Science News Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Science News - Article Example Be that as it may, in Asimov’s words, what's to come isn't defended and humankind is gazing at fiasco. This is clear in issues of overpopulation, an Earth-wide temperature boost, and between ethnic clashes that undermine presence itself. By and large, a confidence in a fascinating future remains the main passage to a pleasurable life. There are similarly researchers who have endeavored to challenge standards that have been viewed as restrictions. For example, the tale of the big shot who endeavored to oppose gravity is the best contextual analysis. In the film Gravity, two shuttle space explorers attempt to contradict the gravitational force occasioned by serious orbital elevations. Sadly, the marvel of reverse square law debilitates gravity yet at the same time, doesn't after the impacts of the gravitational power (Johnson 1). Similarly, the quality of gravity on solid land is a gigantic marvel that represents in excess of 13 percent when surveyed from the International Space Station. It, in this manner, reasons that the on-screen characters in Gravity would withdraw space at the speed of 17,000 mile for every hour. Space science faces a cloudy future if the correct plans are not actualized to protect most its benefits in the course of the only remaining hundreds of years. As indicated by Dennis Overbye, the establishment of the Lick Observatory denotes the start of a cooperative activity with the University of California to gather $700,000 in the securing of greater telescopes. On that account, the acquisition of the Thirty-Meter Telescope has come about to asperity among cosmologists who dread that the Observatory possibly shut. It suggests that they would lose significant instructive and examination apparatuses that have molded stargazing in the organization for a long time (Overbye 1). Thus, Telescopes at Lick were instrumental in the exploration on dim vitality that earned the college the Nobel Prize in 2011. In this manner, a transition to meddle with its tasks is equivalent to smothering the achievement of versatile

Culture Within Organizations Southwest Airlines Free Essays

A culture is a lot of qualities that are received by individuals who co-propensity wherever. It comprises of shared qualities and ways of life. Inside an association, culture alludes to qualities and standards that are pervasive all through the work environment and among the representatives. We will compose a custom article test on Culture Within Organizations: Southwest Airlines or on the other hand any comparable point just for you Request Now This incorporates their characteristics, mentalities, and hard working attitude. Culture inside an association applies command over the conduct of individuals. Development and achievement of an organization relies generally upon the kind of culture which is pervasive inside an association. A wide range of sorts of culture exist in organizations today. Certain societies urge representatives to work and become all together making solidarity. Others may put accentuation on higher positioning representatives, which leaves those at the base of the pecking order harsh or angry, making a working environment which may not be agreeable or agreeable. A few organizations may select to adhere to what they know, along these lines smothering innovativeness and development by wiping out experimentation. Then again, an organization might be excessively creative and continually searching for new thoughts and facing new challenges. In spite of the fact that this sounds great in principle, it might prompt an unsteady workplace. Culture can either represent the deciding moment an association. Culture is definitely not an unmistakable item. It is the consequence of management’s convictions and values and employees’ usage of those convictions and qualities. It exists inside all associations and can be resolved, for instance, by taking a gander at the clothing standard inside the working environment. It can likewise be seen by watching representative collaboration and conduct. One can likewise get a thought of an organization’s culture by observing its dealings with those outside of the organization (I. . client care). Culture makes up the character of an association. It is pivotal that a positive hierarchical culture is made, instructed and clung to. It very well may be utilized to improve the proficiency and hard working attitude of representatives in an association. It likewise has an incredi ble impact over the conduct of people and drives execution of the workforce. A solid character adds character to a person. Moreover, authoritative culture gives a business its own uncommon character. It makes solidarity among representatives and implants in them the soul of cooperation. A case of an association which has a solid culture that has helped it flourish in the avionics business is Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines (SWA) was established by Rollin King, M. Lamar Muse and Herb Kelleher in 1966. They started adjusting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio in 1971, in the wake of winning a fight in court battled in the U. S. Preeminent Court. The carrier began by offering six day by day roundtrip trips among Dallas and San Antonio, and 12 every day roundtrip trips among Dallas and Houston. They started with one straightforward thought: â€Å"If you get your travelers to their goals when they need to arrive, on schedule, at the least potential passages, and make darn sure they make some great memories doing it, individuals will fly your airline† (www. southwest. com). This thought has prompted an extremely extraordinary culture at SWAâ€one that puts client assistance at its inside. This can be seen through their statement of purpose, according to their site: â€Å"dedication to the highest caliber of Customer Service conveyed with a feeling of warmth, neighborliness, singular pride, and Company Spirit†. Their model type of client care comes as an immediate consequence of how representatives at SWA are dealt with. â€Å"We are resolved to give our Employees a steady workplace with equivalent open door for learning and self-improvement. Imagination and advancement are empowered for improving the adequacy of Southwest Airlines. Most importantly, Employees will be given a similar concern, regard, and caring disposition inside the association that they are required to share remotely with each Southwest Customer† (Freiberg and Freiberg). SWA the executives has made a culture where workers are treated as the company’s number one resource. There is restricted accentuation on formal hierarchical structure and the workplace joins humor with duty. Their glad workforce makes greatest productivityâ€willingly. Trust and regard between the laborers and the board is a necessary piece of the company’s achievement. SWA has exemplified that culture begins from inside. Enthusiasm appeared within will reflect outwards and clients will see it. SWA has had the option to do this reliably. Clients see the energy applied by SWA representatives and it makes them need to go with them. The inspiring, energetic characters of representatives keep clients returning for additional. This can be found in the way that SWA has successively recorded benefits throughout the previous 40 years (www. southwest. com). The inspirational mentalities applied by SWA workers are infectious and stream down to its clients. As provided details regarding the organization site, â€Å"Southwest Airlines has reliably gotten the most minimal proportion of protests per travelers boarded of all Major U. S. arriers that have been revealing measurements to the Department of Transportation since September 1987. † The soul that exists all through SWA engages its representatives to trust in themselves, the administration they are giving, the business all in all, and the clients that they serve. The interesting society keeps worker spirit high. All representatives, including airline stewards, client support reps, and things handlers, are urged to make whatever move they consider important to address client issues or help individual laborers (Milliman). This has prompted both representative and client steadfastness. Representatives feel required which brings about a dedication to the organization. Thusly, clients experience excellent help where they genuinely are put first, making a feeling of having a place. Quite a bit of SWA’s achievement is because of the ability of its authority to be inventive. Originator Herb Kelleher examined California-based Pacific Southwest Airlines broadly and utilized a large number of the airline’s thoughts to shape the corporate culture at Southwest. Right off the bat, they embraced the â€Å"Long Legs and Short Nights† topic for attendants on board run of the mill Southwest Airlines flights. They chose lovely airline stewards with exceptional characters and dressed them in hot jeans and go-go boots to guarantee a fun and unique traveler’s experience (http://avstop. com). Working out of Love Field, â€Å"love† turned into their limited time subject. Airline stewards would serve â€Å"love potions† and â€Å"love bites† (also called beverages and peanuts) to the company’s demographic of generally male business fliers (Pederson). Numerous choices made by Kelleher have delivered positive results for SWA. For instance, since its initiation, SWA decided to purchase its business planes from one maker. This choice has permitted them to diminish operational costs, just as lessen support and fix costs for their huge armada. By picking a solitary provider, the requirement for client assistance, support, observing, preparing, and so forth has been diminished, along these lines lessening costs for the organization. They have likewise cut the time it takes to perform ground obligations, when their planes land. This has prompted a snappier turnaround time for the following trip to take off, in this way prompting benefits for the organization. Another move by SWA which keeps contenders under control is their booking framework. Reservations are taken uniquely through the web, in this manner decreasing expenses of utilizing ticket counter workers. This technique spares both the client and the aircraft time and cash. Kelleher’s worldview for progress begins with the center of the companyâ€its representatives. Recruiting roused individuals and permitting them to fuse their imagination in everyday exercises is critical. By giving workers dynamic capacities, they are caused to feel significant. A feeling of pride flourishes inside every worker, which decidedly impacts the clients that they manage. This is reflected in their work yield and makes more noteworthy productivity, which prompts gainfulness for the organization. Also, more joyful workers can give better client assistance, thus making the experience an inside and out positive one. As Amy Marhoffer, Culture Communications and Planning expert at SWA puts it, â€Å"Happy Employees=Happy Customers=Increased Business/Profits=Happy Shareholders. Despite the fact that pay is frequently seen as the main helper, Kelleher comprehends the significance that representative confidence plays. A smidgen of fun can convert into a great deal of profitability. Bailey clarifies how positive resolve can deliver more proficiency: â€Å"SWA, after compensation cuts at different aircrafts, has the industry’s most noteworthy wages. But since of productive work propensities, estimated in the amount it spends to fly a traveler a give n separation, its expenses are the most reduced among large airlines† (Bailey). Note that the achievement of SWA is expected not exclusively to the way of life yet in addition its capacity to adjust to the industry’s needs. The carrier business specifically, is one that is vigorously reliant on client care; the more joyful clients are, the more positive their experience will be. Shockingly, there is a lot of undiscovered efficiency among partnerships stuck in the old methods of abuse and oppression. Kelleher’s approach shows that he gets individuals; he permits them to act naturally, which makes a positive workplace and a craving to be the best. He has effectively made a culture that has the properties of fun, diversion and veritable consideration at its center. At the point when Southwest began in 1971 they were only a little provincial transporter flying from Houston to Dallas. Through the span of the last 40+ years, they have effectively exp

Century Free Essays

The fourteenth century was definitely not charming for the individuals living In Europe at that point. There were such a large number of elements and conditions that at last helped make ready for the Renaissance. I will concentrate on the key impacts during this period that added to the improvement of this â€Å"rebirth†. We will compose a custom article test on Century or on the other hand any comparative point just for you Request Now The most critical effect that you should address directly off the bat Is, the Black Death. With the plague clearing out about 33% of Rupee’s populace, this calamity prompted numerous monetary, political, social, ideological, and social changes. Before diving into subtleties of contentions of the medieval times, I think it is imperative to realize that In the start of the fourteenth century the medieval warm period had finished which brought about a â€Å"little Ice age†. The atmosphere had gotten colder and the farmland was turning out to be less ripe as a result of soil agitation from ages utilizing a similar land. The Malthusian Crisis was an expectation that at last became trueâ€the populace of Europe had gotten excessively enormous and there wasn’t enough accessible assets. Appetite and starvation caused a major spike in the demise rate and as things were beginning looking quite dreary, at that point comes the plague.. The Black Death is accepted to have shown up in Europe via ocean in October 1347 when Genomes exchanging ships docked at the Sicilian port of Messing after a long excursion adrift (the pathogen Yearly’s Pestles as far as anyone knows conveyed In certain Infected rodents had transmitted the ailment). Individuals prepared to welcome the boats were stunned to see a lot of dead and ailing mariners. It didn’t look great at all. The casualties indicated unusual dark, overflowing swellings about the size of an egg or an apple In the armpits and crotch, Before anybody could attempt to isolate the wiped out, it was too ate. Dealers and marmots would help spread this lethal illness, making nobody have any thought knew where it was coming from or why it was going on. It is accepted that since the plague spread so rapidly, the contamination needed to airborne which was the greatest Issue. When the malady arrived at the lungs of the malnourished, It was then spread to the more extensive populace through sniffles and hacks. The wiped out endured extreme torment and kicked the bucket rapidly inside five days of the main side effects. Pneumonia plague which focused your respiratory framework would murder 95% of individuals inside 2 says, and If you were said to have wariness plague, your circulatory system Is legitimately Infected leaving you with zero chance. Before you know It, memorial parks all through Europe were topping off and towns needed to make mass entombment pits to help free the dead bodies. It got to the heart of the matter where it was essentially viewed as common to cover a relative frequently. Every one of these issues alongside disarray, drove individuals to begin addressing life and what they did to merit this. The shopping center inquiry the plague had everybody posing to themselves was, the reason would we say we are being rebuffed by god? Since the congregation was forever their lone answer, residents required another response. Before the Black Death hit Europe, practically all things including components of every day life, were affected by the congregation. In medieval occasions the most Important thing was that the congregation had consistently told individuals directly from wrong. Since the great beyond was made a decision about more critically than ones real lifetime, it was viewed as 1 OFF salvation. An outcome from that were the Flagellants. Flagellants started as an aggressor journey for strict fanatics who exhibited their strict enthusiasm and should self-discipline for their transgressions by energetically whipping themselves in broad daylight as presentations of retribution. Who in their correct brain would even do that? As the Black Death is assuming control over, general society trusted it to be a discipline from God and now they need to pay. Conditions were awful to the point that they felt as though moving in the direction of the congregation for help as they generally do, was no expectation. How might they discover an answer when even the clerics and diocesans were dropping dead like flies from the plague as well!? So it couldn’t be that God was frantic at the overall population, anyway more explicitly distraught at the congregation. Consequently, the Catholic Church lost a great deal of its impact and for some individuals, their perspective on the world changed altogether. The Italian promontory (for the most part Florence toward the start) was practically the focal point of the more up to date learning at the time since they had riches, religion, and numerous anxious individuals prepared to quit living carefully everything by the congregation. Francesco Patriarch (1304-1374) lived in Avignon, which was a global network of legal advisors and churchmen at the ecclesiastical court, which was the place he duplicated old works including Tulips Cicero (106-BOB. C. ). This rediscovery of Latin artifact started an interest on resuscitating and rejuvenation old style learning. Cicero at last drove Patriarch to find in an old style reasoning, a manual forever dependent on experience. Patriarch’s replacements found and duplicated original copies including works from Sophocles, Constantinople, and certain libraries. His utilization of Roman belief system pulled in Giovanni Biostatic, a Florence head during this time who embraced his thoughts and even got some distance from writing in the medieval custom to the old style convention. This all lighted an enormous spotlight on humanism, an elective way to deal with information and culture. This helped lean away from Scholasticism, which was intolerant emphasis on customary teaching at that point. Scholar’s most regarded sources and thoughts were being spread all through Europe as a reaction to the standard instructive program that concentrated distinctly on rationale and semantics. As residents of Florence and the encompassing regions in Italy were beating the Black Death, they encountered an incredible arousing in mindfulness. They wanted to turn out to be nearer to God and invest wholeheartedly in their humankind. Journalists during this period drowned on independence and craftsmen tried to make their work of art increasingly practical. The Medici and the papacy, who turned into the best supporter in Rome, increased an enthusiasm for workmanship that reflected both human and strict characteristics. Painters began making man in the picture of God and served to humanism religion, and uncovered the self-esteem and excellence of oneself. With the entirety of the new getting the hang of occurring in light of conditions that confronted Europe in the fourteenth century, people’s lives began to reunite. Rather than just concentrating on horticulture for the primary wellspring of food, creature farming emerged which likewise had a positive wellbeing sway. Since the populace had dove, there was a lot of food and assets to go around. Now, the general population didn't need to invest as much energy stressing over where their next feast is originating from, however maybe additional time contemplating imaginative angles in life, for example, painting, acting and creating. The 1 fifth century held Johannes Gutenberg to develop the printing whole world. In the event that it weren’t for the cruel real factors of the fourteenth century, the Renaissance may have not had such an enduring impression as we realize that it generally will be. Step by step instructions to refer to Century, Papers

Alternative Dispute Resolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Elective Dispute Resolution - Essay Example onal social orders and at present wanting to step into the expert world, I can significantly profit by the exercises that this article has revealed insight upon in the accompanying manners: 1) Conflicts in venture bunches are a piece of the bundle. Since I am generally allocated the job of a co-facilitator in the gathering, there is a propensity to choose 3-4 best reactions to work upon. When perusing the book, my psyche quickly returned to the occurrences when I didn't put forth an attempt to tune in to the remainder of the individuals mindfully. This made them calm and they turned out to be less responsive inside and out, hampering bunch attachment. By being available to tuning in to every one and intentionally attempting to angle the positives, not exclusively will the gathering become dynamic and profitable however there are additionally odds of blending the first thoughts with the recommendations of the rest to put forth it seem as though a group attempt. 2) I have consistently believed that the most ideal approach to get a negative thought across is to begin with the smart thought and utilizing the word ‘but’ to add the negative reality to it and make it sound less compromising. The recommendation in regards to the utilization of ‘and’ rather than ‘but’ to make it sound even less hostile appears as though a rule I can work upon and effectively advantage from in different parts of my [personal and expert life. 3) As a piece of the Red Crescent foundation association, my activity as a volunteer includes requesting that individuals give and go to the cause ball. My methodology recently was restricted to getting directly on the point and proceeding onward when no given a positive reaction. On the off chance that I follow up on the proposed, cause the others to feel like a piece of advanced reason. At the point when the methodology is of enlightening them regarding the reason and the progressions it makes with the assistance of gifts I am probably going to prevail upon more individuals. 4) Stepping into the expert world, I am reluctant with respect to fitting in and on edge about how the partners will respond to me. Following basic advances like grinning, beginning agreeable and

Insulin Administration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Insulin Administration - Essay Example The strategies and procedures used for insulin organization ought to be comprehended by the medical attendants at a fitting level to keep away from the undesirable outcomes that may result because of ill-advised medication utilization. The medical attendants ought to know about the correct measurements methods of insulin alongside the suitable methods of infusing the medication to the patients. The attendants ought to be effectively engaged with such cases and they should screen these patients on customary premise to guarantee that their blood glucose levels remain inside as far as possible. The medical attendants likewise have significant jobs in the outpatient settings. Their legitimate comprehension of insulin organization ways is fundamental inferable from the way that they need to bestow this information to the patients too. The patients are to be guided in the best way with the goal that when they are at home, they realize the most ideal approaches to deal with their wellbeing. This is finished by clarifying the methods of overseeing insulin in relationship with legitimate dose and monitoring.The information as to insulin organization is fundamental for my profession as an enrolled nurture. This is on the grounds that it is a significant part of the work that a medical caretaker needs to perform. It is significant for the nursing practice as they are effectively engaged with both the medical clinic settings just as the outpatient divisions. Appropriate data with this respect can help the attendant to forestall numerous untoward clinical results.The patients who are on insulin organization ought to be treated with the joined help and coordination of medical caretakers.

What Are the Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace

What Are the Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace GLOBALIZATION, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIONGlobalization is affecting many aspects of our everyday lives and this applies to the labor market as well.In today’s world, the freedom of movement is a widely acknowledged right and nowadays, people frequently study and/or work in counties other than their own.‘International’, liberal and flexible are attributes frequently engaged to describe a modern employee.On the other hand, there is no longer one ‘right’ color, shape, size or gender for anything.Even the most closed or conservative countries experience migrations and this inevitably affects their demographic structure, economy and the way in which ordinary people operate.The world has always been a very versatile and heterogeneous place but what has changed in the past couple of years is the exposure of individuals to this great diversity.Nowadays, you really don’t have to be a diplomat, a successful businessman or have a lot of money to experience unfamiliar cultures and get i n touch with people belonging to another race, ethnicity or culture.You get the opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world the minute you leave the house!You can meet them in cafes, stores, on the train and frequently, you also get to work with them…At my current workplace, I am sitting between a twenty-five-year old girl from Spain and a forty-year old guy from Poland.Our stories, characters, backgrounds and education are as different as they can be.We have different opinions on many things. We react differently, and we solve problems differently.Nevertheless, with a decent portion of mutual respect and professionalism, we do make a wonderful team.In an inclusive environment, different individuals bring different assets to the table and are being offered a chance to contribute in a way best suited for them.All of this got me thinking about diversity…It is such an amazing thing and not only on a personal but professional level as well and this article w ill try to highlight some of the most obvious benefits of diversity in the workplace.DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES Diversity is fantastic in general, however, I decided to focus on diversity in the context of a diverse professional environment.What does this expression mean in this concrete context?It refers to having a diverse set of people working towards a common goal, either on the level of a whole company, or on the level of individual teams.It means having people of different age, gender, sexual orientation, color, race, nationality, ethnicity, speaking different languages and having diverse cultural backgrounds.And this list is not exclusive…A mix, variety, a complicated colorful human puzzle.Sounds good?To me, it does.Obviously, certain difficulties and challenges can never be excluded entirely:Employees with different backgrounds tend to have different standards of business communication or work ethics. They may also have different habits or customs and although cultural exchange is a beneficial thing, the sole process can be quite painful.Furthermore, with people speaking different languages, communication does not always run smoothly, hence, the issue of miscommunication cannot be excluded entirely.On another note, there are also more serious challenges related to this concept, namely, employment discrimination.Workers and candidates belonging to certain minority groups continue to face discriminatory treatment and are, frequently, forced to downplay their racial/ethnical/gender cues in order to even be considered for positions in certain companies.In fact, multiple studies have shown that even companies which stress out their highly inclusive policies and pride on their diverse working environment, are not much better than the rest.Candidates tend to be drawn to this kind of image and feel freer revealing their personal data, however, end up facing the same discriminatory treatment they would otherwise face in “less inclus ive” firms.Now, we all know that this shouldn’t be happening, especially when taking into consideration all benefits of a diverse working environment.And there are truly many of those… DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES CONTRIBUTE TO THE INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITYOne of the most significant benefits which has been noticed in diverse working environments is the increase of the overall productivity of a company.Why is this, you may ask?Well, great minds think alike but it turns out they perform even better, when they think differently.Let me explain this rather complicated wisdom of mine.To give an example: it has been demonstrated that brainstorming sessions turned out much more efficient and productive in diverse teams.This makes sense, for people with diverse backgrounds, experience and nationalities tend to have different perspectives, hence, solve problems differently.And that’s what brainstorming is all about: getting as many different, crazy and creative ideas as possible, without ju dging or trying to anticipate their success rates.In my team, the Spanish girl brings the temperament and tends to have rather intuitive, spontaneous approach to the problem-solving.The Polish guy likes to check everything twice and is rather cautious when speaking his mind, communicating ideas and especially, when making choices.I am somewhere in between… I like conducting a research, I do speak my mind and I enjoy communicating my ideas, as strange as they may be.Finally, I truly enjoy being a decision maker and a leader, and this is relevant, for the two of them really do not appreciate this kind of responsibility.When conducting brainstorming sessions, we frequently look at each other surprised or even shocked. Our takes on the best solution can be as different as earth and sky!But this is exactly how we come to our best results.We share our completely different perspectives, these add up to a complete picture and frequently, we reach a spectacular result.On another note, dive rsity in leadership within a firm allows managers to bring in new skills and methods for achieving unity within teams.By now, we all should know that there is not just one or one “best” leadership model.Different styles and methods can be equally successful depending on specifics of a team or concrete circumstances of the case.Finally, workplace diversity increases employee morale and causes employees to want to be more productive and work more efficiently.Again, this too is quite logical.People are more eager to achieve and contribute if they feel as a part of a certain environment.In inclusive environments, they tend to feel appreciated, create a more personal attachment to the company and start perceiving company’s success as their own.MORE CREATIVITY/INNOVATIONAnd this is again related to different perspectives… Different minds, viewpoints, backgrounds… I imagine a diverse workplace as a huge pool of interesting minds thinking different thoughts, seeing and hearing th ings differently.In an ideal case, this variety should not grow conflicts but discussions, should not result in right and wrong answers but ideas and possibilities.In an ideal case, diversity results in blooming creativity.If the environment is inclusive as it should be, people are respectful towards mutual differences.Employees feel comfortable sharing their views and ideas, even if these are entirely different from those of the majority. In an environment where everyone sees and thinks differently, there cannot be only one right or satisfactory answer.There can only be an answer best suited to a particular situation and in this kind of environment, the chosen solution will most probably be chosen in a very objective manner since all opinions will be taken into account.This kind of environment, unlimited by “right” answers, is a perfect environment for innovative ideas and progress.Think about it… All innovative ideas are results of individuals thinking outside the box.Divers e working environment, if inclusive as it should be, does not accept boxes of any kind. Boxes are per definition a destroyer of inclusivity and they go against celebration of mutual differences.Without “boxes”, categorizations, prejudices, judgments; communication, sharing and testing of unconventional ideas becomes a lot easier and fantastic results are bound to happen. VARIETY OF LANGUAGES RESULTS IN THE INCREASE OF OPPORTUNITIES When speaking of diversity, I cannot help but imagine my workplace, where passing through the open space you inevitably hear more than six different European languages…Some may say this creates miscommunication and language barriers but, in my opinion, this creates an entire world of opportunities for a company as well as its employees.For employees, it can be so comfortable being able to communicate in their native language and sometimes, this adds up to the overall comfort and good atmosphere in the workplace.Furthermore, employees can practice or learn other foreign languages and for many may consider this to be a great opportunity. For example, I truly appreciate the opportunity to practice my Spanish on a daily basis with my colleges.The exposure to the language is crucial if you want to improve it and it can be a huge benefit having this exposure every day by simply going to work.On another note, benefits of employees speaking multiple languages for the company are even more obvious.Customers speaking in a foreign language will usually be extremely happy to be provided with a service or support in their native language.In many cases, a company cannot even hope to expand to a territory of another country without having people who speak the language of that other country.Naturally, a company will potentially hire people from those countries only after it decides to expand but sometimes, they start looking for people who know the language and the culture beforehand.It is true that many companies have English as an official company language, but English doesn’t always help when having to deal with authorities or customers in foreign countries.Therefore, the more foreign languages company’s employees speak, the better. It is a fact: in todays globalized world, the knowledge of foreign languages is not only a major asset, but rather a necessity.And this especially applies to international businesses or businesses wanting to go international.BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS/MARKETThis is also related to having employees speaking different languages, but it goes even further. This benefit is rather a result of having employees with different cultural backgrounds.Whenever a firm wants to expand, it must conduct a research on the area and the relevant market. Specific market studies, check up on competition and perhaps most significant, analysis of customer behavior.It is a complicated process and it is no wonder that successful expansion strategies usually involve the assistance of local partne rs, experts or coworkers.Why do customers in country A consistently choose product B? Is there even a chance of success with such strong consumption habits?Or, we can ask more specific questions, e.g.: Is there a market for rice cakes and gluten-free products in country C? Is there a strong healthy lifestyle trend in this country and do people feel they have many choices when pursuing such a lifestyle?These are just some simple examples of things and questions which could be relevant for a company pursuing a growth and development in a foreign country and/or unknown market.Sure, questionnaires and surveys are useful, but they rarely give complete or even any explanations for the obtained results.These tools provide numbers, and numbers do not always suffice when a company is considering an alternative business strategy, hence, whether a certain strategy would be successful.Now imagine having an actual insider in your firm: a person that can explain the market and customer behavior, as well as cultural and consumer differences first hand.That can be an incredibly valuable asset!And not only in terms of simple understanding of a certain market and its customers, but in terms of creating and developing targeted business strategies as well.Ever wondered why all major consulting firms have offices everywhere and consultants from all over the world travelling from one place to another to share expertise?If you want to play globally, you must think globally, and you cannot hope to think globally if you never left your doorstep, saw the world, i.e., if you are not opened to think and work differently.When speaking of companies, companies cannot hope to think and operate globally if they aren’t opened to the concept of diverse environment and international employees.Being closed to diversity means being closed to specific knowledge, know-how and/or expertise. As simple as that.COMPANY’S TALENT POOL GROWTH: EASIER TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TALENTSCandidates, if they can afford the luxury of a choice, tend to choose a company to which they feel connected to in some way.They also tend to be more drawn to a company they think they would feel comfortable working in. After all, it is not only business reputation that matters. Reputation of a company as an employer, as well as work atmosphere are quite relevant as well.Being a company with inclusive reputation can actually help attract more good and high-quality candidates. And this kind of reputation spreads rapidly and easily.Things like work climate and the actual extent of inclusivity in a company are some of the most popular topics on career related blogs and platforms.If a company is known to pay attention to candidate’s skills and expertise, rather than his/her race/ethnicity/gender, candidates will feel more confident and will want to apply there.Furthermore, if a company seems dedicated to the overall inclusivity and maintenance of a positive and tolerant atmosphere, talented and good employe es will be satisfied and will want to remain with the company. Many people state the work climate as a crucial reason for staying in or leaving a certain company.For me this makes total sense: An average person spends approximately eight hours of every day working and nobody really wants these eight hours to be unpleasant or spent in a hostile environment.Employment discrimination and the lack of inclusivity do not only harm a company’s image but can also be harmful for the overall quality of its talent pool, hence, can result in an overall decrease of quality (in all aspects).And even though many people still fear they could be rejected due to some of their personal traits, tendency is shifting.More and more candidates decide to persist in their search of better employers and inclusive working environments, knowing they deserve better.‘Good’ employers are inclusive. Their employees possess a variety of backgrounds, skills and qualities which add up to assist the company to su ccess.‘Good’ employers care for the satisfaction of their employees and satisfied employees perform better.Therefore, ‘good’ employers also make successful employers.It’s a win-win situation.IMPROVEMENT OF A COMPANY’S IMAGELast but not least…The topic of employment and discrimination on the workplace continues to gain more and more attention and I think we are safe to say a certain progress has been achieved.Having a reputation of a non-inclusive employer is not good in any way and is, frequently, directly affiliated with engaging in employment discrimination.For successful businesses, the sole affiliation with discrimination charges or accusations can be fatal. Such affiliations can ruin a company’s reputation, damage its brand, hence, cost a lot in every way.Therefore, it is no wonder many companies, especially those with a strong brand, have a tendency towards inclusive policies and image.Brand has a monetary value and having an inclusive reputation only helps the strengthening of a company’s brand, hence, increases its value.It’s a wise thing to do… A company portrays itself as modern, inclusive, dynamic and opened for change and diversity.This is attractive for potential employees, for customers and potential investors.Potential employees want to work in a place where they know they will feel accepted and respected.Furthermore, when applying, a candidate may try to inspect whether there are people of a similar background in the company.He/she may even try to connect with these people on LinkedIn or via mail and in this way, a candidate may create a connection to the company before even applying for a job therein.Customers and clients place a lot of value on whether they can relate to a certain brand or image. Let’s say a customer is a person of color, he/she will most probably appreciate the fact that a certain company has people of color on leadership positions.Motives of potential investors or business partners will be slightly d ifferent… They most certainly will not want to be affiliated with a discriminatory behavior or practices and will usually, do a thorough research before entering any kind of business deals or partnerships.With the overall presence of media, social networks and a the easy access to information, reputation of international business became more relevant and, at the same time, more vulnerable than ever.Therefore, nurturing the reputation of an inclusive employer and taking pride in a diverse working environment is a wise and logical strategic move, especially when speaking of multinational companies and big brands.DIVINE DIVERSITYSo, there it is… Some of the most obvious benefits of diversity in the workplace.But there are many others, less obvious or tangible benefits, as well.This kind of environment influences employees to have a more opened, less judgmental and more flexible approach and behavior in general, not only in the workplace.I am confident that diversity and inclusivity also contribute to a more fun and relaxed, yet equally productive atmosphere (don’t even get me started on all cross-racial jokes we have in our office).It is beautiful demonstration of many good sides of globalization and all progress we can achieve if we leave our differences aside and decide to work together.A space where people can feel confident being different or thinking differently is, in my opinion, always a good thing.World today is somewhat of a wonderful place, but we didn’t get this far by having everyone think and be the same.Going to a workplace where I get to work with colleges of diverse backgrounds, characters and stories makes me feel like I’m traveling every day.And sure, I am this kind of a person, I enjoy multicultural environments. Nevertheless, I do believe that everybody could easily feel benefits of an inclusive environment if only they’d be just a little bit more open.Diversity, indeed, is divine!

English as a Second Language Nursing Students in Programs - 3300 Words

ESL (English as a Second Language) Nursing Students in Nursing Programs (Research Paper Sample) Content: English as Second Language (ESL) Students in Nursing ProgramsNameInstitutionEnglish as Second Language (ESL) Students in Nursing ProgramsIntroductionNursing programs tend to be quite demanding and challenging for most students. This is particularly true for English as a second language (ESL) students, who are required to accomplish academic tasks in a language they are less proficient in (Sung, 2015). The challenge of language is further compounded by culture shock, which often imposes a great deal of stress on ESL students due to the need to adapt to a foreign cultural environment (Olson, 2012). As a result, most ESL nursing students depict poorer academic performance compared to their English speaking counterparts (Miguel et al., 2013). In fact, high attrition rates amongst ESL nursing students have become a major problem in the US (Mbulu, 2015). The problem is particularly a major concern given that the enrolment of ESL students into nursing programs across the cou ntry has continued to increase over the years (Sung, 2015). Owing to factors such as immigration and globalization, the non-White population now accounts for a significant proportion of the overall nursing student population (Mbulu, 2015). Additionally, minorities now represent approximately 16% of all registered nurses (Hansen Beaver, 2012). Therefore, the significance of enhancing the academic performance and retention of ESL nursing students cannot be overemphasized.One way through which this can be achieved is the incorporation of an ESL committee in nursing programs (Sung, 2015). The committee would be particularly responsible for addressing the challenges experienced by ESL students by enhancing faculty support (faculty-student relationships), peer mentoring, as well as social networking especially within the learning environment (Olson, 2012; Sung, 2015). These measures could ultimately reduce attrition rates and increase graduation rates amongst ESL nursing students. Ultima tely, this can have significant benefits for the nursing profession. According to Mbulu (2015), increased graduation rates of ESL nursing students could lead to a more diverse nursing workforce. This is particularly important in todays increasingly multicultural society, where diversity can have significant implications for individual and organizational performance (Miguel et al., 2013). In the context of nursing, a diverse workforce is particularly important given the increased diversity of the patient population (Mbulu, 2015). Based on evidence, this paper discusses how the problem of ESL nursing student attrition can be addressed.Review of LiteratureThere has been increased scholarly attention to the difficulties faced by ESL students, particularly in nursing programs. This attention has been informed by the need to enhance the academic performance of ESL students, which remains low compared to that of their English speaking counterparts. According to Sung (2015), the use of Engl ish as the predominant language of instruction in school presents major challenges to ESL students, which can leave them frustrated and embarrassed. These challenges relate to writing assignments, misunderstanding assignment instructions and exam questions, understanding tutorials and course content, coping with huge amounts of reading, and locating appropriate references for academic assignments (Weaver Jackson, 2011; Miguel et al., 2013). In other words, accomplishing academic tasks in a language one is not proficient in can be a daunting challenge. The challenge of language is further reiterated by Olson (2012), who argues that writing and speaking in English remains a significant barrier for academic success amongst ESL nursing students. Other scholars have also cited language barriers as significant challenges for ESL students (Harvey McMurray, 1997; Marivic Morin, 2012; Hansen Beaver, 2012). Language problems are further compounded by feelings of isolation and acculturatio n problems, which add to the stress experienced by ESL students (Olson, 2012).It is important to note that language barriers in the teaching and learning environment are experienced in not only English speaking countries, but also non-English speaking countries. According to Suliman Tadros (2010), the use of English as a medium of instruction in nursing education is prevalent in the Middle East, where students are abruptly expected to shift from Arabic based instructions to English based instructions upon joining college. Joining college also results in a dramatic shift from traditional teaching and learning techniques such as rote memorization to conventional techniques such as critical thinking (Suliman Tadros, 2010). This often imposes a great deal of stress on ESL students owing to disconnect between the communicative demands of the nursing program and students English proficiency. The use of English as medium of instruction is prevalent in not only the Middle East, but also o ther non-English speaking contexts around the world.Another challenge, according to a qualitative study of eight ESL students and five members of faculty, emanates from lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity, knowledge of ESL students academic needs, and knowledge of strategies for teaching ESL students on the part of faculty members (Mbulu, 2015). This problem stems from, among other factors, the extensive underrepresentation of minority communities in the nursing faculty as well as workforce in general (Mbulu, 2015). Faculty lack of cultural sensitivity and awareness of ESL students needs have also been reiterated by Andrea Jennifer (2015). This challenge is further compounded by lack of faculty, peer, and family support, cultural barriers, as well as financial difficulties (Scheele et al., 2011; Boruff, 2012; Marivic Morin, 2012). These challenges can have detrimental consequences on ESL students, especially in terms of attrition, stress, and academic performance (Olson, 20 12; Sung, 2015; Donnell, 2015). In a randomized study of Hispanic students, Villarruel et al. (2001) also show that barriers such as lack of faculty support can significantly affect academic outcomes amongst ESL students. The significance of addressing these challenges, therefore, cannot be overemphasized.The incorporation of an ESL committee into nursing programs comprising faculty members, ESL students, and registered nurses can be helpful for addressing the problems experienced by ESL students (Sung, 2015). The committee would be particularly responsible for enhancing faculty and peer support. Research has extensively demonstrated that the presence of an ESL committee in nursing programs can significantly be beneficial for ESL students in terms of reducing attrition, minimizing culture shock, enhancing social networking and belongingness, increasing satisfaction, and enhancing academic outcomes (Marivic Morin, 2012; Boruff, 2012; Andrea Jennifer, 2015).Faculty and peer support can be particularly valuable for addressing the challenges faced by ESL students (Hansen Beaver, 2012). As shown by Olson (2012), faculty and peer support is important for reducing the acculturative stress experienced by ESL students. Suliman Tadros (2010) further argue that faculty and peer support can be useful for addressing language barriers, and thereby enhancing ESL students academic performance as well as their feeling of belonging to the learning institution and the nursing community as a whole. In a study of ESL students in a predominantly Caucasian nursing program at a mid-size community college, Boruff (2012) also show that the support of the faculty, peers, as well as the family is a vital ingredient of academic success for ESL students as it minimizes culture shock and attrition and enhances social networking as well as student satisfaction with school. Other studies have also reported similar findings (Villarruel et al., 2001; Marivic Morin, 2012).Though faculty sup port can be instrumental in addressing the needs of ESL needs, the fact that faculty members remain largely unaware of the needs and how to appropriately respond them is a major challenge. In this regard, professional development programs focusing on aspects such as cultural competence can be useful for overcoming this challenge (Mbulu, 2015; Andrea Jennifer, 2015). Additionally, as put by Sung (2015), faculty and peer support can only be effective if ESL students themselves are willing to seek assistance.There are also other strategies that can be used to address the challenges faced by ESL students, including language development. The significance of language development stems from the fact that ESL students have low proficiency in English, which makes it difficult to accomplish academic tasks in English (Sung, 2015). As such, language development would place ESL students in a better position to speak and write in English, which would ultimately minimize culture shock and improve academic performance (Olson, 2015). In a cross-sectional study of ESL students, Harvey McMurray (1997) further show that early orientation to the language and communication demands associated with nursing programs would result in less attrition in ESL students. In other words, ESL students would be in a better position to process and integrate various concepts relating to nursing.Language development can be achieved via techniques such as language centers and language workshops, which enhance the language and communication skills of ESL students (Weaver Jackson, 2011; Scheele et al., 2011; Andrea Jennifer, 2015). Nonetheless, some techniques such as language centers may not be effective since most ESL students have already spent a great deal of time learning grammar back in their home country or as part of a pre-university program (Migue...

Art Is Not Considered An Academic - 1775 Words

Although art is not considered an â€Å"academic† subject by some, I am certain that art is important to all students’ education because it promotes creative thoughts, teaches students to celebrate individual uniqueness and gives historical and cultural perspective. I myself, being a student, have always enjoyed my art classes more than any other, and sometimes it is my only reason for going to school at all. Even though I am not very skilled at it, I remember asking myself, why are we not able to attend these classes more than once a week? And although I may enjoy it because it feels like a break from all the other rigorous learning in other classes, I only recently realized how much I was still learning from it. With the growing minds of†¦show more content†¦All of which are extremely valuable skills that we as humans want every generation to have more of. As most everyone knows, the brain has a left and a right side that is responsible for controlling differ ent things, and each person uses a different amount of each side. (Which is what creates personality). The left brain deals with logic, analysis, sequencing, math, language, facts, computation and much more. The right brain deals with creativity, imagination, holistic thinking, intuition, tune of songs, visualization, feelings, etc. (Citation)http://www.livescience.com/32935-whats-the-difference-between-the-right-brain-and-left-brain.html But there is a common misconception that creative thinking is exclusive to the right side of your brain, when in reality it involves using both hemispheres of your brain working together. When humans go through life using the left hemisphere more than the right, they are more likely to end up with degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer Disease. That is one of the reasons that it is so critical to stimulate both sides of the brain, which encourages our neurons to establish new connections in the process. Doing so will allow to the brain to act with a much improved ability to be accurate and precise, and our capacity to be wholesome thinkers will progress. (CITATION)

Plastic Surgery Ethics Essay - 1605 Words

Plastic surgery is a rapidly evolving field spread around the world. Plastic surgery deals with human appearance and is becoming a more profitable business throughout the years. It is divided into two sections, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. An ethical dilemma that corresponds to plastic surgery is the loss of human values patients encounter once they undergo surgery. Also, individuals that depend on cosmetic surgery detract from patients that are in urgent need of these procedures. The replacement of misleading values, pride and, joy through surgery creates unrealistic dreams for patients. The patient and doctor relationship created under these circumstances is viewed as a therapeutic purpose due to the feeling of being â€Å"healed†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦The abuse of plastic surgery over the years has gotten out of control. Due to the high demand for fillers, laser, and Botox, physicians perform cosmetic procedures that are non-surgical with no training. Societ y has unofficially banned wrinkles, fat deposits, and sun-damaged skin. An ethical concern for patients and healthcare providers is that these so-called problems should be enhanced and dealt with rather than result in aesthetic surgery. Although body image is important to certain people, the outer image does not define a human being. â€Å"The real value of a person cannot be reduced to his/her appearance, and medicine as an art, should feel the obligation to resist these modern ideologies and should attempt to help people get a more authentic attitude about themselves.† (Mousavi, 2010) If a person is unhappy with himself or herself, they should rely on a more natural solution. Aesthetic surgery should only be an option for people that have suffered an accident or born with a deformity. Having small lips, tiny wrinkles, beauty marks, or dark hair is not a deformity, they’re simply things the body produces over the years. AnShow MoreRelatedThe, Beauty, And Beauty1573 Wo rds   |  7 Pagesindividual looks like. But, is remarkably debated and should be abnegated from preponderant cases: The craft of plastic surgery. In a candid notion, plastic surgery can be delineated as, a procedure of rejuvenating or refurbishing distinctive segments of the body by delegating tissues either in the treatment of a laceration or for cosmetic dialectics. Cosmetic surgery is an element of plastic surgery that alters and revamps a personage’s appearance to make them glean an augmented look. People of every raceRead MoreCosmetic surgery is a globally well-known term, which is undertaken to alter and enhance human1000 Words   |  4 PagesCosmetic surgery is a globally well-known term, which is undertaken to alter and enhance human self-imageand esteem.Cosmetic surgery is different from all other forms of surgeries and is a treatment for â€Å"want† rather than for â€Å"need†. Along with gaining popularity due to social obsession, it also creates health risks due to invasive surgery. This essay will argue for government control of cosmetic surgery in the areas of advertisement, medical malpract ices and human welfare. Media advertising industryRead MoreThe Ethics Of Cosmetic Surgery1264 Words   |  6 PagesThe Ethics of Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic surgery, a type of elective surgery undertaken to alter a person’s appearance for reasons beyond injury, illness, or disease, has become increasingly pervasive in society in the past few decades despite sparking controversial debates. (Coleman, 171) While reconstructive surgery is condoned, cosmetic surgery occupies a gray area where physicians â€Å"dedicated to saving lives, healing, and promoting health† perform â€Å"invasive surgical operations on healthy bodiesRead MorePhotographic Truth in the Digital Era Essay774 Words   |  4 PagesDigital Era Description of the Research Area (this should be no less than 500 words): According to James Brooks, â€Å"the manipulation of meaning to assure an audience would destroy the reality of the work and debase the concept of communication.† The essay will examine how images are used nowadays in media to influence people’s opinions rather than only for artistic purposes. We are constantly surrounded by advertising. The main power of the images is prominent in advertising where experts changeRead MoreTransgender Discrimination1615 Words   |  7 PagesDiscrimination of Transsexuals For many years, members of the gay, lesbian and transgender communities have been persecuted because of their sexual orientation. The group that will be the focused on in this essay is transsexuals. Transgender is a term that describes transvestites and transsexuals, which is gender identification not sexual orientation. Transgender are individuals whose gender identities or gender expressions contrast with traditional social norms and expectations. Gender identityRead MoreArgument Against The Claim That Business Is Not A Profession Essay1020 Words   |  5 Pagesnormal to think of business as a profession. If business were to be considered not a profession, there are many factors to be considered. A profession involves a formal education, and training as well as providing a service that is in need. 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Although it does not seem to be a code that is enforcedRead MoreTechnology Impact On Health Care1295 Words   |  6 Pagesin 1980 for their ground-breaking DNA sequencing approach that is utilized commonly in modern times. According to Felder (2015),† Biochips are small, wafer-like components manufactured from substrates such as silicon, fused quartz, soda glass and plastic(Para. 2). Biotechnology Dealing with Cancer in Healthcare In today’s western world cancer is the second most common cause of death. According to The U.S Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory; they have created a biochip that can saveRead MoreA Critique Of The Administration Of Intravenous Medication Administration Errors1474 Words   |  6 PagesThe aim of this essay is to provide a critique of two articles. The first article is, â€Å"Errors in the administration of intravenous medications in hospital and the role of correct procedures and nurse experience† conducted in Australia by Johanna Westbrook, Marilyn Rob, Amanda Woods and Dave Parry published on the 20th of June 2011. The second article is â€Å"Understanding the causes of intravenous medication administration errors in hospitals: a qualitative critical incident study†, conducted in theRead More Essay on Euthanasia and Doctor-Assisted Suicide1175 Words   |  5 Pagesmore popular points of interest involved with the euthanasia-assisted s uicide discussion. There are less than a dozen questions which would come to mind in the case of the average individual who has a mild interest in this debate, and the following essay presents information which would satisfy that individuals curiosity on these points of common interest.    Euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal in the state of Oregon and in the country of the Netherlands; these are the only two jurisdictions

The Invention Of A Flint Lock - 1377 Words

From the iconic AK-47 to the lesser know guns have been with man since the 10th century when the Chinese invented the fire lance (â€Å"Jeff Harder†). A simple hollow tube made of bamboo or metal loaded with gunpowder and shrapnel that would be fired. Later on in the 13th century the first cannons were in production and used by European countries (â€Å"Jeff Harder†). Following the invention of a flint lock in the 15th century guns similar to those used in the French and Indian Wars were produced (â€Å"Jeff Harder†). Theses firearms began to replace the older weapons such as swords, bows or spears because of it was more economic. It costed lots of money to train a soldier to use a sword or a bow and arrow. As guns became more and more popular as a weapon of choice, guns began to rapidly develop in the 16th century into the guns we see and use today. In modern day America there is about 89 guns for every 100 people in the U.S. (â€Å"Gun Control†). The U.S . population is approximately 321,418,820 that means that there are approximately 286,062,750 firearms in the hands of the people (â€Å"U.S. Census†). In this controversy the second amendment is constantly brought up but what is the second amendment? The second amendment is in the Bill of Rights and it gives the people the right to bear arms (â€Å"The Constitution†). The Bill of Rights were a part of the Constitution which was ratified and in effect on June 28, 1788. The 2nd Amendment states â€Å"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the securityShow MoreRelatedThe World War I Ended1256 Words   |  6 Pagessome ways. Flintlock rifles were the weapon of choice during the revolutionary war. They weren’t very accurate but if you were hit by the solid lead ball that was projected at you, it would cause serious damage. They also used sabers or swords, flint lock pistols, and cannons. During these wars, they used very different strategies than those used in World War 1 to present day wars. The tactics used in the revolutionary war were kind crazy. Most battles were fought in open fields with very minimalRead MoreThe Evolution of Gunsmithing Firearms have been used for centuries to alter history. Without the2100 Words   |  9 Pagesrecorded use of this kind of firearm was in 1364 according to the timeline from PBS history deceives website. A century after the matchlock was first recorded there was another incredible breakthrough in the field of Gunsmithing it was the wheel lock. This was a true innovation in firearm history this is the first firearm with rifling to increase accuracy. How this gun worked is when the trigger is pulled it spins a wheel that has rough steel and at the same time a hammer is lowered on to the spinningRead MoreThe Physics of Firearms1626 Words   |  7 PagesThe gun is based on one simple concept: You apply explosive pressure behind a projectile to launch it down a barrel. The earliest, and simplest, applications of this idea were cannons. It wasn’t until the turn of the fourteenth century when the invention of the firing pin on a gun called a matchlock was made for the creation of the first functioning hand gun. The first functioning hand gun developed by the French was called an Arquebus, a short-barrelled firearm held at the shoulder and small enoughRead MoreThe Rebellion Of The Un ited States1763 Words   |  8 Pagestheir advanced and expert training. Compared to the Americans’ lack of skill with a weapon, this simple fact alone should have been enough for Great Britain to crush this revolution with ease. With the invention of the flintlock musket, all battlefield tactics changed drastically. Since the invention of the smokeless weapon was a century away, American soldiers were trained to fire at an area not a target. With this training, soldiers were put into linear formations instead of the larger blockedRead MoreOffice Computerized Equipment Borrowing System6949 Words   |  28 Pagestechnological object (such as a device or an appliance) that has a particular function, but is often thought of as a novelty. Gadgets are invariably considered to be more unusually or cleverly designed than normal technological objects at the time of their invention. Gadgets are sometimes also referred to as gizmos. †¢ Reservation – a term used for future acquiring of an item or equipment to be used. †¢ Borrowing – a method of acquiring the usage of an item yet to be returned after use. 1.6.2 TechnicalRead MoreArgumentative Essay on Telivision Is the Leading Cause of Violence in Todays Society9353 Words   |  38 Pagescultures, actual weights were not uniform throughout the area. The weights and measures later used in Kautilyas Arthashastra (4th century BCE) are the same as those used in Lothal.[36] Unique Harappan inventions include an instrument which was used to measure whole sections of the horizon and the tidal lock. In addition, Harappans evolved some new techniques in metallurgy and produced copper, bronze, lead, and tin. The engineering skill of the Harappans was remarkable, especially in building docks afterRead MoreThe Incredible And Sad Tale Of Innocent Erendira And Her Heartless Grandmother16345 Words   |  40 Pagesorgandy bow that looked like a butterfly on her head. You look awful, she admitted, but it s better that way: men are quite stupid when it comes to female matters. Long before they saw them they both recognized the sound of two mules walking on the flint of the desert. At a command from her grandmother, Erendira lay down on the mat the way an amateur actress might have done at the moment when the curtain was about to go up. Leaning on her bishop s crosier, the grandmother went out of the shelter andRead MoreCrossing the Chasm76808 Words   |  308 PagesLotus, or Excel, that is the adoption category, just as it is browsers, not Navigator or Explorer. In the early days products and categories were synonymous because technologies were on their first cycles. But today we have multiple decades of invention to build on, and a new offer is no longer quite as new or unprecedented as it used to be. The marketplace is therefore able to absorb this notquite-so-new technology in gulps, for a while letting one company come to the fore, but substituting anotherRead MoreMonsanto: Better Living Through Genetic Engineering96204 Words   |  385 PagesSteger, ‘The DaimlerChrysler Merger: The Involvement of the Boards’, Case no. IMD3-0771, for detailed corporate governance issues during the merger negotiations in 1998. The present case only covers the developments after the deal had taken place. J. Flint, 1997, ‘Company of the Year: Chrysler’, Forbes, 13 January: 82 ff. 1998, ‘Merger Details, from â€Å"Autonomy† to â€Å"Zetsche†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, Automotive News, 5 October, 73(5787): 41 ff. R. Kisiel, 1999, ‘Gale: D/C won’t share platforms’, Automotive News, 4 October, 74(5841):Read MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pagesexperiencing fear or extreme stress is forced to choose one of these behaviors. Any sane manager wants none of them. Imagine supervi sing Chris, who flees work when fearful or stressed, Sanjay, who fights with others when he feels cornered, and Mercedes, who locks up whenever she is chastised. Does effective management mean eliciting these behaviors? One workplace expert noted, â€Å"Fear motivation always results in inner anger and resentment against the person using the fear tactics . . . Fear motivation is the

The Economic Case For Raising The Minimum Wage - 927 Words

The Economic Case for Raising the Minimum Wage The United States is recognized for its economic opportunities. Thousands come to this country for the chance to improve economic stability and climb the social ladder – opportunities usually not available in their home countries. However, there has been increasing concern regarding American wages compared to the rise in the cost of living. Many of the lowest paid workers receive wages that is far much below the federal minimum provision as stipulated in the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA). At the same time, costs to cover only the basic of necessities are rising at a much faster rate. Currently, only ten states that have raised their minimum wage rate above the federal minimum wage rate to match the increasing cost of living. The federal minimum wage is listed as ($7.25) per hour. Most low-wage earning workers do not received benefits such as vacation and the family medical leave. Economists believe raising the minimum wage will combat poverty and improve the economy while opponents argue that raising the minimum wage will weaken job creation in an economy still climbing out of a recent recession. Raising the minimum wage is necessary and will have the following three outcomes; Increase economic spending thus reducing economic recovery time, improve overall living for families, decrease the need for social programs such as Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SupposeShow MoreRelatedMinimum Wage During The Great Depression1419 Words   |  6 PagesThe Minimum Wage Battle In the United States, the minimum wage was passed during the Great Depression in 1938 to protect the buying power of normal workers in a period in which the â€Å"unemployment rate was still a very high 19 percent† (Sklar, 2009, p. 1). Since that time, there has been significant debate about the controversial topic of raising the federal minimum wage. The federal minimum wage law was created to eliminate unfair practices of sweat shops and manufacturing companies during this timeRead MoreThe Minimum Wage Change 1151 Words   |  5 Pagesthe topic of minimum wage. With president Obama’s increase in the minimum wage to 10.10$ per hour people, both economists and politicians alike, have been debating whether raising the bar is a smart idea. At a time when the country the country’s inflation continues to rise at a steady pace and Americans are constantly working to feed their families, some economists know that a raise in the minimum wage would help elevate some of the difficulty. The last time the federal minimum wage was raised wasRead MoreThe Benefits Of Raising The Minimum Wage706 Words   |  3 Pages Minimum wage is a difficult number to decide on because it affects different income earning citizens in different ways. According to Principles of Microeconomics, by N. Gregory Mankiw, minimum wage is a law that establishes the lowest price for labor that and employer may pay (Mankiw 6-1b). Currently, the minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour. For many years politicians and citizens have argued on what should be the minimum wage that would benefit the economy and society in generalRead MoreMinimum Wage And The Wage1639 Words   |  7 PagesMinimum wage is one of the many microeconomic policies that serve to correct imbalance in the economy. It is defined as the lowest amount of remuneration required of an employer to pay his employees during a given period of work. There exist different laws in different states that can fix the minimum wage policy. A current economic issue is minimum wage, or specifically, its pertinence to social inequality. Many sectors of society w ould be affected by changes in this policy. Minimum wage relies onRead MoreA Brief Note On Raising The Minimum Wage1503 Words   |  7 PagesWage War Alternatives to Raising the Minimum Wage Minimum wage is a topic of considerable controversy and a significant source of economic stratification. Essentially, the minimum wage policy is what defines the baseline income of â€Å"low level† or â€Å"starting positions.† Here in the U.S. most individuals will at some point in their life hold a minimum wage position. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 58.5% of U.S. citizens were paid at hourly rates, and about 2.6 million workersRead MorePros And Cons Of Raising The Minimum Wage1122 Words   |  5 PagesSince 2009, the federal minimum wage rate for employees has been $7.25 per hour. In retrospect, this is hardly enough pay to take care of one’s self-- let alone a family with children. If a person were to add up the average cost of living for one week and then compare it to the average amount of money earned in minimum wage for that week, it would be apparent that there is little to no extra money for emergency situations. Increasing t he minimum wage has been a major controversial issue; DemocratsRead MoreThe Case For A Higher Minimum Wage1659 Words   |  7 PagesRachel Dorf The Case for a Higher Minimum Wage In 1938, the Federal Government established a minimum wage through the Fair Labor Standards Act, during the Great Depression. Its stated purpose was to keep American workers out of poverty and increase consumer purchasing power to help stimulate the economy. President Franklin Roosevelt, understood that the minimum wage should be a living wage, he stated â€Å"by living wages, I mean more than a bare subsistence level — I mean the wages of a decent livingRead More America Must Create Jobs Essay1475 Words   |  6 PagesPrices everywhere are on the rise as wages are declining drastically. Class division has never been more distinct. Of those lucky enough to have secured the multiple jobs needed in order to maintain their subsistent existences, most make only a minimum wage, established by their state’s laws, which is then harshly taxed upon. Life is hard enough in our dying superpower of a nation, but even worse for the work force of America that must survive on minimu m wage. It is an offending disappointment thatRead MoreIf Minimum Wage Raise Up945 Words   |  4 PagesIf Minimum Wage Raise up In many cases in the U.S. people are suffering from the very low hourly wages. According to David Cooper: â€Å"As wages go down, the percentage of workers relying on public assistance gets higher: 60 percent of workers earning less than $7.42—only slightly higher than the $7.25 federal minimum wage—receive some form of means-tested public assistance.† Because the minimum wage is so low, many people are forced into programs, such as Medicaid, food stamps and the Earned IncomeRead MorePersuasive Speech Outline For Non Rising Of Minimum Wage Essay1228 Words   |  5 Pagessupport the non-rising of minimum wage. ___________________________________________________________________________ Introduction Attention getter (teaser): How many of you believe we in the state of California should have a higher minimum wage? Well we shouldn’t and I’m going to tell you why. Significance (why important to them?): A lot of people believe that because you re getting paid a higher minimum wage that it’s benefiting you but in reality that’s not the case. The purpose of my speech

International Business †Midterm Review Free Essays

string(159) " Reasons to Invest Abroad: – market seeking – efficiency/cost seeking – resource seeking – knowledge seeking Why Internationalize\? 1\." AFM 333 Midterm Review Module 1: – Fall of Berlin Wall 1989 – Two Trends altering global market: globalization of markets and technological advances – Globalization: interconnectedness of national economies, growing interdependence of buyers, producers and suppliers in different countries G6 economies: US, UK, Japan, Germany, France, Italy – Account for half of global consumption with only 1/10 of population – B6 economies: China, India, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea – China is the biggest market for phones, TVs, and cars in 2007 – China and India have more middle class households than all of the households in the United States – Growth in B6 more than 3x the growth in G6 economies 62 Multinationals in Fortune Global 500 20 of these multinationals are in China 12 from South Korea 6 from India 5 from Mexico and 5 from Russia B6 have three times the labour force of G6 countries 33 million university-educated young professionals in developing world compared to 14 million in the developed world 00 000 IT Engineers in India vs. 50 K in US In the decade to 2020, the working-age population of emerging economies is expected to increase by more than 500 million, compared with an increase of only 3. 7 million in developed economies. We will write a custom essay sample on International Business – Midterm Review or any similar topic only for you Order Now Drivers of Market Globalization – 1. Reduction of trade and investment barriers – 2. Market Liberalization: move to market based economies + adopt free trade in China + Soviet Union etc. – 3. Industrialization + Modernization + developing economies creating higher value adding products – 4. Integration of World Financial Markets: international banks, globalization of finance – 5. Advances in Technology: reduces cost and time, improves coordination and communication, facilitates development, helps share information/marketing, virtual space removes distance Dimensions of Market Globalization – integration/interdependence of global economies – increase regional economic integration bloc – growth of global investment – convergence of buyer lifestyles/preferences – globalization of production activities Social Concequences – loss of national soverignity offshoring/outsourcing jobs – effects on the poor, the natural environment and national culture Firm-level consequences – new business opportunities – new risks and rivalries – more demanding buyers (less bargaining power to supplier) – international value chains Phases of Globalization 1. 1830-1880: Introduction of railway and ocean transport (trains and ships) + phone and telegraph invented 2. 1900-1930: increased steel and electricity production + Western Europe most industrialized country so established first multinational subs through colonization (Nestle, Shell, BP) 3. 948-1970: Form general agreement on tariff and trade + high demand for consumer products and input goods to rebuild after the war 4. 1980- now: radical advances in IT, communication, manufacturing, consultation, and privatization. Caused by: †¢Commercialization of the personal computer. †¢Arrival of the Internet and the web browser. †¢Advances in communication and manufacturing technologies. †¢Collapse of the Soviet Union and ensuing market liberalization in central and Eastern Europe. †¢Substantial industrialization and modernization efforts of the East Asian economies including China. GDP growth rates highest in developing economies who emphasize global integration Information travels faster now than ever before (ships/carraiges, steamships/cars, motor vehicles/aircraft, internet (speed of light)). Firm Level Consequences of Globalization – international value chain – demanding buyers – increased rivalry and competition – increased opportunity for business – Management must change focus – Must partner and outsource better – look for productivity and operational efficiency gains – find and measure key global strategic assets of org. International Business trade and investment activities of firms across borders Globalization – economic integration and growing interdependency worldwide Theories of Trade – mercantilism – national prosperity = positive balance of trade (trade surplus) – absolute advantage principle – produce only products for which your country/region has an abso lute advantage – comparative advantage principle – both countries produce even if one has absolute advantage in all products, relative efficiency matters, specialize in what you produce best and trade for the rest you can use scarce resources more efficiently National Comparative Advantages – China low cost labour – India – IT workers in Bangalore – Ireland – service economy – Dubai – knowledge based economy Comparative Advantage = superior features with unique benefits in global market either naturally endowed or put in place through national policy – NATIONAL Competitive Advantage = distinctive competencies of a firm from cost, size, innovation that are difficult for competitors to replicate – FIRM Factor Proportions/Endowments Theory = produce and export products that use abundant factors of production and import goods that use scarce resources Limitations of Early Trade Theories – they don’t account for cost of international transportation – tariffs and import restrictions distort trade flows – economies of scale bring about additional efficiencies – low cost capital now available on global markets How do Nations Enhance Competitive Advantage – governments can proactively implement policies to subsidize and stimulate the economy outside of natural endowments – create national economic advantage through: innovation stimulus, target industries for development, provide incentives and low cost capital National Industrial Policy – economic development plan by public sector to nurture and support promising industries through: tax incentives, monetary/fiscal policy, rigorous educational systems, investment in national infrastructure, strong legal and regulatory systems – Example Ireland: fiscal, monetary and tax consolidation, partnership of gov with unions, emphasis on high value add industry like pharma, biotech and IT, membership in EU, investment in education – improved GDP, Unemployment and National Debt 3x by 2003 from 1987 Porter’s Diamond Model: Firm Strategy, Structure and Rivalry – strong competitors in country serves as national competitive advantage – clusters ? Factor Conditions – labour, natural resources, capital, technology, knowledge and entrepreneurship ? Demand Conditions – strengths and sophistication of consumer demand ? Related and Supporting Industries – availability of clusters and complementary fi rms in the value chain Industrial Clusters: – concentration of suppliers and supporting firms in the same regional area – ex. silicon valley, Switzerland pharma, fashion in italy/paris, IT in Bangalore – export platform for the nation Classical Theories – International Product Cycle Theory: introduction, growth and maturity of each product and its associated manufacturing – INTRO: inventor country enjoys a monopoly in manufacturing and exports – GROWTH: other countries enter the global market place with more standard manufacturing – MATURITY: original innovator becomes net importer of product – Now – hard for innovator to maintain a lead because there is a short product life cycle – New Trade Theory: economies of scale important for international performance in some industries. Ex. high fixed costs = high volume sales to breakeven Reasons to Invest Abroad: – market seeking – efficiency/cost seeking – resource seeking – knowledge seeking Why Internationalize? 1. You read "International Business – Midterm Review" in category "Essay examples" opp for growth through diversification of market 2. higher profit margins 3. new PS ideas and business methods 4. serve customers who have relocated abroad (increase/maintain market) 5. closer to supply sources, use global sourcing advantages, flexibility in sourcing products 6. access to lower cost/better value factors of production 7. evelop economies of scale in sourcing, production, marketing, economies of scale 8. confront international competitors 9. invest in relationship with a foreign partner Nature of International Business – value adding activities can be done internationally (source, manufacture, market) – cross border trade not limited to raw materials, include capital, tech, knowledge, products, services etc. – Internationalize through: Export, FDI, Licence, Franchise and JV FDI – longterm acquisition of productive assets like capital, tech, labour PE etc – large commitment used to manufacture products in low labour cost countries MNE – big company with lots of resources, subs and affiliates in many countries (US, Japan, Germany, France, Britain) SME – small to medium size enterprise, 500 or fewer employees Born Global Firm – young company that initiates business on the global market Risks in International Business: 1. Commercial Risk – weak partnerships, bad timing of entry, high competition, poor execution of strategy, operational problems 2. Currency Risk – tax, inflation, asset valuation, transfer pricing, currency exposure 3. Country Risk – protectionism/gov intervention, bureaucracy, lack of legal safeguards/poor leagal system, social/political unrest 4. Cross-Cultural Risk – cultural differences, negotiation, different decision making styles, different ethical practices MNE Avenues for Involvement: ? Import/Export ? Licencing/Franchising ? Joing Venture ? FDI – get progressively more risky, higher investment, higher potential benefit, higher commitment Intermediaries Include: – Distributor – extension of firm, takes goods under their name to sell – Manufacturer Rep – under contract of exporter to rep and sell merch – Retailer – bypass wholesaler/distributer and sell to retailer to sell to customers – IKEA, WALMART – Trading Company – based in home country, high volume, low margin resellers. – Export Management Company – US, export agent who secures contracts to export goods – usually specialize in industries and areas – Agent – works on commission Licensor – Focal firm grants the right to the foreign partner to use certain intellectual property in exchange for royalties – Franchisor – grant right to use a business system for fees and royalties – ICV – share cost and risk fo new venture with another company – JV – create a jointly owned new entitiy with foreign partners – Project B ased Venture – collaboration with a timeline without creating a new entity, common with RD intensive ventures Facilitator – provide services for cross border transactions: Bank, Lawyers, Freight, Consultants, ad agency, custom brokers, insurance companies, tax accountants, Turnkey Contractor: Provide engineering, design, and architectural services in the construction of airports, hospitals, oil refineries, and other types of infrastructure. †¢These projects are typically awarded on the basis of open bidding by the sponsor. †¢Examples- European Channel Tunnel, the Three Gorges Dam in China, Delhi Metro Rail Ltd. and the Hong Kong Airport. †¢Build-own-transfer venture- an increasingly popular type of turnkey contract in the developing economies where contractors acquire an ownership in the facility for a period of time until it is turned over to the client. MODULE 3 [pic] Advanced economies are post-industrial countries characterized by high per capita income, highly competitive industries, and well-developed commercial infrastructure. †¢Examples- world’s richest countries and include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and Western European countries. Developing economies are low-income countries characterized by limited industrialization and stagnant economies. †¢Examples- low-income countries, with limited industrialization and stagnant economies- e. g. Bangladesh, Nicaragua and Zaire. Emerging market economies are a subset of former developing economies that have achieved substantial industrialization, modernization, improved living standards and remarkable economic growth. †¢Examples- some 27 countries in East and South Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Eastern Europe- including Brazil, Russia, India, China (so called BRIC countries). [pic] Advanced Economies – 2 – 4% growth rates – mature industrial development – moved from manufacturing to service based economies – typically democratic political systems and capital economic systems – host worlds biggest MNEs – Emerging Economies – 7 – 10% growth rates 40% of world GDP – 30% of exports – 20% of FDI – low cost labour and capital, knowledgeable workers, gov support – fastest growth rate – attractive: growing middle class, manufacturing bases, sourcing destinations – market potential: percapita income, s ize of middle class, GNI, use adjusted GDP for PPP – middle class has some economic independence and discretionary income Hong Kong, Isreal, Saudi Arabia The EMPI combines factors that provide firms with a realistic measure of export market potential: †¢Market Size: the country’s population, especially urban population †¢Market Growth Rate: the country’s real GDP growth rate Market Intensity: private consumption and GNI represent discretionary expenditures of citizens †¢Market Consumption Capacity: The percentage share of income held by the country’s middle class †¢Commercial Infrastructure: characteristics such as number of mobile phone subscribers, density of telephone lines, number of PCs, density of paved roads, and population per retail outlet †¢Economic Freedom: the degree of government intervention †¢Market Receptivity: the particular country’s inclination to trade with the exporter’s country as estimated by the volume of imports †¢Country Risk: the degree of political risk Challenges of doing business with Ems – political stability – hard to forecast in uncertain conditions – beauraucracy/lack of transparency – weak IP rights – availability of good partners – presence of family conglomerates †¢Regional economic integration, refers to the growing economic interdependence that results when countries within a geographic region form an alliance aimed at reducing barriers to trade and investment. †¢40% of world trade today is under some bloc preferential trade agreement. Premise- mutual advantages for cooperating nations within a common geography, history, culture, language, economics, and/or politics †¢Free trade that results from economic integration helps nations attain higher living standards by encouraging specialization, lower prices, greater choices, increased productivity, and more efficient use of resources. 1. Market access. Tariffs and most non-tariff barriers have been eliminated for trade in products and services, and rules of origin favor manufacturing that uses parts and other inputs produced in the EU. . Common market. The EU removed barriers to the cross-national movement of production factors—labor, capital, and technology. 3. Trade rules. The member countries have largely eliminated customs procedures and regulations, which streamlines transportation and logistics within Europe. 4. Standards harmonization. The EU is harmonizing technical standards, regulations, and enforcement procedures that relate to products, services, and commercial activities. 5. Common fiscal, monetary, taxation, and social welfare policies in the long run. The euro (common currency since 2002): †¢Simplified the process of cross-border trade and enhanced Europe’s international competitiveness. †¢Eliminated exchange rate risk in much of the bloc and forced member countries to improve their fiscal and monetary policies. †¢Unified consumers and businesses to think of Europe as a single market †¢Forced national governments to relinquish monetary power to the European Central Bank, in Luxembourg, which oversees EU monetary functions. †¢NAFTA passage (1994) was facilitated by the maquiladora program – U. S. firms locate manufacturing facilities just south of the U. S. order and access low-cost labor without having to pay significant tariffs. NAFTA has: †¢Eliminated tariffs and most nontariff barriers for products/services. †¢Initiated bidding for government contracts by member country firms †¢Established trade rules and uniform customs procedures. †¢Prohibited standards/technical regu lations to be used as trade barriers. †¢Instituted rules for investment and intellectual property rights. †¢Provided for dispute settlement for investment, unfair pricing, labor issues, and the environment. †¢Trade among the members has more than tripled and now exceeds $1 trillion per year. In the early 1980s, Mexico’s tariffs averaged 100% and gradually disappeared under NAFTA. †¢Member countries now trade more with each other than with former trading partners outside the NAFTA zone. †¢Both Canada and Mexico now have some 80% of their trade with, and 60% of their FDI stocks in the United States. †¢Mexican exports to the U. S. grew from $50 billion to over $160 billion per year. †¢Access to Canada and the U. S. helped launch numerous Mexican firms in industries such as electronics, automobiles, textiles, medical products, and services. †¢Annual U. S. nd Canadian investment in Mexico rose from $4 billion in 1993 to nearly $20 billion by 2006. †¢Mexico’s per capita income rose to about $11,000 in 2007, making Mexico the wealthiest country in Latin America. †¢By increasing Mexico’s attractiveness as a manufacturing location, firms like Gap Inc. and Liz Claiborne moved their factories from Asia to Mexico during the 1990s. †¢IBM shifted much of its production of computer parts from Singapore to Mexico. ASEAN – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Coop – Australia, Canada, Chile, US, China, Japan, Mexico CER – Aussie and New Zealand – removed 80% of tarriffs Why Nations Expand? 1. Expand market size  §Regional integration greatly increases the scale of the marketplace for firms inside the economic bloc.  §Example- Belgium has a population of just 10 million; the EU gives Belgian firms easier access to a total market of roughly 490 million. 2. Achieve scale economies and enhanced productivity  §Expansion of market size within an economic bloc gives member country firms the opportunity to gain economies of scale in production and marketing.  §Internationalization inside the bloc helps firms learn to compete more effectively outside the bloc as well. Labor and other inputs are allocated more efficiently among the member countries- leading to lower prices for consumers. 3. Attract direct investment from outside the bloc  §Compared to investing in stand-alone countries, foreign firms prefer to invest in countries that are part of an economic bloc as they receive preferential treatment for exports to other member countries.  §Examp les- General Mills, Samsung, and Tata- have invested heavily in the EU to take advantage of Europe’s economic integration.  §By establishing operations in a single EU country, these firms gain free trade access to the entire EU market. 4. Acquire stronger defensive and political posture  §Provide member countries with a stronger defensive posture relative to other nations and world regions- this was one of the motives for the initial creation of the European Community (precursor to the EU). †¢The value chain can be thought of as the complete business system of the focal firm. It comprises all of the activities that the focal firm performs. †¢The focal firm may retain core activities such as production and marketing, and outsource distribution and customer service responsibilities to foreign-market based distributors, thus the global reconfiguration of the value chain. Dell makes a variety of products, each with its own value chain. The total supply chain for a notebook computer, including multiple tiers of suppliers, involves about 400 companies, primarily in Asia, but also in Europe and the Americas. †¢On a typical day, Dell processes orders for 150,000 computers, which are distributed to customers a round the world, with non-U. S. sales accounting for 40 percent. †¢Shipping is handled via air transport, e. g. from the Dell Malaysia factory to the U. S. Dell charters a China Airlines 747 hat flies to Nashville, Tennessee six days a week, with each jet carries 25,000 Dell notebooks that weigh a total of 110,000 kilograms, or 242,500 pounds. †¢One of the hallmarks of Dell’s value chain is collaboration. CEO Michael Dell and his team constantly work with their suppliers to make process improvements in Dell’s value chain. [pic] Automotive Industry †¢Manufacturing of the Chevrolet Malibu illustrates national and geographic diversity of suppliers that provide content for an automobile, a truly global value chain. †¢Suppliers are headquartered in Germany, Japan, France, Korea, and United Kingdom, and the U. S. , and the components they sell to General Motors are manufactured in typically low-cost countries and then shipped to the General Motors plant in Fairfax, Kansas. †¢The German automaker BMW employs 70,000 factory personnel at 23 sites in 13 countries to manufacture its vehicles. †¢Workers at the Munich plant build the BMW 3 Series and supply engines and key body components to other BMW factories abroad. †¢In the U. S. , BMW has a plant in South Carolina, which makes over 500 vehicles daily for the world market. †¢In Northeast China, BMW makes cars in a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. In India, BMW has a manufacturing presence to serve the needs of the rapidly growing South Asia market. †¢BMW must configure sourcing at the best locations worldwide, in order to minimize costs (e. g. , by producing in China), access skilled personnel (by producing in Germany), remain close to key markets (by producing in China, India and the U. S. ). †¢Global sourcing is the procurement of products or services from suppliers or company-owned subsidiaries located abroad for consumption in the home country or a third country. Technological advances, including instant Internet connectivity and broadband availability TECHNOLOGY †¢Declining communication and transportation costs †¢Widespread access to vast information including growing connectivity between suppliers and the customers that they serve; and SUPPLY CHAIN †¢Entrepreneurship and rapid economic transformation in emerging markets. GLOBALIZATION †¢Managers must decide between internalization and externalization — whether each value-adding activity should be conducted in-house or by an independent supplier. This is known as the ‘make or buy’ decision: â€Å"Should we make a product or conduct a particular value-chain activity ourselves, or should we source it from an outside contractor? † †¢Firms usually internalize those value-chain activities they consider a part of their core competence, or which involve the use of proprietary knowledge and trade secrets that they want to control. †¢Configuration of value-adding activity: The pattern or geographic arrangement of locations where the firm carries out value-chain activities. Instead of concentrating value-adding activities in the home country, many firms configure these activities across the world to save money, reduce delivery time, access factors of production, and extract maximal advantages relative to competitors. †¢This helps explain the migration of traditional industries from Europe, Japan, and the U. S. to emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. [pic] †¢Outsourcing refers to the procurement of selected value-adding activities, including production of intermediate goods or finished products, from independent suppliers. This practice of externalizing a particular value-adding activity to outside contrac tors is known as outsourcing. †¢Firms outsource because they generally are not superior at performing all primary and support activities. Most value-adding activities — from manufacturing to marketing to after-sales service — are candidates for outsourcing. †¢Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). The outsourcing of business functions to independent suppliers such as accounting, payroll, and human resource functions, IT services, customer service, and technical support. BPO includes:  §Back-office activities, which includes internal, upstream business functions such as payroll and billing, and  §Front-office activities, which includes downstream, customer-related services such as marketing or technical support. †¢Offshoring is a natural extension of global sourcing. It refers to the relocation of a business process or entire manufacturing facility to a foreign country. †¢MNEs are particularly active in shifting production facilities or business pro cesses to foreign countries to enhance their competitive advantages. Offshoring is especially common in the service sector, including banking, software code writing, legal services, and customer-service activities. †¢E. g. , large legal hubs have emerged in India that provide services such as drafting contracts and patent applications, conducting research and negotiations, as well as performing paralegal work on behalf of Western clients. With lawyers in N. America and Europe costing $300 an hour or more, Indian firms can cut legal bills by 75 percent. Best Jobs for Offshoring: Large-scale manufacturing industries whose primary competitive advantage is efficiency and low cost; †¢Industries such as automobiles that have uniform customer needs and highly standardized processes in production and other value-chain activities; †¢Service industries that are highly labor intensive, e. g. , call centers and legal transcription; †¢Information-based industries whose functi ons and activities can be easily transmitted via the Internet, e. g. , accounting, billing, and payroll; and †¢Industries such as software preparation whose outputs are easy to codify and transmit over the Internet or by telephone, e. g. routine technical support and customer service activities. [pic] †¢Cost efficiency is the traditional rationale for sourcing abroad. The firm takes advantage of ‘labor arbitrage’ – the large wage gap between advanced economies and emerging markets. †¢One study found that firms expect to save an average of more than 40% off baseline costs as a result of offshoring. These savings tend to occur particularly in RD, product design activities, and back-office operations such as accounting and data processing. Benefits of Outsourcing: †¢Faster corporate growth. †¢Access to qualified personnel abroad. †¢Improved productivity and service. Business process redesign. †¢Increased speed to market. †¢Acc ess to new markets. †¢Technological flexibility. Improved agility by shedding unnecessary overhead. Disadvantages to Outsourcing: †¢Vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations †¢Partner selection, qualification, and monitoring costs †¢Increased complexity of managing a worldwide network of production locations and partners †¢Complexity of managing global supply chain †¢Limited influence over the manufacturing processes of the supplier †¢Potential vulnerability to opportunistic behavior or actions in bad faith by suppliers †¢Constrained ability to safeguard intellectual assets Risks in Global Sourcing: 1. Less-than-expected cost savings. Conflicts and misunderstandings arise because of differences in the national and organizational cultures between the focal firm and foreign supplier. Such factors give rise to cost-savings that are less than originally anticipated. 2. Environmental factors. Numerous environmental challenges confront focal firms including: exchange rate fluctuations, labor strikes, adverse macro-economic events, high tariffs and other trade barriers, and high energy and transportation costs. 3. Weak legal environment. Many popular locations for global outsourcing have weak laws and enforcement regarding intellectual property, which can lead to erosion of key strategic assets. 4. Risk of creating competitors. As the focal firm shares its intellectual property and business-process knowledge with foreign suppliers, it also runs the risk of creating future rivals (e. g. , Schwinn). 5. Inadequate or low-skilled workers. Some foreign suppliers may be staffed by employees who lack appropriate knowledge about the tasks with which they are charged. Other suppliers suffer rapid turnover of skilled employees. 6. Over-reliance on suppliers. Unreliable suppliers may put earlier work aside when they gain a more important client. Suppliers occasionally encounter financial difficulties or are acquired by other firms with different priorities and procedures. Over-reliance can shift control of key activities too much in favor of the supplier. 7. Erosion of morale and commitment among home-country employees. Global sourcing can create a situation in which employees are caught in the middle between their employer and their employer’s clients. At the extreme, workers find themselves in a psychological limbo, unclear about who their employer really is. How to cite International Business – Midterm Review, Essay examples