3 Parallel-Structure Problems

3 Parallel-Structure Problems 3 Parallel-Structure Problems 3 Parallel-Structure Problems By Mark Nichol Each of the following sentences has an organizational flaw. A discussion of each is followed by a suggested revision. 1. People who are successful at careers in fashion design are hardworking, detail oriented, and love apparel. Each of the three qualities of successful fashion designers must be preceded by a verb, or they all must share one- or the first two must be connected by a conjunction in order to share one. Here, hardworking is supported by are and apparel follows love, but â€Å"detail oriented† is orphaned. The sentence must be restructured so that â€Å"detail oriented† shares are with hardworking: â€Å"People who are successful at careers in fashion design are hard working and detail oriented and love apparel.† (â€Å"People who are successful at careers in fashion design are hard working, are detail oriented, and love apparel† is also correct, but the first two qualities are closely related as terms that refer to aptitudes as opposed to the attitudinal quality of an interest in attire, so sharing of a conjunction seems more appropriate.) 2. Gluten has been blamed for everything from weight gain, bloating to mood issues such as depression. A list of factors must be organized as a list or a spectrum, but this sentence, although it is constructed to express a range of several factors, mixes the approaches. For consistency, the factors should be separated by prepositions only, without punctuation: â€Å"Gluten has been blamed for everything from weight gain to bloating to mood issues such as depression.† 3. Site users can be matched by location, gender, age, sexual orientation, and they’re encouraged to post a photo and personal description. The independent clause that follows the conjunction and is not part of the list in the preceding independent clause, which requires and before the final item in that list: â€Å"Site users can be matched by location, gender, age, and sexual orientation, and they’re encouraged to post a photo and personal description.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Grammar Test 1English Grammar 101: Verb MoodPredicate Complements

Information Retrieval Methods

Information Retrieval Methods Introduction The people attic trust is a complex storage and retrieval project featuring widely varying forms of media spanning several decades’ worth of information embedded in different forms of technological media.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Information Retrieval Methods specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Some of them feature single modes of data storage while some contain many forms of media. Some of it is text, while a lot of it falls under the multimedia category. The challenge of organising it into retrievable formats and subsequently availing the information to a wide audience through an Information Retrieval mechanism is daunting. Fortunately, several tools already exist to tackle this kind of challenge. The primary goal of the project is to document the existence of the media, to describe them adequately and to make their future retrieval possible. This report focuses on the retrieval issues of t he project. It presents the range of options available for organising the retrieval system and, evaluates them, and finally recommends the most appropriate configuration for the system. Different types of IR systems Components of an Information Retrieval (IR) system An Information Retrieval system has four basic components. They are a database, a search mechanism, a language, and an interface to provide interaction between the user and the system. According to Chu (2005, p.15), databases â€Å"comprise information represented and organised in a certain manner†. In other words, a database is an organised storage system that allows for the searching of items in it using preset criteria. The search mechanism is the system that allows for the searching of the database for the retrieval of the information stored in it. The degrees of complexity of query methods applied vary depending on the technical capacity of the user accessing the database. The third component of an Informatio n Retrieval system is language, which can be either the â€Å"natural language or a controlled vocabulary† (Chu, 2005, p.16). Chu (2005, p.16) notes that, â€Å"information relies on language, spoken or written, when being processed, transferred, or communicated†. The final component of an Information Retrieval system is the user interface. This is the point of interaction between the user and the system. Its user friendliness will determine in many cases the propensity of users to apply it. More than anything else, it determines the usefulness and eventual success of an Information Retrieval system. Categorisation of items in attic Items in the attic are of various forms, which fall into four categories. There are text-based items, image based media, streamed media applications and multimedia applications. Text-based items use words as the basic mode of information storage. Text based media in this collection include poems, manuscripts for performance art, and newspap er clippings. Image based applications rely on picture elements to store information.Advertising Looking for report on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Each picture element, called a pixel, has a different identity describing its color and its intensity, which when collectively combined with other pixels, describes a given image. Image based applications in the collection include, photographic materials held in CD-ROMs and hard drives, and 35mm film negatives. Others are paintings and old maps. These will require digitisation if they will be retrieved from a computerized Information Retrieval system. Streamed media applications are those that have a time component, necessary for the correct interpretation of the data. Distorting the timeline distorts the information in them. Streamed media applications available in the collection include the audio recordings like the music and sound clips in .wav and .mp3 format. Speech and music on audio cassettes and vinyl records also exist in the collection. These forms will require digitisation if they are to be made available to a wide audience. Finally, multimedia applications use a combination of media to present information. In the collection, multimedia applications include video in digital format, and on tape, and the reels of film. Text Based Retrieval Systems A text-based retrieval system will aid the retrieval of the text-based media in the collection. Some of the media rely on analogue technologies, which complicate storage in the media storage available to the public, who are intended beneficiaries of the project. The text-based materials found in the collection will require digitisation. The key advantage of text-based retrieval is that the technology is mature, and hence enjoys a great degree of format standardisation. It presents fewer compatibility problems between different types of software. Where this problem arises, numerous options f or conversion exist to allow retrieval in a desired format. Its weakness lays in its use of letters and words as the basic data storage and retrieval unit. So far, many of the retrieval methods available for text retrieval do not take into account the semantic elements of a query. They rely on word match, and hence most search systems may not return relevant content based on their meaning, but will return content that closely matches the phrase used as search query. Advanced systems allow for contextual search, which employ thesauri to identify words with closely related meanings, thereby improving the semantic elements of a search. Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Information Retrieval Methods specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Figure 1: Multimedia information retrieval system architecture Multimedia Retrieval Systems On the other hand, multimedia retrieval systems use different means of identifying information that match a search query. A multimedia Information Retrieval system will comfortably handle search queries for image-based applications and for streamed media applications. Multimedia search queries employ elements usable for each of the image-based applications and streamed media applications. Multimedia Information Retrieval is still relatively young. It has many compatibility problems owing to the different formats used for presentation of media type of the same nature. For instance in the collection, there are .wav and .mp3 files, which are all audio formats. The reason for this is that there is greater functionality derived from each type of new format. The newer formats regularly lack backward compatibility. They main constraints that drive the use of different formats include maximisation of storage space, or preservation of media quality. However, the design of many media players for streamed media applications and for image-based applications takes into account these constrain ts. They regularly include capacity to handle different media types and a format inter-conversion facility. The crux remains having the latest version of a media player, which will be able to present the latest file formats. Requirements for an IR system Comparison of Requirements for Text Based IR Systems and Multimedia IR Systems Retrieval systems require a means to identify the information source, which a search mechanism can latch on to in order to identify the media from a database. This is about as far as the similarity between the two types of retrieval systems go. Text based Information Retrieval system rely on matching the text in the files to the search query in the database to identify a document, while multimedia Information Retrieval systems rely on a range of elements to identify relevant media carrying the required information. This includes text elements such as an assigned name for the media in the database. It is possible to search for a film from a database using the film name, on condition that the name is on the file carrying the film. Other locators for multimedia files include duration of media and file format of the media. These are useful in narrowing down a search query. Main Solutions Available to Designers of IR System The availability of searchable information from the attic trust is dependent on the digitisation of all records currently in the collection, and to some degree, the standardisation of formats to ease retrieval. There will be need to either type or by using scanning software, to digitise the text-based items in the collection. Typing will allow for a greater degree of freedom in the presentation of the information because it will make formatting possible to achieve the best possible output for users. It will however lead to a loss of authenticity since the items are antiques, and their appeal remains in appearing in their original format. For users seeking information for semantic purposes, reformatted presentation wil l meet their needs best because of better presentation.Advertising Looking for report on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Those who are seeking the information for sentimental purposes will best appreciate the original presentation. To retain the original look, a digitised image of the text will provide the best option. The quickest way to achieve this is through scanning without text recognition. This will actually transform the material into an ‘image’ presenting text, and not pictures. The implication is that text retrieval methods will not apply. Preservation of the rest of the information will also require digitisation. The most crucial factor is the format to use in the process. Conversion technologies from tape to digital data exist for both audio and video tapes. The storage of physical artifacts like the sculptures for mass presentation will require the taking digital pictures for storage in the database. Another option is the presentation of three-dimensional representations through animation of the photos, or making short films of the objects, which adds the possibility of addin g sound clips. Animation allows for greater user interaction while filming allows for the addition of details through voice, enriching the experience. Again, the format to apply depends on the nature of user. For the arts lover, an animated clip over which he can exercise control over the image to get desired views will be suitable. For the inquisitive semantic user, a video clip with a sound clip giving background information on the artifact will be ideal. As Jalal (2001, p.6) observes, â€Å"Speech can introduce, give summary, stimulate, and tell†. Audio data presents the fewest presentation challenges since the auditory experience does not vary much between users. Provided the data presentation takes on a widely accessible format, there should be no major technical challenges. Different Methods of Representation There are two key types of Information Retrieval systems. Belkin (n.d.) identifies them as, â€Å"retrospective or ad-hoc† and, the second type, â€Å"Info rmation filtering or routing†. Retrospective systems fulfill one time information needs which taper off after meeting the need. These include information from e-books, news articles, online magazines, or information websites. Information filtering includes those accessed regularly because they have high utility levels. These include websites with changing information such as weather patterns, stock prices and maps services. There are some key issues to consider when setting up the database based on the methods available for representation. The issue of what language to use across the database is critical. Two ways of approaching language exist. One of them is to use natural language of the users, which forms the basis for the search queries, while the second approach is to use a controlled vocabulary. If the trust adopts natural language for the Information Retrieval system, then users will have an easier time interacting with the database since they do not have to learn the c ontrolled vocabulary of the database. They will however be faced with ambiguity and irrelevance problems. If the trust adopts a controlled vocabulary, users will first have to learn the language after which they will have better results for their search queries. Tedd et al. (2005 p.39) stresses that, â€Å"it is necessary for users to have the requisite skills to obtain relevant information quickly and effectively†. There will be need to use indexing across the database. This involves assigning words or specific phrases to each item in the database. The trust may use descriptors of free indexing depending on whether the language adopted is the natural language of the users, or a controlled vocabulary. Categorisation will involve developing categories for all the items in the collection. Chu (2005) proposes that useful categories must be â€Å"exhaustive† (p.29) and â€Å"mutually exclusive† (p. 29). This means that all items in the collection must have an assign ed category and that no two categories should have an area of overlap. Techniques for summarisation improve the query function for text-based applications. It involves providing a user with brief information relating to a body of text. The techniques include the use of abstracts, summaries, or extracts. Abstracts provide the readers with a broad view of the text and can act as a substitute for the text. It only lacks in detail. A summary assumes that the reader will read the whole document so it excludes portions such as background, the methodology, and purpose. An extract on the other hand is an actual piece of the document, cut out to provide a snapshot of an actual portion of the document. Each of these methods has their advantages and their challenges and applies in different circumstances. Querying refers to the interrogation of a database using a language. Nordbotten (2008) says, â€Å"Query language will always provide specification of the selection criteria for the desired information for the remaining processes† in the information retrieval process. The key aspect for designing a query system is to determine the degree of semantic querying necessary for ideal user experience. Challenges include the management of synonyms, which might require processing of the query, hence reducing speed of the system, and increasing the design and management costs. A simplified query system that matches input to metadata and similar phrases provides large volumes of output giving the user a more difficult time in sifting through the data, which may compromise user experience. Use of metadata, can potentially improve search results as it expands the possible ways of accessing a document. Implications of Using IR systems The most appropriate system for the project will include two sections. One of them is preservation of the physical artifacts that contain the information that requires preservation in a museum. The second section is the development of a digital l ibrary or digital museum that will enable users from different parts of the world interested in the trust’s activities to interact with the materials. Arms (2001, p.4) points out that, â€Å"a digital library brings the information to the user’s desk, either at work or at home†. The most appropriate Information Retrieval system will be one that uses natural language, since the trust targets a worldwide audience, as opposed to a limited vocabulary system. Keywords in the process assist in refining queries. The trust should also prefer to use methods of storage that will present the artifacts in their natural condition since this is the main appeal in viewing artifacts. Later on, the trust may consider storage methods applicable to semantic users who are seeking meaning, especially for educational purposes out of the information. In particular, the trust needs to digitise its entire collection. This involves conversion of audio files to multiple digital formats.mp 3 format will be useful if the objective is to conserve storage space. It is also widely playable on most media players. Figure 2: Accessing a Digital library (Techweb, n.d). Discretion will be required for text-based media. Some of them will require preservation in digital format by scanning with text recognition, to allow formatting. This will apply to manuscripts and poems. Others may be stored as images though scanning without text recognition. These include the newspaper clippings and poems. Digital photographs of physical artifacts such as sculptures will aid the development of animated collections. This is easier to handle compared to multimedia items. The multimedia items in the collection will require widely varying file formats for effective retrieval. The option of developing a unique media player for the trust requires consideration. This will solve the compatibility problems in the interim because it will use a single format and will potentially reduce administration c osts. Reference List Arms, W. Y., 2000. Digital Libraries. USA: MIT Press. Belkin, J. N., n.d. User Modeling in Information Retrieval. New Jersey: Rutgers University. Web. Chu, H., 2003. Information Retrieval and Presentation in the Digital Age. NewJersey: Information Today, Inc. Jalal S.K., 2001. â€Å"Multimedia Database: content and structure†. Workshop on Multimedia and Internet Technologies. Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore. Web. Kang, K., 1999. Development of a Multimedia Information Retrieval Architecture with Integrated Image Information Retrieval Technique, digital image, Multimedia Technical lab, Korea Telecom. Web. Nordbotten, J. C. 2008. Multimedia Information Retrieval Systems. Web. Techweb. n.d. Accessing a digital library. Digital image, R.V. College of Engineering. Web. Tedd L.A., Large A., Large J.A., 2005. Digital Libraries: principles and practice in a global environment. Mà ¼nchen: K.G.Saur Verlag GmbH.

Mallard Island Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mallard Island - Case Study Example The basis of the complaint stems from 1501 Teal Drive that has been entirely for the renters. The residents tracked many people going in and out of their neighbor’s house since the beginning of summer. The issue coming from this complaint is noise. The residents have complained of endless noise whole day. It is as if the residents are neighbouring the playground or a motel pool. This solution for rental issue is implementing restricting rentals in neighborhood. The restrictions need to be weekly rental on the residential areas (Johnson, 2014). To solve the issue, the members of the commission need to come up with a substantive recommendation that will be forwarded to the Town Council and the mayor. The best solution for the residents of this area is to set up rental restrictions for the residential streets but not the entire Ocean City. This will change the zoning in the entire neighborhood. Increasingly, there are 3875 residential zoning in Mallard Island. For the last 2 years, there have been issues of rental properties raised. A destination serving as a guidepost for Mallard Island is the case of ocean city. The residents are characterized as people who run their errand in the ocean city. According to the zoning code, a rental home should not house 4 unrelated people. The current issue is that some of the homes are housing a multi-family housing. The office has no means of confirming people who are unrelated or not. This is because there are few enforcement officers. The solution for this is recruiting more enforcement officers (Shane, 2014). The ocean city has also addressed property issues such as overcrowding, noise sanitation, building code violation, and overcrowding with the committee of Property Review and Enforcement Strategies for Safe-housing. The committee is represented from the finance department,

Homework Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 10

Homework - Assignment Example This means that there should be a balance between the cost and benefit of pollution control. If the business is asked to pay more than the benefits it has obtained, this request will become ineffecient for the business and the business will close. 2. Adverse selection is a term used to refer to the outcomes of the decisions that are based on varying information. This outcome is caused because the information available to the purchasers and sellers is not same. Moral hazard is term used to describe a situation when an individual takes an action knowing that it will not negatively impact him but will negatively impact others and the individual himself experiences profitability out of this decision. Moral hazards are experienced by the insurance sector of the health industry, although difference in information exists in different parts of the health industry, but it impacts the insurance sector in the worst possible manner (Taylor 484). Due to asymmetry of information, insurance fail to realize the real risk they are taking in insuring an individual. Adverse selection effects health insurance companies because the best plans offered by the companies are usually purchased by those whoa re terminally ill and such plans cost more m oney to insurance

Personal Selling and Customer Focus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal Selling and Customer Focus - Essay Example Of all these methods forestalling and boomerang methods are the most effective methods of encountering objections. Forestalling can be termed as the best method of dealing with objections. Salespeople should understand that no product is perfect. There are bound to be certain vulnerable areas or features of their product or services. These features have immense chances of being materially different from other competitive products in the market or getting misunderstood by a section of the target audience. There may be many disadvantages attached to a product one is trying to sell like high prices, limited features, lack of service representative in the immediate area, absence of cash discount etc. No matter what the drawbacks are, through the forestall method of objection the salespeople raise the objections before giving the buyer the chance to raise them. For e.g. if the price of a product is high. Before letting the buyer to raise the issue during the sales presentation the salesperson should forestall the objection in the following way: " Though you might feel that the price of this product i s higher than the competitors' product you would have to appreciate the fact that no competitor gives the after sales service as good as we do. Also, the latest technologies have been used to design this product which ensures that it would last longer than any other product in the market." Hence if the salespeople are able to forestall the objection convincingly the buyers are surely going to changer their thoughts without articulating the objection that was in their minds. Boomerang method is also very effective. In the words of Weitz et.al " By using the boomerang method of responding to objections, the salesperson turns the objection into a reason for acting now." (1992, p. 290) Though this method appears very pushy, it can be effectively applied to all personality types. In today's fast pace world every body is short of time and might totally want to ignore the salespeople who are eager to seek an appointment or sell their products. The most common answer to sales call is that " Sorry I don't have enough time now. Perhaps we can talk about it later." Through boomerang technique the salesperson can make use of the time constraint of the buyer in the following way: " I know you have a very busy schedule and that is why this product is most suitable to you because it has the capacity of saving a lot of your time everyday which you can devote in other meaningful activities or in chores that you are longing to do but are not able to do due to lack of ti me." Time and money are the two main constraints of the buyer and through the boomerang method the salesperson can sell the product by making him realize the "benefit of investing these resources." (Weitz et.al., 1992, p. 291) Part 2 To resolve the issue in question the 7 Problem Resolution and Recovery Procedures is the best option. The General Manager should deal with the customer in the following manner: Listen: Listening is the most important thing to do when a customer is complaining about something. Even if the General Manager knows about the entire incident she should listen to the customer attentively. This skill would help in resolving the conflict amicably. Its often found that just by listening attentively to a complaining customer his anger or dissatisfaction

Starbucks Leadership Styles

Starbucks Leadership Styles Introduction: Starbucks started in 1971 when three friends started coffee business, and their main objective was to sell coffee beans and equipment. Howard Schultz joined the company in 1982 and turned it into becoming an international brand. Schultz’s main goal and vision as CEO was to make people realize that buying a cup of coffee in Starbucks is lifetime experience. Under Schultz leadership Starbucks has achieved number of milestones. Schultz received an International Humanitarian Award in 1996 from Care for his vision and leadership developing in an innovative partnership between Starbucks and Care to support people in coffee originating countries. Schultz view of leadership: Howard Schultz’s statement â€Å"If they had faith in me and my motives they wouldn’t need a union† reflects his powerful communication skills as a leader. He knows how to build emotional connection with the staff. The heart of leadership is trust. Without trust you cannot lead. Exemplary leaders are devoted to building relationships based on mutual respect and caring. Watson (1983). The mark of a successful leader is his ability to forecast the business trends and stay ahead of his competitors (Luthans 1998). That means leadership involves skills and abilities that are useful whether one is in the executive position or frontline. However union signifies group of a workforce in certain businesses who form a link between an employer and unionized employees in which terms and condition of employment are determined. It also helps to improve the conditions at workplace and negotiate with employers on issues of wages, medical reimbursement or sickness. When employees and employers are not able to come to one decision then trade union negotiate with employer to reach to an agreement and the union members must follow that (Booth, 1995). In February 2007 Schultz says in one of letter to Starbucks employees â€Å"My focus is on you ‘the partners who have made Starbucks such a trusted presence around the world. And my focus is on preserving the trust that we have built with our customers and each other over the years. I want you to know that you can be proud of the company we all work for and that you can continue to trust the foundation it’s built upon† Schultz had trust in his employees as he had build up strong relationship with them in Starbucks by understand their desires. Schultz leadership has developed a good teamwork and integration of the individual and groups and goal. Schultzs leadership approach makes staff feel like partners. That is why frontline staff in the stores are so welcoming and passionate. He gave his employees protection, dignity, empowerment and a good working environment. That is why Schultz says that Starbucks doesn’t need a union because he is doing everything for the employees what usually a union does. Approaches to Leadership: There are many ways of looking at leadership and many interpretations of its meaning. Leadership might be based on function of personality or, it can be seen as a behavioura3 category (Vecchio, 2000) . It may also be viewed in terms of the role of the leaders and their ability to achieve effective performance from others. The relationship between leaders and management is that management is more usually viewed as getting work done though other people to achieve organizational objectives (Worsfold, 1989), where as leaders are more concerned with the attention to communicating with motivating, encouraging and involving people (Hunt, 1986). There are so many theories and models of leadership like Traits approach, the functional approach, Leadership as behavioral category, Style approach, Contingency models, and Transformational Leadership. Here I would like to discuss Transformational leadership with regard to leadership approach and style in Starbucks. In recent years increasing business competitiveness and the need for the most effective use of human resources are needed. The transformational leadership’s view focuses on idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration (Bass, 1985). According to Bass transformational leaders motivates followers to do more than what they are expected and the extent of transformation is measured in terms of leader’s effects on followers. It emphasizes on generating a vision for the organization, creating a feeling of justice, loyalty and trust. Idealized Influence: symbolizes the capability of building confidence in the leader and values the leader by his followers. As Starbucks is an employee-focused company, Schultz has taken a great care in recruiting partners and promotes the existing partners. Schultz made himself as example for the employees to follow him. Inspirational Motivation: is the behaviour of the leader, respect and admiration of followers. Leadership in Starbucks has ensured that high wages, benefits, stock plans and positive working environment are one of the reasons to maintain motivation among the staff. Intellectual Stimulation: leaders who solicit new and novel approaches for performance to work, creative problem solutions. Schultz invested in training and development of the employees. Starbucks appreciated feedback from the employees and they felt empowered and encouraged. Starbucks’ one of the most thriving innovations came from the employees â€Å"Frappuccino† a popular cold coffee. Individual Consideration: true leaders are those who listen to their followers and give special consideration to their needs and wants. Starbucks leadership provided parent group day care for their children, health insurance and work life balance. Leadership Styles: In order to get the best results from the employees, leaders need to encourage and be co-operative to the employees (Bonnington,1988) .According to Adair (2003) Leadership style is the way in which the functions of leadership are carried out . Three main classification of leadership style are autocratic style, democratic style and laissez-faire (genuine )style (Belbin,1993). Here I would like to discuss democratic style of leadership with regard to leadership style in Starbucks. In democratic style, the functions of leadership are shared with the members of the group. The group members have a greater say in decision making (Useem, 2001). Starbucks leadership team is among the best when it comes to global market. Schultz looked for employees who are team player and have passion to work for Starbucks. Schultz took care of employees and treated them with respect. He has created a unique culture in Starbucks in which entrepreneurship and empowerment, quality and service define values of leadership. Schultz gave more power to employees in decision making and also flexibility to choose their own working hours. He honoured the feedback from the employees in Starbucks therefore I can say that Schultz had democratic style of leadership in Starbucks Conclusion: I would summarize by saying that Starbucks is the most flourishing coffee shop in the world and with Schultz leadership and vision Starbucks still continue expand. Starbucks take great care in recruitment and selection and trains them intensively. Schultz believes that it is important for Starbucks respect all the employees and motives them. Starbucks enjoys the democratic style of leadership. References: Adair, J (2003). The Inspirational Leader : How to Motivate, Encourage and Achieve Success, Kogan Bass, B.M. (1985) , B.M. Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations, Free Press . Belbin, R.M (1993). Team Roles at Work, Butterworth Heinemann. Bonnington C, (1988) ‘Leading to the Top: The Successful Management of People’, Office and Information Management International, pp8-9. Booth, A.L (1995). The Economics of The Trade Union, Cambridge University Press. Druker, P.F (1998) .The Practice of Management, Heinemann Professional Fullan,M (2001). Leading in a Culture of Change, Jossey-Bass Hunt J W, Managing People at Work, Second edition, McGraw-Hill. Luthans.F. (1998) Organizational Behavior, Boston, MA. McGraw-Hill Useem, M. ‘How to Groom Leaders of the Future’ in Pickford, J.(ed) Financial Times Mastering Management, p.297 Vecchio, R. P. Organizational Behavior: Core Concepts, Fourth edition, Dryden Press. Watson C M, ‘ Leadership (1983), Management and the Seven Keys’, Business. Whitehead, M (2002). ‘ Everyone’s a Leader Now’, Supply Mnangement Worsfold, P. (1989). Leadership in the Hospitality Industry’ in Cassee E and Reuland (eds), International Journal of Hospitality Zaleznik, A (1977). Managers and leaders: Are they Different? Harvard Business Review Horizons. http://www.docstoc.com http://www.businessweek.com Q4. ‘Motivated and committed human resources were the key to successes. What strategies has Starbucks used in order to gain the motivation and commitment of its employees? With reference to appropriate theories and models, provide a reasoned discussion of how the company can ensure the levels of motivation and commitment that it needs to succeed in the future? Starbucks has more than 3,300 locations all over the world and serves coffee to its coffee lovers every day. It has the history of tremendous growth and success. In addition to the sales of coffee and coffee beans, the company enjoys the remarkable repute as a progressive employer. Starbucks is known for its friendly policies and motivational programs. The employees who are constantly in contact with the customers are the frontline staff. Hence Starbucks motivates, trains and rewards employees turning them into a committed and motivated workforce. The foundation of the company’s mission statement are five guiding principals and one of these principal is to provide great work and treat each other with respect and dignity. Strategies of motivation: According to the case study, motivated and committed human resources are the key to success in Starbucks. Howard Shultz believes that success of Starbucks is not coffee but employees and feels honoured about the value about the Starbucks employees. That is why it is essential to have intensive training policy for the better performance in the company (Michelli,2006). Starbucks offers an interactive structure that encourages employees to commit themselves into their job so they can motivate partners to satisfy themselves and also achieve a new level of performance. Starbucks use strategies to motivate employees and in order to gain the commitment. Starbuck’s motivational strategies programs for its employees are: Selecting the right people Investment in training and development Work life balance Employee ownership Feedback system Non capitalization job tittles Flexibility Mission review program Parameters of success in Starbucks: Due to Starbucks motivational strategies Starbucks continues to expand geographically. Starbucks has more than 15,000 stores all over the world (www.starbucks.com). Starbucks employees are highly trained and have good customer service skills. Starbucks is ranked as the 16th â€Å"Best company to work for† in America by Fortune magazine. Starbucks has low turnover of employees as their need were taken care of and they are motive and committed towards work. Starbucks has changed a concept of coffee into ‘Starbucks Experience’ It has resulted the customers to come back approximately 18 times a month. Theoretical Framework: There are several motivation theories that have helped organizations to figure out how employees can be motivated. Motivation is â€Å"the internal process that activates, guide and maintain behaviour† (Baron, 1991). Robertson and Smith (1985) agree that ‘motivation is psychological concept related to the strength and direction of human behaviour. According to research, motivations theories can offer guidance to anyone with an interest in motivational issues. These do not give a definite answer to all the motivation questions but it provides a framework. There are many variables such as moods, financial circumstances etc that work together to create a situation and a person concerned to fully understand why variables result in particular behaviours Gorman (2003). Vroom expectancy theory: The expectancy theory of Victor Vroom deals with motivation and management. Vroom’s theory is based on idea that employee effort will lead to performance and performance will lead to rewards. Rewards may be either positive or negative. Employees will be highly motivated if the reward is positive and negative rewards lead to less motivated employees (Vroom, 1964). According to research motivation develops commitment among employees. Developing a stronger commitment and the motivation allows you to be well recognizing in the market and gain market share. According to Starbucks case study Starbucks hire right people by having right people. Starbucks implement intensive training program for each employee before starting their job. Starbucks recognizes the efforts made by the employees in order to get high performance. To gain high performance rewards are offered by Starbucks to their employees in open forum such as Warm Regards, the Mug Award and the â€Å"Spirit of Starbucks Award†. Other benefits like training and development, flexible timings partner connection, equality etc are offered in order to motivate and gain commitment. Rewards develop motivation and Starbucks offers rewards and benefits to motivate their employees. Sustaining motivation and commitment: To sustain the level of motivation and commitment in future, Starbucks treats its employees well. Starbucks offers opportunity to all full and part time employees to receive stock option, healthcare benefits, sick pay and bean stock etc. Starbucks continues with building programmes that address to personal life and needs of its partner. Starbucks carries out regular surveys of its partners to measure their needs and take action with suitable work life solution. Starbucks transforms the behaviours and opinion of overall coffee consumer. Starbucks is not only of the fastest growing company but it is also an excellent business model with high profit performance and low turnover. According to the case study, it is obvious that motivation is the key factor of Starbucks’ strategy. A good relationship between Starbucks’ employees maintains a high quality performance. Starbucks have great responsibility towards their staff. Their decisions affects directly or indirectly on employees desire and interests and overall ability to love what they do for living. Employees would have many reasons to stay with Starbucks if the staff are motivated. To ensure the levels of motivation and commitment that Starbucks needs to succeed in the future, the company should introduce more benefits and training programs to motivate employees. Long term service recognition awards should be offered which would increase performance and commitment. Variations i n benefits to employees can give opportunity to Starbucks employees to stay motivated and committed such as giving them an opportunity to win a holiday if one has been employee of the month for 3 months. References: Baron R.A. (1991) ‘Motivation in work settings: reflections on the core of organizational research ‘. Motivation and Emotion. Vol.15, No.1.pp1-8 Gorman P. (2003). Motivation and Emotion, Rutledge, New York. Kanfer R. (1998) ‘Motivation’. In Nicholson N. (ed.) Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Organizational Behaviour. Oxford, Blackwell Publishers Ltd. Kanfer R. (1990) ‘Motivation theory and industrial and organizational psychology’. In Dunnette M.D. AND Hough L.M. (EDS) Handbook of Industrial and Organisational Psychology. Palo Alto, Ca, Consulting Psychologists. Michelli, J (2006) the Starbucks experience McGraw-Hill Smith, K.L (1990). The future of leaders in Extension. Journal of Extension. Vroom, V.H. (1964). Work and motivation. New York: Wiley. Weiner B. (1992) Human Motivation. Metaphors, theories and research. California, Sage Publications. http://brandautopsy.typepad.com

Agenda 21 - Earth Summit :: essays research papers

Agenda 21, also referred to as Earth Summit, is an all-inclusive plan of action that is to be completed globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, governments, and major environmental groups in every area in which humans impact the environment. Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the Statement of principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests were all adopted by more than 178 governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development that was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil June 13-14, 1992. The Commission on Sustainable Development was created in December 1992 to ensure successful follow-up of UNCED and to monitor and report on execution of the agreements at all levels. All 178 governments agreed that a special session of the United Nations General Assembly would be called in 1997 to review the progress of Agenda 21 after a 5-year introduction period. The full implementation of Agenda 21 was reaffirmed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 26 - September 4, 2002. Agenda 21 is not just about making improvements in â€Å"nature†. It also includes plans of action regarding poverty, hunger, ill health, illiteracy, as well as the continuing deterioration of the ecosystems. The success of Agenda 21 is contingent upon integration of environmental and developmental concerns and greater attention to them. It is also dependant upon the fulfillment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, and better protected and managed ecosystems. Only if this is accomplished can we be assured a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve this alone, however; if all nations work together to construct a global partnership for sustainable development, we can achieve the goals set forth in Agenda 21 Agenda 21 concentrates on the urgent problems of today and also aspires to prepare the world for the challenges of the next century. It reflects a global agreement and political commitment at the highest level on development and environment teamwork. Its successful completion is first and foremost the responsibility of Governments. National strategies, plans, policies and processes are essential in accomplishing this. International cooperation should support and supplement such national efforts. In this context, the United Nations system has a key role to play. Other international, regional and sub regional organizations are also called upon to contribute to this effort. The broadest public participation and the active involvement of the non-governmental organizations and other groups should also be encouraged.

Respect vs. Disrespect

Respect Vs Disrespect By Osita Onyebuchi Respect vs. Disrespect Have you ever met someone who was rude to you and didn't hold you with much regard? How did you feel? Did you feel angry? What do you think respect is? How is respect earned? Respect is an important way of being kind and good to other people. We live in a society that respect is earned not given. With respect there is also an opposite side of disrespect. The definition of respect is to consider worthy of high regard. There are different forms of respect, the word respect is defined as the condition of being esteemed or honored.Disrespect, on the other hand, is defined as a lack of respect. Respect has great importance in everyday life; everyone wants to be respected. Even those who do not give respect expect to be respected by others. We may also learn that how our lives go depends every bit as much on whether we respect ourselves. The value of self-respect may be something we can take for granted, or we may discover how very important it is when our self-respect is threatened, or we lose it and have to work to regain it, or we have to struggle to develop or maintain it in a hostile environment.Some people find that finally being able to respect them is what matters most   Ã‚  It is acknowledged widely that there are many different kinds of respect. Respect may come in different forms, but it will still be perceived as respect. Respect in your family household is very important for a child and any other individual. For example, a child may choose to obey their parent because their parent is very strict and the child doesn’t want to get on their bad side. This form of respect could also be perceived as fear because the child is worried about how the parent will react if they choose to misbehave. Read also Twitter Case StudyThe child would also respect their parent in a way that if they were to request something, the parents will grant the favor. Another example is a police officer respecting the rights of a man they just arrested. This form of respect is leaning towards unalienable rights. The police officer have to give you the respect that you deserve even when you are the one wrong in the situation. The respect goes a long way in our legal system because it’s the foundation on how criminals should be treated. Everybody akes mistakes especially criminals so you should always resect them even if you don’t approve of what they did. We are not in the place to judge anybody regardless of what they did. Everyone’s rights are respected regardless of merit. Another example is a child respecting and looking up to a celebrity. The child is in awe and therefore respects the celebrity. Besides those three examples, there is also religion. In different religions a nd culture comes major respect. The gestures you make with one culture is different with other cultures and religions.The culture of the people of China and Africa demand respect. For example, taking off your shoes before you enter into a house is very big in China but not as big in the United States. Another example would be calling your elders â€Å"aunt† or â€Å"uncle†. In Africa that is major respect, you can’t walk into somebody house and don’t greet them by saying â€Å"aunt or uncle†, Religious tolerance does not mean one cannot express his own beliefs. It does mean that seeking to undermine or attack the religious faith and beliefs of another has always been a short road to  trouble.It doesn’t matter if you dont worship the sam GOD the person next to you, just have respect for their religious beliefs. Cultures and religions are very important to people, so therefore respecting them is also very important. The last example is respe ct in the workplace. When you are at work there are so many rules you have to follow when it comes to respecting your co-workers. For example, there’s is a various amount of beautiful women at your workplace and you tend to gain interest in the person other than business relationship. I would advise not to do it due to the fact that it may come off as a form of disrespect.When it comes to building a relationship in the workplace it just doesn’t work out so try to stay away from that. Aside from respect, there is also disrespect. From being slapped by someone to being publically humiliated, disrespect is alive and well in today’s society. Just like respect, disrespect also comes in different forms. Verbal disrespect is a form of disrespect seen virtually everywhere. Raising your voice to an adult in public, using harsh words towards one another are some examples of verbal disrespect. Verbal disrespect does not always appear to be disrespect.For example, cutting s omeone off while they are speaking and lying and manipulation. When you cut somebody off when they are speaking that shows the person that you are not listening to them and don’t care about what they have to say. Many people are being verbally disrespected but do not notice it because it is not always as harsh as other forms of disrespect. Another form of disrespect is technological disrespect. Many people are disrespected and humiliated on social networks such Facebook, Twitter, and etc. But it doesn’t stop there, emailing texting, and even when talking on the phone can lead to technological disrespect.There is a lot of disrespect on the internet such as Facebook, both male and female can comment on somebody picture and say something sexual that the person would take offensive in disrespect. On twitter people can tweet something sexual and the only reason people are doing it because of fear so they hide behind a computer. Aside from technological disrespect is an even bigger issue of disrespect, physical disrespect. We’ve all heard about violence, not just in relationships but violence in general. Some examples of physical disrespect is violence in a relationship, physically hurting your children or family, or physically harming yourself.Physical disrespect is probably one of the worst forms of disrespect because it not only affects you physically but also emotionally and cognitively. One example of Physical disrespect is the bus driver incident that was over the news. A man should never put his hands on a female regardless of any circumstance. Physical abuse leaves scars that will not go away. In a relationship if you are getting physically disrespected, you should not be in the relationship than, no relationship is worth getting hit all the time. There are many variables when it comes to respect and disrespect.If you always respect a person it is likely that they will disrespect you. In this society that we live in treat others the way that you want to be treated. Respect goes a long way in life. Respect is to consider somebody that is high worthy. Everybody should be high worthy to you , just go by the guidelines provided below and you will be a respected person and also know how important it is to respect somebody else. Work Cite Page Koppelman, A. (2010). How Shall I Praise Thee? Brian Leiter on Respect for Religion. San Diego Law Review, 47(4), 961-986. Colker, J. (2012). THE DANGER OF DISRESPECT. Smart Business Chicago, 9(11), 10.

When American History Began essays

When American History Began essays I believe American history began in Philadelphia on July 4th 1776. It was here that colonists led by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison signed the Declaration of Independence. Up to this time it could be argued that what had taken place was part of British colonial history and not American history. This document formally ended the colonists British citizenship. Previous to this date these men considered themselves British subjects who owed their loyalty to the laws and crown of England. They made this choice based on the principles of justice, equality, and the right for all people to be free. This revolutionary act was unique in the history of the world at that time. Based on the vision and leadership of these men, this document was one of the foundations upon which this country was born, and what I consider to be the beginning of American history. ...

Big Bang essays

Big Bang essays Every since scientists came up with an idea of how the universe started and was created, through the Big Bang, there has always been discussion and questioning on what the universe was, before it was created. Was there nothing because there was no time and no God, or was there something we havent discovered yet. Over the past decades, several scientists have theorized on life before the Big Bang, and have come up with these theories: Brane Theory, String Theory, and Inflation theory/Eternal Inflation. Although these theories tell of how the Big Bang started, it does not really explain the universe before the time before the Big Bang era, and how everything needed to start the Big Bang was placed/formed in that before the universe place. Many theories are a revision of an old theory, such as the case with the Brane theory and the String Theory. The String Theory and the Brane Theory both do not explain how matter got there to create the Big Bang. The String Theory says that the universe consists of tiny loops of strings that can form matter. According to this theory, the Big Bang may be a transition from a previously shrinking universe that has reached it smallest size and has begun to expand again. This may be true, but it does not tell us how these strings came to place and how the shrinking universe got there. The Brane Theory is a modification, where membranes which can create matter float around in a five dimension megaverse, and if they collide, it could start the Big Bang. The Inflation theory and the Eternal Inflation are related, in that the Eternal Inflation explains how the Inflation theory would work. The Inflation theory suggests that in the universe there are Inflation bubbles which give rise to universes, and these bubbles are stretched to create universes. It suggests that this can occur several times within the same universe, therefore creating a never endin ...

The century of a detective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The century of a detective - Essay Example Some of the covered works in the book are Alphonese Bertillon, Scotland Yard, Doctor Crippen, Bernard Spilsbury and valentine day massacre among others. On the work by Alphonese Bertillon, the book looks at his contribution to Anthropometry. His contribution served as a great step in forensic science. The criminals could be identified by mug shot which is still used today in crime scene photography. The book is a great help in studying and applying forensic science. The book then gives details on how discovery of fingerprinting led to reduction of use in Bertillon work. Before the discovery of Bertillon system, the system used by Scotland Yard was chaotic. Use of finger prints in crime identification later overtook use anthropometry in forensics due to accuracy. One of the approaches that make the book resourceful is use of history to explain the development of forensic science. Another area that the book looks at is forensic medicine dealing with how a body decomposes toxicology and ballistics. One of the most compelling disciplines of forensic science that I found interesting was anthropometry. This was a discovery made by Bertillon who was an assistant clerk in the criminal records office of the Paris police department. His work mostly involved transferring criminal background data from various sources into standard forms. One of the problems that were in the system was that the arrestee physical descriptions were too vague. The offenders could use means of contorting their faces in an attempt to hide the identity. This is when he started to think of using measurement to classify a criminal. According to the book, no two human beings are alike physically in their measurements traits. The skeletal development even in identical twins differs to some degree. This leads to the success of Anthropometry. The idea by Bertillon was based on the fact that the skeletal structure of a living person is fixed from the age of twenty up to death. Personnel who deals with a nthropometry is well trained in biological variability, racial morphology and human osteology. The Anthropometric characteristics of an individual are related to sex, shape and form. Using this science of identification, the forensic expert is able to have a concise identity of the offender. The system allows the forensic expert to differentiate the degree of similarity or difference between the offenders. In some instances, anthropometry is used in identifying unknown variables. This occurs when examining the skeletal remains of a person. The forensic expert can estimate the age, sex, body build and ethnicity of a dead person based on the remains. Some of these details help in investigating the cause of death as deformities and fractures can also be accounted among others. One of the fields that have been closely associated with anthropometry is archeological science. This is due to the analysis that is done on the human body skeletal system. One of the most important knowledge tha t a forensic scientist must have is good skeletal biology. This helps in skeletal reconstruction in post mortem examination. Using the details collected from the examination and reconstruction, it becomes possible to know the cause of death. The field of anthropometry can be divided into to somatometry and osteometry. Somatometry deals with measurements taken from a living body and cadaver which include head to face. This is a vital tool in anthropometry as it is used in morphological variation. The branch is used in determining the age among the individuals. Osteometry includes measurements from the skeleton and its parts. Forensic scientists use this method in taking the measurements of the skeletal bones which includes the skull. This is the method has been successfully used in determini

Trade Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Trade Law - Essay Example Benny was asked by Carlos to make all shipping arrangements; though it is the buyer’s obligation to make such arrangements under FOB contract. ‘Under an FOB sale, the buyer is responsible for making the arrangements for shipping the goods to their destination’. Thus, it had to be Carlos’ obligation to make all shipping arrangements with him being the buyer of the goods. Moreover, according to the FOB contract law, the seller is not under a duty to ship the goods until he has received shipment instructions from the buyer; thus Benny was not obliged to arrange any shipment without Carlos giving him the necessary instructions. It should be added, that this is the Buyer’s responsibility to arrange the shipment of goods to the port of destination. . The two cases were destroyed during loading at the port; it is necessary to find out who is responsible for these losses. According to s 20 of the Sale of Goods 1979, risk passes with property and in FOB sales risk passes along with property upon shipment – that is, when the goods pass the ship’s rail.