Strategic Management Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Strategic Management Plan - Essay Example In reference to the reports and records from leading economist, they advocate that, any strategic plan should begin with the initiatives from the stakeholders (Mintzberg, 2007, p.37). In precision, strategic management is an activity under a high level of managerial practices whose basis is goals over tactics. This means that the management team must formulate goals which will out do its competitors’ strategies. By so doing, the organization will have the capability of maintaining a sustainable share in the competitive business environment. This is an article discussing the strategic management plan of PPQ Parts. It s location is in United States and it is leading in meeting its customers demand. The company has not set strong root in reference to its international business structure. The article analyzes the firm’s strategic plans for the next 4 years so as to meet the gaps in its structure. Among the company’s, four years strategic plans are:- 1. Increasing the number employees by from 5,000 to 10,000 (the 5,000 employees work in the branches within USA). 2. Increasing of equipment for international expansion will rise by 80% 3. Increasing the company’s world market share from 5% to 9% 4. Increasing the stock price from $10 to $22 5. Increasing annual profit share from 6% to 13% (the firm’s annually average profits is6%) 6. ... one its corporate value) Other short term goals of the company are reduction in expenditures, high level of security, creativity and innovation, among others. This will act as the subsidiaries of the long term goals (Mintzberg, 2007, p.37). Environmental scanning of current conditions This is an explanation of the ongoing activities in the economy world. It encompasses different items, which in one way or the other may deter the achievement of the goals. These situations may also favor the achievement of the goal. It is the duty of management together with the other stakeholder to ensure that all stabling blocks do not affect the objectives. This will only be met by coordination and communication between different parties in the organization. In reference to the environment, there are many factors affect the process of meeting long term plans. This is because the plans work on the basis assumptions, by putting some of the parameters as constants yet they are not definite. These varia bles include changes in the economy, prevailing competition, and political stability (Chandler, 2010, p. 45). Economy PPQ is a company in the United; the national has a stable economy, thus favoring the stability of the economy. This is as a result of the government’s measures in protecting the business environment of the country. For the strategic plan to realist, the management of the company should consider the possibilities of changes the value of money. This is because, within the four years, there may be differences like those experienced in the year 2008 (global recessions resulting from changes in the price of oil). The company should be ready to offer terms that increase the rate of stock turnover. Other strategies, which are applicable to these instances, are innovation and

The structure of the legal profession in the United Kingdom Essay

The structure of the legal profession in the United Kingdom - Essay Example The essential difference between the two was that a barrister could represent a client in court, whereas a plain solicitor could not (Farley, 2001). A brief explanation of the reasons given for the division between the two types of lawyers will explain both the advantages and disadvantages of the fused system that has now been proposed and appears to be inevitable in the near future. The barrister was traditionally trained at one of the Inns of Court, and undertook both formal legal training and practical experience under the pupilage of a senior barrister. This system was meant to ensure that there was a relatively small but highly experienced group of trial advocates who would give the highest quality of representation to clients whose cases actually got to court, and who would also maintain a smoothly running court because they were specialists in that procedure (Hailsham, 1983). There were also other reasons given for having a separation between barristers and solicitors. These include the fact that having an independent barrister reviewing a cause for action enables the client to receive a fresh and independent opinions. The barrister system also enables smaller firms of solicitors to compete with larger firms as they all have access to the same independent barristers (who are legally barred from forming partnerships). A barrister can also act as a kind of check and balance on a solicitor during the trial, and if incompetence is seen may advise the client on a possible cause for action against the solicitor. The disadvantages of the barrister system are supposedly many, and these are starting to outweigh the perceived advantages throughout the British legal system. These include the fact that having more than one legal adviser leads to higher costs. It is also argued that as barristers depend upon solicitors for their work referrals, they are unlikely to criticize them. Thus the "checks and balances" idea is somewhat offset by the fact that a barrister is unlikely to bite the hand that feeds him/her. The over-specialization of barristers means that they may not have sufficient legal exposure outside of their fields and thus may not in fact give the best representation in cases that overlap several areas of the law (Clementi, 2004). As the government has suggested the legal system in Britain is widely regarded as "outdated, inflexible, over-complex and insufficiently accountable or transparent" (Clementi, 2004). The idea that the two major sections of the legal service system:- solicitor and barrister - should be fused together, is currently gaining steam within the United Kingdom. The main thrust for future developments is to be found within the very title of the government's latest policy issuance on the subject: The Future of Legal Services: Putting Consumers First (Crown, 2005). The government is careful not to suggest that those solicitors and barristers that currently work separately are in general offering bad services to their clients, stating that "the professional competence of lawyers is not in doubt . . . the caliber of many of our legal professionals is among the best in the world" (Crown, 2005). But the report goes on to say that "many consumers are finding that they are not receiving a good or fair deal." In response to this the government seeks to produce a legal system that is "efficient, effective and economic" and which will be a "transparent and accountable industry" (Crown,

Asnwer 2 questions need to be answered Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Asnwer 2 questions need to be answered - Essay Example More so, outdoor media like billboards contain features that attract and captures the needed attention from the pedestrians, and that is why it offers the best business opportunity. This is a fact because irrespective of technological revolution that advanced mass media offers, like efficient means of mass communication, social networking and advertisements, the outdoor media still dominates the mass media industry (Gosselin, 2007). Though the print media through magazines and other printed materials could offer the best business opportunities, online media have challenged it by presenting printed information via the internet; hence, allowing outdoor media to be the major traditional industry to stand out in the digital world and offer the best business opportunities. The media industry that faces the greatest challenge in the digital universe is the print media. The print media use physical objects like newspapers, books and other physical aspects relay its message. The print media existed since the 15th century and gradually grew to a reliable source of information over the centuries until it started diminishing in the 21st century (Fingleton, 2009). The greatest challenge that faces the print industry is the rising generation of consumers who yearn for efficiency and speed in acquiring any form of presented information. This same generation finds it hard attending libraries or visiting the magazine stalls to buy printed pieces of information, and still find it tiresome to peruse over numerous pages in search of the needed content. The other reason that challenges the print media is availability of the internet, which seems to grant the rising generation the right thing by allowing them acquire any needed content from any book or magazine throu gh online. This is a fact because internet sources like Google books and Amazon grants

Story Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Story Analysis - Essay Example In Araby, this corruptible nature of women is also depicted. The narrator, a young boy, believes that in order to get the attention and love of Mangan’s sister, he needs to buy her gifts. In addition, the stories show that women are servants of the men. For instance in The Dead, the story opens b showing that Lily helped the men remove their coats. The two stories also depict women as symbols or figures of love and beauty. This is one aspect used by women to control men. In The Dead, Gabriel is attracted to Lily’s beauty, and this forces him to ask her about her love life. In addition, during the dance, Gabriel is attracted o his former love, Gretta. In both cases, the author shows that women can gain some form of control or influence in men through their beauty. In Araby, the narrator is attracted to Mangan’s sister to the extent that these feelings take control of him. For instance, he says that the image of Mangan’s sister accompanies him to places most hostile to romance and her name sprang to his lips during times of prayers and praises. He literally followed her every morning to

Management Change Excercise Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management Change Excercise - Research Paper Example The steps include creation of urgency, development of powerful coalition, creation of a change vision, communication of the change vision, eradication of obstacles, creation of short-term success goals, building on the change, and integration of change into the corporate culture of the organization (Mind Tools, 2012).The first step in the process of change management requires the organizational leaders to convince the organizational personnel that a certain change needs to be there on urgent basis because of certain reasons (Coutts, 2000). If this action is not taken, people would underestimate the need of change. In the second step, the organizational leaders need to develop a team which facilitates gaining of people’s consent for change implementation. If this action is not taken, much more effort would be required to convince individuals because they would be scattered and not members of the same team. In the third step, the leader needs to develop a relation between change and a big vision in order to make it easier for the followers to realize what is happening. If this action is not taken, followers would have subjective idea of what is happening. In the fourth step, measures need to be taken to quickly communicate the change and spread the vision. If this action is not taken, there would not be uniformity of approach due to lack of information in certain followers. In the fifth step, the leader needs to recognize the barriers in the way of implementation of change and do whatever is required to remove them. If this action is not taken, the change process is likely to be interrupted along the way. In the sixth step, the leader should appreciate together with the followers the achievement of intermediary goals. If this action is not taken, followers might lose interest as there is little realization of achievement of preliminary goals. In the seventh step, the leader should emphasize upon a need for the followers to continue working in the same dire ction so that the achievement of preliminary goals leads to the attainment of the ultimate goal. If this action is not taken, followers might become over-confident and not do the needful. In the eighth step, the followers need to be motivated to constantly review the change process and keep modifying it to attain optimal results. If this action is not taken, the change may not bring the desired results. Each of the eight steps included in the Kotter’s model is essentially an action that requires a complete strategy to be taken effectively. Implementation of change and its management as suggested by Kotter requires sound management skills in an individual. As a manager, I have good oratory skills and thus, can convince people or for the least, present my opinion in an apprehensible manner. I am good at taking actions pertaining to all the steps of Kotter’s eight step model generally. However, I need a little improvement in the fourth, seventh and eighth step. This is be cause of the fact that I am a little careless due to which, I might not be able to make sure that the process of change is communicated to all of the organizational personnel. This requires a bit of organization on my part. I find it difficult to recollect myself if the continuity in a process is broken. So after the sixth step, in which I as a manager would celebrate preliminary goals with the organizational personnel, it might be difficult for me to develop the focus again to make sure that

Pilot fatigue as a causal factor in aviation accidents Essay Example for Free

Pilot fatigue as a causal factor in aviation accidents Essay This paper aims to delve into the processes and effects of pilot fatigue and its role as a causal factor in aviation accidents. Pilot fatigue as a term is hard to define since different kind of people feel it in different ways and in certain degrees. For the purpose of this paper, however, we will define pilot fatigue as a state of mental and physical exhaustion resulting in a decrease in the ability to perform and maintain activities. The paper will examine the causes of pilot fatigue, its effect to pilot performance in the aircraft and its role in causing aviation accidents. The feeling of fatigue is usually associated with two factors; lack of sleep and disruption of the body’s normal circadian rhythm. The occurrence of one or both usually results in a feeling of sleepiness, tiredness and exhaustion. One of the most essential functions in the human body is sleep. Sleep is the main way by which the body receives rest and enables it to resume activities after wakening. The effects of sleep have been almost based mostly on the results felt with and without it. Generally, having the proper amount of sleep, about 6-8 hours, results in a feeling of well being and freshness. Sleep loss means the time getting less sleep than what is required by the body to perform functions effectively upon awakening. The amount of sleep one needs to perform effectively varies per person, with some needing eight hours while others can simply make do with four. If one needs only 4 hours, and he only sleeps two, two hours of sleep loss occurs. The first night of sleep loss may or may not have a perceptible impact on work activities but after cumulative sleep losses, the impact also increases. Sleep is one of the various body processes regulated by our circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm deals with regulating processes based on cycles of night and day. When one alters the circadian rhythm, it disrupts the body’s natural cycle of rest and sleep. (Sanquist, Raby, Forsythe, Carvalhais, 1997) Fatigue effects are generally the body’s way of attempting to get some rest. These include drowsiness, lapsing in and out of sleep, reduced alertness and muscle coordination, loss of concentration and spotty memory. A fatigued person has sluggish movements, slow reaction times and a tendency to lose focus of the task at hand. Graver is the tendency to become unconscious for brief periods of time, neglecting whatever action at hand. (Conway, Mode, Berman, Martin, Hill, 2005) In pilots, any one of these could lead to disaster. However, when a combination of them occurs, the risks rise dramatically. (Caldwell, 2005) Being a pilot exposes one to situations that result in fatigue. The schedule takes it toll. The paperwork and checks that a pilot has to undergo before the flight proper results in stress. However, it is the flight itself which is the main factor for fatigue in pilots. The long flights leave a pilot almost no time for rest, much less sleep. The banality of looking at controls aids in boring the pilot. Also, the travel of the plane may take it across one or more flight zones. One of the main indicators in the circadian rhythm is daylight. Taking a trip across time zones exposes the pilot to varying amounts of daylight in a single day. This is what’s properly known as jet lag. (Petrie, Powell, Broadbent, 2004) A fatigued pilot may find it easy to succumb to the effects of fatigue during a flight. Bourgeois-Bougrine, Carbon, Gounelle, Mollard, Coblentz, 2003) The cabin pressure, the dim lights, the monotonous sounds, all this have the potential to lure a tired pilot to sleep. Although resting periods are prescribed during flight, no relaxing sleep is derived from them. (Samel, Vejvoda, Maass, 2004) Pilots may also succumb to boredom fatigue, when their tasks become dull and monotonous. (Caldwell, 2001) Whatever discipline or training a pilot may have, it is no much to the needs of the body. It is true that as a pilot, one must be at peak alertness and performance. The effect of fatigue disrupts this and would logically lead to a disturbance in pilot activities. Once airborne, pilots must be vigilant in maintaining airspeed, altitude, pitch and course. In landing, they must be sure of themselves and their movements when banking, controlling the flaps and lowering the wheels. (Raymond Moser, 1995) Fatigue can make a pilot fail in any one of these tasks. This can cause aviation accidents. (Goode, 2003) However, data on the subject cannot empirically say what role fatigue plays. The effects of fatigue may be causative to accidents, but these effects can be induced by other means. There have been many cases where pilot error was cited to be the cause of the crash. However the reasons behind those errors may or may not be due to fatigue. Also, even with a fatigued pilot, it is possible to avoid incidents. (Goode, 2003)Co-pilots are in place not just to assist, but when necessary, take over a pilot. Although no empirical data supports fatigue as a major cause of aviation incidents, the fact that it can lead to such events have led aviation industry officials to take precautionary measures to prevent as well as minimize the effect of fatigue and the risks it entails to both passenger and crew. Guidelines regarding scheduling, medication and on air conduct are aimed to reduce pilot fatigue and boredom. (Conway et al. , 2004) Ensuring that the pilot is rested and is free from fatigue does not ensure an incident-free flight, but it does minimize the risks that the effects of fatigue could lead to disaster. (Smith Mason, 2001) Research Log The first step that I did was to identify the topic. I chose fatigue in pilots and its role in accidents since I have often looked up to pilots and wishes to know what happens when they are fatigued when flying. I researched materials relevant to my topic, from books I had to the internet. I began my paper by clearly stating what I wanted to express,as to avoid confusion and backtracking by the reader. The definition of terms was next to aid the reader in digesting the paper. The body consisted of a cause, effect and then role format. I presented the causes with the desire to impress upon the reader that fatigue happens to any one and everyone. I then enumerated the effects of fatigue to show how such a common event can lead to many risks. Next, particular focus was given to the pilots and their susceptibility to conditions leading to fatigue and conducive to its effects. Afterwards, I expressed that the effects of fatigue in pilots can lead to accidents. However, I refrained from directly pressing the role of fatigue since no data supports it directly. I used the effect of fatigue to show that since A causes B, then C which is caused by B is indirectly related to A. Afterwards, I wrapped up the paper with the measures being taken to prevent fatigue as well as a brief concluding statement.

School Social Workers On Child Development Social Work Essay

School Social Workers On Child Development Social Work Essay There is a saying that there is nothing new under the sun as far as the calamities of the world go. This saying may very well be true, but because of an increasingly larger population, school-aged children of today are forced to face more problems much earlier than their predecessors did. Because todays children have so much to face, it is important for them to have a good support base at home as well as at school. Together with other school-based mental health professionals, school social workers are expected to support the needs of at-risk students attending public schools (Altshuler Webb, 2009). In order to provide children with the support they need for positive development, school systems need social workers that have been properly trained in choosing the correct intervention method and in proper service delivery. The National Association of Social Workers identifies four major areas of school social work practice: Early intervention to reduce or eliminate stress; within or between individuals or groups; problem-solving services to students, parents, school personnel, or community agencies; early identification of students at risk; and work with various groups in school to develop coping, social, and decision-making skills (). Social workers have been providing services to public schools for over a century, and there are many ways school social workers can utilize their knowledge, skills, and values to improve the lives of students. The services that workers provide have evolved over time but have maintained an overall purpose of addressing environmental barriers that negatively affect the ability of students to succeed academically (Altshuler Webb, 2009). There are several factors that determine the need for intervention by social workers. Family issues, attendance problems, and academic concerns are all prevalent factors presented for intervention (Kelly Stone, 2009). There are also issues of neighborhood violence, drug use, deviant peers, teen pregnancy, and poor impulse control. Early life experiences (while not the sole determinants of later life mental health and behavior disorders) may be important influences in childrens development and children living with substantial environmental stress early in life are at increased risk for aggressive and antisocial behavior in youth and adolescence (Hudley Novak, 2007). It is up to todays school social workers to find and implement more effective strategies for decreasing and eliminating these behaviors, especially now that behaving aggressively has become an essentially automatic response to stressors in some youths. Social workers can assist students in dealing with stress or emotional problems by working directly with the children and their families. By acting as institutional and cultural brokers between families and their childrens school, social workers are filling a very important void. This is especially significant for schools where often the least successful students come from families who are experiencing poverty-related barriers and constraints. Bridging the gap between school and families is important because when parents are involved effectively in their childrens schooling, student achievement typically improves (Alameda-Lawson, Lawson Lawson, 2010). Because school success is critical to future life tasks, interventions are worth our attention. School social workers broad skill sets, ranging from advanced clinical to highly skilled generalist approaches (with particular emphasis in school mission, functioning, and processes), are essential to the assessment process and design of effective interventions. All students, their families, and school personnel benefit from access to the expertise of school social workers in implementing system level universal (school or district), evidencebased programs, as well as early-targeted interventions. This expertise is particularly critical in working with students struggling with behavioral, emotional, family system, and ecological challenges to ensure a truly systemic, comprehensive assessment. Workers can also address problems such as misbehavior, truancy, teenage pregnancy, and drug and alcohol problems and advise teachers on how to cope with difficult students. Some of the methods that school social workers use are individual, group, and family/community therapy. Some workers teach workshops to entire classes on topics like conflict resolution. School social workers extend opportunities for students to volunteer, serve others, or contribute to their communities by referring students to existing service opportunities; facilitating service projects and clubs; or creating an array of individualized opportunities for students to help peers, younger students, adults, or the community. By encouraging students to participate in service, social workers are helping students to develop more protective and promotive factors such as self-esteem, friendships, and confidence, as well as ensuring that the students gain familiarity with the social worker and feel more comfortable going to him or her for help with crises. Integrating youth development principles into school social work practice is a powerful application of the strengths perspective and an important way to build resiliency. Youth development activities such as service can also be conceptualized as tiered interventions within a response to intervention and positive behavioral interventions and supports system (Leyba, 2010). While it is vitally important for the social worker to forge a positive and trusting relationship with students and their families, it is just as important that the worker remember to be empathetic without being sympathetic. Delivery of needed services is tantamount, but there are policies, ethics, and rules of practice to be considered at all times. The National Association of Social Workers and School Social Work Association of America have recommended specific requirements for professional preparation and competency of the school social worker. Social workers shall function in accordance with the values, ethics, and standards of the profession, recognizing how personal and professional values may conflict with or accommodate the needs of diverse clients. To work in a school setting, a social worker must have an MSW degree from a Council on Social Work Education approved program. The worker must have completed a school-based internship and have taken In conclusion, social workers provide an invaluable service to the school system. Today, school social workers are represented across the 50 states, performing duties in a wide variety of roles, all of which are ultimately focused on facilitating systemic change to support the academic success of students (Altshuler Webb, 2009).