The Life of John Lennon

The Beatles was one of the greatest rock and roll bands that have infiltrated the music industry by storm. Their music have been a legacy throughout the history of music and the four members namely: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison have all achieved the superstar celebrity status. In 1965, the accomplishments of the Beatles exceeded the expectations of Lennon because during this time they were able to conquer the US, UK and the whole world (Henke 4). Then, later on 1968, The Beatles launched their own record company, Apple. They called it â€Å"Western Communism,† an effort to free themselves from the heavy hand of corporate domination, to gain autonomy for themselves as artist. They also hoped to bring promising artists into Apple and to make experimental music. At the beginning it seemed as if the Beatles might succeed. It also seemed as if Apple could easily deteriorate into the biggest institution of hip capitalism, in which the Beatles gained nothing except the profits from the sale of their records, profits that Capitol have previously held. Wiener 73) Among the four Beatles, Lennon’s life and achievements have been the most controversial. His beliefs, philosophies, music and experiences were able to mould him in becoming one of the most influential people in the world during his times. As a celebrity, he advocated many causes and disclosed many sentiments about politics. He said that the government does not represent the people, instead they control them (Coleman). Moreover, in an interview, Lennon disclosed that he is the â€Å"laziest person in England†¦ I don’t mind writing†¦ or speaking bust sex is the only physical thing that I can be bother with any more† (Cleave). However, Lennon’s life was cut short when he was assassinated by a fan on December 8, 1980. His killer, Mark David Chapman, was convicted of murder nd was given a sentence 20 years in prison. Chapman applied several times for parole but he was always declined by the New York State Board of Parole (CBS Interactive).

Binomial Distributions in Public Health

According to Gerstman (2007), a binomial event is that which has only two outcomes, and therefore if the probability for one of the outcomes is known, then the probability that the other outcome will occur is simply the difference of the known probability from 1. Treating repeated trials as independent events, the compilation of results of a binomial experiment altering the number of desired successes while keeping the number of trials fixed forms a binomial distribution.The binomial probability distribution thus gives an idea of how likely it is that successive successes can occur over a given number of trials. For say a simple experiment of throwing a fair coin 4 times, the probability of getting a heads in any toss is 0. 5. Thus, the probability of getting no heads at all in the four tosses is 0. 5^4 while the probability of getting exactly 1 heads is 0. 5^2, and the probability of getting 2 heads is 0.5 and then the probability of getting more than 2 heads decreases in the same m anner that the probabilities increased in the progression described. If the probabilities are altered in such a way that success is much more likely in a single event than failure, then given five trials it would be expected that having successive successes would be more probable than successive failures. The binomial distribution also allows probabilities for multiple events to simply be added in order to give an idea of the total probability for that event.For example when determining what the probability of getting at most 2 heads in four tosses of a coin, the probabilities of getting exactly 0 heads, 1 heads, and 2 heads can simply be added to give the correct probability for getting no more than 2 heads. Give this nature of the binomial probability distribution, its applications to public health becomes apparent. Villeneuve (2002) states that the binomial distribution can be used â€Å"to describe the number of times an event [such as a disease] will occur in a group of [peopl e]† if the probability concerning the occurrence of that event is known.For example, if the probability of getting infected by rabies if you were bitten by a particular animal is known, then given a certain number of people who were all bitten by that particular animal in an area it would be possible to reasonably determine how many of those people are likely to be inflicted with rabies. Public health practitioners need to be well briefed with what binomial probabilities and distributions are so that they will be able to make sound decisions based on data that they have on hand.Oftentimes, public health practitioners that have responsibilities at the macro-level are placed with decisions involving prioritization wherein the one responsible needs to make a decision that would concern the division of a limited amount of resources. With information that can be modeled using a binomial distribution, the public health practitioner would be able to have a more reliable idea on how t o allocate such resources.Going back to the example of rabies, if several outbreaks occurred at the same time in different areas with a different animal causing each outbreak, then based on the probability of getting rabies from each particular animal and the number of patients bitten in each area, a public health practitioner can use binomial distributions as a good basis for allocating a limited number of personnel, equipment, and medicine for each of the areas. Many diseases such as cancer or AIDS can be described as a binomial experiment. That is, one either has cancer or does not and one either has AIDS or does not.In such cases, knowledge of the binomial distribution can be very useful to public health officers in enabling them to predict the likelihoods associated with the condition occurring on a certain population. References Gerstman, B. (2007). Basic Biostatistics: Statistics for Public Health Practice. Jones & Bartlett Villeneuve, P. (2002). â€Å"Binomial Distribution. † Encyclopedia of Public Health. Ed. Lester Breslow. Gale Cengage. Retrieved December 26, 2008 from eNotes. com: http://www. enotes. com/public-health-encyclopedia/binomial-distribution

Incident of the Life of a Slave Girl Essay

The autobiographical narrative â€Å"Incident of the Life of a Slave Girl† unveils casualties of life faced by black women during 19th century. A special attention Harriet Jacobs gives to a sexual relationship with Mr. Sand and moral values of black women. Thesis An â€Å"illicit† sexual relationship with Mr. Sand described in the Narrative does not reinscribing the stereotype of the black woman as lascivious and hypersexual, but proves that the black women are loving and sympathetic creatures seeking for a relationship based on romantic love. Love and romantic relations between a man and woman has played a crucial love in their lives. For Linda Brent, an â€Å"illicit† relationship with Mr. Sand means pure relations free from social statuses and financial gain. Harriet Jacobs stresses that love and passion are typical for the black woman even if she is engaging in the â€Å"illicit† sexual relationship. As the most important, Harriet Jacobs underlines that the black women could not move beyond the constrictions of the ideology. The existence of the institution of marriage, in which men played the dominant role and wielded control, placed women at the mercy of their male counterparts. At the beginning of new millennium, there are more and more people who prefer not to get marriage, but living together for many years trying to keep or preserve their personal freedom and independence. The example of Linda Bret shows that in spite of all the negative life lessons Linda understands what it is to be an individual and loving woman. The autobiography portrays that the black women are not promiscuous or lascivious, but loving and sympathetic creatures. In this case, it is important to take into account the epoch and economic system of slavery which deprived black women their rights and freedom. Linda Brent is a person who uses love as her emotional guide. But love symbolizes psychological state of Linda who becomes more passionate and sympathetic. The problems, unveiled in the autobiography, are received much publicity, because for some people these problems are too intimate or dedicated, they touch personal feelings and human soul. Linda Brent is suppressed by the norms and circumstances, her own narrow worldview and personal low spirits which make her dependant upon life situations. One of the secrets of Linda Brent is her natural beauty, which lies in the way she perceives the world. Through the character of Linda Bret, Jacobs depicts that that to the black woman who had survived the illusions that freedom and marriage would provide lifelong companionship and identity, and who had come to recognize the existential solitude of all human beings, feminism became a kind of credo. For the black women love means dream which comes true. In this sense, she is a victim because she needs to escape from realities of life which she cannot change. She is a victim of social structure and class conflict which destroy human relations and hopes. The autobiography suggests something of the historical loss for women of transferring the sense of self to relationships with men. Her sexuality is still her life, just as it made her on the pillory superior to her disclosed lover. Jacobs associates shame over her ancestors with the guilty excitement she felt in taking up the story. Her love throughout is maternal compassion for what is vulnerable to the passage of time. But her mind does not recoil from such pain; Linda Bret never avoids disquieting realities. But it is precisely an indiscriminated change, this stream of undifferentiated ran ­dom perceptions, which is called â€Å"life†.   The â€Å"illicit† sexual relations create a feeling of guilt being one of the reasons that her sexual freedom does not take her very far. It is possible to say that despite their efforts to escape the rituals of femininity, the black women seems fated to reenact them, even though, as Jacobs recounts these scenes and revises their conventions. The values and nature of black women described by Jacobs are not lascivious or hypersexual. Modern values and realities of life support behavior and choice of Linda who wants to love and be loved. References Jacobs, H. Incident of the Life of a Slave Girl. 2003. Available at: http://docsouth.unc.edu/jacobs/jacobs.html   

Exam 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exam 2 - Essay Example The car accident in which I was involved with offered me realizations that I never thought I would have and shed light on the things that I should prioritize first other than my career and goal setting. My life is always in the fast lane ever since I tried working for me to enroll in the university I wanted. I began to miss family dinners and forget important family events. Fortunately, my family understands this and tolerated me because of what I want to achieve. The realization came all of a sudden when I woke up in a soft-lit room with my mother and father all looking towards me. They smiled and sighed of relief and asked me if I were alright. I had a heavy feeling when I regained consciousness and feeling slightly dizzy. My arm was wrapped with tourniquets, and I could see that there was heavy bleeding on it before I was sent to this hospital. I was driving towards home around nine in the evening. Although the night was young and there were still people doing their business, goin g home after eight o’clock was not the usual thing for me to do. However, my job calls for it and I would be more than willing to stay late for it to get done, at least, there would be something in store for me and could help with my savings for my dream university life. The car seat was not so comfortable, as it was an old model from my father bought when he received his retirement fee. It was quite old, but I felt that I was older than the car I was driving. I was so tired and my eyes were sleepy. It has always been like that since the first day I started at work. The cars passing by were already like light bulbs racing as I see it. No matter how tired I was, I still preferred to drive since transportation allowance was not in my budget list. I remind myself all the time that I should be cautious when driving, little did I know that that caution has less to do when the body could no longer be awake. I remembered that night in February when I almost lost my life in pursuit o f a dream. While I was driving, lights flashed suddenly into my tired eyes while my hands are holding lightly the steering wheel. I was from an overtime job. The sound of which an exploding-like sound resonated in my ears, and I realized that I have just encountered an accident. I could only remember few things with the crash itself. Maybe because I was too tired to drive that I mishandled everything inside the car. I could say that my vision at that time was not already suitable for driving, but because I was already on the road and I was quite near from my home, I decided to go on. The light-headedness I felt disappeared suddenly when I realized that there was a car approaching my direction. I tried to avoid it by moving the steering wheel away to the car’s direction, but it was too late. The car also ran very fast; it seems to me that the driver was losing control of his vehicle. Soon after, the light coming from the car’s headlights became too strong which blinded me and caused me to lose my control as well. After that was a complete darkness. Me and the driver of the other vehicle were lucky enough to have survived the accident as the police said that the crash was fatal. Although he was also confined in the hospital because of serious injuries and wounds, I was happy to know that he was alright. The police said that the man driving the other car was drunk. Instead of being mad at the man, I was thankful to him somehow, because he led me to the way of

International Business Management Research Proposal

International Business Management - Research Proposal Example Such enterprises are not only supposed to come out with cost effective solutions to the energy needs but they are also supposed to make provision for the environment friendly techniques. Recently concluded UN environment summit at Copenhagen highlighted host of issues related to industry and business. Conflict of interest was apparent when the world leaders could not agree on a common binding declaration. Environmentalists say that the industry has a larger interest and bigger role in letting the conference fail. While all concerned appear to agree on protecting the environment, the cost of adopting alternative fuel seems to act as a dampener. For example, government of UK has planned out to make use of 15 percent of its energy requirements through alternative means within the next 10 years. But experts are sceptical about this ambitious plan citing a number of practical considerations like higher costs, requirement of more space, lesser efficient processes etc. (Kahya, 2009). We are living in a highly industrialised world today, which requires energy in different forms for allowing the developmental policies go ahead. At the same time, we need to make sure that the world remains liveable for generation to come. Having recognised the urgency to adopt environment friendly measures, the European Commission's Fifth Action Programme on the Environment entitled "Towards Sustainability" calls for enterprises to (Herath, 2005): Disclose in their annual reports details of their environmental policy and activities, and the effects thereof Detail in their accounts the expenses on environmental programmes and a clear definition of such expenses; and Make provision in their accounts for environmental risks and future environmental expenses Oil and Gas form key energy sources and it is because of the fast growing consumerist society that despite a consistent increase in the crude oil prices over the years, its use has not decreased. Instead the use of oil and gas has kept growing over the years. As per the report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) titled, 'International Energy Outlook 2008', Carbon dioxide happens to be the most abundant anthropogenic (human-caused) greenhouse gas in the atmosphere (EIA, 2008). The report indicates that 'Carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the OECD economies are significantly higher than in the non-OECD economies. Industrial sector is considered to be one of the main pollutants of greenhouse gases. Therefore while venturing out in the international arena, a company is required to be well aware about the standards set by the industry and the governments in regard to the environment. Renewed emphasis on alternative fuels has certainly made things more competitive for the oil and gas sector. But, the fact that it is considered as one of the most dependant and cost effective sources of energy by the industries as compared to the renewable sources will help a company to make a successful foray in the international arena. Research Questions and Objectives This study is primarily being undertaken to study how a company will be able to successfully manage its international venture. The study will try to seek answers to the following key objectives. To analyze the levels of competition and management scenario in the oil and gas s

Neutropenia in the Chemotherapy Patient Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Neutropenia in the Chemotherapy Patient - Essay Example The study by Cameron (2009) suggests that one of the most effective ways of lowering the incidence of mortality from neutropenia is educating the patients. The paper suggests that letting the patients know what the signs of (febrile) neutropenia are and how they can be recognized will allow patients to understand when to contact their healthcare provider to ensure that they receive treatment for the condition as soon as possible, lowering the mortality of the condition. There are many different side-effects of chemotherapy that can be confused with the development of neutropenia (Nirenburg et al, 2006), but patients should be informed to check for a fever over 37.5C, mouth ulcers and general malaise (Cameron, 2009). The study by Cameron (2009) then goes on to suggest that educating the healthcare providers when the risk of neutropenia is highest and the white blood cell count is likely to be lowest is most imminent during the chemotherapy course. It has been suggested that most chemo therapy treatments are most effective and thus neutropenia risk is highest at the 10-14 day stage of treatment (Hall, 2005) and thus providers and patients alike would benefit from understanding this fact. However, different chemotherapies have different apexes, and thus both patient and provider should understand that the risks may be different dependant on type of treatment received (Cameron, 2009). It has also been shown that the duration of febrile neutropenia in patients with solid tumours can be predicted (Matias et al, 2010). The only data needed to provide this information to a patient or a member of healthcare staff is the aggressiveness of the cytotoxic agents used in that chemotherapy (Matias et al, 2010). This has the benefit of allowing both patients and healthcare staff to predict the severity and duration of neutropenia before the chemotherapy is started, and if the system was imposed thoroughly it could lead to a reduction in the cases of neutropenia. It could also a llow physicians to make more informed choices about the chemotherapy regimen chosen for the patients which could reduce the chances of neutropenia. There is more evidence for the development of a risk assessment tool for those at risk that may help to reduce the rates of chemotherapy-related neutropenia. Donohue (2006) has shown that giving those at risk a colony-stimulating factor (CSF) before chemotherapy is started can give the patients an increased risk of survival and reduced risks of neutropenia (p349). This is more evidence that education would be a useful factor in many situations, as nurses and physicians would need to be educated in using the risk assessment tool, and then understand the results given by this tool. However, after this it would decrease rates of neutropenia in many patients (p350) and thus achieve the goals set out by the PICO-formatted question outlined above. Crawford et al (2004) have also shown that there are assorted risk-factors for chemotherapy patie nts. It has been shown that 'combined cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil is less toxic than AC or combined cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouraci

Impact of Magazines on their Readers Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Impact of Magazines on their Readers - Article Example However what is currently the case has never been like the one which used to be so in the 19th century. The press of modern times relies more on placing the advertisements rather than giving the readers something to read about. In other words, it is more interested in propagating advertisements than the news and reports on which the readers are focused. There is now an aspect of compromise when it comes to putting a news report and the magazine editor thinks of placing an advertisement on the specified place for the report so that he could earn more and bring more revenues for his magazine. This means that the unethical attitudes are pretty much apparent in the whole contexts of press and these need to be adjusted in a manner which could balance the benefits as well as make the news reports and analyzes visible in between the pages of the magazine. The media has always been used as a tool to educate and stimulate the audience's minds. The hype and controversy surrounding the Terri Schiavo euthanasia case is an ideal example of how language can influence the emotions and consciousness of ordinary people. The terminology used and the method of citing opinions basically created the controversy which turned into one of the biggest ethical discussions of our times. Similarly, throughout the Suffragette movement (1920's), the conservatives and the liberals used newspapers/magazines and pamphlets to circulate their views on the right for women to vote. What was primarily a case of simple human rights became a war of words and media manipulation. Constant exhortation of the word "mother" and "life-giver" in the newspaper issued by Christabel Pankhurst, The Suffragette, gave their requests a tinge of blackmail. During the early 1950's, newspapers, magazines and radio had created such an atmosphere of fear and suspicion over the suppose d communist activities taking place within the United States, that Senator Joseph McCarthy's sometimes far-fetched accusation of subversive activities against certain public figures were taken seriously. His ability further, to maneuver public opinion using words like, "Un-American", "subversive" and "unpatriotic" further deepened the masses mistrust, giving him carte blanche to prosecute anybody he considered guilty of communist leanings. During the Civil Rights movement in the 1960's also, the use of periodicals to promote the viewpoints of both the black community and the white was profound. Language played an important part in the struggle for emancipation. The difference though was in the approach of the two great leaders of the African American movement, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Where the former hoped to persuade the government to relent, Malcolm X was more vocal against white people, terming them as 'evil'. This battle of ideas within the Black faction itself cau sed great confusion to the Caucasian community. Supporters of Civil Rights themselves were not overtly sure where to stand on the issue. Moving on, David Gaunlett presented his own 'Ten Things Wrong with the Media Effects Model' in which he suggests that media does not necessarily have any direct effect on the lives of the people to which the media is generally addressed and in the related settings,

The Need to Establish a Film Industry in Sierra Leone Term Paper

The Need to Establish a Film Industry in Sierra Leone - Term Paper Example Further, schools and colleges were encouraged to join the industry through events such as National Art Festivals. However, all these were dropped at some point. The film has been dragging along without proper regulation and no empowerment at all. Consequently, local Sierra Leoneans can now only produce poor quality films which cannot make it to the international platforms. No wonder, only foreign films shot in Sierra Leone make it to the international level. However, it is worth noting that the spirit to revive the industry is alive. What needs to be done is to set up necessary mechanism such as film schools to empower the industry into producing quality products. Rationale For many in the West, Sierra Leone remains the land of blood diamonds and drugged-up child soldiers, even though the country has been at peace for almost a decade. The film â€Å"Blood Diamond† was the one that installed the image for many overseas. At a time when Sierra Leone was desperately looking to reb rand itself, the film scared off tourists and drove away investors. Now, we will aim to erase that image with the establishment of the new film school. The President of Sierra Leone stressed that the film industry will tell a new story of peace, democracy, humanity, and determined to progress in many areas of human endeavors. Sierra Leone’s first ever film and acting school, IDF Film School, will be established by the Director of Institut de Francais, Ahmed K. Mansaray who also doubles as a movie executive producer and director.

Insurance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Insurance - Essay Example A certain level of risk is assumed to be accepted given the risk appetite of the management relating to a particular risk. Risk limitation is considered as the blend of risk acceptance and avoidance such that the company designs its portfolio of risk components and considers as to which risk component needs to be accepted or avoided. Risk transfer is the most common risk management technique such that the risk component is transferred to third party. The most common example is insurance in which the risk is transferred to insurance company against the premiums that the insurance company charges from the business. For different home styles, the most appropriate policy is the special policy called as HO-3. This policy insures all main perils except earthquake, flood, nuclear accident and war. Through insurance coverage, one gets deep coverage up to 100% of the replacement cost of home. The home content that insurer generally covers is between 50 to 75% of the property’s value. As far as the tax implications are concerned on obtaining an insurance policy of any type, it is important to note that any loan obtained to purchase the insurance policy is not regarded as taxable income. However, in case of lapse of policy or the surrender of the policy in favor of the insurer, the amount of loan becomes taxable and it will entitle the policyholder to pay tax on the loan amount. Similarly, if the interest paid on that loan is from out of pocket, it will not be tax deductible and thus result in higher tax consequences. As far as the personal finance plan is concerned, in short-term, insurance on automobile, cellular phone etc. will be needed as these things are frequently replaced with the newer models or versions etc. For medium-terms based needs, insurance policies such as health/disability or home policies will be preferred. For long-terms insurance needs, life insurance policies will be included in the financial plan. Savings and

Software Technology Evaluation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Software Technology Evaluation - Research Paper Example More specifically, organizations are becoming aware of the threats that peer-to-peer software poses to their networks and users who download or upload files. With regard to the request the client made, it is reasonable to have concern over users who install file sharing software without receiving the authority to do so. This is because there are many threats that target files sharing software, which can harm computer users and the corporate resources, as well. While peer-to-peer file sharing software is popular, their mechanisms of operations offer significant opportunities for hackers to perform exploits that can harm its users. More specifically, such software like uTorrent, Bit Torrent and other popular files sharing softwares can allow propagation of malicious codes such as worms, and spyware. File sharing software can also help hackers carry out intrusion into host computers where they can steal data. Unauthorized installation of file sharing software can expose the host compute rs to peer-to-peer worms that can affect the users of the network. Over years, file sharing community has been facing the problem of peer-to-peer worms that exploit the vulnerability of hosts in the peer-to-peer network (Salomon, 2010). ... In most cases, peer-to-peer networks have scanning worms, which can use the peer-to-peer software to exploit network vulnerability. Indiscriminate and unauthorized installation of file sharing software can introduce spyware into the corporate network. It is has been argued that users install spyware software unknowingly because some get installed along free software or files sharing applications (Baskin & Piltzecker, 2006). More often than not, developers of spyware use free software as a way of distributing their spyware programs that hope to exploit unsuspecting users. Because of this approach, unauthorized installation of file sharing software can introduce spyware into the corporate computers such as desktops and laptops (Appleman, 2004). The problem of spyware entails monitoring and sharing of information on the user of the system. This means that a spyware can monitor the use of an infected computer and share the information with the developer of the spyware. Through this appro ach, the organization can lose valuable information that could be used against it by its competitors or hackers for criminal acts. While there other ways that spyware can penetrate the corporate network, unauthorized installation of files sharing network is the most covert way of installing spyware on any computer, whether a desktop or laptop computer. Installation of file sharing software on a corporate network can allow hackers to penetrate the network and execute other functions that harm computers connected to the network. While computers users can install new file sharing software to use for distributing materials on the internet, there are high chances that hackers can use the software to gain access to the network resources such as servers or desktop

Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Statement - Essay Example This truly is where my heart resides. The Health Care Administration specialization was interesting, but I could see that it was not taking me where I wanted to go professionally. I looked into the specialization for Human Services and feel that this is a better fit for me professionally and personally. The Health Care Administration program required many hours of group preparation and group work. This was not possible for me because I work full time and have other important family responsibilities. I know that I will need to make sacrifices to further my education, but I felt that what I would need to sacrifice in order to obtain a Masters in Health Care Administration was too much. I especially felt this way once I realized I was moving away from my real interest, which is social work. I do not anticipate any academic concerns that were experienced in the Health Care Administration specialization. I have been assured that there is less group work in the Human Services specialization and that it is more conducive to working a full time job and having family obligations. I will also be a more motivated, thoughtful student because the coursework is more applicable to my current employment and interests. The main reason I am so excited about the Human Services Masters degree is I believe it will make me better at my current position. I already possess the values, knowledge and skills necessary to be a good social worker. I feel that increased education will make me even more effective. The most immediate outcome of earning the degree is I will be better at my job. Other reasons I want to get this degree are it will open the possibility of career advancement. I am pleased with the job I currently have. But I recognize that in the future, I would like to take on more responsibility and manage other employees and more difficult cases. So in some ways, I feel that I want to earn this degree because it will help my current situation

Revolution in France from 1789 to 1792 Essay Example for Free

Revolution in France from 1789 to 1792 Essay In 1789, France was under a revolution. It was ruled by absolute monarchy for centuries. Unfairness between Estates started to frustrate the people at the bottom of France. The French government was 4000 million livers in debt (Christopher Hibbert 1980 p.14). Besides the partial blames that Louis XVI deserved, the situation was quite out of his control. There were many other reasons that lead to this revolution and every single problem was connected with each other. The most important short term factors were the bankrupting of government and the Famine. As for the most important long term factors were the heavy taxes and the enlightenments. Though Louis XVI was partially responsible for the French Revolution, it wasnt his entire fault, he just happened to be the scapegoat of some wrong deeds done by others. Louis XVI was famous for being weak and indecisive (Peter Mantin 1992 p. 5) and that was the main problem of his running of the country. He was popular and beloved at first by all people of France because of his kind-hearted and compassionate personality, but hated later as his weakness and conservatism in politics and economics slowly appeared (Christopher Hibbert 1980 p. 3). He was too weak that even the 1st and 2nd Estates tried to control over him and he wasnt able to do strong decisive actions (Christopher Hibbert 1980 p. 3). He even preferred personal hobbies to politics interests (Peter Mantin 1992 p. 4). The Aristocrats and the Church refused to help him out with money respectively in 1787 and 1788 when the country was in a financial crisis (Mr A J Field 2007 Schoolhistory.co.uk). At last, Louis XVI lost all control over his troop and the people of France and was in a passive position afterwards. All these nonalignment between estates and failures were indeed because of him, however, it wasnt his entire fault. After all, the 1st and 2nd Estate was the people who refused to help and there were other more important issues that contributed to the French Revolution. Firstly, the reason why the government was bankrupt in 1788 that caused even heavier taxes on 3rd Estate was because of the humongous lavish expenditures of Marie Antoinette and the league war with the British of Louis XV (Tiffany 2007 Franceattraction.com). Marie Antoinette spent a fortune on her favourite residence, The Petit Trianon; on her stable of three hundred horses; on her sessions at the gaming tables; and also on her clothes, which  cost 100, 000 livers a year. Besides, she loved expensive jewelries; her earrings from Charles Boehmer, the crown jeweler, cost 400, 000 livres and her diamond braclets cost 100, 000 livres (Tiffany 2007 Franceattraction.com). How about those parties that she had all day? One would have cost 200, 000 livres, no wonder the government bankrupted and was 4000 millions livres in debt. At that time, 50, 000 livres per year was already a lavish income and great titled heads lived for a whole year off 50, 000 livres utmost (Tiffany 2007 Franceattrac tion.com). Moreover, his father and grandfather spend loads of money on participating in the wars of Americans and British (helping Americans) and lost the war against another country (Ross Steele 2002 p. 102). Secondly, every kind of heavy tax fell on the poor peasants while the aristocrats and the church got every kind of privileges that they didnt have (Waugh S. 2002 p. 84). It was this frustrating unfairness oppressing the people at the bottom of France for centuries that propelled them. The government didnt fix the economic issues by earning more external tariffs and being less lavish, instead, they oppressed the Third Estate to pay more taxes. There were all kinds of unnecessary and ridiculous taxes. Overall, the Third Estate was forced to pay tithe (a tenth of their income or produce to church), pay a taille (a tenth to state), pay a vingtieme (a fifth of property), pay a gabelle (tax on salt), pay a seigneurial tax (feudal dues), corvee (work tax), aide (tax on wine) and pay a capitation (tax on the number of family members)etc. (Greg Hetherton 1992 p. 18) Besides, the government even permitted the private tax collectors to raise tax whatever they wanted, thus, causing the poor peasants to afford those taxes that were even larger than their own wages and far more than the government requested (Peter Mantin 1992 p. 45). Thirdly, because of heavy rains and bad weathers, there were a series of poor harvest causing famine in France 1780s (Invicta M. 2001 Theotherside.co.uk). Many people lived off the bread line and when there were any matters concerning crops, harvest and food distribution, everything could be tipped into huge disastrous mess since people just wanted to survive. However, the poor harvest led to soaring of food prices (especially bread) and only a  workers daily bread would have taken about 97% of his income. The famine infuriated the hungry and desperate 3rd Estate and provoked food riots (Invicta M. 2001 Theotherside.co.uk). At this point, the place was in a total chaos. Last but not least, enlightenment played an important role in French Revolution. Without it, the French Revolution would be without a spirit to go on. This encouraged the people being oppressed by the 1st and the 2nd Estate to test the thing and to think themselves, instead of relying on false knowledge people gave. The five main ideas the philosophers came up with were religious freedom, freedom from absolute rulers, brotherhood of all people, welfare for everyone and personal happiness as far as possible. These long term and short term factors, flamed by enlightenment, started up the French Revolution. I concluded that the French Revolution wasnt Louis XVI entire fault. He was only being at the wrong time in the wrong place. He was of course being weak and indecisive; however, there were more important factors responsible to the revolution. The financial crisis of the government, heavy taxation on the 3rd Estate, poor harvest and enlightenment contributed to the French Revolution the most. Therefore, to a moderate extent is Louis XVI responsible for the French Revolution. Bibliography :-Greg Hetherton (1992). Revolutionary France: Liberty, tyranny and terror. Camridge: Cambridge University Press. -Peter Mantin (1992). The French Revolution. Heinemann: Oxford. -Christopher Hibbert (1980). The Days of the French Revolution. USA: Penguin Group. -Ross Steele (2002). When in France, do as the French do. Canada: McGraw-Hill Professional. -Waugh S. (2002). Heinemann History Scheme, The early modern work, Book 2. Heinemann: Oxford. -Mr A J Field (2007). French Revolution-Year 8-Schoolhistory.co.uk. Retrieved 3 Oct 2007 from http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/year8links/frenchrevolution.shtml. -Tiffany (2007). Marie Antoinette Versailles. Retrieved 4 Oct 2007 from http://www.franceattraction.com/marie-antoinette.html. -Invicta M. (2001). French Revolution. Retrieved 4 Oct 2007 from http://www.theotherside.co.uk/tm-heritage/background/revolution.htm.

Strong Culture and Organizational Effectiveness

Strong Culture and Organizational Effectiveness Organizational culture is the pattern of shared values and beliefs that help individuals understand organizational functioning. The characteristics that captures the essence of organizations culture include member identity, group emphasis, people focus, unit integration, control, risk tolerance, reward criteria, conflict tolerance, means-end orientation, and open system focus. Appraising the organization on these ten characteristics gives a composite picture of the organizations culture. However, we have strong culture and weak culture. Strong cultures are those in which organizational values and beliefs are widely shared and significantly influence peoples behaviour on the job. Organizations with a strong culture create clear and coherent values and expect that members agree with and care intensely about those values. Denison identifies four key traits that an organization should master in order to be effective as mission, consistency, involvement, and adapt ­ability. Strong organizational cultures have been linked to increased staff alignment, resulting in enhanced organizational effectiveness. However some research shows that strong cultures may enhance short-term success but inhibit long-term organizational performance, and may even contribute to long-term failure by preventing organizations from adapting to changing contingencies. TABLE OF CONTENTS (JUMP TO) 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Culture 1.2 Organizational culture 1.3 Strong culture and weak culture 2.0 Strong culture and organizational effectiveness 2.1 Subculture 3.0 Leadership role in organizational effectiveness 4.0 Conclusion 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 CULTURE Culture is the way we do things are done around here (Schein, 1985) defining the actions of an organization in overt and covert ways, and when change takes place (Smollan, 2009). Culture can also be defined as the collective programming of the mind (Hofstede, 2005). According to Jan Vom (2011), two significant elements covers the scope of culture: (1) cultures manifestation (2) scope of the referenced group. Cultures manifestation Organizations culture is manifested through visible structures and strategies (Jan Vom, 2011). The three layers of culture related to its manifestation are; artefacts, espoused values, and basic underlying assumptions (Schein, 2004 as quoted in Jan Vom, 2011). The visible artefact through which culture is manifested includes companys symbols, its products, architecture, way of dressing, typical behaviours and rituals. It is important to connect artefacts to values. Espoused values are less visible and encompass publicly expressed strategies, goals, norms and rules that provide the daily operating doctrine for members of the organization. Basic underlying assumptions are a subconscious part of the culture which accounts for a mental map of fundamental aspects of life such as the nature of time and space, the role of social hierarchies, and the relative importance of work, family, and self-development. These represent the essence of culture. Scope of the referenced group Reference group refers to the set of people an individual perceives as belonging to his or her work environment which defines the social world of work in which he or she engages, including people with whom the individual does and does not communicate (Lawrence, 2006). Thus, the referenced group are the people within the context of the culture. The scope of the culture is defined depending on the referenced group (Jan Vom, 2011). 1.2 ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE Organizational culture has been defined by numerous authors in different ways. Deshpande and Webster (1989) define organizational culture as the pattern of shared values and beliefs that help individuals understand organizational functioning thus providing norms for behaviour in the organization. In contrast, other authors such as Schein (1985) have put forward that culture is best thought of as a psychological tendency, which he refers to as basic assumptions, that members of an organization learns as it solves its problems of external adaptation and internal integration, and considered valid because it is successful, and then taught to new members to use when facing those problems. However, no matter how we choose to define culture, culture is an important aspect of an organization, and organizations with strong culture increase the chances that members can execute its objectives and increase organizational performance by enlightening members on those objectives (Pottruck, 2001). Chantman, and Chaldwell (1991) quoted in Dwivedi (1995) suggests that the ten primary characteristics that, in aggregate, capture the essence of organizations culture includes: Member identity: how employees identify with the organization as a whole rather than with their type of job or field of professional expertise. Group emphasis: The degree to which work activities are organised around groups rather than individuals. People focus: the degree to which management decisions taken into consideration the effect of outcomes on people within the organization. Unit integration: the degree to which units within the organization are encouraged to operate in a coordinated or interdependent manner. Control: the degree to which rules, regulations, and direct supervision are used to oversee and control employee behaviour. Risk tolerance: the degree to which employees are encouraged to be aggressive, innovative, and risk seeking. Reward criteria: the degree to which rewards such as salary increases and promotions are allocated according to employees performance rather than seniority, favouritism, or other non- performance factors. Conflict tolerance: the degree to which employees are encouraged to air conflicts and criticisms openly. Means-ends orientation: the degree to which management focuses on results or outcomes rather than on the techniques and processes used to achieve those outcomes. Open system focus: the degree to which the organization monitors and responds to changes in the external environment. These characteristics reflect the organizations value and are used to determine an organizations culture. Depending on its strength, it can bring about organizational effectiveness (Dwivedi, 1995). However, some researchers have questioned how well strong cultures improve organizational performance. According to Denison (1990), organizations with strong cultures had greater returns on investments, but this only happens in the short run, after three years the relationship between cultural consistency and performance becomes negative. Also, Alicia (2002) is of the opinion that strong cultures may facilitate short-term success but inhibit long-term organizational performance, and may even contribute to long-term failure by preventing organizations from adapting to changing contingencies. Thus, while cultural strength may bring about increase in organizational performance in the short run, they may also inhibit an organizations ability to adapt, change, and innovate. 1.3 STRONG CULTURE AND WEAK CULTURE An organizations culture can either be strong or weak depending on the degree of alignment of the organizations value and employees response to stimuli because of their alignment with it (Olivier, 2009). Strong cultures: Here, organizational values and beliefs are widely shared with significant influence on peoples behaviour with respect to their job (John, 2006). It encompasses the ability to influence and motivate organizational members to act in an approved manner in the organization, and also an agreement on the part of members, regarding the importance of the organizational values (Schein, 2004). Weak cultures: Here, there is lack of motivation by the members of the organization, and it encompasses little or no  strategy-implementing assistance since there are no traditions, beliefs, values, common bonds, or behavioural norms that  management  can use to motivate to execute the chosen strategy (John, 2006). 2.0 STRONG CULTURE AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS Culture has long been regarded as essential to organizational effectiveness (Schein, 1992). According to Alicia (2002); Organizations with a strong culture create clear and coherent values and expect members to care and agree with those values, even if core values emphasize dissent and creativity (Flynn Chatman, 2001). Chatman (2002) is of the opinion that organizations attain strategic advantages through strong cultures. For example, Southwest Airlines has better performance than its competitors, over a period of time, due to its strong culture of focusing on keeping costs low and customers happy. However, Denison (1990) postulated a model that highlights the four key traits of organizational culture, which includes; mission, consistency, involvement, adaptability. Denisons research has demonstrated that effective organizations have high culture scores in all four traits. Thus, effective organizations are likely to have cultures that are adaptive, yet highly consistent and predictable, and that foster high involvement, but do so within the context of a shared sense of mission. External Focus (Adaptability + Mission) The adaptation hypothesis asserts that an organization must hold a system of norms and beliefs which support the capacity of an organization to receive, interpret, and translate signals from its environment into internal behavioural changes that increase its chances for survival, growth and development (Denison, 1990). Schein (1985) emphasizes that a culture usually consists of some adaptive collective behavioural responses, and the capacity to manage these responses is key to organizations effectiveness. A mission, on the other hand, provides purpose and meaning by defining a social role for an institution and defining the relevance of individual roles as related to the institutional role (Denison, 1990). Hence, an organization that is focused on adapting and changing in response to the external environment, and also has well defined goals and objectives has a strong external focus which is key to organizational effectiveness. A strong external focus typically impacts revenue, sales growth, and market share (Denison, 2006). Internal Focus (Involvement + Consistency) High levels of involvement and participation create a sense of ownership and responsibility (Denison, 1990). Members of an organization are able carry out coordinated action when they shared system of beliefs, and values, which are widely understood. Consistency involves defining the values and systems that are the basis of a strong culture. Strong organizational culture which is consistent leads to organizational effectiveness by priding itself on the quality of its products or services. An organization with strong internal focus has higher levels of quality, fewer defects, less rework, good resource utilization, and high employee satisfaction (Denison, 2006). Flexibility (Adaptability + Involvement) A flexible organization has the capability to change in response to the environment with focus is on the marketplace and its people. An organization that is flexible has higher levels of product and service innovation, creativity, and a fast response to the changing needs of customers and employees (Denison, 2006). Stability (Mission + Consistency) A stable organization has the capacity to remain focused and predictable over time. An organization that is stable has high return on assets, investments and sales, as well as strong busi ­ness operations (Denison, 2006). Hence an organization should master these key traits and strengthen its culture in order to be effective. According to Barney (1986), strong organizational culture facilitates increased staff alignment, thus strengthening organizational effectiveness, and increasing employee productivity and commitment. However, on the contrary, Gagliardi (1986) suggested that organizations with strong cultures are only capable of a limited change because of resistance by members to changing those strongly held and widely shared values. For example, such resistance threatened the survival of Westinghouse electrical company in the 1950s, by preventing it from reaping any benefits from acquiring a factory automation business. It was concluded that the failure was due to the organizations culture of merging an entrepreneurial organizational activity into a relatively slow-moving, large American corporation (Nohria, Dwyer, Dalzell, 2002). This further reinforces the point that cultural strength increases organizational performance, but only in the short run, they may also inhibit an organizations ability to change. However Alicia (2002) suggests that organizations facing such problems can use subcultures to become more agile and to drive innovation. 2.1 SUBCULTURE Subcultures are groups whose common characteristic is a set of shared norms and beliefs, formed based on an array of individual, societal, and organizational characteristics (Chatman, 2002). Organizational subcultures may be based on membership in various groups (departments, workgroups, and teams), levels of hierarchies, professional and occupational affiliations, socio-demographic categories (sex, ethnicity, age, or nationality) and performance-related variables such as organizational commitment and work performance (Trice Beyer, 1993 quoted by Chatman, 2002) Hofstede (1998) suggested that subculture provides information about employees perceptions of the organization, and thus managers lack of awareness of existing or potential subcultures can be damaging. As mentioned earlier, members of strong cultures may resist change, and change within strong culture organizations may lead to conflict. Subcultures can absorb this conflict, with the value of the organizational culture intact. Thus, subcultures may offer a way for organizations with strong culture to be flexible enough to change and adapt to external occurrences (Chatman, 2002). 3.0 LEADERSHIP ROLE IN ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS According to Bryman (1992), the leader could alter or impact the organizational culture. Weese (1995) suggested that leaders have tempered positions relative to the impact that a leader can have on shaping and preserving the culture of an organization, that the culture is the organization, not something that the organization possesses, and consequently, culture change is an arduous assignment. Hence, transformational leaders are needed to help shape and maintain the desired culture of an organization (Schein, 1993), which may link to organizational effectiveness. High transformational leaders possess strong organizational cultures and carry out culture-building activities, especially the customer-orientation function, to a greater extent than other leaders do (Weese, 1995). Also, Bass and Avolio (1992) suggested that transformational leadership and organizational culture is vital to organizational effectiveness. Yukl (1994) defined transformational leadership as the process of influencing major changes in the attitudes and assumptions of organizational members and building commitment for the organizations mission, objectives and strategies. Leaders should therefore focus on developing a strong organizational culture which supports achieving set goals and objectives, coordinated team work, customer orientation, as well as managing change in the organization. 4.0 CONCLUSION It has been established that culture has a significant impact on organizations performance. Organizations with strong culture, and are able to maintain its stability enjoy better performance than weaker cultural organizations. Organizations should pay attention to mission, consistency, involvement, and adapt ­ability in order to have organizational effectiveness (Denison, 2006). Also, it is important for transformational leaders to possess a stronger organizational culture. However, strong cultures may inhibit an organizations ability to change, but such organizations can use subcultures to become more agile and to drive innovation (Chatman, 2002).

How organizations manage resistance to change

How organizations manage resistance to change Severe competitive and economic pressures that organizations face today were unthinkable a few decades ago. In order to shed excess costs and to respond more nimbly to customers and competitors, they are being urged to adopt new organizational forms, tightened inter organizational linkages and improved management practices (cf. Miles and Snow 1980, Johnston and Lawrence, 1988). Any change in organization is followed by a kind of resistance from its employees. In this assignment a few methods that can be used to overcome change in the organization are described. Technology developments, social and demographic shifts, competition of changing market and economic issues, tend an organization to implement change in it as well. The rapid and dynamic change in market has increased consumerism. Whether it is an automobile industry or cosmetic industry or IT industry, consumer today has lots of choices these days that they need not have to wait for longer for any product. This changing market scenario imparts a message to managing bodies that the way of work should also change with the changing market. From managerial point of view a change is referred to as change in work pattern, work routine and work culture inside the working atmosphere. Change is normally a reaction to changing commercial, technological, economical, structural and strategic environment in which the company operates (Barbara Senior, Organizational Change). For example; departmentalization, job redesign, implementation of an international division are the examples of structural c hanges whereas work processes, methods and equipments are technological changes. Change should be welcomed as it can produce positive benefits for the individuals, bring opportunities for personal change and development, reduces boredom of work, provides new challenges and an opportunity to participate and shape the outcome. But unfortunately as change is accompanied by resistance, it is very important that the Change Manager anticipate and plan strategies for dealing with resistance not only at the introduction of change but also for monitoring the change over long term (Ronald, G and Smith, J 1995). It is helpful to understand why people resist change, because understanding this allows us to plan strategies to reduce resistance from the beginning. Kotter and Schlesinger identified the basic reasons of resistance to change are communication gap and inadequate information that creates misunderstanding, sense of insecurity, different assessment of situation and disagreement over advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, individuals are more concerned with the implic ations for themselves (Management by Robbins and Coulter). Organizations do not change, individuals do. No matter how large is the project you are taking on, the success of project ultimately lies with each employee doing their work differently multiplied across all of employees impacted by the change (Web 1). Individual barriers to change include- tradition and set ways; loyalty to existing relationships; failure to accept the need for change; insecurity; preference for the existing arrangements; break up of work groups; different person ambitions; fear of power; skills and income; inability to perform as well in the new situation as for example, when quality control methods based on statistical models were introduced into manufacturing units, the quality control department have to learn the new methods. Some may fear that they will be unable to do so and may develop negative attitude towards the change or perform poorly if required to use the new methods. Sometimes change is resisted because of failures in the way it is introduced to the e mployees and the management fails to explain the need for change and its future benefits. Poor employer relations, lack of involvement in process and failure to offer support and training for the introduced change are the other reasons for change resistance (Web 2). Resisting change takes many forms (Web 3) and the more obvious form is of active resistance, objection and refusal to cooperate with the change occurs. Sometimes, resistance appears to be individual and sometimes it is clearly situational. It may be passive in which colleagues agree to a change but are unwilling or unable to implement something new. This subtle form of resistance is dealt with more difficulty. For example, at a staff meeting everyone agrees to follow a new procedure, but after several weeks it is being discovered that the procedure has not been implemented yet. Another example of this kind is the introduction of new computers at the new place but virtually no one is using them for the purpose for which they are intended, since the staff had their own machines. The employee consents to change by agreeing to it but later he only changes to appear cooperative, but in fact he is doing most things the way he was before the change. At the moment the change program is announced, many employees will employ tactics to protect themselves, their turf, and ultimately their place in the organization.  Some will aggressively challenge the necessity for change. This is a time waster and thus prevents critical objectives from being met. Every person who facilitates the change process must work diligently to build consensus. The employee must be assured that every idea is worth considering. If anyone argues, he or she can be asked to explain why he or she feels the way they do and ask for three or four suggestions for making the process work.  Some managers and members of the leadership team will avoid change by passively refusing the commitment to the process. Often these leaders will resist the change effort by being unavailable for meetings, denying resources, or withholding feedback. The leadership is a particularly difficult foe, because change efforts often require the use of resources managed by the l eadership, such as time and money. Without these resources change efforts are likely to fail. Accountability with consequences is the primary means for assuring leadership participation. Many employees and organizational leaders search for personal or professional diversions during the change process that will ultimately hinder the effort. A distracted individual can undermine the change effort by not being present physically or mentally when his or her critical input is needed. Not being mindful of change creates an unnecessarily difficult experience for every member of the team. Such carelessness calls to mind the wasted energy expended when one runs against the wind. Change efforts provide an opportunity for every one affected to secure a new place in the organization or make a decision to seek a better fit elsewhere. Ken Hultman argues that while no-one is a perfect change agent, managers have to be impeccable role models for bringing up a successful change. The essential attributes of such a person include the ability to be a clear thinker who is able to get a view about organizational situation and reach at logical conclusions. Hultman suggests few things in creating the right environment for change to occur. Firstly we must do things to establish a positive climate (p172) and secondly we must attempt to create environmental conditions that encourage an interest in improvement. Managers must demonstrate that how changes will improve employees circumstances and that there are opportunities in the change such as enabling colleagues to increase their knowledge and skills leading to genuine achievements and progress They must cultivate a value for collaborative working among staff and colleagues need each other to complete their tasks, it is easier to develop values of co-operation and mutuality. W hatever are the circumstances management must stay calm. At the heart of Hultmanà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s analysis is a set of humanistic values along with an assumption that one cannot even hope to influence another colleague without firstly demonstrating that they will have their needs met in some way. It is likely to be counterproductive by getting impatient, exasperated and angry. Being a change manager it is his/her duty to reduce the resistance towards change and towards change and to increase the enthusiasm and level of commitment for the change. While likely to encounter the people who resist change, people who welcome change will also be encountered and by knowing the reasons for their acceptance to change, the communication plan will be better formulated. People will accept change when they see possibility that they will gain something from the change. The gain may be either personal like, money; increased job security; status; self satisfaction; less effort and time and gain in better personal contact or other like it provides new challenges, likeness of the source, reduction in boredom etc. In order to reduce resistance to change, the manager should involve people affected by change, actively seeking their thoughts and reactions to proposed changes. They must develop a proper attitude towards resistance to change and realize that it is neither good nor bad. The best way to minimize resistance to change is to involve those responsible for implementing it and those affected by it. People are more motivated towards successful completion when they feel that they are the valued participants in planning and implementing the change. Also ensure that people from all the levels of organization are involved in planning the change process and they should be listened carefully. In the early stages, manager should not launch into lengthy diatribes justifying the change as people are not interested in that. They want to be heard and have their concerns attended to. They must recognize that it takes time to work through reactions to change. Then people should be engaged in dialogue ab out the change. They should do this only after understanding the specific concerns of others completely. Change must be realistic, achievable and measurable. Communication and education is helpful method to sort out the things when resistance is due to lack of information or inappropriate information and analysis. Though time consuming, this method provides great employee support if persuaded. When cause of resistance is difficulty in adjustment to changes, management support and facilitation do work at times. This is expensive and still unreliable way to overcome the change. Manipulation of some information is necessary some times in order to avoid negative reactions by the employee. The people that easily accept changes and get adapted to changing atmosphere can set an example for others and hence they follow the suit. Therefore, they should be the first target of change program. Three basic steps- planning, implementation, and evaluation of outcomes of both the plan and implementation are involved in the change process. Resistance to change should be dealt ideally with planning and early stages of implementation. For proper planning for change, a manager must consider about how and when the change is needed and the way it should be communicated to the employees for their better support. Managers should pay attention to the focus of change, the amount of change, and the rate of change in order to implement change. Evaluation of outcomes of change is also very important as all the change efforts are result oriented. If change is not monitored, its effectiveness cannot be measured. This can be done by collecting data and comparing the results against original goals. To wind up at the end of an interesting discussion we can conclude that a degree of resistance is normal since change is disruptive and stressful but in general, most people have mixed reactions towards purposed change, so the change agents can be helpful in highlighting the positive aspects in realistic manner. Although most people feel comfortable with minor changes, no one can live and work by yesterdayà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s reality. Managers must reduce change in very effective, meaningful and healthy way without hurting the sentiments of the employees. By providing resources to support the changes, allowing enough time and flexibility and with the widespread commitment of people throughout the organization, change efforts will succeed. (2) Hultman, K. (1998), Making Change Irresistible: Overcoming resistance to change in your organisation, Davies-Black Publishing, Palo Alto

The Relationship between Divisive Primaries and General Election Outcom

The Relationship between Divisive Primaries and General Election Outcomes Patrick Kenney and Tom Rice’s article explores the effect of primary elections on the general presidential elections. Kenney and Rice attempt to determine whether supporters of losing primary candidates refrain from voting for their party in the general election. In order to better understand this concept of divisive primaries, it is imperative to know its definition. Webster defines divisive as: Creating, or tending to create, division, separation, or difference. However, I feel that divisiveness arises out of the need to superior and the topic of voter turnout and primary significance has been a long running question. According to Kenney and Rice the primary campaign is a struggle between groups, fighting for a â€Å"scarce resource,† the nomination. As research has shown, supporters of a losing candidate have been shown to retain bitterness towards the winning side of a primary. Our authors also mention the introduction of in-group loyalties, and out-gr oup hostilities, which affect a voter’s attitude. The in-group loyalties tend to be formed because of the length of primary elections, thus voters feel very strong and passionate about their candidate, and because the stakes are greater. The out-group hostilities are formed for the same reasons. In general, the longer the campaigns the stronger the in-group and out-group feelings are. With the definition of divisive primaries being k...

Plagiarism and the Internet :: Cheating Education Essays

Plagiarism and the Internet The web influences peopleà °s lives relating to plagiarism and the law. In this paper I will discuss why plagiarism is increasing with time. Technology is becoming more prominent each day. Now, personal computers are seemingly a necessity in college dormitories. They are even being used routinely for nightly homework assignments for high school and even elementary school students. Moreover, the web is not only being used for research assignments, but also for game-playing, meeting new people, and quicker, easier communication. This increase in Internet usage is recognizable on a personal basis alone. As a high school freshman, the computer was not used nearly as much as it was as a high school senior. High school assignments were computer based, but in only four years, it seemed as if subject curriculums were being modified to incorporate more computer-based projects and activities to parallel the computerà °s increasing use in society. Although computer use is increasing in society, ethics are decreasing. As students are directed to use the web on a routine basis to complete assignments, many worth a substantial part of the courseà °s grade, it is nearly impossible to avoid a pop-up advertisement or a website that diverts the student from valuable information to lengthy papers covering nearly every conceivable topic. Even the most gifted students are tempted at times since society is moving at a fast pace, and people are attempting to complete as many tasks in the least amount of time possible. This pressure to complete numerous tasks in short periods of time promotes a cheating environment. People, students more specifically, want to do things as easily as possible. In addition, many students are not caught cheating, so they will make a habit of cheating time and time again. Even those that are caught cheating are not always reprimanded in the proper way. In fact, some students caught cheating are not even disciplined at all, as teachers are afraid to confront a student or deal with administrative issues. This is a fine example of how school systems are less ethical than in years prior. On a broader forum, society is becoming less and less ethical, not just school systems. There are an increasing number of television shows where experts will argue the ethics of a situation, simply because the law can be used to support either side. For example, there has been a great deal of commotion dealing with downloading music.

Business Communication

During the exam you are not allowed to open your references. B. Please answer the following questions in the form of essay which consists of introductory paragraph, detail and example, and concluding paragraph). 1.Effective communication strengthens the connection between a company and all its stakeholders, those groups affected in some way by the company’s actions: customers, employers, stakeholders, suppliers, neighbors, the community, and the nation. Conversely, when communication breakdown, the results can be anything from time wasting to the tragic event. How can a lack of shared experience between sender and receiver result in communication failures? 2. The way you conduct yourself and interact with others can have a profound influence on your company’s success and your career.Because of your excellent communication skills, for example, your boss always asks you to write his reports for him but when the CEO complimenting him on his logical organization and clear w riting style, your boss responds as if he’d written all those reports himself. What kind of ethical choice does your boss’s response represent? What can you do in this situation? Explain your solution and your reasoning. 3. Every month, each employee in your department is expected to give oral presentation on the status of your group project.One member of the group, however, has a severe speech impediment that prevents people from understanding most of what he has to say. As the department manager, how will you resolve this dilemma? Is it possible for you to use non-verbal communication? Please explain. 4. CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management, a category of software that helps companies manage their interactions with customers. What are the factors to be considered when choosing visual media like CRM for your business communication? PS: Maximum score is 25 for each question including paragraph structure, sentence tructure, coherence, spelling, and choice of word. ——————–oOo————— Communication is a process whereby information is enclosed in a package and is channeled and imparted by a sender to a receiver via some medium. The receiver then will decodes the information before he/she gives feedback to the sender. Of course, some interference can appear in any forms and disturb the process of communication itself. When a process of communication doesn’t run properly, it is called communication breakdown and it is very common.In any communication model, interference of a communication model is called noise. There are many examples of noise, such as: environmental noise, physiological-impairment noise, semantic noise, syntactical noise, organizational noise, cultural noise, and psychological noise. The lack of shared experience of communication between the sender and the receiver could be classified as semantic, syntactical, organizational, or cultural noise. Semantic noise means the sender and the receiver have different interpretations of the meanings of certain words.For example, the word â€Å"weed† could be interpreted as undesired plants on your yard or as marijuana. Syntactical noise is a form of noise where certain grammatical mistakes appear and disrupt communication. This kind of noise usually appears when the language that is used in the communication process is not the mother language of one or more parties of the process. Poorly structured communication can prevent the receiver from accurate interpretations. When this happens, it is called organizational noise.For example, when a manager teaching his/her subordinates how to use a new tool for their works, but he/she is not telling them in a well structured form of communication, it can make the subordinates more confused about the new tool. The last one is cultural noise. This happens when the receiver and the sender came from different cultural background. Fo r instance, wishing a Moslem â€Å"Merry Christmas† could be offending for him/her. The process of communication does not always run well. Some interference can appear and disrupt the process.Therefore, we should learn the effective way of communication so that we can avoid the interference and conduct an effective way of communication. In business or in working environment, there are some rules that should be obeyed so we won’t hurt someone else’s feelings or take the rights of others. This set of rules is called business ethics. However, to determine whether an act is ethical or not is, sometimes, not easy. From the example given in the question, I don’t have any trouble to say that it is unethical. My boss claimed my works as his/hers and that simply violated my intelligence rights.There are some options can be taken to deal with this case, but I have my own way to deal with this. If I were in that position, I would just complain to him/her right away. Tell him/her that I didn’t like what he/she was doing but in a most nice and most polite ways. I don’t think he/she would fire me because he/she needed me. I was good at making reports and if he/she fired me, it wouldn’t be that easy to find someone else with the same skill. In working environment, we should always ensure that our acts are ethical. Even when someone else does unethical acts toward us, we should solve the problem with the most ethical way.By ensuring that every act that we conduct is ethical, it will not only make a good working environment but also shows us who we really are. In the process of communication, some interference can appear and disrupt the process. This interference is called noise. There are many kind of noise, such as: environmental noise, physiological-impairment noise, semantic noise, syntactical noise, organizational noise, cultural noise, and psychological noise. From the example given in the question, it is classified as phy siological-impairment noise.It means he/she has physical maladies that prevent effective communication. In this case: speech impediment. If I were the manager, I would try to help him with his/her speech problem. However, if it were impossible to help him/her with the problem, I would give him/her the work that required less speaking or the more technical part. I would leave him the part that deals with counting, graphs, etc. Customer relationship management (CRM) is a widely-implemented strategy for managing a company’s interactions with customers, clients and sales prospects.It involves using technology to organize, automate, and synchronize business processes, principally sales activities, but also those for marketing, customer service, and technical support. One of the factors that should be considered when using CRM is the tools could be complicated. The tools itself are usually limited. So, when using CRM as the company’s strategy, we should ensure that we have t he right processes, the right people, and the right strategy Business Communication Therefore, the company should develop consistency and extensive plan in order to commit their operational, strategic, financial and transactional problems. According to the Matthew Walker, in this situation, the first step should be communication proactively to limit surprises and build the credibility and trust. It does not mean that company should disclose every financial part; however the trust is the critical. The healthy business requires the healthy community. Also, there should contribution in creating and maintenance.Certainly, the public wants to know about companies, organizations. Lewis (2010) states that, corporate social responsibility becomes the â€Å"buzzword† from the boardroom to the living room by growing media coverage dealing with such issues as corporate governance and environmental responsibility. Professionally, this rise In awareness of the term CARS has created a new fashion in business management (Jackson, 2001). Many academics, corporate stakeholder s and Government are calling on large and small corporations to adopt CARS orientated approaches to business.It helps to communicate with stakeholders effectively. Inefficient or poor communication often demonstrates incomplete planning, unrealistic deadlines and budgets. Every company needs to communicate often and effectively in order to know about the processes of future plans, mission and vision. According to the study, which was conducted by IT managers of French computer manufacturers, 57 % of project failures were because of the poor communication. The main reason is that inability to clearly state their expectations to the stakeholders.Moreover, the good communication is not one-size fits all technique. Firstly, every company should pay attention to the diplomatic transparency and sensitivity to their pacific work styles. For instance, some people need regular data and constant updates while others need high level directives and knowing just specific details. Also, it is ver y important knowing and having the correct tools and skills to reach the main goal of the company. There is no doubt that, miscommunication can creates hard feeling which might remain undetected for a long time.Every employee should prepare a formal communication strategy in order to define the exact expectations from stakeholders. Also, it is extremely necessary to write about the ideas, issues, insights and information. In addition, there should be shown the statistics and should be presented to the stakeholders. It helps to prove the works which were done already. Also, one of the best ways to avoiding the conflicts with stakeholders is writing the memos. This can be as simple as stating needs of company in a few sentences or as complex as writing out your list of objectives.It is useful to define the core objectives with measurable parameters of the company. Furthermore, each of your various project stakeholders their own agenda and goals. The company's executive team should sub mit the particular information and a different communication style in the day-to-day details of delivery. Usually, stakeholders want to see more of the summarized review. In order to balance the various needs of communication, there should be the connection between risk and risk mitigation actions. It is very important for external stakeholders.If a risk can be mitigated by adjustments with the control of the company then it probably doesn't need to bubble up to team. Also, the communication about the risk with the stakeholders can be tricky, because this group, usually, is unfamiliar with the details Of the company. In order to succeed, company should fully explain the concepts without using the company's jargon's in the message. Also, it helps to show the benefits to gain acceptance. The company should meet with the stakeholder to discuss the plan together and maintain positive relationships.Nowadays, the several marketing techniques can be used to facilitate this process, which h elps to promote this in effective way. The majority of companies use the type of the messaging with stakeholders. According to the Schultz(2006), companies prefer using the minimal release kind of communication with stakeholders. This finding shows that suggestion by the web-based content is the most effective way of reaching the goal. With the respect to CARS the centre management bell ivied that the various messages where they can communicate across various means generated the benefits to the company, organization.Moreover, the clear structured message to the stakeholder whether it will be transmitted via print or shown on company's website will become effective to settle down the goals. The details should be written in the message carefully. Also, it can be provided in different formats. Sometimes, there will be necessary to translate the documents in order to understand, because many types of specific words in the technology changed. Therefore, effective communication may requir e the translating of technical and financial jargon.Also, in writing the message to stakeholders it is very important to explain the technical issues in terms that non-experts can understand. In addition, politicians and the public can make their decisions. One of terms of company can be provided by the using the glossary of company. In conclusion, certainly the poor message with the lack of information in the intent has the negative impact on the company. Communication is the complicated process of sharing and exchanging information, knowledge, feeling and experience.It is important to write the report to stakeholders with the specific details and expectations in order to obtain the company's good reputation. The communication principles, which relates to the management of company are important to define clear organizational structured communication. It will demonstrate the high-performing organizations, where all employees respect communication principles. Also, it can show the hi gh degree of trust between team members. The effective business communication consists of the accurate communication in particular message, where the stakeholder can understand this correctly.One of the important things of the communication with the stakeholder is not confusing and misinforming with the information. Therefore, the corporate policy should be strictly checked. All of us know that the aim of corporate communication is to managing perceptions through the positive corporate brand, transparent relationship with all stakeholders. That's why the nature of corporate communication is one of the necessary facts of the successful impasses, because it helps to consider and notice the intersection between the level and perception of the every company. Business Communication Therefore, the company should develop consistency and extensive plan in order to commit their operational, strategic, financial and transactional problems. According to the Matthew Walker, in this situation, the first step should be communication proactively to limit surprises and build the credibility and trust. It does not mean that company should disclose every financial part; however the trust is the critical. The healthy business requires the healthy community. Also, there should contribution in creating and maintenance.Certainly, the public wants to know about companies, organizations. Lewis (2010) states that, corporate social responsibility becomes the â€Å"buzzword† from the boardroom to the living room by growing media coverage dealing with such issues as corporate governance and environmental responsibility. Professionally, this rise In awareness of the term CARS has created a new fashion in business management (Jackson, 2001). Many academics, corporate stakeholder s and Government are calling on large and small corporations to adopt CARS orientated approaches to business.It helps to communicate with stakeholders effectively. Inefficient or poor communication often demonstrates incomplete planning, unrealistic deadlines and budgets. Every company needs to communicate often and effectively in order to know about the processes of future plans, mission and vision. According to the study, which was conducted by IT managers of French computer manufacturers, 57 % of project failures were because of the poor communication. The main reason is that inability to clearly state their expectations to the stakeholders.Moreover, the good communication is not one-size fits all technique. Firstly, every company should pay attention to the diplomatic transparency and sensitivity to their pacific work styles. For instance, some people need regular data and constant updates while others need high level directives and knowing just specific details. Also, it is ver y important knowing and having the correct tools and skills to reach the main goal of the company. There is no doubt that, miscommunication can creates hard feeling which might remain undetected for a long time.Every employee should prepare a formal communication strategy in order to define the exact expectations from stakeholders. Also, it is extremely necessary to write about the ideas, issues, insights and information. In addition, there should be shown the statistics and should be presented to the stakeholders. It helps to prove the works which were done already. Also, one of the best ways to avoiding the conflicts with stakeholders is writing the memos. This can be as simple as stating needs of company in a few sentences or as complex as writing out your list of objectives.It is useful to define the core objectives with measurable parameters of the company. Furthermore, each of your various project stakeholders their own agenda and goals. The company's executive team should sub mit the particular information and a different communication style in the day-to-day details of delivery. Usually, stakeholders want to see more of the summarized review. In order to balance the various needs of communication, there should be the connection between risk and risk mitigation actions. It is very important for external stakeholders.If a risk can be mitigated by adjustments with the control of the company then it probably doesn't need to bubble up to team. Also, the communication about the risk with the stakeholders can be tricky, because this group, usually, is unfamiliar with the details Of the company. In order to succeed, company should fully explain the concepts without using the company's jargon's in the message. Also, it helps to show the benefits to gain acceptance. The company should meet with the stakeholder to discuss the plan together and maintain positive relationships.Nowadays, the several marketing techniques can be used to facilitate this process, which h elps to promote this in effective way. The majority of companies use the type of the messaging with stakeholders. According to the Schultz(2006), companies prefer using the minimal release kind of communication with stakeholders. This finding shows that suggestion by the web-based content is the most effective way of reaching the goal. With the respect to CARS the centre management bell ivied that the various messages where they can communicate across various means generated the benefits to the company, organization.Moreover, the clear structured message to the stakeholder whether it will be transmitted via print or shown on company's website will become effective to settle down the goals. The details should be written in the message carefully. Also, it can be provided in different formats. Sometimes, there will be necessary to translate the documents in order to understand, because many types of specific words in the technology changed. Therefore, effective communication may requir e the translating of technical and financial jargon.Also, in writing the message to stakeholders it is very important to explain the technical issues in terms that non-experts can understand. In addition, politicians and the public can make their decisions. One of terms of company can be provided by the using the glossary of company. In conclusion, certainly the poor message with the lack of information in the intent has the negative impact on the company. Communication is the complicated process of sharing and exchanging information, knowledge, feeling and experience.It is important to write the report to stakeholders with the specific details and expectations in order to obtain the company's good reputation. The communication principles, which relates to the management of company are important to define clear organizational structured communication. It will demonstrate the high-performing organizations, where all employees respect communication principles. Also, it can show the hi gh degree of trust between team members. The effective business communication consists of the accurate communication in particular message, where the stakeholder can understand this correctly.One of the important things of the communication with the stakeholder is not confusing and misinforming with the information. Therefore, the corporate policy should be strictly checked. All of us know that the aim of corporate communication is to managing perceptions through the positive corporate brand, transparent relationship with all stakeholders. That's why the nature of corporate communication is one of the necessary facts of the successful impasses, because it helps to consider and notice the intersection between the level and perception of the every company. Business Communication Assignment # 05 Business Communication Topic: short / informal reports categories and formats of reports IN RESPECT OF: Sir Hamid Nawaz Sb. SUBMITTED BY: MUHAMMAD JAVED IQBAL AISH MBA 1st Semester Section (A) DEPARTMENT OF ADMINSTRATIVE SCIENCES QUAID-I-AZAM UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD What is report? An orderly and objective communication of factual information that serves a business purpose. What is short report? The short report consists of a title page and the report text normally. Like most of the less formal report forms, the short report may be organized in either the direct order or indirect order. But the direct order is more common. This plan begins with a quick summary of report including the conclusions and recommendations. Because many organization heavily depend upon the short reports. There are many varieties written for the different purposes. Some companies have their particular report forms. There are many types of short reports but we will define three of them only, as follows: 1. Routine operational reports: The majority of the reports written within the companies are routine reports that informs to the supervisors, top managers and other employees of the organization about the company’s all activities. These reports can be for daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly. It depends upon the work nature that if sufficient task like all the policy making rules have to define then it will be in more concise form that every one can understand easily. For the various purposes we can use this form of report. For example the production data, the data of loyal customers etc. The formation of this type of repot varies from company to company and managers to manager. The content / format of this report: ? The name comes from the fact that what is inside the report and it must be written with in 15 minutes. That’s why we define its name first of all so that this name clearly defined the required information efficiently and on time. Most of the organizations define some standard for the short operation report because managers don’t have sufficient time to write on the daily or monthly basis by defining its whole format. So they define a standard that these contents must include in the report so that reader can understand easily. ? The findings of a particular sample must be given in a chronological order so that readers can understand quickly. And must use the appropriate headings if required any. ? In the end of routine report just put the summary, which may include or not according to the data required. 2. Progress reports: This report review progress on an activity. This report focuses on the progress toward a specific goal. If someone is working on a project under the supervision of a boss then he or she must have to write a progress report for that project to his or her immediate boss or manager to show the progress of that project that work is on the track. Progress report can be formal or informal depending on the work nature. But most are informal and narrative. And one important factor which must use in this report that is subject i. e. â€Å"I† or â€Å"we†. If we are using the word â€Å"I† in the progress report that â€Å"I have done all this† then it shows really negative behavior and â€Å"we† shows the best motivation tool in the progress report. The format / content of this report: ? Describe the purpose and nature of the project first. ? Present a summary of work already completed. Describe work currently in the progress including personnel, methods. ? Forecast future activities related to the project. ? In the end include recommendations and request. 3. Recommendation reports: A recommendation report is a detailed report submitted to readers who are usually in a high management position, like as, supervisors, top managers, head of departments, buyers of company, and elected officials, to a ccept or reject the writer’s plan or choose from among their recommendations. Purpose of the recommendation report: The main purpose and theme of this report is to present a carefully created, well-supported proposal for application of the research which we have conducted. The report will define ways to apply findings to the problem which we have investigated. If the report is accepted then it t can lead to improve functioning conditions, a more competent and cost-effective business or supplementary jobs. Format of the recommendation report: Her we use report format, not memo or letter format. And important thing, here is, that we have make sure of using headings and number the pages of the report. The length will vary based on the number of headings, the size and number of visuals, and other design features. Contents of recommendation report: ? Introduction of report: The opening of this report should be interesting so that it actually represents what it follows. ? Methods of report: We have to explain all the gathered data so that its primary purpose was to understand the background of the problem, not to get solutions. ? Summary of the secondary research: Here we have to consider what has been done before to address that problem, and to recommend solutions. ? Analysis of Survey Findings: This section is important due to its survey factor because here we define the findings obtained from the primary and secondary research. ? Feedback: We conclude from the gathered data and implement to solve the problem. ? Recommendations: Recommendation shows that how readers can transform their particular action into actions. ? Closing: Goodwill tone is much important and must be closed in form of solving the problem. Short reports format: Short report formats are the design of the report that defines which contents of the reports are included and which contents are described more or not. Simply the format of a report shows the outline of a whole report either of short or long. There are different formats of the short reports which are as follows, but here we have to define three of them only: †¢ Letter format †¢ Memo format †¢ Report format †¢ Prepared forms 1. Letter Format: The reports in the forms of letter are known as the letter format reports. These formats are normally used when writers have to send information to outsiders in informal form. Means these reports are used to present information to person outside the organization. For writing a report in a letter format these instructions can be followed: †¢ We write the name and organization information in the upper left corner of the page with date. Under these three things you have to write the name of the recipient and his title and company address. †¢ After writing salutation we present the information about the important contents of the report. †¢ Then give reason why we are writing a report. Here we need more information to clarify our readers about the report. †¢ In the end provide the conclusion and recommendation. †¢ Friendly closing is also necessary. So use those words which create the goodwill. †¢ And write name below the four lines after closing with signatures. 2. Memo Format: These formats are normally used when writers have to send information within the organization. Means these reports are used to present information to person inside the organization. A memo is used to persuade people to take some action or to give feedback on a specific matter. Word â€Å"Memo† is also called as â€Å"memorandum†. Memo can be formal and informal as well. Memo is written in a very simple tone that easy to understand. Memo must be short and specific. In memo the following things are important to note: †¢ Try to identify the audience to whom we are writing. †¢ Write the name of sender and receiver in a memo. †¢ Purpose of writing a memo must be given with the subject. †¢ Give suggestions for the help of readers. †¢ Present the recommendation with some arguments. †¢ Closing with creation of goodwill. 3. Short report format: Short reports formats are used to give some particular information and also have different reasons and purposes of writing in terms of managers and employees. So the contents of the short reports are: Write the title of the report very first †¢ Mention the name of that person to whom we are writing †¢ Mention the name who is writing †¢ Mention the date also †¢ Short reports include terms of references which show basically the main contents of the reports. †¢ Define the methodology of the report †¢ Conclusion shows the overview of the whole report. †¢ And in the end we present the recommendations to take actions if necessary. References: www. google. com www. osun. org www. scribd. com www. wikihow. org ——————————————————— Business Communication Business Communication Md. Tarikul Islam Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Topics Today q Topics Today u Course Outline  §  §  §  § Course introduction Topics included in the course Evaluation method What to expect and how to be prepared u Start of the course, if time allows  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ The Course q Welcome!! u To the Course-Business Communication o? Course code: EMBA 501 o? To the students of EMBA Program o? This is a three credit course where one learns about  § Basics of communication  § Tools in communication o? For class schedule contact EMBA Coordination office  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ The Course: Studying Communication means u Studying communication has three parts o? Theory o? Applying theories in real life o? Feedback on application mentioned above u Therefore we shall o? First study the theory o? Then would know how to use the theories in real life o? Finally we shall check the applications for effectiveness and efficiency  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ The Course: Scope q Scope o? This course is about learning fundamentals of communications and then communicating effectively and efficiently with the available tools in communications  § Therefore the course starts with the learning about communications followed by the lear ning and applications of communication tools available in place  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ The Course: Book q Recommended Book o? We shall follow the book Business Communication by Lesikar  § Buy the latest edition o? Any other materials will be provided in due time  § Please remember that it would be more beneficial to go through more than one book  § Almost all the communication books are more or less on same issues  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ The Course: Contents No Topics 01 Basics of communication 02 Introduction to communication, types of 03 Verbal Communication 04 Culture and communication 05 Non verbal communication 06 Technology and communication 07 General letters and job related letters 08 Curriculum vitae 09 Memorandum 10 Long formal business report 11 Research proposal communication, mediums of communication Contents are subject to change http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/  © Islam, M. T. The Course: Evaluation q Evaluation u There are two evaluations o? One by students and o? One by the course teacher u Evaluation by course teacher o? Final exam for 40 marks o? Continuous Assessment (CA) for 60 marks including class presence  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation: Final Exam (40 marks) q Final Exam u A comprehensive exam at the end of the semester o? Having 40 marks of value  § You should be prepared for the conceptual question in most cases  § Direct question would be the minimum or rare case u Questions in the final exam mainly will check o? Your overall understandings of the course o? Whether you are able to interpret the theories or not o? Whether you can create something new or not  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation: CA (60 marks) q Continuous Assessment u Combination of o? Class works, homework, assignments, presentations, case study, viva etc. o? Exams  § Both quiz and class tests  § Either announced or unannounced  § Don’t miss as there won’t be any customization u Weights o? There won’t be any weights to any evaluation criteria. All will be converted into sixty. Final exam marks would be added to CA marks to decide on your grade in the course o? Remember there is no best of  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation: CA Details u CA Details o? Assignment: You would need to prove  § You can write letter properly  § You are familiar with different aspects of reports  § You know about memorandum o? Presentations  § You would be required to prove that you are familiar with the different aspects of presentations and you can apply them in real life  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation: CA Details u CA Details o? Report writing as the final part  § Build up groups according to directions  § Write a long formal business report  § Almost at the end of semester your group will present  § Others will evaluate you including question and answer sessions  § Participation by all is mandatory and beneficial!!!  § Make sure you are NOT a sleeping member!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation: Sleeping Member u Sleeping Member o? Never and ever be a sleeping member o? You will be traced out and your grade will be severely damaged o? How?  § On any of the works like assignments, presentations etc. you will be evaluated individually even though you work in the group  § In time of evaluation if you fail to prove yourself, it would not matter how good you have been working in the group, you will not score maximum!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation: Group Formation Directions q Group formation directions u Form a group o? Of five members each o? Group number will be decided by me o? Each group would have a group leader and one female member at least! o? Submit the list within the next class! o? Once the list is given, it would be treated as final one. Anyone not included in the list will form a single member group and will be evaluated for 80% marks i. e. (60*40%)*80% For what o? Can be for assignment, presentation, viva, case study, article reading, term paper etc. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/  © Islam, M. T. Evaluation: Group Works q Group Works u You work in group but will be evaluated individually; therefore you have the chance to prove yourself to advance your grade! u However, what would be seen whe n you work in group is†¦ o? You accumulate all the possibilities at maximum o? You have a mentionable group chemistry o? Don t try to be a leader by yourself o? Rather try to be a spontaneous leader! o? By the way what is group work and why to work in group?  © Islam, M. T. ttp://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation: Report Theme u What to write about? o? Theme of the report  § You want to introduce a new venture in your area. Before you take the final decision you like to check the different aspects of the proposed venture. Write a formal report about those different aspects following the formalities in report writing. o? You can include whatever you want based on your imagination or the real life facts o? You will be graded based on your communication capability and your compliance with the report writing formalities!  § We shall discuss different formalities of report throughout the course Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation: Some Point s to Mind! q Some Points to Mind o? In group works you will be graded individually, but your group chemistry contributes to your earnings o? Never be a sleeping member o? In case of presentation  § Quality of the presenter  § Quality of the presentation  § Quality of the presentation content  § Quality of the group works†¦. ALL WILL BE CONSIDERED o? There is a probability that all group works will be followed by either viva or presentation; be ready for that! o? Each group will present one topic of the course; will be detailed later on! Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation Summary†¦. q To mind for evaluation o? There would be no best of o? All would be converted in to 60 o? There is special treatment for class presence o? Honesty is extremely expected and dishonesty will be severely penalized  § In case of dishonesty you will be informed and your answer script will not be evaluated! o? You MUST prove yourself or your group; make me feel that you deserve the marks  § I would expect higher level maturity, integrity, creativity, and professionalism in all of your works!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Class Presence+/Participation u Not class presence but class participation  § I might assign some marks for the participation and presence in class depending on the situation  § Maximum five marks would be given for this purpose  § Be in class in time if you don’t want to miss the class  § Late coming is strongly discouraged  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Evaluation: Grading Scale q Grading Scale o? Grading  § Unless otherwise specified the grading policy is according to the UGC rules  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Teaching Method: Overall Approach q Overall Approach Approach o? Always we-we with win-win solution rater than I-we approach u Evaluation o? I never believe in the memorizing and vomiting in the exam o? You have a head up your shoulder; you have to use that o? I want something original for you; at the end of the course that would be the sole benefit for you and me o? Most importantly I want an honest and disciplined manner  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Teaching Method: Contact q Contact u In the class o? You can stop me at any time in the class o? Please keep asking as long as you are not fully satisfied with a topic u Outside class ? Mail me at [email  protected] com o? I strongly suggest this one as I am pretty regular in mail; please don t expect answer of your problem over cell or instantly u Course related communication o? At http://sites. google. com/site/kjcourses/  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ The Course: Brief Summary q Brief Summary o? The course  § EMBA 501: Business Communication  § Three credit hour course o? Evaluation  § Continuous assessment of 60 marks  § Final exam of 40 marks o? Recommended book  § Business Communication by Lesikar, latest edition preffered o? Course Related communication  § At http://sites. google. com/site/kjcourses/  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Use your head! q Start thinking u What is very important is o? Use your head o? Don t bother about the head of Mr. Lesikar o? Use your head from the point where Lesikar stopped  § To become innovative  § To become successful  § To have or to secure an open mind  § Most specifically to earn good grade in the exam!!  § I never believe in memorizing and vomiting in the exam!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Any Question? u Coming up†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. o? Course contents o? Basics of communication  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Course  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ The Course: Contents No Topics 01 Basics of communication 02 Introduction to communication, types of 03 Verbal Communication 04 Culture and communication 05 Non verbal communication 06 Technology and communication 07 General letters and job related letters 08 Curriculum vitae 09 Memorandum 10 Long formal business report 11 Research proposal communication, mediums of communication Contents are subject to change http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/  © Islam, M. T. Course Contents u Basics of communication  §  §  § Defining communication Types of communication Why to read communication at all? Actors in communication u Verbal communication  § Informal oral communication  § Formal oral communication  § Technology in the oral communication  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Course Contents u Cross cultural communication o? Difference in culture à ‚ § What is culture?  § What are the various dimensions of culture?  § How culture can influence the communication? u Non verbal communication  § Types  § Creativity in communication  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Course Contents u Letters and memorandum  §  §  §  § Introduction to memorandum How to write memorandum Introduction to letters How to write formal letter  »? Job related letters u Long Formal Business Report  § Report writing  § Different aspects of report writing  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Course Contents u Curriculum Vitae  § CV and Resume  § Writing CV and resume u Research Proposal  § Various elements of research proposal  § How to write a research proposal  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Course Contents: Presentation u Presentation  § One/two group presentation(s) would be followed by after the completion of each topic.  § After the formation of group we shall fix who presents what  § What you do is†¦  »? You prepare slides  »? You simply summarize the topic  »? Others question you  »? But you don t present or copy my slides!!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Something missing? u Yes, its WRITING o? This is one of the most important aspects of communication o? Because of the greater importance of the topic we shall not study this as one single topic o? Rather we shall talk about writing throughout the whole course under various topics o? Try to grab any materials on writing from any source for the betterment of you!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Any Question? u Coming up†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. o? Basics of communication  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Basics of  © Islam, M. T. Communication http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Basics of communication q Contents of the topic o? What is communication? o? Different aspects of communication  § Actors/components in the process  § Mediums  § Methods  § Constraints etc. o? Why communication to read formally? o? Communication in the business place o? Summarizing the topic!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ No me-you, always we-we!! Speak up! Try to communicate in the class! Your participation will be counted!!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ What is communication? What does communication mean to you? Any idea?  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ De? ning communication u Communication defined o? Communication is the process of sharing our ideas, thoughts, and feelings with other people and having those ideas, thoughts and feelings understood by the people we are communicating with u Components in communication process o? Message sender o? Message receiver o? Message itself o? Medium o? Method o? Noise etc.  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Key features in communication u Communication is successful when the message is received as the same one that has been sent  § Therefore understanding is the key element u It s a both way process which is continuous  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Methods of communication q Methods in communication o? Verbal o? Written o? Electronic o? Audio o? Visual o? Meetings o? Notice board o? Text!!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Mediums of communication q Mediums in communication o? Letters o? Memo o? Reports o? Fax o? Telephone o? Email o? o? o? o? o? Notice board Internet Video/video conferencing Body language Face to face  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Which medium to use? q Available mediums o? Letters o? Memo o? Reports o? Fax o? Telephone o? Email o? Notice board o? Internet o? V i d e o / v i d e o conferencing o? Body language o? Face to face q Choice of medium is affected by u Need for record u Direction of the information flow u Number of people to be reached u Confidentiality u Nature of the informationlength, complexity, emergency need u Cost of the medium etc.  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Why communication fails? u Did any of your communication failed? u How did that happen to you? Was that just miscommunication or lack of understanding?  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Constraints to successful communication q Internal o? Fatigue o? Poor listening skills o? Poor communication skills o? Attitude toward the sender or information o? Mistrust o? Fear o? Past experience o? Halo effect o? Perception  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Constraints to successful communication q External o? Noise o? Distractions o? Technical problems (email, internet, phone service) o? Time o? Environment  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Why to read communication? u Information is power and basis for almost all success stories o? But†¦..  § Information gathering and processing matters; demand learning of communication  § Communication skills helps one to  »? Gather and process information properly and in time  »? Solve problem easily through improved decision making  »? Work in a team effectively and efficiently  § Information must be communicated in a proper way; so  »? Communication capability works  »? Communication in professional life requires something different than the usual communication practice  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Why to read communication? q Careers in communication o? In Bangladesh still a narrow one and not recognized yet! o? But in developed part of the globe quite recognized! o? Because of specialization practice a good prospect is waiting ahead!!  § Examples include customer service, tourism, government administration, advertising, media, and event management etc.  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Communication in business q Business Communication ? Transferring information from one part of the business to another that leads to some outcome, changed behaviour or changed practice  § It can be formal or informal, upward or downward  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Communication in business Finance Dept Change in payment systems E-mail Sender or Instigator Channel Medium Feedback Rece iver  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Types of communication u Communication can be of different types considering the situation. Some of them are here  § Formal and informal  § Upward and downward  § Internal and external u However we are basically concerned of the overall classification of communications  § Verbal: presentation, audio, voice message, face to face etc.  § Non verbal: written, letter, memorandum, report, email, fax etc.  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Barriers to successful communication in business q Barriers to Successful Communication o? Ability of the sender – how much the sender understands of the message they are trying to send o? Content – including technicalities and jargon o? Method of communication – including style and body language where appropriate! o? Skills and attitude of the receiver o? Organisational factors – complexity of the organisation, scope of the organisation o? Cultural attitudes o? Perceptions, prejudices and stereotypes o? Inappropriate target for the message o? Technical capabilities – ICT!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Communication @  © Islam, M. T. Workplace http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Workplace Communication u By workplace communication we actually mean business communication o? Business communication  § Transferring information from one part of the business to another that leads to some outcome, changed behaviour or changed practice  § It can be formal or informal, upward or downward  § Scope of the business communication includes all the business activities corporations involve themselves  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Communication in the workplace u Importance of communication  § Business needs it extensively because of expanding need of coordination, effectiveness, and efficiency  § Specialization has made the field of communication a recognized one!  § But unfortunately most people don t communicate well!!! u Coordination, effectiveness, and efficiency  § Think about Unilever  § Information flows in the company Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Major forms of business communication q Two major types of communication in workplace u Operational o? According to operational plan, to attain some goals or to handle some situations to convert them in favor! o? Again two types are here  § Internal operational communication  »? Communication among the people i nside an organization  »? To perform the main business activities  »? These are kind of routine business activities like instructions from the teammates  »? Computer and intranet are two major technology being used!  § External operational communication ? Communication with the people that are outside of the organization  »? It helps company to develop a better image  »? Communication with suppliers, public relations activities etc.  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Major forms of business communication u Personal o? Not according to operational plan, simple one to one or one to many communication in an organization  § Examples can be personal communication, gossiping, joking, story telling, communication sitting at the company dining room etc. o? Can be an outstanding source of innovation!  § Innovation  »? What and why?  »? What are the alternatives in case you can’t innovate? o? Will you allow this kind of communication while it costs you?  § Does it cost? How? How much?  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Communication networks in organizations u Formal network  § A simplified form of information flow network transmits information in all directions (upward, downward, and lateral)  § These flow is defined formally u Informal network  § A quite complex information flow network mainly based on personal communication  § This is affected by individual s involvement and membership in various groups and entities  © Islam, M. T. ttp://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Upward/downward/lateral communication u Upward communication  § Communication that originate from the bottom of the organization and heading to top of the organization u Downward communication  § Communication heading to the bottom of the organization after being originated at the top u Lateral communica tion  § This is the communication in between people in the same level or group  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ A situation to react ! q Some organizations are quite central in decision making. All the decisions are coming from the top of the organization o? Does that mean that in those organizations there are not upward communication? o? If there are any kind of upward communication in those organizations, would there be any difference in decision making? o? Are there any difference at all in between communication and decision making?  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ How much to communicate? q Does all the sender send full message? u Unfortunately NO o? What do you do when you communicate?  § You communicate fully? Why or why not? o? What does the companies do in Bangladesh? Give some examples! o? How much a company should disclose?  § Can a company disclose all at a certain time? o? Remember the negative effects of incomplete message is sometime dangerous  § Also mark the gap between ‘company can’t disclose’ and ‘company does not disclose’  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Communication process u Sender sends the message  § Sender prepares the message and decides on the methods and mediums  § He/she sends the message u Message in the sensory world  § Once the message is sent, its in the world of lots of other messages along with noises  § Messages waits to be detected  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Communication process u Message is detected o? Receiver detects the message o? Based on the ability to decode receiver decodes the message o? How much of the original message will be detected depends on lots of factors including  § Noise  § Past experiences  § Knowledge  § Perceptions, prejudices, stereotyping o? The message may not get the original shape!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Communication process u Giving meaning to the message  § Receiver gives meaning to the received message  § Once again it depends how he/she will give meaning to the message! u Reply is sent  § Receiver replies to the sender  § This is called feedback which makes the whole process continuous  § But not necessarily reply is always sent!  »? How would you feel in that case?  »? Why feedback is so important? o? The process continues  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Oral vs Written communication q Oral vs Written  § Written communication is likely to include more creative efforts  § Written communication is normally lengthier than the oral communication  § Written communication usually involves a limited number of cycles  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Some facts of communication Meanings sent are not always received  § No two minds have identical filters  § But closer the meaning more success are gained  § What can you do to bring the more synergy? u Meaning is in the mind  § Meaning comes up from mind rather than words or symbols used  § What to do? u The symbols of communication are imperfect  § Symb ols don’t have unique meanings  § Meaning of symbols varies to receiver; nodding  § Across culture symbols have different meanings  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ q Thank You! q Any Question?!  © Islam, M. T. http://sites. google. com/site/kjatbd/ Business Communication The company started the operations for the year 2008-09 on a very positive note and later registered negative growth in the last quarters of the year. The company suffered major losses in the year and approached the bank for additional term loan of three crores and fifty lakhs. The trial production of the new perfume is successfully completed and commercial production will commence as early as possible this year Mr. Riktesh Khanna ,the Quality manager will not be able to review the performance of the product trails before the launch of the product . According to marketing head of south india the unanimity of the current forecasts is not an incontrovertible evidence of impending business acceleration . The survey stating the ambiguous nature of the market is another reason, which calls for another look at the new product launch and appears that the product has to be postponed indefinitely. The company conducted a review meeting for the workers who are on strike for the last three months , the HR manager decided that the management should take a sympathetic and linient action on the workers and those who did not attend the meeting will be dealt seriously according to IAC 37,inorder to maintain the sanctity of office and uphold the hoary traditions . Theapprehensions faced by the workers during the strike period are that they are not able to set realistic goalsand arrive at rational and reasonable decisions in terms of wages and benefits offered by the company. This is because workers have minimal exposure to outside world and more external influences. while the other reasons are frustration and stress to the workers and their family, incorrect self appraisal ,negative feedback by the representatives of trade union. HR manager should appoint counsellors to orient them to companys’ policies and ethos and should allocate sufficient funds for this purpose. The project report on the new project was due yesterday. Since the completion of the report is very important for our organisation to achieve the strategic plan by launching the product successfully. Submit the report before 5 pm tomorrow. Business Communication The company started the operations for the year 2008-09 on a very positive note and later registered negative growth in the last quarters of the year. The company suffered major losses in the year and approached the bank for additional term loan of three crores and fifty lakhs. The trial production of the new perfume is successfully completed and commercial production will commence as early as possible this year Mr. Riktesh Khanna ,the Quality manager will not be able to review the performance of the product trails before the launch of the product . According to marketing head of south india the unanimity of the current forecasts is not an incontrovertible evidence of impending business acceleration . The survey stating the ambiguous nature of the market is another reason, which calls for another look at the new product launch and appears that the product has to be postponed indefinitely. The company conducted a review meeting for the workers who are on strike for the last three months , the HR manager decided that the management should take a sympathetic and linient action on the workers and those who did not attend the meeting will be dealt seriously according to IAC 37,inorder to maintain the sanctity of office and uphold the hoary traditions . Theapprehensions faced by the workers during the strike period are that they are not able to set realistic goalsand arrive at rational and reasonable decisions in terms of wages and benefits offered by the company. This is because workers have minimal exposure to outside world and more external influences. while the other reasons are frustration and stress to the workers and their family, incorrect self appraisal ,negative feedback by the representatives of trade union. HR manager should appoint counsellors to orient them to companys’ policies and ethos and should allocate sufficient funds for this purpose. The project report on the new project was due yesterday. Since the completion of the report is very important for our organisation to achieve the strategic plan by launching the product successfully. Submit the report before 5 pm tomorrow.