negative features, we find performance may be more costly than its value for promisee (performance may be ex post inefficient), requires a court order and takes time, for complex performances requires costly and difficult supervision by court and performance by a party forced to comply with contract may be perfunctory (lowest effort) at best. 4) Damages: Damages are understood as general remedies that can be applied to all types of contracts and breaches of contracts. It is a remedy defined in very broad terms: amount of money to compensate any harm suffered by the injured party as a consequence of any breach of contract. We can differentiate between two kinds of damages: expectation and reliance damages. This is why it is a remedy with a variable extension. Expectation damages: Expectation damages is the sum of money that will give the party damaged the same amount of welfare and utility than if the contract would not have been breached and the final result would have been attained. Therefore, the breach party would have to pay the aggrieved party an amount of money that would compensate for the harm caused and in addition an amount of money equal to the value of the performance for this party. There are however some problems with expectation damages since they are difficult to compute and some instances of moral hazard may appear. Those who seek for damages have to provide evidence of both the existence and amount of damages. This requirement has some exceptions in case of harm in re ipsa: illegitimate use of a productive good, deprivation of a productive good, and few other examples. Expectation damages is the general rule in Spanish Law for breach of contract. It is the damage measure that accompanies termination for breach and the replacement measure of specific performance. It is awarded when there is a breach of representations and warranties, advertising and promotional communications and in cases of pre-contractual fraud that are equivalent to breach of contracts. How can we compute expectation damages? When goods or services admit substitutes or cover transactions to avoid the negative consequences of the other party’s breach of contract, the price of these transactions is relevant. If the seller breaches the contract and the buyer has bought a good, generally fungible, then the expectation damages will be equal to the difference between the price of the substitute and the price established in the contract: Psub-Pc. If the buyer breaches the contract and the seller celebrates a cover sale the expectation damages would be equal to the difference between the price established in the contract and the price of the new sale: Pc-Psub. Other ways of computing expectation damages are the following: Market damages: (for fungible good with market price) buyer will receive expectation damages consisting of the difference between the market price when the breach of contract took place (Pm) and the contract price (Pc). Seller will receive the opposite difference. Expectation damages present some limitations that reduce it scope and amount. One of this limitations is the foreseeability rule. This rule state that the breacher should only be liable for the things that are foreseen or could have foreseen at the time of contracting and that are necessary  consequence of his failure to perform. For instance, if the foreseeable harm of a breach is 100 and the aggrieved party end up suffering a loss of 1000, the foreseeability rule states that damages will amount only to 100. The foreseeability rule gives incentives to give information in the time of contracting. Those who suffer from harm must declare the value of the performance. In tort law, there is no foreseeability rule, you pay the actual damage. Another limitation is the duty to mitigate damages: the aggrieved party is under the duty to mitigate damages that the other contracting party has caused with her / his breach of contract. Reliance damages: Reliance damages: sum of money that will give the party damaged the same amount of welfare and utility than if the contract would not have taken place (the initial situation). This is why reliance damages are generally lower than expectation damages. Reliance damages cover expenses for the injured party derived from concluding the contract, specific investments that the injured party has made in reliance of performance of the contract by the other party and opportunity costs. Limited assets: Damages do not always work well. Sometimes, individuals can bear the payment of these damages, and therefore, they will have incentives to reduce them. However, this is not always the case. When the breacher has not enough assets to pay damages up to the point of optimal care, damages do not work well, because people will not pay for the consequences of their acts, and therefore, their level of care will be the optimal according to what they can pay, and not what they should pay. This is known as judgement proof problem. Damages for pain and suffering: The traditional position of the Spanish Supreme Court and Spanish Courts is: †¢ To accept damages for pain and suffering for breach of contract †¢ To award damages for pain and suffering with a relative amplitude and generosity. †¢ To award damages for pain and suffering with several functions: †¢ To avoid the problems of calculating and justifying the amount of the damage award †¢ To compensate harm in personality rights (right to life, liberty, honor, etc.). †¢ To compensate non-patrimonial values joined to economic goods and rights (discomfort, inconvenience, disappointment, frustration) †¢ To punish intolerable or egregious behaviors of breach of contract. When an individual suffer harm, her utility decreases (she goes form point A to point B, but her utility function for money will not change). If this harm is economic, we can compensate this harm with money, which will leave her at point A again. However, the harm that an individual can suffer may be non-economic, and for the same amount of money her utility decreases (her utility function changes). Money cannot restore the initial utility (a huge amount would be needed). This is the case of pain and suffering (accident and death of a relative, discomfort, etc). This is why it is useless to take insurance for death, since it would not compensate the harm. The hairy hand example: What is the difference between expectation and reliance damage? Let’s look at an example. An individual was injured in his hand and lost 50% of his use. He entered in a contract with a doctor who promised to reestablish the hand to a 100% of use in exchange for quantity of money. Before the contract was made, the individual was situated in an indifference curve that related all the   combination of hand use and money that let the individual indifferent. We assume that the individual is willing to give up hand use for money. After the contract and operation, the individual was worse off, with 25% of use. What should the doctor pay as damage? If expectation damages are used, the doctor should pay the individual a quantity of money that together with the 25% of hand use leave him with the same utiity as if the contract had succeded and he had 100% of use (situate him in a higher indifference curve). If reliance damages are imposed, the doctor should pay the individual a quantit y of money that, together with the 25% of hand use, leave him with the same utility as if the contract did not take place, with 50% of hand use (situate him in the initial indifference curve). 5) Liquidated damages: Liquidated damages are damages for breach that are not determined ex post breach by a Court or arbitration panel, but ex ante by the contract parties themselves into the contract. Such possibility of â€Å"privately stipulated† remedies for breach is acknowledged by most legal systems, typically in the form of payment of money, although other possibilities may exist. They typically replace Court damages and they can be agreed as added penalty for breach. The most important issue is whether Courts are forced to enforce liquidated damages, or they may disregard, or reduce, the amount of the liquidated damages award. The reasons why Courts allow liquidated damages are: †¢ Freedom of contract †¢ A large liquidated damages clause may be necessary to induce promisee to find promise credible and the contract sustainable. †¢ Parties are in a better position than Courts to assess benefits and costs of determining a given amount. †¢ Liquidated damages compensate systematic underestimation of damages by Courts. If liquidated damages are higher than the expectation damages, then the court will apply the second ones. There are however some economic arguments that may lead to reduce or at least control the level of liquidated damages clauses: †¢ â€Å"Excessive† damages clauses resulting from incorrect predictions or forecasts about future outcomes. †¢ External shocks unforeseen by parties that produce an unexpected increase in the damages payment. †¢ True â€Å"uncertainty† about future costs for one party. †¢ Behavioral biases that lead party to underestimate the true adverse impact of a damages clause (the â€Å"deferred cost problem†): †¢ Over-optimism concerning future performance and costs (the example of the gym) †¢ Hyperbolic discounting of future outcomes We can see the liquidated damages as barriers to entry. An excessive amount of LD is beneficial for the parties to the detriment of a third party who  may bid for the services of breaching party. Promisor agrees to pay an amount larger than ED, in exchange of higher price. Promisee uses high liquidated damages to extract larger payment from a third party interested in performance by promisor: larger payment from third party increases the surplus to the contract parties, that is shared between them. Also, excessive payment of third party are made possible by excessive damages clauses, which reduce efficient entry by third parties, and prevents them from successfully bidding for promisor’s performance. That is why the goal of reducing â€Å"excessive† liquidated damages is not to protect the breaching party, but third-parties. Sometimes, excessive LD for signaling are unwanted, since an unforeseeable contingency may appear that will cause a breach in the contract. A pooling equilibrium may be more desirable than a separating one when the distortion caused by the penalty on the â€Å"good type† is large enough. 6) Termination: Among the general remedies for breach, the last one is termination (or rescission, or cancellation, as it may also be called in Common Law jurisdictions). This remedy entitles the aggrieved party to cancel the contractual relationship with the breaching party, eliminating the obligations arising from the terminated contract. Once the contract is terminated the parties should give back what was received under the contract, unless the goods are now in lawful possession of a third party. In this case, the value of the goods would replace the goods themselves. The elimination of the effects of the contract is retroactive: it is considered that the contract did not exist. Spanish courts have established that termination does not require a lawsuit. However, if the other party disputes the termination or its conditions, restitution would require a lawsuit. Courts do not determine termination, but declare whether termination was or not properly effected by the party. The most contested issue about termination is when is termination available as a remedy. It is clear that not every breach or non-performance allows the  aggrieved party to terminate, but a qualified breach (material or fundamental breach) is required. We can define it as follow: †¢ Relevance: the breach must affect the central obligations or duties under the contract and not merely ancillary or incidental duties. †¢ Duration: the breach should not be merely sporadic or transitory, but likely to be repeated or continuing. †¢ Importance: the breach must substantially affect the interests of the non-defaulting party. Termination does not go alone, it does not exclude damages, and in fact it is naturally accompanied by damages payment.