Performance and Employees Management Tools

Forced rankings define controversial employees’ management tools that evaluate workers’ performance by using employee-to-employee comparisons. These systems of ranking have gained popularity among large corporations of the size of fortune 500 companies.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Performance and Employees’ Management Tools specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This has been attributed to a number of advantages which presumably outweigh the disadvantages associated with adopting and implementing the use of these employee evaluation systems. Starting with the advantages, Alsever (2007) came across findings that revealed that these systems of evaluation jolt underperforming managers from their complacency. This reputable scholar also acknowledge that they assisted in combating the unwanted incidences such as inflating performance ratings as is the case with most common conventional rating s ystems. This was supported by Grote (2005) when he argued that they enabled independent verification of employees’ performance data. In addition, these systems have the advantage of reducing nepotism, unfair promotions and favoritism. Furthermore, they act as justifiable and legal means of narrowing down and retrenching underperforming employees. Despite having the above advantages, the following were identified as their disadvantages: These systems call on the retrenching and rehiring of best performers which has proved a costly measure to some financially-stretched companies (Alsever, 2007). Furthermore, established firms such as Microsoft, Capital One and Ford are incurring huge legal expenses as a result of suits filed by sacked former employees. These employees considered the systems unfair and discriminating them based on their age and gender.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To add, most critics associate the systems with creating competitive environments that limit teamwork, creativity, result in unethical and cutthroat behaviors amongst others. On the other hand, Grote (2005) opined that the culture of forced ranking kept off some high-potential applicants from expressing interest in working with companies implementing these approaches. Deliveries of organizational-training programs (also renamed training delivery methods) are group of materials and techniques used by trainers in structuring their training tools or programs. They are important to employees’ overall success because they assist in determining their appropriate learning objectives and hence appropriate training methods. Examples of such methods include cognitive methods such as discussions, lectures and case studies. They influence target groups by demonstrating the relationships among themes of study. This leads to acquisition of knowledge and change in partici pants’ attitudes. Other than cognitive methods, other examples of training delivery methods are business games, behavior modeling and in-basket techniques. They influence audiences by allowing trainees or participants to practice ethics in simulated or real fashions. According to Axson (2010, p.25), the key components within a performance management plan are the systems (on organizational and personnel structures, project limitations and risks), information, and processes (on planned collaborations).Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Performance and Employees’ Management Tools specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More All these are used by managers in strategizing, monitoring execution, forecasting employee performance and making decisions. It is recommended by various authors that project evaluators should posses the ability to measure or judge key performance indicators. This is drawn from the signific ance that they form benchmarks for ascertaining the project progress and status (Mosse Sontheimer, 1996, p.1). To expound on this explanation, the author established that quantification of the performance indicators helped in organizing project information in a way that clarified the existing relationships among project variables. These variables are unlimited to project inputs, outputs, and outcomes. This promotes and enables the identification of problems and opportunities with a view of providing solutions that enhance the successful attainment of project aim and goals. References Alsever, J. (2007). What is forced ranking? CBS News. Web. Axson, D.A.J. (2010). Best practices in planning and performance management: Radically rethinking management for a volatile world. 3rd edn. John Wiley Sons: New Jersey. Grote, D. (2005). Forced ranking: Making performance management work. Harvard Business School. Web.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Mosse, R. Sontheimer, L.E. (1996). Performance monitoring indicators handbook. World Bank Technical Paper No.334. Washington D.C: The World Bank. This assessment on Performance and Employees’ Management Tools was written and submitted by user Nathalie Hawkins to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Invasion of panama essays

Invasion of panama essays Operation Just Cause: The Truth Behind the Invasion of Panama. In 1501 Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas, sailing west from Venezuela, was the first European to reach the Isthmus of Panama. The Spanish King Ferdinand V saw in Panama a country filled with prospects and resources for years to come. At that early stage, Panama soon became a vital part of world commerce with the creation of the Royal Road or Camino Real. Through this important path, trading became much more efficient as they were able to cross from one ocean to the other at a much faster pace (Speller 26). Panama still is a vital country for commerce around the world, and a highly important country for the new empire, the United States. Having the same idea in mind, almost 4 centuries later, the United States improved on the Royal Road. Only this time it was not a road, it was a waterway. At the end of the 19th century, the United States began construction of the most important and vital waterway in the world, the Panama Canal. Through the Panama Canal, the world once again was able to connect The Pacific and The Atlantic Ocean, in a way that would benefit all. It was then, that the United States became deeply involved in Panama, both diplomatically and physically. Diplomatically, because their relations with the Panamanian government intensified, and physically because after the construction of the Panama Canal, and a new but somewhat biased treaty, they were allowed to move in to Panama and gain control of the land surrounding the panama Canal, known was the Panama Canal Zone (Speller 33). Now, the United States was not protecting a vital but separate country, they were protecting their own. As one book clearly states no property of the United States is of greater economic importance than the Panama Canal. (Speller 1). Soon, any threat to the Canal was a threat not only to Panama but also to the United States, and this became their primary excuse. They ...

Case study for the Nutrition Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

For the Nutrition - Case Study Example Subcutaneous fats insulate the body against the adverse effects of cold temperatures while carbohydrates are normally broken down in the cell to readily provide energy for bodily functions. Question 4: Olive oil has various therapeutic qualities which include reduction or prevention of diseases such as blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, reduce the probability of stroke and certain cancers. Research also proves that it counters aging and promotes positive immune and inflammatory responses to certain conditions such as stroke hence reducing risk of occurrence. Question 7: Since it is winter I would suggest a steamy bowl of macaroni and cheese; brightly coloured fruits, vegetables and healthy fats such as the ones found in nuts and fish which can actually strengthen the body to fight the seasonal depression. He may also microwave frozen raspberries and eat with topping for yogurt; he may also prepare vegetables and a change to whole-grain pasta as healthy alternative. Question 8: You avoid saturated fats found primarily in red meat and dairy products. Eliminate trans-fat which is generally found in fried foods and commercial product such as snack cakes, crackers and

Increasing Education of ADHD Therapies for Pediatric Nurses Research Paper

Increasing Education of ADHD Therapies for Pediatric Nurses - Research Paper Example The treatment methods largely adopted are based on medication which has been found to have mild to extreme effects on the users. These side effects have endangered the life of the users even though they have had a somewhat commendable effect on the individual in regard to the condition. Personally, I have had a chance of attending to an ADHD patient, a 12 year old child who had been placed with me for adoption. The child was diagnosed with ADHD four years ago and has since been on medication and no other complimentary interventions have been initiated to treat the disorder. Being in this situation has prompted me to delve deeper into finding an alternate solution in the treatment of ADHD. Through sufficient and quality research a workable and efficient means of treating ADHD can be arrived at, one that has minimal effect on the individual. In a bid to accomplish this task, this paper will start with an in depth review of ADHD including existent statistics, medication, effects of medi cation, non-medication therapies and their effectiveness in treating ADHD. This will be followed by a look at a viable solution to the ADHD problem and an evaluation of the present obstacles to implementing this solution. In conclusion, it is expected that this study will have availed a new way through which ADHD can effectively be handled with minimal effects to the individual. Literature review The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 5.2 million children aged 3-17 that have already been diagnosed with ADHD in United States. This means that 8.4% of all children have been diagnosed with ADHD (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention 2012). This points to increased diagnoses as a decade earlier lower rates had been reported with the overall diagnoses at the time being 6.9%. Based on gender, reported diagnoses indicate that boys are much more affected than girls, boys ADHD prevalence increased from 9.9% in 2000 to the current level of 12.3%, for g irls the rate in 2000 was 3.6% and this has also increased, though in a lesser magnitude to 5.5% (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention 2012). Another notable variable in the prevalence of ADHD is income levels, in 2000 the prevalence rates were the same across all income groups, but presently the prevalence has increased among children in low income families (100%-199%) as compared to families with income greater or equal to 200%. Lastly, ethnicity also seems to be a notable variable, in 2000 the prevalence rate among non-Hispanic white children ranged from 8.2%-10.6% while that of non-Hispanic black children ranged from 5.1%-9.5% indicating a higher prevalence among non-Hispanic white children (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention 2012). These variations seem to have presently leveled out within non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic black groups. Treatment for ADHD has proceeded on two fronts; biological and psychosocial interventions. Typically, the goal of biological tre atments is to reduce the children’s impulsivity and hyperactivity and to improve their attention skills (Barlow & Durand, 2009). Psychosocial treatments generally focus on broader issues such as improving academic prowess, decreasing troublesome activities, and improving social skills. Although these

Personal statement for graduate admission Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Personal statement for graduate admission - Essay Example This degree program helped me come to terms with the different nuances of Information Technology and allowed me to get acquainted with the web and database quarters. I have been working in different capacities since 2006 which has only made me feel apt with how I have viewed my professional domains and what I expect from life in general. My hard work, I believe, is the key which has given me immense confidence at the end of the day. This is the reason why I have always longed for something interesting and exciting coming my way, asking me to give my best and concentrate wholly and solely towards the task at hand. The new technologies and developments have made me feel aligned towards what I plan to do in my educational quarters. This is the reason why I have chosen the Information Technology field because it excites a person time and again, and gives him the room to shape up his learning tenets as and when required. I have experienced that being at the top of one’s professional domains eventually helps the individual to grow beyond a certain level, and this is exactly what has transformed my life in a number of different ways. My technical skills are aptly driven to achieve results which are not only strategically designed but also aimed at harnessing the skills that I have attained with the passage of time over the years. Since I have gained much insight into how Oracle 10g, Java language, PHP, MS SQL Server and other applications and software are run, I feel that I have turned a leaf within my professional acumen. This is the reason why I find myself head and shoulders above the rest, as this has assisted me in growing and developing my own self over a period of time. In the end, I would request the authorities at the helm of affairs to consider my case for graduate admission because I opine that I am the best fit. My aim is to give the very best and this can only be

Strategic Management of Information Systems

Strategic Management of Information Systems A literature review of the strategic use of information systems/technology in the modern business environment To run a successful business in this modern day, todays management teams need to combine business skills along with a substantial understanding of information systems and the opportunities and benefits that this knowledge of information systems brings to a business. Understanding the basic concepts is a necessity for organisations in the world of business today. Understanding what Information system suits your organisation along with being able to develop and manage an efficient business information system is a huge advantage for an organisation. (Pearlson Saunders) Information systems are part of almost every aspect of business. (Pearlson Saunders). Everyone involved in the management of a business need to understand how business and information systems function and operate together. (Pearlson Saunders) Very often, it is evident that managers claim ignorance of IS issues without losing prominence among their peers. This doesnt tend to happen regarding other functions of the business such as marketing or finance, as a lack of knowledge in these areas would earn colleagues contempt. Business managers have no issue in participating in most company decisions been those that are outside their regular expertise, IS seems to be the one exception. This approach amongst business managers have been traceable to the historic role that IS has obtained in businesses. In the past technology was thought of as an administrative overhead and treated a support. It was not valued as a factor in significant management decisions. Todays environment is extremely different as if that view was present in organizations it would cost them market share and could lead to the failure of an organization as that is how critical IS systems are to organizations now. (Pearlson Saunders) employing information systems strategically to achieve organisational goals. Taking a problem-solving approach, Business Information Systems looks at information systems theory within the context of the most recent business and technological advances. (Pearlson Saunders) Information systems can be the combination of technology, people and the process that an organisation uses to create and manage information (Saunders, 2013). Most the issues organisations experience and face in the modern business world are either triggered by IT or are a ramification of it. Information systems are continuously on the carping path of a business change programme (Feeny, 2000). Organizations need to optimally can use IS and information resources to influence competitive forces. With the realisation of this it has become apparent that the strategic management of IS has never been more critical to a businesss success (Peppard, 2010 and 2001). It is important for Information systems in organisations to be treated as a critical strategic resource, although this is not always the case and can be where organizations weaken themselves. It is the key enabler of organisational change, it is essential for businesses to be able to change with the economy and the environment in to days business world that is constantly evolving. An issue in organizations gaining competitive advantage by using IS is the lack of participation by managers in IS decisions. IS is a tool business managers can use to fight challenges from competitors, it can facilitate or constrain opportunities and possible new strategies for businesses. It is evident that understanding the basic concepts about using and managing information systems is valuable and worth investing the time in. The knowledge gap the lack of understanding among executive management of the nature and role of IS within an organisation, which is often exacerbated by the prevalence of technology orientated language unknown outside of the IS domain (Stephens 1993). The issue of these symptoms of disconnect then prevail into many consequences thus in the failure of the information systems operation to build a common vision of information systems throughout the organisation. This can also be from senior managements failing to engage with the information strategy during the development. (jones, 1995) A significant issue with Information systems is that it is generally considered as a cost rather than a strategic asset. Organisations suffer because they find difficulties in transforming good ideas into action. The creation of silo projects across the organisation that are not integrated into an overall corporate strategy (Kaarst-Brown 2005). IS is a useful tool to fight competitive challenges. Competition arises from both anticipated and unanticipated areas, which is why general managers tend to be in the best position to be able to identify a developing threat and can apply IS effectively to fight or handle ever changing competitive challenges. (Pearlson Saunders). General managers often are involved in demonstrating and comparing how their systems, technology programmes and products compare to their competition. An understanding of IS and how it integrates and supports the competitive view for the business. (Pearlson Saunders) Businesses have had to redesign existing business models that they had in place with the customer pull and power of social media. Businesses must account and adapt to the constant growing and changing social media outlets. Social media facilitates the ever-powerful voice of consumers, and businesses goals along with understanding the proficiency of the company can create a competitive advantage and change the businesses mustnt make the mistake in not listening. Businesses are constantly looking for ways to redesign the customer experience, customers interactions with the business are the focus of many managers with IS enabling and enhancing the interaction between the organization and the customer. Using social IT facilitates new and sometimes more rooted relationships with customers while attracting the social demographic of customers. Business are learning how to integrate and leverage these aspects into their business models and how to construct new business models that facilitate these variables. IS strategy Triangle The information systems strategy triangle relates the business strategy of an organization with IS strategy and organizational strategy. This triangle suggests that successfully organizations have an overriding business strategy that influences both the organizational strategy and IS strategy. Successful organizations have the three strategies well balanced. Strategically designing the organization strategy and the IS strategy of a company to correlate their business strategy. IS strategy can impact and be impacted by changes in organizations business and organizational strategies. Each attribute on the triangle can impact and be impacted by the other two. In the scenario of a firms business strategy being designed in such a way that it uses IS to gain strategic advantage, it will mean that the authority position in IS could only be supported by continued innovation. The three strategies must constantly be adjusted. (Pearlson Saunders) IS strategy always having consequences so it is crucial to consider the business and organizational strategies when designing IS formation. Organizations will only reach success if each aspects of the triangle are specifically tailored. (Pearlson Saunders) Porters Generic Strategies Framework       Michael Porter identified three primary strategies for achieving competitive advantage and sustaining competitive advantage. (Pearlson Saunders) The issue with Porters model and the variants is that the rate of change is not as easily managed and sustained anymore. Organizations sell their goods/services in a highly competitive marketplace, Porters framework aids managers in understanding their choice of strategy and how it enables them to achieve advantage. Porters Value Chain a process view of the organization The value chain draws on how information systems add value to the fundamental movements of an organizations internal operations and supporting that and of its customers and the other attributes of its supply chain. Information resources can be recognised as assets or capabilities. information Resources can be identified as technology, data, people and the processed that exist in an organization. Analysis and findings Higher levels of management and CEOs that manage the management teams continue to condone disregard in this area relative to other business functions. Some consequences of the lack of collusion between the two are; the overspending on underperforming projects, Miss-alignment of resources, Misalignment of functional areas and organisational systems, Ongoing failure of IS for the organisation, organizations goal under-achieved, Organisation is susceptible to the competitive environment and risk of company failure. These are some of the consequences businesses are allowing themselves to become susceptible to by not closing the Gap and integrating the two. An organisation needs to have valuable and rare resources acquired that they can leverage to ensure a superior resource position to enable them to attain competitive advantage. A valuable resource is a resource that allows a firm to operate more efficiently or effectively. It becomes a rare resource when other organizations dont possess it and it is unique to a specific organization. Being able to have a rare resource optimizes the possibilities of success for an organization and provides opportunity in market share. For example, customers expect banks to have ATMs in a vast amount of convenient locations, nowadays a bank wouldnt consider operating without having ATMs swell, therefore this is not a rare resource and do not offer a competitive advantage. (Pearlson Saunders) A lot of organizations that invested in information systems were naÃÆ' ¯ve in thinking that once they obtained a competitive advantage that they would maintain it long term. To sustain an organizations competitive advantage long term there needs to be constant innovation and the organization needs to protect itself against resource imitation, substitution, or transfer. (Pearlson Saunders) Often when companies within an industry imitate other companys successful systems, this often happens with logistic models within a companys supply chain. The self-scan self-service checkouts in supermarkets was at first a novelty and a competitive advantage for one, but then imitations were vastly created by many supermarkets making them become almost an expectation in the eyes of the customer. When competitors build similar systems, organizations lose advantages they may have attained from there is and competition within an industry driven by forces that had existed before the new technology. (Pearlson Saunders) Social IT platforms are now the most rampant evolution of applications, processes and strategic opportunities in a new evolution for organizations striving to adapt there is strategies for their internal and external circumstances. Managers invest a lot of time trying to control and monitor elements that can influence their organizations competitive environment, to ensure they are aware of all elements they must strategically look at it from different views. Three views can enable a manager to align IS strategy with the business strategy. The use of Porters five competitive forces to interpret the influences of the organizations competitive environment, along with the ability to alter the five forces to boost the firms status. The value chain to judge the operations internally and links in its supply chain. The value chain of the organization should then be assessed to decipher the opportunities available for an organization to gain competitive advantage. Finally focusing on the specific IS resources required to gain and sustain competitive advantage for the organization. The three views combined allow a manager a variance of perspectives hat it can identify strategic opportunities to apply to an organizations information resources. (Pearlson Saunders) Risks of information resources in gaining advantage When IS are used as the route to bolster advantage against an organizations competitor, management should be aware of the risks the organization may face. These risks can arise as demonstrating bad timing, customers are often not ready to use updated technology. Awakening a sleeping giant, implementing an IS can lead to encouraging a competitor with a broader scope and bigger advantage to implement the same with enhanced features and end up gaining the advantage instead of you. Implementing IS poorly, failing IS that had potential but results in being below par followed through and poorly implemented. These would usually be quite complex global systems. Failing to deliver what the user wants, systems that dont meet the needs or the target market are susceptible to fail. These are just some of the risks an organization takes when using this approach and it is crucial for them to be cautious when implanting IS strategies. Technology has become entwined with all the standard functions of organizations. IT is a critical resource for modern day businesses as it both supports and absorbs an important amount of an organizations resources. Similarly, the other three dominant types of business resources, people money and machines, it needs to be managed carefully Michael Porters Five Competitive Forces model presents a framework for discussing strategic advantage, and his Value Chain model explains calculated methods for businesses to how they can network processes to build strategic alliances. a companys overall business strategy will drive all other strategies. IS links into all aspects of a business, IS is very much the foundation of a lot of supply chain models and is strongly linked into a companys supply chain system. IT spends a major portion of corporate budgets therefore it is sensible that organizations safeguard it is being optimally used within company strategies to bolster their competitive adva ntage. As discussed there are many attributes in the process that IS is used by organizations to gain competitive advantage within its industry market. References   Ã‚   Anonymous [online], Available from: . Bocij, P., Greasley, A. and Hickie, S. (2015) Business Information Systems: Technology, Development and Management for the e-Business , 5th Ed: Pearson education. Boddy, D., Boonstra, A. and Kennedy, G. (2008) Managing Information Systems Strategy and Organisation, third edition Ed: Pearson education. Brian Dempsey. Lecture Notes [online], Available from: . Dempsey, B. Lecture Notes [online], Available from: . Keri E. Pearlson, Carol S. Saunders Strategic Management of Information Systems, fifth edition Ed: John Wiley Sons Inc. McNurlin, B.C. and Sprague, R.H.J. Information Systems Management in Practice, seventh Ed: prentice hall. Robson, W. (1997) Strategic Management Information Systems, second edition Ed: Pearson education limited. Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown Department of Business I declare that the work I/We am(are) submitting for assessment by the Institute examiner(s) is entirely my(our) own work, except where the author or source has been duly referenced and attributed. I/We confirm that this material has not been previously submitted for a degree or any other qualification at ITB or any at other institution. I/We further confirm that I/We have read and understood the Institute policy on plagiarism in assignments and examinations (3AS08.doc) and that I/We am/are not, so far as I/We am/are aware, in breach of any of these regulations. Name : Lauren Holland Student ID : B00059572 Course : Bachelor of Business studies Module : Strategic management of Information systems Signed : Date : 23/03/17

Dostoevsky was an Anti-Semite Essay -- Biography Biographies Essays

Dostoevsky was an Anti-Semite Literary anti-Semitism is as old as Western culture itself. A full listing of writers who have expressed hostility toward Jews and/or Judaism--from Shakespeare to T.S. Eliot, from Pushkin to Pasternak, etc.--would add up to a Who's Who of Western literature.1 Undoubtedly, Dostoevsky follows in this tradition. It is disparaging, however, that as the true novelist of ideas and Christian love, Dostoevsky could harbor such ill will towards the Jews. Does this not discredit everything he has written? This paper will address Dostoevsky's anti-Semitism through an examination of Isay Fomitch Bumstein in The House of the Dead, the Messianic idea in The Devils, and 'the little demon' in The Brothers Karamazov. Furthermore, this paper will question the moral implications of Dostoevsky's Christian message given his anti-Semitic posture. It will suggest that while he was indeed an anti-Semite, one can continue to read Dostoevsky's work without feeling that his message was a complete sham.2 Until The House of the Dead, Jews were practically absent from Dostoevsky's writings.3 But beginning with this book in 1862, the Jew and the Jewish question assume a place of growing importance in Dostoevsky's thought. The eight years of military and penal servitude in Siberia expose Dostoevsky to both criminals and Jews alike. Unlike Gogol, who in his native Ukraine had observed firsthand the hostility between the Ukrainians and Jews, Dostoevsky did not have any direct experience with Jews, because there were few Jews living in St. Petersburg.4 It is in the House of the Dead that Dostoevsky, for the first time, depicts a Jewish character: Isay Fomitch Bumstein (IV, 61). Dostoevsky pays considerable attention to ... ...id., pg. 30. 8 Goldstein, pg. 50. 9 Ibid., pg. 55. 10 Ibid, pg. 50. 11 Goldstein, pg. 56. 12 Ibid., pg. 51. 13 Goldstein, pg. 155. 14 Goldstein, pg. 156. 15 Joseph Frank, xi. 16 David Singer, pg. 21. 17 Joseph Frank, xii. 18 Ibid., pg. xiv. Bibliography: 1. Dostoevsky, Fyodor, The Brothers Karamazov. The Garnnet Translation, revised by Ralph E. Matlaw. W.W. Norton & Company, New York. 1976. 2.Dostoevsky, Fyodor, Devils. New translation by Michael R. Katz. Oxford University Press. Oxford. 1992. 3. Dostoevsky, Fyodor, The House of the Dead. The Garnet Translation. The MacMillan Company, New York, 1950. 4. Goldstein, David I. Dostoevsky and the Jews, with forward by Joseph Frank. University of Texas Press, Austin. 1981. 5. Singer, David, "An Anti-Semitic Genius." Book Review in The New Leader. May 18, 1991, volume 64.

Jet Blue Airways Case Study

Crafting and Executing Strategy Jet Blue Airways case study In 2008 businesses began to cut back on employee travel, and consumers tried to save money and used stay-cations instead of vacations, during a summer the U. S. economy slowed and oil prices rose; jet fuel prices went through the roof as a result. to offset the higher fuel costs, airlines began increasing revenues by means such as: fuel surcharges, charges for the first checked bag, charging for blankets, pillows, and headphones, and finally lowering wages and grounding airplanes.Some airlines didn’t survive, some decided to form a merger to try to buoy the rising costs. Beyond cost, there was the prospect of increasing competition, shortages in pilots, flying schools lacked instructors, and labor costs. Some companies as a result of the impact of these new changes employed a new tactic of their own: large airlines would steal pilots from smaller companies, luring them with better pay and benefits. JetBlue’s st rategy was to be a company that would combine the low fares of a discount airline carrier with the comforts similar to a den in people’s homes.Passengers could save money while they ate gourmet snacks, sat in leather seats, and watched television. The goal overall, was to bring humanity back to air travel. 3. Discuss Jet Blue’s financial objectives and whether or not the company has been successful in achieving these objectives. JetBlue was a discount airline carrier, offering passengers low fares, point to point systems, and maintained quick turnaround times at airports. Its operating costs were low, especially in comparison to other major airlines.The company’s turnaround time was 20-30 minutes, because they did not serve meals, meaning they did not have to wait for catering services; flight attendants stowed carry-on bags in overhead bins, and everyone on staff helped to throw away the trash after each flight. The company’s organizational culture was a strong one, and it achieved extraordinary results by implementing five steps: defining the company values, hire employees that mirrored company values, exceed employee xpectations, listen to customers, and create the organizational culture. First step; defining the company’s values: safety, caring, integrity, fun and passion. These values guided the decision making process for employees. Safety was a number one priority, and to exhibit their commitment to safety, JetBlue teamed up with Medaire Inc. , so that crew members could immediately consult with land based physicians anytime a passenger fell ill; it was also the first airline to install Kevlar cockpit doors and surveillance cameras.Step two was to hire employees that mirrored the company’s values. During the hiring process, JetBlue wanted to hear that a candidate had done something special for someone else. The third and fourth steps involved ensuring that the company continued to exceed employee expectations an d to ensure that it listened to its customers. The final step in creating the company’s organizational culture was to create a culture of excellence; the company had to continually improve its services and set itself apart from its competitors.Jet Blue’s strategies for 2008 and beyond included following several new strategies: To reevaluate the ways the company was using its assets, reduce capacity and cut costs, raise fares and grow in select markets, offer improved services for corporations and business travelers, form strategic partnerships, and increase ancillary revenues. (Thompson, Jr. , Strickland, III. , Gamble, 2010). During the deployment of these strategies, Jet Blue further laid out their plans.To reduce capacity and cut costs, JetBlue agreed to sell nine used Airbus A320s in 2008, which netted a cash gain of $100 million. The company delayed the delivery of 21 new Airbus A320s, which were scheduled for 2009-2011, to 2014 and 2015. This allowed JetBlue to p ut off payment for the airplanes, and save on operating expenses. (Thompson, Jr. , et al; C-72). The company suspended service in and out of several states, and cancelled plans for service between Los Angeles International Airport and Boston and New York.Doing so helped save money on fuel expenses. JetBlue started to employ their plan to grow in selective markets, and raise its fares. In March 2008, JetBlue announced that Orlando would become a focus city, and that it would open service between Orlando and Cancun, Mexico, as well as Orlando and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This would become tentatively approved to be Orlando’s only service to South America. Also in March 2008, JetBlue’s average one-way fare reached a high of $138.This was still very competitive with other airline carriers. According to the U. S. Department of Transportation, the average domestic fare in 2007 was $331. JetBlue made efforts to appeal to business travelers by introducing refundable fares, and allowed corporate meeting planners to receive meeting specific discounts as well as a complimentary travel certificate for every 40 customers booked to the same event destination. The company entered into a five-year agreement with Expedia Inc. to reach leisure travelers.The goal of forming strategic partnerships was achieved when it developed an agreement with Aer Lingus that let passengers make a single reservation between Ireland and 40 different destinations in the U. S, via JetBlue’s hub John F Kennedy international airport. It also developed a marketing partnership with the Massachusetts based Cape Air, so passengers could transfer between the two carriers to get to places such as Hyannis, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. References http://www. flightglobal. com/news/articles/interview-jetblue-chief-executive-dave-barger-345289/

Should the Legal Drinking Age be Changed to 18

Should the Legal Drinking Age be Changed to 18 One of the hottest topics of debate in today’s world is the legal drinking age. The reason why this topic is much debated nowadays is because of the fact that many people are of the opinion that a person is grown up at the age of 18 and has a clear understanding of what is wrong or right at this age. Most people in the United States, do not regard the legal drinking age as the right one, in other words, they do not agree with it.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Should the Legal Drinking Age be Changed to 18? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Many citizens strongly argue that the legal age to buy, possess or purchase alcohol drinks should be 18 years rather than 21. Taking into consideration that the American citizens are allowed to vote at the age of 18 years, this seems to be quite a valid point of argument, however, drinking age is not changed to 18 years as teenagers are considered not to be capable of getti ng over alcohol at such tender age. The current age limit is the correct age as a person is matured enough at the age of 21 and knows his/ her social responsibility.   Lowering the age to 18 years old would only bring about chaos in the life of a teenager as it is the age when they are careless and reckless. â€Å"The teenage brain is not just an adult brain with fewer miles on it,† says Frances E. Jensen, a professor of neurology. â€Å"It’s a paradoxical time of development. These are people with very sharp brains, but they’re not quite sure what to do with them† (Ruder par. 2). Legal drinking age should not be changed to 18 as teenagers still do not understand their mental hardwiring, thus it would only lead to much chaos in their lives which will result in more drinking problems as teenagers are more subjected to some of alcohols effects than the adults are. Teenagers neither understand nor have a complete control of their life. â€Å"Teen brains, for example, are more susceptible than their adult counterparts to alcohol-induced toxicity. Jensen highlights an experiment in which rat brain cells were exposed to alcohol, which blocks certain synaptic activity. When the alcohol was washed out, the adult cells recovered while the adolescent cells remained â€Å"disabled.†Ã¢â‚¬  (Ruder par. 9). Teenagers are more prone to addiction than adults and if they are given the license to drink it would only result in numerous teenagers becoming alcoholics. Their brains are still not developed and they are more vulnerable to bad influences from the outside. Many people are of the opinion that lowering the age is desirable as we are just suppressing the young people and it makes alcohol more desirable for them as they are not allowed to drink it by the law.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the contrary, lowering the age would not in any way be beneficial for them as it would rather increase their ability to obtain alcohol freely which in turn would produce countless teenage alcoholics. â€Å"The adolescent brain is still undergoing several maturational processes that render it more vulnerable to some of the effects of substances† (Tapert par. 4). Teenagers are not in a position to make right judgments. Human and animal studies, as Jensen and Urion note, have shown that the brain grows and changes continually in young people- and that it is only about 80 percent developed in adolescents† (Ruder par. 5). Therefore, the legal age of drinking should be not lowered as it is irresponsible as well as immoral to hand over alcohol to teenagers who are mentally unstable at their age. Lowering the drinking age would only lead to chaos in teenagers’ lives which would also result in more drinking problems. â€Å"Adolescence is a time of transition, physically, socially, and emotionally. The adolescent brain is in transition as well (Giedd et al. par. 2). Despite the fact that all vital functional and structural changes happen in the brain all through the childhood to adulthood, it is during the adolescent period that such changes mostly occur. (Alcohol and Adolescent Brain Development par. 2). Teenagers are easily influenced; they are not in that stage of life when judgments are correct and their acts are conscious. If the age is lowered, many teenagers would be trapped as they are more prone to addiction to alcohol than adults. It would, in its turn, impact the choices the teens make, which would often be wrong that will negatively influence their whole lives. Teenage years is the period when it is impossible to have a complete control of things as the brain formation has not been completed yet. If teenagers are addicted to something, it becomes very difficult for them to give up bad habits. â€Å"During adolescence, the brain undergoes a major remodeling involv ing the formation of new connections between nerve cells, as well as the pruning of existing synaptic connections. These changes affect the processes involved in planning and decision making, impulse control, voluntary movement, memory, and speech production, among others† (Rubia et al. par. 3). Therefore, it is not right to treat teenagers as adults and give them the responsibilities those of adults.   It would also be highly irresponsible to give them the freedom to drink as 18 is not the right age to make mature decisions in life.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Should the Legal Drinking Age be Changed to 18? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More â€Å"Research also suggests that adolescents are less sensitive than adults to some of alcohols effects. For example, adolescent rats, on their first exposure to alcohol, are less susceptible than adult rats to alcohols sedative effects, as well as its effects on ba lance and motor coordination† (Little et al. White et al.). Teenager’s brain is not fully developed which makes it more vulnerable to alcohol-induced toxicity than an adults brain. They should be protected from making the wrong choices in life so basically alcohol is definitely not the right thing to do. From the above discussion it is clear and evident that the legal drinking age should not be changed to 18. The legal drinking age should not be lowered as teenagers of 18 still do not understand their necessities; it would only lead to bigger chaos in their lives resulting in more drinking problems since teenagers are less stable and resistant to some of the alcohols effects. Alcohol and Adolescent Brain Development. 2008. AddictionInfo.org. 2008. Web. Ruder, Debra Bradley. The Teen Brain. Harvard Magazine. 2008. Web. Tapert Trudeau, Michelle. Teen Drinking May Cause Irreversible Brain Damage. NPR. 2007. Web.

Writing Tips for Kids Text More to Be a Better Writer!

Writing Tips for Kids Text More to Be a Better Writer! Many people have requested my commiseration on the issue of texting (text messaging) and the demise of the English language.   Isn’t it horrible, they say, how this new form of writing where â€Å"hmwrk† means â€Å"homework,† â€Å"4wrd† means â€Å"forward† and â€Å"2mro† passes for â€Å"tomorrow† has destroyed the ability of our youth to spell properly? Well, at least one study of pre-high school students in Great Britain, as reported by the BBC, has shown that using texting lingo and chat abbreviations is not a problem for the future integrity of the English language, and that it might actually help students learn to spell properly.   After all, it takes some actual thought to spell â€Å"4wrd† in this creative way and to understand why it can be spelled this way at all.   Rather than blindly copy words letter for letter without thinking, students must understand why they are spelling words the way they are spelling them. I personally love the abbreviations and language of texting.   It’s a language all 2 itself.   And it’s nearly impossible to make a spelling or grammatical error, so I get a rest from my otherwise constant grammatical vigilance.   Perhaps the best part is that texting makes writing fun!   (NB:   â€Å"fun† is a noun, not an adjective, in that sentence.) I have no difficulty switching from txtng one moment to writing in full English sentences the next.   If as I suggested, txt-speak is its own language, why would young people, who learn languages with so much more ease than do their adult counterparts, have any more difficulty than I do in becoming â€Å"bilingual† in text message shorthand and formal English? I’m pleased that my opinions on this subject are not wholly unsupported.   The aforementioned BBC News article reported â€Å"rather than damaging reading and writing, ‘text speak’ is associated with strong literacy skills.†Ã‚   In fact, the more fluency a student had with informal â€Å"text-speak,† the more skills that student was found to develop in formal English writing. This report was an interim installment and further information will be released in 2011.   4 now, however, I am encouraged and will continue to txt away.   U might want 2 encourage ur kids 2 do it 2. Want to be sure your writing has the right tone, formal or informal, for what you need? Contact The Essay Expert. We 3 gr8 writing! Category:Grammar Writing TipsBy Brenda BernsteinNovember 7, 2010

Pursuasive letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pursuasive letter - Essay Example Undoubtedly, my teachers do a great deal of job in providing us, the students, appropriate grades that we deserve based on a given criteria. Everyone is aware that the list of criteria includes, but is not limited to, class attendance and test results. I do not deny the fact that my responsibilities at work have kept me from attending class a few times. Not only have I been able to miss the lectures, but I sometimes miss quizzes as well. On the other hand, not being physically present in class means I am intellectually incapable of doing what other students in class are capable of performing and understanding. Moreover, I also take extra credits in class in order to make up for those times I have missed class. Although I have been passionate about learning and understanding the things that are being taught in class, my test results do not show so. However, these test results are just fragments of what I have learned about the subject. Real knowledge is represented best by an individual’s ability to put the theories and its understanding into application in real life. In class, I have never been to any heated argument with my teachers or classmates. To my knowledge, I work diligently as I try to make sure to perform all the duties I am expected to do at work. In my opinion, a student who puts into practice what he has learned in class deserves to be given an A better than a student who comes in class every day, takes a test, gets a good grade, yet do nothing but picks on his classmates and looks down on just anybody. Furthermore, I think getting an A would just be enough of a motivation to shoot up my scholastic

Academic Integrity & Plagiarism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Academic Integrity & Plagiarism - Research Paper Example Some of the fundamental values of academic integrity include fairness, honesty, trust, respect, and responsibility. When a student fails to meet the standards of academic integrity, he cannot develop these values which are the major elements influencing his personality. According to the Code of Conduct of Walden University, a student’s academic integrity is inevitable for tutors/professors to evaluate whether or not a student has met the standards of academic excellence. In other words, teachers cannot assess a student’s progress in the specific area of study if he practices academic dishonesty. Undoubtedly, this situation would adversely affect the academic performance of students. As experts point out, academic integrity would assist students to be genuine in their studies and to develop their long term career through quality innovations. According to the Code of Conduct of Walden University, academic integrity also contributes to an individual’s professional d evelopment and long term career growth. In an academic environment, it is inevitable for students to demonstrate respect for others’ ideas being professional and honest.... It is to be noted that plagiarism not only refers to the world-for-word copying of another piece of work, but also a close reproduction of the original work (Code of conduct). The second step for students to avoid plagiarism is to be familiar with the topic that they are talking about. Students can write more in their own words if they have in-depth knowledge about the topic. It is particularly advisable for students to restate the subject a number of times as this practice would enable them to express a borrowed idea in their own style and without any resemblance to the original one. By including a bibliography or works cited section in the paper, students can properly cite the quotes and sources they used for the work. If the student is doubtful regarding the use of any quoted idea, it is better to give credit to the author so as to avoid plagiarism issues. It is identified that most of the students become prone to plagiarism charges while paraphrasing others’ ideas. It is a dvisable for students not to paraphrase in a way that would closely resemble the original sentences. Finally, students must have good understanding of some basics of copyright so as to avoid plagiarism. Self-plagiarism Self-plagiarism happens if a student replicates any portion of his previous works for obtaining credit in another course, or an author reproduces some parts of his previous writings in his/her subsequent papers. However, it must be noted that self-plagiarism does not constitute intellectual theft although it represents an act of academic dishonesty. The concept of self-plagiarism has been a hot debated topic because many scholars argue that this