Anthropological Observations

Tyler Adams Anthropology 2 17th November 2012 Research Paper Outline I. Introduction A. The purpose of this paper is to observe and understand the behaviors and aspects of culture in Starbuck’s Coffee. B. To evaluate this problem I used participant observation, analyzing and observing people without bias while participating in the environment. In participant observation one must not make it known that he or she is analyzing people so as not to change their behaviors, one must also be sure to remain unbiased throughout the process. C.I argue that there are several different motives for going to Starbuck’s but it is a central meeting place for cultures to interact and enjoy. D. The following paper will provide examples and proof that I found in my research about this situation and includes facts I observed at Starbuck’s Coffee. II. One factor about the problem: A. How many people were there at different times? B. Plenty of different sizes of groups came into Starbu ck’s. C. Conviviality in Catalina III. Another factor of the problem: A. What are the different subjects people are discussing?B. Studying, tests, research, social life, sports games, politics. C. Citation for 2nd factor IV. Another factor of the problem: A. What are the functionalities of Starbuck’s besides food and drink? B. Social gathering, studying, meeting new people. C. Citation for 3rd factor V. Conclusions A. I conclude that Starbuck’s Coffee is a central cultural meeting place where many people come for several different reasons, different amounts of people and different conversational subjects were present in the coffee shop at varying times.

Reflective Analysis Essay

In my short story entitled, ‘Words Haunt Me,’ the language registers and variations in the short story as well as attitudes to language and communicative behaviour of the characters will be discussed. Throughout the story, an intimate register was used between Romain and Rae-Ann. This is because they are very comfortable with each other. Additionally, it is the language marked by specialized words and expressions as seen when Rae-Ann says â€Å"It’s going to be alright babe.† However, a more formal tone is exchanged between Romain and Mr. and Mrs. Carmino. This is level of formality may have been adopted because Romain was meeting them for the first time. This is apparent as Romain declares â€Å"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Carmino, a pleasure to meet you!† Mr. and Mrs. Carmino spoke Standard English using theacrolect variation as seen in this example â€Å"So what are your intentions with my daughter young man.† Their choice of language may have been because of their ‘upper class status’. However, Romain spokecreole at intervals throughout the passage and at some intervals even exclaiming inbas ilect as he was emotionally aroused. The comfort at which he spokebas ilect leads one to believe that this is his first language of choice and he is very comfortable with it as evident in the many features of the creole structuring such as the use of ‘mi’ as a subject adjective and the replacement of the ‘th’ with the‘d’ as seen in the example ‘Dere is nuting wrong wit de way I speak!’ Theattitudes formulated to language vary given a person’s perception. In the extract, Mr. Carmino despises the creole used by Romain. He considers acrolect/ Standard English superior tocr eole. He indicates this by saying â€Å"â€Å"You speak the language of the underdogs.† Romain on the other hand, defends his language as he sees nothing wrong with it. He also, associates Standard English with a higher class†¦ ‘Corporate world.’ An example of a communicative behaviour which was exhibited throughout the passage is gestures. Romain wiping his hands showed his nervousness while Mr. Carmino’s stern handshake is interpreted as a sign of authority. Other communicative behaviours included facial expressions as seen when Mr. Carmino’s ‘eyebrows frowned together which illustrates his anger and also through vocalics when Romain raised his voice to show his frustration. In attempting to analyse my second reflective I have looked at the relationship between a person’s dialectal variations, choice of register, attitude to language and communicative behaviours, all of which are important in communication.

Political Language Essay

Language is the life blood of politics. Political power struggles, and the legitimisation of political policies and authorities occurs primarily through discourse and verbal representations. Power can either be exercised through coercion or what US commentator Walter Lippman termed in the 1930s the manufacture of consent. Largely unable, and hopefully unwilling, to coerce; political authorities in so called democratic polities often need to manufacture consent in order to undertake their agendas. While this most obviously concerns relations between a government and its wider public, this process has profound effects on the workings inside governments and is an important aspect of socialisation into governmental work cultures. Put simply the manufacture of consent is a language based process of ideological indoctrination. While being astonishingly comprehensive, it is a remarkably subtle process. Discourse carries the very assumptions under which the things it alludes to are known and ordered in the context in which it is used. In concrete terms this means that the content of political language contains the very rationale by which it is to be framed, defined, understood and acted upon. Commonly this produces the manufacture of consent. Political language, as Michael Geis points out in The Language of Politics, conveys both the linguistic meaning of what is said and the corpus, or a part of it, of the political beliefs underpinning any given statement (p7). Whether circulating inside or outside governments this means that political discourse transmits and unconsciously reinforces the ideological foundations and the ways of knowing of the dominant political authorities. Applied to government agencies this means that the language of its official texts contains the means by which things are known and understood within these agencies. This means that official documents are shaped according to the way in which things are known and understood in the context in which they are primarily employed. What is included, excluded and how the document is structured is largely determined by these methods of knowing, understanding, and what these are ideologically deemed to encompass. None of this is to necessarily say that the contents of a document are untrue. In the case of Randolf Paul’s report nothing alleged in it has been refuted. However its structure reflects the prizing of particular modes of linear rational thought, empiricism, and ideas of objectivity characteristic of the US bureaucracy. What he represented may well have been far less straightforward than how he presented it. The events Paul portrayed may well have included other significant happenings that were not included because they were either not recognised as such within the knowledge structures of the US bureaucracy, or because they may have contentiously reflected unfavourably on the ideological principles underlying the US government. On the flip side official documents can be used to identify the ideological principles of a government agency and the political authorities it represents. Where there is conflict in political discourse, there is conflict about the ideological and philosophical assumptions underlying political authority. Official texts, and their structures should be analysed to uncover the assumptions of knowledge and ideology at the foundations of the authority producing the text. According to Foucault, the most useful question in such an analysis is something along the lines of ‘ how is it that one particular statement appeared instead of another statement’ . Further reading : Burton, F., & Carlen, P. , Official Discourse : On Discourse Analysis, Government Publications, Ideology, and the State, Routledge and Kegan Paul, London, 1979. Fairclough, N. , Language and Power, Longman, London, 1989. Foucault, M. The Archaeology of Knowledge and the Discourse on Language, trans. A. M. Sheridan Smith, Pantheon Books, New York, 1972. Geis, M. , The Language of Politics, Spring – Verlag, New York, 1987. HOME DOCUMENT http://teaching. arts. usyd. edu. au/history/hsty3080/3rdYr3080/Callous%20Bystanders/language. html v.

HCM611-0803A-01 Managing the Health Care Organization - Phase 2 Group Essay

HCM611-0803A-01 Managing the Health Care Organization - Phase 2 Group Project - Essay Example In the healthcare division, this type of result is unacceptable. Employee morale and motivation is very important as it is directly related to their performance and good communication and problem solving is the key to achieve that. (Managing Healthcare: Pros and Cons, n.d) The manner, in which things were being managed in the past at the Regency Healthcare Group, was a perfect example of how management practices are not supposed to be. The assessment performed revealed that staff members were generally unhappy about how things were being dealt with in the past. It is extremely important for higher level managers to avoid being condescending towards their subordinates. An aggressive communication style will only worsen the staff members’ attitude towards the manager, in this case, the Surgery Director, and result in demoralization. Performance is greatly affected by such behavior and even if subordinates do perform under fear and pressure, the staff and the customers, in this case the patients will be going away with an unpleasant experience (Managing Healthcare: Pros and Cons, n.d). This makes the staff and patients reluctant about any future participation and involvement with the manager. No problems are solved through force. It is important t o take a logical and organized approach towards solving a problem so that instead of making things worse, a solution can be achieved and everyone involved in the process leaves with a learning experience. A more detailed analysis needs to be made on how the managerial approach of the predecessor was unsuitable and what problems it caused. Also, alternative managerial techniques need to be looked in to so that staff efficiency, employee morale and the quality of care can be improved. (Thomson, n.d) Staff efficiency is one of the vital aspects in a healthcare organization. An efficient staff means that patients will be dealt with efficiency, promptly and effectively. An

A motivation letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A motivation letter - Essay Example n HR-related employee files reflecting salary aberrations, preparing tax returns and training new employees, giving me an appreciation for the complexities of human involvement. One of my primary goals is to work with clients to share problems and discover solutions. Auditing is a fascinating field that I could contribute to with my knowledge of common small-mid-sized business practices. I have a great deal of experience in the accounting field and also bring a strong basis of proficiency in computing systems. After working for a year as a computer engineer, it was a pleasure to develop unique accounting software for one firm and to maintain the existing accounting software for another firm for the past five years. As a computer engineer, I gained knowledge in a variety of application software, computer networking and teamwork skills. I am eager to discover new insights into the auditing field and perhaps discern new ways in which I might contribute. It is my hope that you are willing to accept me as a ready pupil and worker in Your Firm. Should you desire further information or to schedule an interview, I can be reached at Your Contact Information. My current schedule is open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday (timezone) for phone calls. I can travel for interviews beginning next week Tuesday. With more than 5 years in the accounting departments of small and medium sized construction firms in Japan, my experience includes performing bank reconciliations, cash flow analysis and preparing financial statements and I am currently completing my training for a Master’s Degree in Accounting. Duties of my previous positions have also included performing payroll and monthly closing processes; ensuring tax, legal and company compliance with payroll issues; preparing tax returns and training new employees. This experience has taught me much about how business is conducted in Japan, but I have a desire to discover more about how these issues are dealt with

How did race, class and gender intersect in the imperial enterprise Essay

How did race, class and gender intersect in the imperial enterprise - Essay Example The trendy of masculinity based on professionalism, rhetoric of militarism, as well as elitism enhanced a set of attitudes and personalities to fit in the structure of imperial legitimacy in conjunction with racial dominance. Moralists at the fin-de-siecle hitherto supporters of a specific brand of inflexible gender concepts of manliness responsible for the perpetuation of a society that had a hierarchical framework. The spread of rigid gender ideologies worked to maintain power and privilege both abroad for instance in South Africa and at home. The socio-sexual framework during the Victorian Britain regime came of the intersection through race, gender, and class and in the process informed the outlined power structures that acted on behalf of the nexus of the bigger political enterprises. In the end, the rise of masculine culture in an inflated manner happened simultaneously with the exposure of the proverbial Achilles Heel for Britain. These were the vulnerabilities of the colonial mastery resulting from strong and brave claims for the power of the British. The British officers acted as competitive, aggressive, and powerful figures (Perry, 2001, p. 33). This is the reason various forums continue to debate on national identity and the imperial rule associated with two reinforcing ideologies acting in a mutually inclusive way. The concepts in the discourse are the Empire and dominant masculinity. Scholars explain the symbiotic relationship between race, gender, and class born out of fear concerning the decline of the British superior race. A series of movies, a huge quantity of literature, and a wide range of works of art often put into perspective colonization and the entire process of forming empires among them the British Imperial enterprises as male dominated adventure stories. The imperial enterprises entailed maleness (Stoddard, 2012, p. 89). However, according to the historians who studied gender, imperial maleness otherwise referred to as masculinity re quired regular and standardized substantiation and confirmation. Scholars who dwelt on the analysis of the empire found similar characteristics for the colonial rule that also constantly required confirmation and legitimization due to the permanent fear among the British white that subject in the colonial enterprises would undermine the racial as well as colonial privileges and prestige in addition to power and superiority of the colonial master. The forums of colonial discussions on gender appeared among the spaces of manifesting the instability and power structures of the empires were most visible. It is important to identify that competing interests of femininity and masculinity called maleness were significant to the normal order of the colonial master (Kent, 1987, p. 87).  However, it is not possible to comprehend them in isolation. Any analysis of the two in addition to race and class requires an overall undertaking of their history put into their contextual perspectives. Th e society constructed gender, race, and class in interplay with other categories as well themselves. They include religion, ethnicity, as well as sexuality. The intersection resulted in creating racial, sexual, and national hierarchies that provided the challenge or stabilized the imperial rule during the nineteenth and twentieth century. They intersection also offers challenge to the scholars of history to think and study

Students perceptions of women in advertising commercials Coursework

Students perceptions of women in advertising commercials - Coursework Example This essay "Students’ perceptions of women in advertising commercials" describes how women portrayed in advertisement and the impact of the usage of women in ads on consumers' behavior. According to Wolin, gender appears to be an important factor when planning a communication strategy yet this study reveals that race is also an important consideration. This study can inform design managers working to develop effective communication strategies. It is difficult to conceive of a person alive today who has never seen or heard an advertisement, even for those who don’t commonly watch TV or listen to the radio. However, according to Television Statistics, an average person living in the modern world watches television one to four hours per day. During these hours of watching television, there is a great probability that this person will see at least one advertisement. But the way in which the viewer will react to this advertisement can vary widely. While probabilities can be determined regarding what percentage of viewers will react positively versus those who will react negatively or indifferently, getting more specific than this is very difficult and depends to a great deal on what images and ideas are included in the advertisement itself. The use of women in advertising is one of the most controversial issues in contemporary marketing. Cortese claims that the way in which women are used in advertising exposes the ideological beliefs in dominance and control that remain a strong feature of contemporary commerce despite feminist efforts. According to Mayne (2002), women are frequently shown in television advertisements to market cosmetics, personal hygiene products or products for cleaning the home. This reinforces the message that women's priorities should be centred on improving their looks or caring for the interior of the home. Culture is one of the more significant aspects of society that can determine the potential reaction of the viewer to a given message. Although there are many different types of cultures living together in one country, people with similar backgrounds, ethnicities or belief systems tend to share similar values (Gupta, et al, 2007). But what is culture' According to Hofstede "culture is the collective

Big brother show Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Big brother show - Research Paper Example The relevance of a media product encompasses political, social, technological, and cultural features. With urbanization and globalization, societies integrated resulting in cultural and contextual fusions. Because of the integration, social and cultural features became common as the media became an integral influencer of cultures (Kopp and Max 25). The increased human interaction broke the previously existing definitive cultures resulting in independent families with relative lifestyles. In such societies, the consumption of media content thus becomes relative as some of the features of television shows require social advisories and have relative relevance to the contemporary social and cultural structures as presented in the analysis of the Big brother show below. The Big brother show is one of the most watched television programs globally; the program is a reality show measuring the adaptability of housemates to different environments. It is a personality evaluation program. The mu ltibillion-dollar program selects participants from all over Africa and converges them in a single institution for a duration of two months a period within which the moderators evaluate their personality traits and their ability to adapt to the new metropolitan environment. While at the facility, the contestants face numerous challenges and evaluated on their ability to overcome the different social, cultural, and political challenges. The program has massive viewership and the organizers continue to market the show through the social media such as Facebook and twitter thus creating a big international viewership for their show. Just as with any other media product in the contemporary society, the show presents a number of both disadvantages and disadvantages thereby imploring relative consumption and assimilation of the ideas it represents. Africa is a multi-ethnic society with hundreds of smaller societies each speaking different dialects. The different societies thus exhibited di verse cultural practices effectively communicated through their different native languages. However, with colonization the different African states further adopted different European languages such as English, French, and German among others, which thus became their official languages. The Big Brother show draws participants from these societies indiscriminately creating a virtual society with several smaller cultures. The Big Brother show is a typical representation of a modern social setup, the show seeks to integrate the countries in Africa by uniting the people in their differences. Most of the participants and their fans align their likeness or hatred of the different countries depending on the nature of the relationship among them while at the house. The show’s main objective is to unite Africa thereby developing a cohesive society that share cultural and social values despite their differences (Andrejevic 33). Different African countries have previously had civil wars and political conflicts thus disintegrating the societies further. Such a social television program as the Big Brother provides an effective social platform for uniting the disintegrated countries. Citizens of a country unite and rally behind contestants from their countries a feature that effectively unites the diverse ethnic groups in the countries. The fans interact extensively on the social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter among others. In the normal political context, such societies fight and antagonize each other for presenting conflicting political and social ideologies. However, during their patronage of the Big Brother show, they all unite thereby presenting similar views and support about the different

"Modeling Money" Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

"Modeling Money" - Coursework Example Also, it is unlike liquidity preference model that assumes all economic factors are constant hence the consumer’s decision to hold cash is dependent on supply and demand. Second quantitative easing (QE2) was a strategic government policy aimed at reducing the mortgage rate and Treasury yields, as well as increase economic stimulus through the large-scale purchase of assets. It led to the decline of yields on longer-maturity Treasuries and other securities following the Federal announcement of its intention to increase its holding of longer-term securities (Christensen & Gillan, 2014). This may have been caused by expectations of a decline in risk premiums for longer-term debt securities. Also, the strategy may have had temporary effects of increasing market liquidity and lowering liquidity premiums for long-term investments. QE2 conforms to the liquidity preference theory that presume investors have a preference for premium for securities with longer maturity bearing the greater risk while they have a preference for holding cash since it involves minimal risk. Christensen, J. H. E. & Gillan, J. M. (July 2014). FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF SAN FRANCISCO WORKING PAPER SERIES: Does Quantitative Easing Affect Market Liquidity? Retrieved on 11th 2015 from

Leadership Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Leadership - Coursework Example Deloitte has been operating in Turkey since 1986. With Turkey integrating into the global economic setting, the country continues to gain more importance as a promising and fast growing country as per the strategic business strategy of Deloitte. Deloitte’s business plans include choosing of Turkey as the concerned market and based on that, the company has opened 4 new branches in Turkey besides the office located at Istanbul, which is the headquarter of the company. Deloitte has been attempting to enhance its market penetration by investing in Turkey to a large extent. The company by its investment strategies wishes to hold a leading position within the professional consultancy firms. Thus, it is considered vital for achieving its vision and objectives that the leaders of the Deloitte are developed internally and externally. The leadership process in the firm should be given the topmost priority. The trait theory considers that certain qualities and traits are inherited by the individuals which enable them to be comfortable with the leadership strategies. Trait theory often takes into account particular personality traits or characteristics of the behaviours possessed by the leaders. The trait theory developed from the early research of leadership primarily focuses on searching a group of heritable attributes that differentiates among leaders and non leaders. Trait approach attempts to identify the physiological, demographic, task allied and social characteristics with the emergence of leader and its effectiveness (Spillane, Halverson and Diamond, 2004). A large number of companies consider this theory to be vital for implementing. A question arises if the specific traits are main features of leaders and the leadership process, how will the people be explained who possess such qualities but are not leaders? Existing inconsistencies in the connection between leadership traits and its effectiveness leads the scholars to shift their paradigms

Logistic Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Logistic Research Paper - Essay Example The existence of a commodity, from a logistics point of view, is not terminated with transfer to the customer. The reverse logistics avenue should be perceived to be in the range of logistics control and planning (Ayers, 2000). This paper will look at warehousing as a component of logistics management. As logistic systems continue to get better, production and utilization has continued to separate according to geography. Regions continue to dedicate themselves to the products that may be produced most adequately. Surplus commodities may be transported affordably to different consuming or manufacturing regions, and essential commodities not manufactured at a local level are being imported (Chopra & Meindl, 2003). This process of exchange utilizes the standard of comparative advantage. The standard of comparative advantage, when utilized to world trade, helps to account for the high level of world trade that currently happens. Adequate logistic systems permit the international business es to make the most of the notion that people and their lands are not identically fruitful. Logistics and logistics management are essential aspects of trade. They contribute to an elevated standard of living for every individual. A considerable number of organizations, especially those with distinct product lines, suppose it is significant to connect their supply chain procedures to the commodities they put up for sale. This means that they divide their supply chains in accordance to their needs. In addition, logistics management allows organizations to undertake time-consuming and considerable activities, for example, warehousing. Logistics management may be utilized through warehousing. There are a number of areas where an individual may benefit from warehousing to manage a global, multidimensional, and complex supply chains and logistics, anticipate and meet customer demands, control costs, and enhance end-to-end supply chain processes. They include optimize distribution and sou rcing, Enhance the process of order fulfillment, establish a more stout supplier management techniques, and lessen international transport activities (Bordner, 2013). The leading warehouses in North America were in the recent times outlined in a distinguished article at Modern Material Handling by the fine folks. A number of value stream mapping events at tier one suppliers, for example, Johnson Controls, TRW, Magna, and Yazaki were undertaken in 2008, just prior to the collapse of the American auto manufacturing. When a person is designing a supply chain, a person should consider a warehouse. In previous times, a warehouse was perceived to be a tremendous waste of financial resources. In lean consulting, a person would frequently find over processing, rework, additional inventory, and other improvident activities in a warehouse. Nonetheless, the auto vehicle industry is stable again and warehouses have become significant parts of logistics (Lynch, 2013). In addition, a piece pick, also referred to as over-pack or broken case pick is a form of order selection procedure where motor vehicles are handled and picked in single units and positioned in a container before they can be shipped to their different areas. This is a convenient way for auto vehicle traders because they can order a single or more vehicles from the manufacturers. Moreover, there

Quality Philosophy Evaluation Essay Example for Free

Quality Philosophy Evaluation Essay Focus Paper on Quality Philosophy Evaluation Focus Paper on Quality Philosophy Evaluation Edward Deming led the quality revolution and defined it from the customer’s perspective. He argues that the customer’s definition of quality is the only one that matters (Dale van Iwaarden, 2007). He defined quality as the extent by which the performance meets the expectations of the customer. He also argued that quality is the responsibility of management. Deming conveyed the importance of leadership in the cultivation of a culture of quality. The principles that underpin his philosophy also indicate that workers were to be trained and introduced to spirit of quality. He argued that employees should play a key role in the transformation of the organization. He proposed the 14 point philosophy of quality. 1. Create a perpetual drive towards improvement or plan for quality in the long term. 2. Embrace the new philosophy and adopt quality in the whole organization 3. Constant and perpetual improvement 4. Organizations should not rely on inspections 5. Rely on a single supplier for one item in order to ensure consistency 6. The elimination of management by objectives 7. Unclear slogans should be removed 8. The barriers which exist between departments should be broken 9. The transformation to quality should be everyone’s job 10. The removal of barriers which prevent pride of workmanship 11. The implementation of education and self improvement 12. Instill confidence and eliminate fear in job performance 13. Training should be used to remove variations 14. The organization should have quality leadership Joseph Juran Joseph Juran has also published a vast amount of literature on the topic of quality. Juran has two definitions of quality. The first defines quality as the features of products that meet the needs of the customers and which then allow for customer satisfaction (Juran, 2003). The second definition defines quality as the freedom from errors and freedom from deficiencies which necessitate the redoing of work. Juran came with a trilogy philosophy of quality management. This philosophy included: * Quality improvement-this is the process by which originations experience breakthrough in quality * Quality control-this involves the detection of the difference between actual performance and the set goals. * Quality planning-this involves developing processes and products which meet the expectations of the customer. * The above three dimensions of quality were seen as a prerogative of management by Juran. Quality control defines the standard of measure by which quality is determined. Juran saw workers as the implementers of quality. Philip Crosby Philip Crosby had a zero defects philosophy on quality management. He defined quality as being the conformance to requirements. He saw zero defects as the performance standard. He argued that everyone should do things â€Å"right the first time.† Therefore, according, to his philosophy, workers play a fundamental role in promoting quality (Oppenheim, Oppenheim Levine, 2005). Lewis Ireland He defined quality as the totality of characteristics and features of a service or product that enable it to meet the stated or the implied needs. Lewis Ireland focused on quality in projects. In 1991, Lewis wrote Quality Management for Projects and Programs and stated the importance of integrating quality in projects (Rose, 2005). He has a project management quality philosophy. He argued that quality planning should be used to identify quality standards which are relevant for the project. Project managers have a critical role to play in managing quality. Recommendation The philosophy espoused by Edward Deming holds more water in the current competitive business environment. Deming views quality as a change management initiative which is permanently existent in the methods, systems and processes. He provides the principles which should be followed by management in order to cultivate a culture of quality. In addition, his philosophy is more comprehensive and flexible and therefore easily applied by today’s managers. References Dale, B. G., van Iwaarden, J. (2007). Managing quality. Blackwell Publishing Juran, J. M. (2003). Juran on leadership for quality. Simon and Schuster. Oppenheim, A. J., Oppenheim, R., Levine, D. M. (2005). Quality management (pp. 75-76). McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Rose, K. (2005). Project quality management: why, what and how. J. Ross Publishing.

Nike Inc Analysis of Marketing

Nike Inc Analysis of Marketing Nike Inc. was founded in  1962 by Bill Bower man and Philip H.  Knight as a  partnership under the  name, Blue  Ribbon Sports.  Since Germany conquered  the domestic market in America, Nike came with low-cost and high quality products for the American people. Today, Nike manufactures and distributes athletic shoes in the global market and 40% of  its sales come from athletic apparel, sports equipment, and subsidiary ventures and they have  traditional  as  well  as  non-traditional  distribution  channels  in  more  than  100countries globally. Nike has attained a premier position in the market but in 1998, the company has to face the issue of exploiting overseas workers and the altering consumer  needs negatively pretentious the sales of Nike. In this report, I have discussed the case history of Nike that majorly covers the child labor  problem and the problem of change in consumers preferences after which I have done the SWOT analysis and h ave come up with strategic objectives, market driven strategy Objectives. Furthermore, the marketing strategy is discussed that covers the segmentation strategy, targeting, positioning and channel distribution of Nike and the product, price and promotional strategy it must approve.  In the  end, I  have given some  recommendations to Nikes management to force it towards success. Contents INTRODUCTION: The company stable out just an airplane built-up in arranges to make happy path job at Stanford University. Mr. Phil knight a adapt student at Stanford University and a comprehensive space messenger firm that he would create small price organization shoes in Japan and then advertise them in USA. Knight solicits the help of a history teacher Bill Bower man to help him in his big business project. Knight called his first shoe Tiger and began allocation at path meet. Blue Ribbon in 1971 earned its Swoosh and knight introduces the most important Nike brand line. In 1978 the Blue Ribbon becomes Nike and both years their earnings grow steadily. Due to Nike attention in informal shoes in the 1980, they missed the leaning to aerobic shoe and cut down after allowing Reebok to manage the marketplace. MISSION AND VISION: Nike states in its mission declaration that it entail responsibility commerce in a guilty way, most important to sustainable monetary increase. With the advance in knowledge, Human resource practices, the healthy knowledgeable and skilled employment power, here is extremely small deficient to distinguish organization. Living being seen to go added than the lowest amount necessary on community issue can draw and keep patrons. This bottle sea green modification attracts concentration to the association; they are view as thoughtful and public liable (Mullins, L. 2005). A speech, on the construction put into practice of Nike during its make obtainable sequence accuse the association of individual concerned in limited operational circumstances, defiance of hard work civil rights, low salary and pestering of its labor force. Nike takes this information seriously. On the basis of the learning answer the business has make stronger the check of its dealer (Hummels, H and Timmer, D.2004) OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The SWOT examination aim to suggest the participate government of the Sà ¶derkà ¶ping growth with an instrument to charge their past giving in the Sà ¶derkà ¶ping procedure as fit as to appraise the choice for the modus operandi to bear on after the conclusion of the in progress development in February 2009. SWOT ANALYSIS: Strengths Nike is a very competitive organization. Phil Knight (Founder and CEO) is frequently quoted as saying that Business is war without bullets. Nike has a healthy aversion of is competitors. At the Atlanta Olympics, Reebok went to the outlay of sponsoring the games. Nike did not. However Nike sponsored the top athletes and gained valuable reporting. Nike has no factories. It does not tie up cash in buildings and manufacturing workers. This makes a very lean organization. Nike is tough at research and development, as is evidenced by its evolving and innovative product range. They then manufacture wherever they can produce high quality product at the lowest possible price. If prices rise, and products can be made more cheaply elsewhere (to the same or better specification), Nike will move production. (ynkamat, 2009) Nike is a global brand. It is the number one sports brand in the World. Its famous Swoosh is instantly familiar, and Phil Knight even has it tattooed on his ankle Nike is quite strong regarding its research and development; quite marked regarding its evolving and innovative product choice. They manufacture high quality at the lowest potential price, if prices rise due to price hike then the production process is made cheaper by changing the place of production. It belongs to the  Fortune 500 companies. Nike employs about more than 30.000 people worldwide. It has a strong sense of marketing promotion by sponsoring top athletes. It uses linarite foam and flies wire materials in order to make the manufactured shoes lighter and more convenient. (Adam, 2009) Its standing for high quality and innovative footwear .Nike is also known for its innovative marketing .Nike ads are part of the pop culture an impressive achievement. Famous campaigns feature bo Jackson, Michael Jordon, and Tiger Woods the Nikes swoosh is highly recognizable world wide .Nikes recent comeback has been greatly helped by increased sales of Nikes apparel. (Robert N. Lussier, 2009) Political Analysis According to PEST analysis the political enviourment can be taken as strength The government must create economic policies that will foster the growth of businesses. Nike, fortunately, has been helped by the US policies which enable it to advance its products. The support accorded to Nike by the US government, particularly in the general macroeconomic stability, low interest rates, stable currency conditions and the international competitiveness of the tax system, form the foundation critical to Nikes growth. (Cuizon, 2009) Society Analysis According to PEST analysis the social enviourment can be taken as strength People are more health conscious currently. Diet and health are getting more prominence. Consequently, more and more people are joining fitness clubs. There is an accompanying demand for fitness products particularly exercise apparel, shoes and equipment. Nike is at the front position of this surge in demand as people are looking for sports shoes, apparel and equipment. (Cuizon, 2009) Technology Analysis Political Analysis According to PEST analysis the technological enviourment can be taken as strength Nike uses IT in its marketing information systems very effectively. Nike applies marketing information systems to the economics of improvement, segmentation and differentiation for nearly all of its businesses. Nikes leadership status owes in large part to the use of extremely valuable Information Technology, and applying it to every aspect of the product from development to distribution. Nike, being the world leader in the athletic footwear industry, is able to effectively harness its environment to boost its marketing efforts. This strategy has translated into robust sales of Nikes products. (Cuizon, 2009) Weaknesses The organization does have a diversified range of sports products. However, the income of the business is still heavily dependent upon its share of the footwear market. This may leave it vulnerable if for any reason its market share erodes. The retail sector is very price sensitive. Nike does have its own retailer in Nike Town. However, most of its income is derived from selling into retailers. Retailers tend to offer a very similar experience to the consumer. Can you tell one sports retailer from another? So margins tend to get squeezed as retailers try to pass some of the low price competition pressure onto Nike. Nike was for quite some time unwilling to disclose any type of information concerning its partnering companies. It was charged with the violation of overtime and  minimum wage  rates in Vietnam, 1996, that was seen as having poor working conditions, and that it was also charged for exploiting cheap workforce overseas. (ynkamat, 2009) Nike was also reported to have applied child labor in Pakistan and Cambodia to produce  soccer balls. It was positioned as a subject of criticism by anti-globalization groups due to its unruly and exploited manner that was quite a disaster for its reputation. (Adam, 2009) In late 2005 founder phil knight resigned from the CEO position at Nike. Since that time Nike has had two CEO s. Nike brand co president mark parker is the companies new president and chief executive officer following the resignation of William D. Perez will Nike ever be able to replace the larger than life founder Phil knight? Another question on the area concerning is that global sales, such as Europe and Asia ,have instead at a much faster pace than domestic sales in the United States. (Robert N. Lussier, 2009) Economic Analysis According to PEST analysis the economic enviourment can be taken as weakness In economy, the biggest threat for Nike would be economic recession. During recession, Nikes growth will be adversely affected. The US economy is experiencing a downturn right now. Consumer purchases are slowing down. Currently, Nikes feeling the pinch of the economic recession. The Asian economic crisis also affects Nike since its goods are manufactured in Asia. The labor costs and material prices are going up. Nikes growth is not just affected by the local economy but also in the international economy. A weak Euro and an Asian recession could mean weak sales for Nike. The overall results in the sales generated by Nike in athletic footwear, however, remained stable. The global market makes up for the variances in sales particularly between peak and lean seasons. (Cuizon, 2009) Society Analysis According to PEST analysis the social enviourment can be taken as weakness Nike, however, failed to foresee problems brought about by a sweatshop expose pertaining to labor and factory conditions at production locations in Asia. This caused bad publicity and declining sales as society and consumers Opportunities Product development offers Nike many opportunities. The brand is fiercely defended by its owners whom truly believe that Nike is not a fashion brand. However, like it or not, consumers that wear Nike product do not always buy it to participate in sport. Some would argue that in youth culture especially, Nike is a fashion brand. This creates its own opportunities, since product could become unfashionable before it wears out i.e. consumers need to replace shoes. There is also the opportunity to develop products such as sport wear, sunglasses and jewellery. Such high value items do tend to have associated with them, high profits. The business could also be developed internationally, building upon its strong global brand recognition. There are many markets that have the disposable income to spend on high value sports goods. For example, emerging markets such as China and India have a new richer generation of consumers. There are also global marketing events that can be utilized to support the brand such as the World Cup (soccer) and The Olympics. (ynkamat, 2009) The brand is sternly defended by its owners who believe that Nike is not a fashion brand, however, a large number of consumers wear Nike product because they derive a fashion  trend  rather than to participate in a sport. It is mostly argued that in youth culture, Nike is a fashion brand which also creates  opportunities  for Nike since its products would become outdated before even the product wears out i.e. consumers will feel the need to replace the product with a newer  trend. There are many international regions that still need tapping and there is need for sportswear and with Nikes strong global brand recognition, it can initiate in many markets that have the disposable income to spend on high value sports goods. Nike gives a lot of effort on its corporate marketing mainly through the  promotion of  corporate brand  and sponsorship agreements. (Adam, 2009) Nike has an opportunity to capitalize on its own Nike Technology. This is a sensor placed in Nike footwear that interacts with Apples iPod to record the distance a runner has completed and the calories that have been burned. Another opportunity will be to capitalize on an endorsement deal with LeBorn James after his NBA playoffs and championship series appearances. Additionally, Tiger woods yearly attempt to win all four major Golf Tourments automatically allows Nike to build product campaigns around the Tournaments. (Robert N. Lussier, 2009) Threats Nike is exposed to the international nature of trade. It buys and sells in different currencies and so costs and margins are not stable over long periods of time. Such an exposure could mean that Nike may be manufacturing and/or selling at a loss. This is an issue that faces all global brands. The market for sports shoes and garments is very competitive. The model developed by Phil Knight in his Stamford Business School days (high value branded product manufactured at a low cost) is now commonly used and to an extent is no longer a basis for sustainable competitive advantage. Competitors are developing alternative brands to take away Nikes market share. As discussed above in weaknesses, the retail sector is becoming price competitive. This ultimately means that consumers are shopping around for a better deal. So if one store charges a price for a pair of sports shoes, the consumer could go to the store along the street to compare prices for the exactly the same item, and buy the cheaper of the two. Such consumer price sensitivity is a potential external threat to Nike. (ynkamat, 2009) Consumers are constantly shopping around for a better deal that conveys a good quality and if one store charges a higher price for the products, the consumer would try to seek a better deal of the same product in the premises that delivers the same value but cheaper of the two, this type of price sensitivity among the consumers is a potential threat to Nike. The textile industry unpleasantly upsets the atmosphere, and therefore the organization is constantly struggling to retain its eco-friendly reputation. A recession may lead to job shortages in most of Nikes worldwide branches. The organization has experienced many adverse publicity feedbacks due to its widespread advertising If you have a body, you are an athlete   Bill Bower man said this couple of decades ago. The guy was right. It defines how he viewed the world, and it defines how Nike pursues its destiny. Ours is a language of sports, a universally understood lexicon of passion and competition. A lot has happened at Nike in the 30 years (Adam, 2009) Specific threat is the contracts that Reebok (now part of Adidas) signed with the NBA and NFL for its apparel businesses. Another threat is the ongoing public relationship s problem pertaining to working environments in the factories producing Nike sneakers. Nike has striven to overcome images of sweatshop conditions, but the problem has been difficult to solve. (Robert N. Lussier, 2009) Porters five forces Source:http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=enq=porters+5+diagramum=1ie=UTF-8source=univei=8UhZTfaOCoXJrQfarcnuBwsa=Xoi=image_result_groupct=titleresnum=1ved=0CCIQsAQwAAbiw=1366bih=643 Potential Entrants Low Bargaining power of buyers High Bargaining power of suppliers Low Threats of substitutes Low Industries rivalry High Refer to appendix 1 CONCLUSION: SWOT analysis should always be measured by all companies as it helps show companies all their weaknesses and threats. At the same time it also shows what the companies strengths and opportunities. Using this analysis companies can spotlight on their good part of the business and focus more on the bad part to make it good. Also a company can see what factors are external or internal which helps the business in a long run to be more capable REFERENCES Adam, 2009. Nike SWOT Analysis. [Online] Available at: HYPERLINK http://www.mba-tutorials.com/marketing/240-nike-swot-analysis.html http://www.mba-tutorials.com/marketing/240-nike-swot-analysis.html [Accessed February 2011]. angeletti3, 2005. Nike versus Adidas Case Study and Competitive Analysis. [Online] Available at: HYPERLINK http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=27606 http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=27606 [Accessed February 2011]. Cuizon, G., 2009. Marketing Audit of Nikes Strategies. [Online] Available at: HYPERLINK http://www.suite101.com/content/marketing-audit-of-nikes-strategies-a94402 http://www.suite101.com/content/marketing-audit-of-nikes-strategies-a94402 [Accessed February 2011]. E, P.M., 1998. In Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. Free Press. Gerry Johnson, K.S.W., 2008. In P. Education, ed. Exploring Corporate Strategy. 7th ed. Phil Knight, 2011. Company History. [Online] Available at: HYPERLINK http://www.nike.com/nikeihm/about/history.shtml http://www.nike.com/nikeihm/about/history.shtml . Robert N. Lussier, D.K., 2009. Applied Sport Management Skills. Human Kinetics. ynkamat, 2009. SWOT of Nike. [Online] Available at: HYPERLINK http://www.scribd.com/doc/13163456/swot-of-nike http://www.scribd.com/doc/13163456/swot-of-nike [Accessed February 2011].

Limitations Of Agency Theory Finance Essay

Limitations Of Agency Theory Finance Essay Irrespective of the recent well-deserved criticism of Agency Theory I believe it should still play an important role in managerial remuneration. Empirical evidence supports the theory that a conflict of interest exists between shareholders and management. Throughout recent years one of the more commonly discussed management topics has been executive compensation and in particular the size of bonuses awarded to CEOs and other senior management. Agency theory can be considered to be the most widely used theory to explain executive compensation. The focus of Agency theory is on ways to make the governance system of corporations more efficient so that shareholders interests and performance expectations are given every chance to be realised by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). An agency problem may arise between managers and shareholders because the principals (the shareholders) cannot adequately monitor the actions taken by the agent (the managers). Subsequently, the agent can have an incentive to pursue their own interests, rather than the bet interests of the principal. Given the body of evidence, it would be naÃÆ' ¯ve to claim that agency theory has not made a significant contribution to the principal-agent literature. However it does have its limitations and a new approach is needed to use the benefits of agency theory to its fullest. By realizing agency theorys limitations, we can add to its strength. Droege, Scott B A key issue facing agency theory is the reliance that stakeholders have on the board of directors. This has proven to be an unhealthy reliance and the level of independance of some board of direcors can be questioned. This is discussed by Band (xxxx) when he noted that while there is a common perception that the board is independent, this is often fake as noted by Pearce and Zahra who found that over 85% of Fortune 500 industrial companies had Chairmen who had also served as the corporations CEO. It is well documented that executive compensation packages should be designed to align the interests of senior management with those of the shareholders and thereby reduce the dysfunctional behaviour of managers; this is typically done by rewarding executives for taking decisions and actions that increase shareholder wealth ([26] Mortlock, 2009). Unfortunately, the shareholders (and directors) may have neither complete information about the actions of executives or the expertise to evaluate those actions, making it difficult to base compensation on actions alone. Instead, compensation in practice is often linked to measures that are positively correlated with managerial performance, for instance market share, share price or accounting profit. Additionally In recent years Boards have become weaker as more power has been distributed to senior management. This has resulted in the decline of the accountability of Directors and a resulting impact in the decline of the monitoring role of Boards. Corporate Governance David Band The board of directors is heavily reliant on the information provided by the CEO. The recent spate of failures among both financial and non-financial companies has been accompanied by a growing interest in and concern about the compensation of the CEOs of major U.S. corporations. This, in turn, has reignited interest among both academics and financial practitioners about agency theory issues, especially the question of whether or not the total compensation of CEOs is properly scaled in relation to the earnings they generate for the shareholders they serve. We find that the executive remuneration design derived from a single agency perspective is insufficient. Prospect theory, real option theory and managerial power approach all together would complement agency theory to bring the theory of executive remuneration closer to reality Adam Notes Agency Theory or Stewardship theory Limitations of Agency theory Irrespective of the recent well-deserved criticism of Agency Theory I believe it should still play an important role in managerial remuneration. Empirical evidence supports the theory that a conflict of interest exists between shareholders and management. The board still functions on information provided by the CEO. While there is a common perception that the board is independent, this is often fake as noted by Pearce and Zahra who found that over 85% of Fortune 500 industrial companies had Chairmen who had also served as the corporations CEO. In recent years Boards have become weaker as more power has been distributed to senior management. This has resulted in the decline of the accountability of Directors and a resulting impact in the decline of the monitoring role of Boards. Corporate Governance David Band The appropriate remedy for the problem of the potentially self-interested or incompetent managerial team is said to be the monitoring board. But frankly, no one really knows what is the optimal level of option grant: what level of stock option compensation will make an executive risk-neutral like the shareholders, or willing to bite the bullet on layoffs, or willing to accept a premium bid? Even if the stock price falls back, the well-timed executive option exercise is a life-changing experience. More formally, the Black-Scholes option pricing model instructs us that the value of the executives stock option will be increasing both in the value of the underlying security and the variance (since stock options are issued at the money). So managers with a rich load of options have incentives to get the stock price high by any means necessary, fraud included. In particular, they have incentives to increase the riskiness of the firm, including projects that offer lower expected returns but higher variance. This will reduce the value of the firm for risk-neutral shareholders but has the potential to increase the value of managers firm-related investments in cases where the gain in option holdings exceeds the loss to human capital. Managers become risk-preferring. Enron Jeffrey Gordon Prospect theory, real option theory and the managerial power approach all together would complement agency theory to bring the theory of executive remuneration closer to reality. On the other hand, theoretically, being the main stream theory of corporate governance, agency theory suggests effective executive remuneration should align managers interests with shareholders interests in order to minimize agency costs (Florackis, 2005; Bayless,2009). Most remuneration frameworks in the literature have been largely influenced by agency theory. However, notable divergences exist between thepredictions of agency theory and reality. There is a need to extend agency theory with some complementary theories to make executive compensation more realistic. We find that the executive remuneration design derived from a single agency perspective is insufficient. Prospect theory, real option theory and managerial power approach all together would complement agency theory to bring the theory of executive remuneration closer to reality. Che, Zhang,Xiao and Li Empirical support for agency theory has been demonstrated in numerous settings. For example, Eisenhardts (1988) studies of retail stores show support for agency theory in salaried and commissioned salespeople. Acquisitions and divestitures were the focus of a study by Argawal and Mandelker ( 1 987). Conlon and Parks ( 1 990) examined performance-contingent compensation as the dependent variable and found support for agency theory. Support has been found in interorganizational joint ventures (BalakrishnanandKoza, 1993) and franchising (e.g., Agrawal and LaI, 1995). Although not an exhaustive review, this brief list gives adequate evidence that agency theory has been empirically tested and supported in a variety of contexts from retail sales to manufacturing to joint ventures. Given this body of evidence, it would be naÃÆ' ¯ve to claim that agency theory has not made a contribution to the principal-agent literature. Indeed, it has made a significant contribution. Thus, it is not my intent to discredit agency theory. However, a rational course is to separate the premises and examine them in a new light. By realizing agency theorys limitations, we can add to its strength. Droege, Scott B Agency theory can be considered to be the most widely used theory to explain executive1 compensation. Agency theory, from economics, focuses on ways to make the governance system of a corporation more efficient so that shareholders interests and performance expectations are realized by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The failure to find a consistent link between executive compensation and a firms performance has motivated some authors to supplement agency theory with other theories originating in psychology and sociology (e.g., Ungson and Steers, 1984; Wiseman and Gomez-Mejia, 1998; Bainbridge, 2005; Gomez- Mejia et al., 2005; and Perkins, 2008). It should be explicitly mentioned here that it is not our objective to replace agency theory with other theories. Rather, we recommend adding other theoretical lenses, originating in other paradigms, to make our understanding of executive compensation more complete. While discussing each of the theories, it will become clear that rather than taking a single theory perspective, it is preferable to take a multi-theory approach to explain the complexities of executive compensation. This is also a logical consequence of the use of three paradigms. Under such an approach, different paradigms and theories together serve to explain executive compensation better and more completely than opting for a single theory or paradigm. Over the last decades, hundreds of studies have been published in the field of executive compensation. Agency theory was found to be the dominant framework. This theory puts forward the relationship between firm performance and executive compensation as one of the mechanisms to reduce agency costs. The inability to find a consistent relationship between performance and executive compensation, however, has given rise to the development of alternative theories. The most popular alternative theories include managerialism theory, institutional theory and contingency theory. Strong support was found for taking such a multi-theoretical and multi-disciplinary view of executive compensation. The control perspective (agency theory), which has historically been the main perspective, has to be enriched with behavioral, institutional and contingency factors. Baeten, Xavier; Balkin, David In the aftermath of the global financial crisis (GFC) governments lost confidence in market fundamentalism and realised the inadequacies of regulatory measures. The purpose of this paper is to outline the proximate causes of the financial crisis of 2007-2009 and to investigate the role of the shareholder wealth maximization (SWM) objective in the GFC. The case studies revealed that unethical behaviour, agency issues, CEO compensation, creative accounting and risk shifting are some of the side effects of SWM. These cases indicate that the assumptions on which SWM are based are questionable. Further, it can be argued that the root cause of the GFC is excessive greed and the single-minded pursuit of SWM. The global financial crisis (GFC), which had been threatening for some time, began to display its effects in the middle of 2007 and into 2008. Around the world, stock markets have fallen, large financial institutions have collapsed or been bought out, and governments in even the wealthiest nations have had to develop with rescue packages to bail out their financial systems. Had all boards of directors being successful in their assigned role of protecting all stakeholders of the firm, rather than just shareholders, then we believe that the GFC would have been avoided. Most business concern is focused on profit maximisation. However, profit maximisation fails for a number of well-known reasons; it ignores: the timing of returns; the cash flows available to shareholders; and risk. Without explicitly considering these factors, higher earnings alone do not necessarily translate into higher share prices. Damodaran (1999) explains that, in the real world, managers perform the decision-making function with four factors or linkages in mind: shareholders, bondholders, society and financial markets. Competitive market conditions place significant pressure on agents and managers who will be tempted to resort to unethical means to portray a positive picture. It is acknowledged that the wealth maximisation objective is not always compatible with a firms social obligations, and it usually involves an agency problem which arises when the managers fail to act in the best interests of the shareholders, preferring instead to benefit themselves ([20] Jensen and Meckling, 1976). Differences in the objectives of ownership and management lead to agency costs; if these are to be controlled, the shareholders must maintain a strict watch over the functioning of the company. The managers should be rewarded for acting in the interests of the shareholders and the managers should maintain a balance between the interests of the shareholders and other stakeholders. In this context, the GFC highlighted the important influence that incentive structures within financial institutions and other businesses can have on risk-taking and financial performance. In particular, it highlighted the dangers of badly designed remuneration incentive arrangements leading to excessive risk-taking, poor financial performance and a bias towards short-term results at the expense of longer-term financial soundness ([26] Mortlock, 2009). It is well documented that executive compensation packages should be designed to align the interests of senior management with those of the shareholders and thereby reduce the dysfunctional behaviour of managers; this is typically done by rewarding executives for taking decisions and actions that increase shareholder wealth ([26] Mortlock, 2009). Unfortunately, the shareholders (and directors) may have neither complete information about the actions of executives or the expertise to evaluate those actions, making it difficult to base compensation on actions alone. Instead, compensation in practice is often linked to measures that are positively correlated with managerial performance, for instance market share, share price or accounting profit. Stock options became an ever greater part of executives compensation, increasing from 27 per cent in 1992 to 60 per cent in 2000. Fixed salary will reduce the risk to the executives and guarantee a standard of living. On the other hand, it may not encourage them to improve their performance in order to maximise shareholder wealth. The use of golden handshake and golden parachute clauses in management contracts may also be driven by managers acting to further their own interests, rather than those of their shareholders. [25] Matsumura and Shin (2005) characterized conflicts of interest between shareholders and managers as usually arising in three broad areas. First, executives enjoy (as well as exploit) the perquisites provided to them. Second, executives are more risk averse in decision making and aim for better compensation as a trade-off. Lastly, executives are more interested in making decisions that have short-term impacts rather than taking a long-term perspective. By designing executive packages in a way that balances the interests of shareholders and executives, these conflicts can be reduced. The packages should be so designed to motivate the executives, whilst at the same time allowing management to control the amount spent on compensation, based on the performance of the CEOs themselves. [26] Mortlock (2009) notes that the major financial and corporate sector distress seen in the USA and Europe in recent times is partly attributable to poorly designed remuneration incentive arrangements. An examination of history reveals that a range of practices, unrelated to any major improvement in cash flows and/or profits, have been carried out with the intention of increasing wealth; for example: accounting manoeuvres with deceitful intention and accounting fraud (in the case of Xerox), improper accounting, deviation from accounting principles with deceitful intention, leveraging of shares to raise debt for expensive acquisitions (as in the case of WorldCom), stretching the limits of accounting by misusing its limitations, lack of transparency, intentional projection of a rosy picture of performance (in the cases of Enron and Arthur Anderson), massive fraud, accounting scandal (in the case of Peregrine Systems), aggressive acquisition strategies and accounting frauds (in the case of Tyco), diverting business cash into off-shore, family-owned entities, artificial support given to the stock of the company (in the case of Polly Peck), deceitful intention of elite and experienced h ands with sophisticated outlets (in the case of BCCI banks) and highly leveraged synthetic financial instruments (in the case of Goldman Sachs). Creative accounting is the manipulation of financial numbers, usually within the letter of the law and accounting standards, although its use can be unethical and does not provide the true and fair view of a company that accounts are supposed to provide ([45] Moneyterms, 2009). Common to all the cases mentioned above was managements single-minded focus on SWM. By attempting to grow the company at high speed and by using creative accounting techniques, managers had failed to foresee the detrimental affect these actions would have in the long term. It is clear that, in light of the side effects of SWM as discussed in Section 4 particularly their impact during the crisis the validity of the above assumptions has become questionable. In this regard, [19] Jenkins and Guerrera (2010) argue that the recent SEC attack on Goldman Sachs strikes at the heart of the business model, a model that, as [46] Friedman (1970) states, views the social responsibility of business being to increase its profits. However, as an agent, a manager is bound to act to maximise the wealth of shareholders, rather than to follow an agenda of social responsibility. It is clear that major issues like unethical behaviour, executive compensation, creative accounting and conflicts of interest, pushed the big entities towards major difficulties and, in many cases, collapse. Though a series of accounting regulations were designed and directed, many giant organisations found convenient loopholes to take advantage of or, if this was not possible, resorted to manipulative means, actions which ultimately contributed substantively to the financial crisis. Hull (2009) argues that the inappropriateness of extant incentive schemes led to a short-term focus in the managerial decision making. Given this situation, in February 2009, US President Barack Obama introduced new restrictions on executive compensation for institutions that receive financial assistance from the government, by limiting cash compensation to US$500,000; similarly, the USs Financial Stability Board released a set of principles aimed to ensuring effective governance of compensation and the effective alignment of compensation with prudent risk taking. These developments in turn suggest that the SWM objective is neither self-regulatory nor flawless in nature. As we have discussed in this paper, the reasons for the burst of this financial bubble are many. However, most of the factors are (directly or indirectly) linked to the pursuit of SWM. The above discussion has shown that each factor had in common the desire to increase the value of owners wealth. It appears reasonable to argue that, by forgetting the importance of ethics and deviating from accounting principles, the greed paid off. Risk shifting and dysfunctional behaviour are some of the side effects and flaws in an SWM-based system that is not self-regulatory. Because of a strong focus on profit maximisation or even SWM, the corporate decisions that led to the economic downturn were never balanced with any good citizen approach. But value maximisation alone is no longer sufficient in todays competitive global business environment; organisations need to focus on objectives that have long-term benefits rather than short-term value. By taking stakeholders and society into consideration a firm will truly begin to create sustainable wealth; while the corporate objective function is dominated by SWM this cannot take place. Yahanpath, Noel Supporters of agency theory underscore, among its positive features, the realism with which it describes relationships among individuals in a company(Eisenhardt, 1989). The firm is no longer considered as a single, monolithic actor but the complex set of interactions among several individuals. The firm is now presented as a nexus of contracts between principals and agents (Maitland, 1994; Shankman,1999). Typically, there are different goals and interests among individuals involved in an agency relationship. Agency theory presupposes that individuals are opportunistic, that is, they constantly aim to maximize their own interests (Bohren, 1998). Thus, there is no guarantee that agents will always act in the best interests of principals. Rather, there is a constant temptation for agents to maximize their own interests, even at the expense of principals. Under conditions of incomplete information and uncertainty prevalent in business settings two kinds of problems arise: adverse selection and moral hazard (Eisenhardt, 1989, p. 58). Adverse selection refers to the possibility of agents misrepresenting their ability to do the work agreed; in other words, agents may adopt decisions inconsistent with the contractual goals that embody their principals preferences. Moral hazard, on the other hand, refers to the danger of agents not putting forth their best efforts or shirking from their tasks. This divergence between the interests of the principal and the agent unavoidably generates costs. Agency costs are residual costs that result in a failure to maximize the principal_s wealth. These may be incurred by the principal through measures to control the agent_s behaviour or by the agent through efforts to demonstrate his commitment to the principal_s goals. The whole point behind agency theory is to come up with mechanisms that ensure an efficient alignment of interests between agent and principal, thereby reducing agency costs (Shankman, 1999, p.321). Principals are thus challenged to design contracts that protect their interests and maximize their utility in case of conflict. These contracts are based on several assumptions regarding agents (self-interest, limited rationality, risk aversion), organizations (goal conflict between members) and information (asymmetrical) (Shankman, 1999, p. 332). Supporters of agency theory underscore, among itspositive features, the realism with which it describes relationships among individuals in a company (Eisenhardt, 1989). The firm is no longer considered as a single, monolithic actor but the complex set of interactions among several individuals. Methodologically, agency theory subscribes to individualism: its basic unit of analysis is the human being fully constituted as an individual and bereft of any social dimension. In every endeavour individual agents seek above all their own utility (utilitarianism) or pleasure (hedonism), the satisfaction of their own desires. They form groups not to fulfil any requirement of their proper flourishing as human beings but only to further their particular interests (contractualism). Outside of this, agents do not subscribe to any moral imperative; they willingly engage in immoral conduct whenever convenient. Acting morally would be reasonable only if it presented a greater economic incentive in terms of utility and pleasure than the contrary (Bohren, 1998). Joan Fontrodona, Alejo Jose ´ G. Sison The recent spate of failures among both financial and non-financial companies has been accompanied by a growing interest in and concern about the compensation of the CEOs of major U.S. corporations. This, in turn, has reignited interest among both academics and financial practitioners about agency theory issues, especially the question of whether or not the total compensation of CEOs is properly scaled in relation to the earnings they generate for the shareholders they serve. Our null hypothesis, consistent with the popular assumption in the media, is that the secular growth of CEO compensation has become increasingly misaligned with the earnings results that CEOs have produced for shareholders. Surprisingly, our initial findings, drawing on secular trends among SP 500 firms, appear to show that our hypothesis does not hold, and that, over an extended period of time, CEOs have not received compensation that is out of line with the their companies earnings trends. Zhao, Kevin M; Baum, Charles L; Ford, William F 2.0 Diagnosis of Problems and Theoretical Analysis 2.1 Organisational Change 2.2 Conflict Cognitive Dissonance 2.3 Communication 2.4 Leadership 3.0 Recommendations 3.1 Organisational Change Management Recommendations 3.2. Conflict Management Recommendations 3.3. Communication Recommendations 4.0. Conclusion

MP3 - A Controversial Technology Essay -- Expository Essays

MP3 - A Controversial Technology Technology is constantly changing and reinventing itself. With every new invention there will be controversy on how it affects the industry it is within. There will also be those who exploit the new technology is some way or form. MP3’s is an example of a controversial break through in technology. The question arises should the music industry embrace the opportunities MP3’s can offer or fight it. MP3 is an audio compression that speeds up the transfer of digital music files. By shrinking the size of the track, downloads take only a fraction of the time that they used to. MP3’s also feature solid-state technology, flash memory and the ability to download and store high fidelity music. With an MP3 you not only create your own personalized music soundtracks you can email them to friends all around the world. MP3’s change the way that music is distributed. Only marks the start of a new market in Portable Digital Audio Devices (DAD) By simply logging on to your favorite music portal site you can use MP3 playback software at no char...

Organic vs. Sustainable Agriculture Essay -- Compare Contrast Agricult

Organic vs. Sustainable Agriculture Agriculture, to many is just an industry of farmers and cows. Most people can’t even come close to fathom just how essential the continuance of agriculture is to not just our well being, but our very lives. People of the United States have been spoiled, they’ve never had to worry about the grocery stores running empty because, even to this day, there hasn’t been a problem growing enough to feed, not only the U.S. but a good part of the world too. The day though is fast approaching that we won’t be able to keep those grocery stores stocked. Due to the depletion of the vital resources, needed to produce our food, it is becoming increasingly challenging for today’s agriculturalists to feed the world. The only way to be able to keep up with the exponentially growing population and shrinking resource base, is to radically change how we produce our food or we will be looking at a huge crisis in the very near future. From this, need of new farming and prod uction techniques, comes a couple new practices that will be discussed in this publication. One is sustainable, and the other is organic crop production. In the following, both practices will be discussed in detail hopefully clearing the air on which practice, in the long run should be the path production agriculture takes. Organic Agriculture, as defined by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): â€Å"Is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony.† Which is very fancily put for agriculture with as little man made input as poss... ...perations future sustainability. Sources Brodt, S, Feenstra, G, Kozloff, R, Klonsky, K, Tourte, L. (2006). Farmer –community connections and the future of ecological agriculture in California. Agriculture and Human Values, 23,75-88. Fouche, C, Tourte, L, Gaskell, M, Smith, R, Koike, S, T. Mitchell, J. (2006) Organic Certification, Farm Planning, Management, and Marketing. Publication #7247, 1-6 Earles, R, Williams, P. (2005) Sustainable Agriculture: An introduction. Retrieved October 22, 2006, from http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/sustagintro.pdf Gegner, L, Kueper, G. (2004) Organic Crop Production Overview. Retrieved October 22, 2006, from http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/organiccrop.pdf Pimentel, D. (2005) Environmental, energetic, and economic comparisons of organic and conventional farming systems. Bioscience, v. 55, no. 7, 573-579

Early Adulthood Observation

Adrienne Lindsey PSYC 2314. 01 Early Adulthood Observation Observation Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Time: 5:00-8:00PM Location: Adults Home OBSERVATIONS AND ANALYSIS Q was a 19 year old black male. He was in the Erickson’s intimacy vs. isolation stage. Areas of observation include physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development. Physical Development Q has reached maximum body growth and biological aging or senescence has begun. Biological ageing is â€Å"genetically influenced declines in the functioning of organs and systems that are universal in all members of our species† (Berk, 2010, p. 32). Q exercises daily but he admits that he doesn’t eat a healthy diet all the time. â€Å"Regular moderate to vigorous exercise predicts a healthier longer life† (Berk, 2010, p. 443). Also, â€Å"when too much saturated fat is consumed, some of it is converted to cholesterol, which accumulates as plaque on the arterial walls in atherosclerosis† (Berk, 2010, p. 441). Q was stressing about getting into college, helping his mother with bills, and finding a job.This is psychological development, â€Å"chronic stress resulting from economic hardships is linked to hypertension, which contributes to the high incidence of heart disease in low-income groups, especially African-Americans† (Berk, 2010, p. 450). Cognitive Development Q has not entered college yet but he knows that it is something he has to do in order to get a good paying job. Study shows that â€Å"about 20 percent of recent high school graduates who do not continue their education are unemployed† (Berk, 2010, p. 58). Asked Q what he wanting to do with his life he said he wants to go to art school and become a graphic designer. Realistic period is a vocational development when young adults start to narrow their options first by exploring and then by crystallizing their focus on a single occupation (Berk, 2010, p. 456). This also shows that he is an artistic pe rson a personality type that affects vocational choice (Berk, 2010, p. 456). Social/Emotional Development Q said that he was too young to settle with one woman.This is an example of Erickson’s theory intimacy vs. isolation, intimacy being the positive and failing to find it leading to loneliness and self-absorption (Berk, 2010, p. 468). Q was stress about getting into college because some of his close friends have already entered college. Due to â€Å"changing in society from one generation to another can effect life course, the social clock, age graded expectations for major life events can have a psychological strain when behind in timing of life events† (Berk, 2010, p. 71). Q has a close relationship with his brother, who is two years younger than him; he remembers having good times with him. This is also an example of Erickson’s theory intimacy vs. isolation showing that â€Å"intimacy can also be satisfied through other relationships† (Berk, 2010, p. 472). IMPORTANCE INFORMATION LEARNED In my observation, I realize that some low SES families do not lack the importance of education, but just don’t have the resource they need to achieve what needs to be done.Maybe this country needs to be more like Germany and give young adults the opportunity to get the skills they need to become successful adults. The day after my observation with Q, I took it upon myself to help him fill out an application for student aid. Hopefully this will give him the push he needs to go to college and fulfill his life goals/dreams. With him being the oldest of five children it will be something positive for his younger siblings. References Berk, L. E. (2010). Development through the lifespan, 5th ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Hinduism: Monotheistic or Polytheistic

Is Hinduism monotheistic, or polytheistic? Polytheism is the belief in, and worship of more than one god. In monotheism, there is belief in and worship of only one god that is a separate entity. I have come to the conclusion that Hinduism is neither, but monistic. On a lower level of truth, there are many different gods and goddesses that are distinct in Hinduism. However, on a higher level of truth, Hindu’s believe â€Å"you and I and God [are] all one-and-the-same in the end† (Course Reader, p. 17). Therefore, in the highest level of truth, Hinduism is monistic—believing that All is One. Over time, Hinduism has evolved from a polytheistic religion to one that is widely monistic. Jews and Muslims would surely say that Hinduism is polytheistic—for them, worship of anything that is not the Supreme Being is a sin. They believe that God cannot manifest into physical form, and certainly cannot be personified. For a Christian, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is not a form or force of God, but is God. Hindus, they argue, commenced to personify the various forces of nature (e. g. , the stars, moon, sun, water, fire, etc. ) and worship them. In the Bible, Paul says â€Å"They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator† (New International Version, Gen. 3. 15), clearly condemning the worship of his creation. It may appear that Hindus worship many separate gods and entities, but it is more complicated than this. They believe that All is One, and therefore worship of anything is ultimately worship of God. In the Rig Veda, every force of nature was personified and worshipped as separate entities—clearly indicative of polytheism (Course Reader 1, p. 25). There is no concept of a Supreme Being, only separate Gods that have separate roles. There is no god that is greater than another. In the Rig Veda, it states that â€Å"Not one of you, gods, is small, not one a little child; all of you are truly great. Therefore you are worthy of praise and sacrifice† (Course Reader 1, p. 26). This demonstrates that the devas are separate and equal entities. The warrior god Indra is eventually elevated to King of the Gods in the Vedic tradition. He is not identified as the Supreme Being however—he still requires sacrifice, and is therefore not omnipotent. Later in the Rig Veda, questions arise concerning creation and death. There are no definitive answers supplied, and no one god is credited with creation (Course Reader 1, p. 33). During this time, Hinduism was unapologetically polytheistic. With the revelation of the Upanishads, Hinduism began to evolve into a monistic tradition. It was revealed that there is one force in the universe, called Brahman, and that our Atman (spiritual self) is a part of this force (Course Reader 1, p. 52). We are not separate from Brahman; our Atman is Brahman. It is revealed that all things come from The One Source, known as Brahman. The One Source becomes an infinite number of things taking on numerous forms, but ultimately there is and always shall be only One (Course Reader 1, p. 59). There is no difference between the contents of the Universe, and the cause of the Universe. Recognition of Brahman is so important that it is the only way to escape samsara, and become spiritually liberated. Acquiring the sacred knowledge of Brahman is the way to salvation (Course Reader 1, p. 60). If we perceive the countless Hindu gods as separate and independent, we are not enlightened. In the early Upanishads, Brahman is neuter. It is the totality of everything, and is completely abstract and without qualities (Course Reader 1, p. 64). This soon changes, with the introduction of Vishnu and Shiva. Vishnu and Shiva eventually become the most prominent gods in the Hindu tradition. They are both widely recognized as the Supreme Beings, but there are disagreements as to which is the most supreme (Course Reader 1, p. 3). The Vedic gods are still worshipped, but are nowhere near as powerful. It is now obvious to me that Hinduism will never me a monotheistic religion, there is far too much variation between its followers, and too many gods that are worshipped. Brahman is still the ultimate force of the universe, and Vishnu is a manifestation of Brahman, as are all of the gods. Brahman is the force that permeates all creation, including our Atman. Therefore, we are Brahman and the gods are Brahman. In this sense we are not separate from the gods, but the same. According to Hinduism, Brahman is the eternal and unchanging force that transcends time and space. The nature of Brahman is described as non-dual and both personal and impersonal. In the Puranas, this force is personified as the Creator God Brahma—while Vishnu and Shiva are being called Brahman simultaneously (Course Reader 1, p. 111). Since the force Brahman is considered to be anyone, whether it be Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma or even Jesus, Hinduism is monistic.

Schooling for Children with Special Needs: Education

For the well-being of their children with disabilities or special needs, parents are often faced with the difficult decision of whether to attempt to integrate the child into a public school system or send him or her to a special school. Before the Education for All Handicapped Children Act or Public Law (PL) 94/142 was enacted in 1975, public schools educated only 1 out of 5 children with disabilities.This act required all public schools accepting federal funds, to provide equal access to education for children with physical and mental disabilities. This education was to free, in the least restrictive environment and appropriate to their individual needs. The act also required that school districts provide administrative procedures so that parents of disabled children could dispute decisions made about their children’s education. The ultimate goal was to help students live more independent lives in their communities.Mainstreaming or inclusion in the context of education is a term that refers to the practice of educating students with special needs in regular classes during specific time periods, with supplementary aids and services if needed, based on their skills. This means regular education classes are combined with special education classes. Schools that practice mainstreaming believe that special needs students who cannot function in a regular classroom to a certain extent â€Å"belong† to the special education environment.Segregation or confinement in education refers to the catering to students with special educational needs, in a special school e. g. because of learning difficulties or physical disabilities. This means the individual placed in this environment is systematically monitored by teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, accessible settings and other interventions designed to help them achieve their goals. Many writers have voiced there opinion, through their pen, on whether a special ed. tudent should be educated i n a special setting or be mainstreamed/included in the general/public schools. One writer’s view is that â€Å"Separate is not equal, and it certainly is not better†. Simply stated, he is saying when students with special needs are separated they do not get the opportunity for socializing in or with the community, a skill that will assist them to become productive members of society (Spitzer-Resnick). Witt, another writer said the disabled student should learn alongside his non-disabled classmates as often as possible (Witt 2003).

Mind and Matrix Essay

Epistemology is the nature of knowledge. Knowledge is important when considering what is reality and what is deception. The movie â€Å"The Matrix† displays a social deception in which Neo, the main character, is caught between what he thought was once reality and a whole new world that controls everything he thought was real. If I were Neo, I would not truly be able to know that I was in the matrix. However, it is rational to believe that I am in the matrix and will eventually enter back into my reality later. The proof that that I can know that I am in the matrix and that I will return to reality comes from the responses of foundationalism, idealism, and pallibalism. To begin, foundationalism is the essence of what we are certain of. Many philosophers argue on the basis of foundationalism to find out where knowledge begins. This will help determine if Neo would be able to know or not know if he is dreaming up the matrix or in fact that it is reality. The popularity of foundationalism starts with Descartes. He challenged the previously popular skepticism. In Descartes Meditations he discusses many issues relating to the question of â€Å"where does knowledge come from? † His main arguments appear in his dreaming argument. He first begins by stating 1. I often have perceptions very much like the ones I usually have in sensation while I am dreaming. Then he goes on to say 2. There are no definite signs to distinguish dream experience from waking experience. These two premises lead to the conclusion that 3. It is possible that I am dreaming right now and that all my perceptions are false. This shows that there is no real way to know to know anything. Descartes add to his argument using foundationalism. â€Å"‘Throughout my writings I have made it clear that my method imitates that of the architect. When an architect wants to build a house which is stable on ground where there is a sandy topsoil over underlying rock, or clay, or some other firm base, he begins by digging out a set of trenches from which he removes the sand, and anything resting on or mixed in with the sand, so that he can lay his foundations on firm soil. In the same way, I began by taking everything that was doubtful and throwing it out, like sand †¦ (Replies 7, AT 7:537)’ (Lex, Newman)†. This explains how foundationalism works; you must remove all of your doubt to advance to the foundationtion of which you are sure of. This is called the method of doubt. Once you know what you are sure of, you can build up knowledge from there. Many wonder how we can wonder we are not dreaming. Some agree that you cannot feel pain in a dream, but others say they have. The argument that dreams are not related to memory is strong because most people do not remember their dreams. Descartes explains that in a dream you can feel as if you are using all of your senses, but they seem to be more vague than when awake. Descartes struggles with the dream issue until he comes upon his conclusion. â€Å"‘I now notice that there is a vast difference between [being asleep and being awake], in that dreams are never linked by memory with all the other actions of life as waking experiences are. †¦ But when I distinctly see where things come from and where and when they come to me, and when I can connect my perceptions of them with the whole of the rest of my life without a break, then I am quite certain that when I encounter these things I am not asleep but awake. (Med.6, AT 7:89-90)’ (Lex, Newman)†. This dream argument attributes to how we can know anything. For Neo’s sake it helps him decide weather he is really in the matrix or not. In addition to foundationalism proving that knowledge is built up from what we are certain of, idealism plays an important role of arguing that all reality is in the mind. Descartes’ argument for idealism explains how knowledge of reality is possible. He goes through the process of using an example like a pen and justifying its existence. There are 3 steps to this process: 1. I know I perceive the pen. 2. To exist is to be perceived (Berkeley). 3. I know the pen exists. Another philosopher, Berkeley, argues esse est percipi, which translates to â€Å"to be is to be perceived†. This means that if you are perceived you exist and the same thing goes for reality. There are issues that argue against idealism; one of these arguments is that we have no conception of unperceived matter. As soon as you perceive it you can conceive it. The only problems with this argument are the fact that many people perceive the distant path. An example of this is the â€Å"Big Bang† theory. Also the perception of the atom and distant galaxies furthermore cause a problem. So idealism still stands strong. Neo’s perception of the matrix exists so therefor Neo believes that the matrix is real. Yet there remains one more response to furthermore prove that Neo is rational to believe he is in the matrix. This is the response to Pallibalism, the theory that knowledge does not require certainty. This response goes about saying that we are certain of our minds and our own existence. Neo has knowledge of the matrix, but there is no certainty with his knowledge. Noe is able to perceive the surroundings around him in the matrix and he can be sure he is not dreaming, but he can not know for sure if the matrix is truly real. The case for this is that he could be just a brain in a Vat in a giant virtual reality. Another example similar to â€Å"The Matrix† is â€Å"The Trueman Show†. In this case it is a local deception rather than a social deception. Pallibalism agrees with foundationalism and idealism in the fact that knowledge is an abstract notion and the only thing that one can be certain of is them selves. Clearly then, foundationalism, idealism, and pallibalism all fit together to prove that Neo can not be certain of the matrix, but only himself. Also it further explains how it is rational for him to believe that the matrix exists through his perception of the matrix and the knowledge he obtains when he is there. The growth of knowledge in Neo’s mind is possible what is his deception. The more he perceives could possible be more he is deceived. What we know about reality is all in our minds and if we can only be certain of ourselves and our own existence then the reality that we perceive and conceive does exist. So the answer is yes, Neo can know that he is in the matrix, but this does not necessarily mean the matrix exists. As far as Neo knows the matrix does exist and that he will return to what he thought was his reality later, knowing that there is more than just his world. Works Cited Newman, Lex, â€Å"Descartes’ Epistemology†, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 1999 Edition), Edward N, Zalta (ed. ), URL= http://plato. stanford. edu/archives/spring1999/entries/Descartes.

Related Literature Thesis Essay

ABSTRACT The Online Enrolment System was proposed in replacement of the Manual Enrolment System of the institution for it to have an organized flow of transaction and an ease of work especially to the administrators of Cavite Maritime Institute. The study is concerned on how the manual enrolment performs throughout the company’s transaction. The numerous transactions that the manual system covers, such as updating and adding student records, generating the advising and assessment slips, and the like are commending the manual enrolment system to be inefficient for the needs of the institution. Since the study involves proper records handling, tracing the constraints and evaluation of the manual system is essential. Thus, the proponents gathered necessary data that will help in the progress of enhancing the existing system of CMI. By: Bacala, Mariel Reaà ±o, Esmeralda Mr. Paulino Gatpandan May 2009 DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTERIZED ENROLLMENT SYSTEM IN A RURAL-BASED HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to design a computerized enrolment system for a rural- based higher education institution and to find out its acceptability in terms of construction design and functionality. The computerized enrolment system was developed using the software Visual Basic, an Object-Oriented Programming visualization tool. The result of the study revealed that the Enrolment System is â€Å"Very Acceptable† as evaluated by the selected faculty members and staff of the school. In the light of the present findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are advanced, namely, that this enrolment system should be introduced to the school; that it should be adopted by the school to help the staff find records of students more easily and faster and the system should be utilized as a model for future research, especially for technology or computer-related research studies. Christian Le Marjo A. Caipang College of Industrial Technology, Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, Iloilo City, PHILIPPINES. www.savap.org.pk/journals/†¦/2013(4.3-15).pdf SFU SIS ENROLLMENT SYSTEM ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Our report examines the SFU Student Information System in terms of users’ goals and behaviors based on heuristic violations, as well as usability testing. We specifically focused on the enrollment process and also, its efficiency and effectiveness when user is completing a task of course enrollment. To measure these qualities, we produced two different digital prototypes for user testing. Furthermore, we applied quantitative and qualitative research method into our questionnaires and survey to collect data of our target users which involves SFU students who are in the range of first year to senior year. Our redesigned interfaces has more efficient task processes based on the  quantitative data from user testing. Participants’ insights are that one of our interface has better aesthetics but the other prototype has better functionality. We were able to reduce a significant amount of time spent on course search with our redesigns. In comparison to the current SIS, our prototypes took less time to enroll in a course. TEAM LEADERS: YEE LOONG + BRUCE LUI NOVEMBER 29, 2012 www.sfu.ca/~janicen/doc/sis_finalreport.pdf Online student enrollment system ABSTRACT Our Online student enrollment system enables students to enroll into their subjects prior to the commencement of their semesters. This enrollment system not only allows international students to enroll through internet without traveling to the campus but also incorporates the business rules. These business rules cover a wide range of regulations and policy such as subject pre-requisite, student’s payment status, course coordinator’s decision and the correspondence of students’ seniority to the intended enrolling subjects. Besides business rules, the system also incorporates various notification mechanisms like Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Email. XML is used to store the business rule and thus allow the portability of the system interface to wider range of devices such as Personal Device Assistant (PDA). The interface auto-detects the user’s device either PC/laptop or much smaller screen device such as PDA. In short, the enrollment system backend engine runs based on the business rules and front-end engine runs to provide high satisfaction user experience. With the business and user interface, the system is able to run the workflow of student enrollment from the online enrollment form to approval workflow cycle running parallel with the notification capability.