Saturday, August 31, 2019
Benefits to Organisations from Cloud Computing
Benefits of Organization From Cloud Computing ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â- ABSTRACT In recent years, many organizations benefit from sharp development of cloud computing in terms of scalability, agility, automation and resource sharing. Especially for IT departments, cloud computing afford the most innovative technologies and resources for them to focus on applications development, which are the most beneficial for organization business. On the other hand, the Capital & Operational cost can be reduced accordingly because of cloud platform.Many IT giants such as Microsoft, HP and Dell have invested billions in developing cloud platform and cloud computing research. This paper reviews the concept of cloud computing and its state of the art, and concluded the benefits to organizations in perspectives of software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and datacentre as a service (DaaS). Keywords: cloud computing, software as service, architecture as a service, datacentre as a service Introduction The term ââ¬Å"cloudâ⬠is used to represent the computer network of the internet.It depicts a diagram as the computer network is just like the cloud which is linked to every client via internet. With the support of high performance server, each single client is able to access their work files remotely and process them without preinstalling specific applications. Because of the development of virtualisation, end-users can work with their clients such as netbook, smart mobile or laptop in anywhere as the same as work in local as long as the internet is available.This paper work aims to explain the concept of cloud computing in state of the art and to discuss how organizations benefit from cloud computing in perspectives of SaaS, IaaS and DaaS, and future research is concluded in the end. Background In the word of McCarthy: ââ¬Å"computation may someda y be organized as a public utility. â⬠The idea of cloud computing has been first opined in the 1960s. Later then, Douglas Parkhill (1966) has thoroughly explored almost all the modern-day characteristics of cloud computing in areas such as infinite supply, elastic provision, online etc. nd compared them to the electricity industry in his book, The Challenge of the Computer Utility. Meanwhile, other researchers were also proposing their ideas about cloud computing, the scientist Herb Grosch even postulated that in future the entire world communication services would be supported by about 15 huge data centres. Between the sixties and nineties, with the evolution of WEB 2. 0 being developed, the internet has started to offer a significant bandwidth which sharply increases the speed of cloud computing development. The first milestone was the arrival of Salesforce. om in 1999, which is the pioneer of creating a concept of running application over internet. It paved the way for both academia researches and industry professionals to deliver applications via internet which is the fountainhead of cloud computing development. The second milestone was Amazon Web Services in 2002, which offered a set of services such as storage and remotely computation based on the cloud through the Amazon Mechanical Turk. Later then in 2006, a commercial web service called Elastic Compute cloud (EC2) was launched by Amazon to run personal and specific applications for both individual and small and medium size enterprise.In 2009, another milestone came as the WEB 2. 0 hit its stride, pioneers such as Google started to offer browser-based services and applications via internet, so called Google Apps. This is decisive for users running reliable and easy-to-consume applications from leading technology giants such as Microsoft and Google. To date, many experts seem to agree that cloud computing can bring enormous benefits for business organizations and will ultimately transform the comp uting landscape. Even though there are still a lot of issues such as security, data privacy, network performance and economics which need to be concerned.Cloud Computing Cloud computing is a natural evolution of the widespread adoption of virtualisation, service-oriented architecture, autonomic, and utility computing. The term ââ¬Å"in the cloudâ⬠indicates that end-users are no longer needed to be expertise, well trained in using computer, and even some of the cases have pointed out that future personal computer can be hard drive-less and web-browser only. To understand this in general, cloud computing is able to deliver services such as computation, software, data access and storage ver internet without requiring end-user information of physical location and configuration. Categories of Cloud Computing Cloud computing is able to offer several services, which can be categorized into different classes. The most prevalent classes are Software as a Service (SaaS), infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Datacentre as a Service (DaaS). Software as a Service (SaaS) Software as a Service provides pre-built application services with none of little customization such as ERP and CRM over the internet to the end user for dealing with complex business missions.As the most important and popular application service in cloud computing, it simplifies IT support and management by eliminating the need to install and run individual applications on PC. Most of the software are available to updated automatically through provision of the service provider, and because of the centrally management, the need for maintenance and support can be removed as well. Infrastructure as a Service Infrastructure as a Service renders a service over the internet for orienting computing resources such as hardware, networking components, data storage and servers.It is parallel to the Software as a Service in simplifying the management of computing components, the need of in-house datacentre ca n be removed, and the networking equipment can be eliminated as well. Form perspective of organizations, Infrastructure as a service is able to offer great elasticity and flexibility for scaling computing equipment whenever they are needed. Datacentre as a Service Datacentre as a Service, as a cousin of Software as a Service, can provide needs to the end-users regardless of geographic or organizational separation of provider and consumer.Those needs can be classified into both software and data. Traditionally, enterprises require self-contained repository for storing and organizing data of business, meanwhile there are certain specific software should be available for them accessing the data. Therefore, the concept of datacentre as a service is created for bundling both the needed data and software to interpret into a single package which can be offered to the enterprises at once. The most benefits of this paradigm to organizations are effective reducing of the data cost and usage o f the specific software. Benefits to organisationCloud computing offers a set of advantages to business organizations in many aspects. Traditionally, organizations require enormous budget for the procurement of hardware capacity with great cost potential and the recruitment of a big quantity of staff for managing equipment and running applications in order to deliver big project. Cloud computing revealing is significantly contributing on solving the existing issues, it allows end-users to access the hardware and software facility wherever and whenever without pre-built applications, local administration and hardware capacity.The costs can be sharply reduced because of the centrally management of the provider. The most significant benefits are: * Cost. The expense is always one of concerns while investing and developing an in-house infrastructure, especially for large business organizations. Cloud computing is able to remove the most of cost which spent on purchasing IT equipment, so ftware and maintenance, and organization can therefore pay as they consume. * Reliability. In cloud computing, virtual servers as provided services for organizations instead of physical servers, and this solution is beneficial for the organizations in reliability.If the server or any hardware component is not able to perform their duty properly, the transition can sassily be deployed to any other available server. It creates a significant flexibility for server maintenance. * Manageability. The hardware and other IT facilities can be centrally management by provider, and this renders a great comfort for organization IT department in supporting and implementing. Maintenance is removed because the end-users can simply access their data and applications via user interface without pre-installation.Therefore, IT resources and capacity can be relocated and leveraged for focusing on innovation and core competencies. Nevertheless, besides those main advantages of cloud computing, there are many specific benefits to organizations in perspectives of software as a service, infrastructure as a service and database as a service. In perspective of software as a service As described in previous chapter, Software as a Service provides pre-built application services with none of little customization such as ERP and CRM over the internet to the end user for dealing with complex business missions.Its benefits to organizations can be discussed form both aspects of consumer and provider. For the consumer * Time of development is reduced. As opposed to a phased implementation which may takes months, the time can be decreased as potentially minutes. * No software installation and maintenance. The software application will be cutting edge and updated automatically by provider. * Global availability. Traditionally, software functions are available on-premise based on organizationââ¬â¢s IT capacity. Now they are functional outside of premise and anywhere on the internet natively. * Service level agreement (SLA) adherence.Once the software incurs any bugs or errors while running applications, the provider will be noticed immediately and able to fix them in minutes with limited expense. * Constant, smaller and upgrades. With SaaS provider can constantly maintain performance of application and provide continuously application experiences. * Redistribute IT budget. Organization can focus on core competencies by outsourcing software functionality to a provider. This strategy can flat out save the cost of infrastructure requirements and IT personnel knowledge demands. For the provider * Aggregate operating environment.As a provider, the highest authority of domain management is decisive for accessing data and fixing problems. Therefore, provider is no longer required to send technicians to customize software or applications based on demands of clients, the configuration can be remotely set up in central management. Hereby the effects such as financial savings, time savings and labour savings are beneficial to the provider. * Predictable revenue stream. The provider is able to easily calculate the usage of clients for predictably management of the rest resources based on subscription model (Pay as they go). Focus on smaller improvements instead of monster patch rollouts. As providers, the concerns such as rollout logistics across all their clientsââ¬â¢ sites and duplication of issues fixing or configurations can be removed. Providers can focus on fixing core application functionality and enhancing features in smaller incremental rollouts. In perspective of infrastructure as a service Infrastructure as a service is one of the main categories of cloud computing service. Its benefits to organization can be concluded below: * Allows IT to shift focus.Because of the quick availability provided by infrastructure as a service, organization hereby can leverage and emphasis on core competencies in bringing innovations in solutions. * Flexibility infr astructure. Each component in architecture can play a role as a service such as hardware as a service, storage as a service, server as a service etc. * Utility service. The service model running by Infrastructure as a service is pre-paid/pay as go subscription based model. This model allows provider effectively manage resources and capacity for leasing. Multiple tenets. Infrastructure as a service allows multiple users to access the same infrastructure. * Investment cap. Small and medium size companies with limited capital for investing in IT equipment can take advantage of the resource from provider. * Measureable cost. Infrastructure as a service usage can be measured and priced based on what have been used and when they have been used. * Green IT. Centrally management and outsourcing can reduce environment effect with IT resources and systems. In perspective of datacentre as a serviceDatacentre as a Service, as a cousin of Software as a Service, can provide needs to the end-users regardless of geographic or organizational separation of provider and consumer. Those needs can be classified into both software and data. Its benefits to organization can be listed below: * Fast execution. Due to centrally management offered by database, end-users are no longer requiring to purchase, install, maintain or upgrade software applications locally. The on-demand model of data as a service is not only used to remove the demands on IT department, but also enabling business analysts to access their data and analysis.This allows IT department can leverage resources to focus on core competencies. * Emphasis on innovation, not infrastructure. For big enterprises, data as a service can be used for cutting their cost of keeping their existing data warehouse or database up and running, and enterprises therefore will be able to focus on innovation rather than organizational infrastructure. The saved cost of originally maintain and upgrading system can be invested on developing an d executing business decisions. * Low cost. As the same as the service provided by IaaS, the on-demand model is applied in data as a service as well.Organizations can consume data functionality based on their usage (pay as they go), and the time when resources have been used is measureable for pricing. * World-class security. The security of the data has been discussed as one of main concerns for many years since the service of outsourcing data is provided. For cloud computing, data as a service ensures organizationsââ¬â¢ data is protected with first class despite in terms of physical security, data encryption, user authentication or application security. ConclusionAs discussed in this paper, cloud computing as a cutting edge concept which is proposed and developed in this era, and certainly offers a set of significant benefits to business organizations. It is not only a leading technology for optimizing existing organization IT performance, but also a future development of organ ization movements. Form the perspectives of cost saving, resources relocating and distributing, and labour productivity improving, organization can be enormously beneficial by adopting cloud computing as one of the decisive role in IT development.This paper has reviewed the concept of cloud computing and produced a state of the art understanding in terms of software as a service, infrastructure as a service and data as a service. Those three main categories of cloud computing services have been articulated deeply as well. The core purpose of this paper is to analyse the benefits to organizations from cloud computing, specifically in aspects of software as a service, infrastructure as a service, and data as a service. These main advantages offered by cloud computing have been discussed from both technological and business point of view.The trend of cloud computing has been concluded in the end. Nevertheless, cloud computing is continually developing and it will indeed bring more magn ificent benefits not only to organizations but also in other aspects. The services provided by cloud computing such as Software-as-a-service, infrastructure-as-a-service and database-as-a-service are just the pioneers in cloud computing development. Based on requirements of end-users and business organizations in data processing, there will be more services unveiled in cloud computing to meet those demands and provide more comprehensive supports for both providers and end-users.Even in other areas such as building construction, manufacturing, education, and entertainment, cloud computing is also playing a vital role of productivity role. Its main strengths such as functionality, flexibility and sustainability will be significantly beneficial to those organizations, and those benefits will be explored from future research. * References 1) Gruman, Galen (2008-04-07). ââ¬Å"What cloud computing really meansâ⬠. InfoWorld. Retrieved 2009-06-02. 2) Cloud Computing Defined 17 July 20 10. Retrieved 26 July 2010. 3) Buyya, Rajkumar; Chee Shin Yeo, Srikumar Venugopal (PDF).Market-Oriented Cloud Computing: Vision, Hype, and Reality for Delivering IT Services as Computing Utilities. Department of Computer Science and Software 4) ââ¬Å"Defining ââ¬Å"Cloud Servicesâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Cloud Computingâ⬠â⬠. IDC. 2008-09-23. Retrieved 2010-08-22. 5) ââ¬Å"Security of virtualization, cloud computing divides IT and security prosâ⬠. Network World. 2010-02-22. Retrieved 2010-08-22. 6) Zissis, Dimitrios; Lekkas (2010). ââ¬Å"Addressing cloud computing security issuesâ⬠. Future Generation Computer Systems. 7) Finland ââ¬â First Choice for Siting Your Cloud Computing Data Center.. Retrieved 4 August 2010. 8) ââ¬Å"Cloud Net Directory.Retrieved 2010-03-01â⬠³. Cloudbook. net. Retrieved 2010-08-22. 9) ââ¬Å"â⬠IBM, Google Team on an Enterprise Cloud. â⬠May 2008. Rich Miller Retrieved 2010-04-01â⬠³. DataCenterKnowledge. com. 2008-05-02. Retrieved 2010-08-22. 10) Duffy, Jim (2009-05-12). ââ¬Å"Cisco unveils cloud computing platform for service providersâ⬠. Infoworld. com. Retrieved 2010-08-22. 11) ââ¬Å"The Emerging Cloud Service Architectureâ⬠. Aws. typepad. com. 2008-06-03. Retrieved 2010-08-22. 12) VOGELS, W. A Head in the Cloudsââ¬âthe Power of Infrastructure as a Service. In First workshop on Cloud Computing and in Applications (CCA ââ¬â¢08) (October 2008). 13)
Friday, August 30, 2019
Analyzing the Formation of Habits Using Behavioral and Social/Cognitive Approaches
The habit to be analyzed is cigarette smoking. Around the age of 13 is when I probably had my first cigarette. The habit developed from a learned behavior from the adults around me and peer pressure. I can remember many of the adult figures around me, more so the adult males, smoked cigarettes, and cigars. At the time when I was a girl there was not an age limit on buying cigarettes. My father, who ran his body and fender shop out the garage in the back yard would send me and my siblings to the corner drugstore to buy his KOOL cigarettes. The seventh grade is when the peer pressure began.I remember sneaking the KOOL cigarettes out of my fatherââ¬â¢s pack and smoking on the way to school with friends. Smoking did not become a habit then. I had older sisters and always wanted to follow them. So once I was in high school they let me hang out with them. I smoked to pretend I was as grown as they were. It still had not become a habit. After high school about the age of 19 is when it be came a habit. I moved away from home and wanted to do the things that grown-ups do. Because smoking has formed into a habit my body craved the nicotine and this is what fed the habit and caused it to continue.The habit continued until my 29th year when I became pregnant with my daughter. The smoking probably would have continued through pregnancy, but it made me sick. The smoking resumed after birth for the next 15 years. During the period after birth I tried to stop smoking once or twice unsuccessfully, convincing myself that I enjoyed smoking and was not ready to quit. It was the nicotine addiction talking to me. Most of my friends smoke and it was something we did together When comparing this habit to the behavioral personality theory, it makes complete sense.The behavioral personality theory only deals with externally observable things. This habit came about from watching and observing others. Trying to do as others to fit in or be someone different than who I was at the time, n ot knowing how addicting this habit could be. As a person gets older the body does not allow one to continue the habits that started in their younger years without consequences. The effects of aging start taking over. Because of operant conditioning this habit had to be change. The effect of smoking in people with diabetes cause a high cardiovascular risk, Diabeticnephropathy which causes kidney disease, high blood pressure, and genetic predisposition. Every visit to the doctor reminded me of the consequences of smoking. Operant conditioning (sometimes referred to as instrumental conditioning) is a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Through these rewards and punishments, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior (Kendra Cherry, 2013). This conditioning caused me to quit this habit. First I had to make the conscience decision that this was going to be the end of smoking.The plan was to quit smoking cold tur key; I did not want to substitute one drug to give up another. I no longer allowed myself to buy cigarettes. If I had the urge to smoke a cigarette, I would get one from someone else, preferably non-menthol or not my brand so it would not be satisfying. All money that was to be spent on cigarettes went into a savings account. After six months I had a savings of $360. 00. This is where the operant conditions plays a part, that was a great reward. This was a hard habit to change but not as hard as I thought it would be.Like any habit or addiction I believe the person has to want to make the change. People who ââ¬Å"relapseâ⬠make the conscience decision to continue the habit. Social cognitive theory (SCT) refers to a psychological model of behavior that started primarily from the work of Albert Bandura (1977; 1986). It was first developed with an emphasis on the cognitive process or acquiring knowledge of social behaviors, social cognitive theory continues to single out that lea rning happens in a social setting and that much of what is learned is acquired through watching others (The Gale Group, 2013).Cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT) refers to the basic principle that a personââ¬â¢s perceptions play a substantial and important role in the development and maintenance of emotional and behavà ¬ioral responses to life situations. In CBT models, cognitive processes, in the form of meanings, judgments, appraisals, and assumptions associated with specific life events, are the primary determinants of oneââ¬â¢s feelings and actions in response to life events and thus either enable or hold back the process of adaptation (A. Antonio Gonzalez-Prendes and Stella M.à Resko, 2013)After understanding both the social and behavioral cognitive theories, I believe the cognitive-behavioral theory has the most influence in the makeup of my personality. The cognitive behavioral theory comes into play when I am trying to reach self-actualization motives as described in Maslowââ¬â¢s hierarchy of needs. I tend to react on feelings in most situations, which will either enable or hold back the process of adaptation. In conclusion, I am finding that studying the different theories of behavior is giving me a better understanding of the way people act and think. This hase been a very informative class.
Learning and Memory
Learning and Memory Jessica A. Rountree, Brenda Bejar, Lisa Jackson, Derek Delarge PSY340 November 14, 2011 Dr. April Colett Learning and Memory On the surface learning and memory are connected easily. When an individual learns to walk, they retain the information in the memory. The learning process is something that happens every day. As human beings we are programmed to learn life lessons, and retain them in our memory. The memory keeps pictures, smells, experiences, and tastes for us to learn how to live our lives. Learning is the experiences we have, and memory stores this information (Pinel, 2009). It is as simple as that. However, researchers have found how the brain functions while retaining memory. A closer look into learning and memory one findââ¬â¢s it is not quite that simple. The brain, although protected by the skull, is a fragile organ. A blood clot, a blow to the head, or drug use can damage the brain enough that learning is stunted, and memory does not exist. For an individual who cannot remember 20 years of their life due to a car accident is going to experience psychological damage as well. It is not just the absence of memory itself, but the fear as well. Learning and memory are something that the majority of individuals take for granted. There are those that can learn, yet not retain memory. Amnesia patients often can retain motor skills, a learned skill, however, cannot recall memories. Memory and learning deficits affect an individual to lifeââ¬â¢s core. Depending on what type of deficit is occurring learning and memory may not be related. Retaining the ability to walk means learning is still in place, however not knowing what you had for breakfast is memory. Knowing how to eat is a learned response to feeling hungry. The mind works the knowledge presented to it. Whether that knowledge is carried properly thought the process of the brain is a different story. An individual can experience death so many times they learn it is a part of life. However, it is the memory that betrays us. Learned information leads to memories. Long-term potentiation (LTP) shows facilitation of synaptic transmissions following an electrical stimulation at a high frequency. This study was done mostly on rat hippocampus. The hippocampus is where the process of learning and memory take place. During research on rats it was found that the co-occurrence of firing presynaptic and postsynaptic cells must fire at the same time to induce LTP (Pinel, 2009). Hebbââ¬â¢s postulate for learning is the assumption this co-occurrence is physiologically necessary for learning and memory. He states the axon of cell A nears cell B and excites it. This closeness talks part in firing. Growth processes or metabolic changes take place in both cells (Pinel, 2009). Even to the smallest molecule learning and memory are intertwined with one another. Misfires of these cells can cause poor learning and retention. Researchers would not know the extent of the unique relationship between learning and memory if not for the rat experiments. What makes learning possible is also what makes memory possible. The neurons take information to the hippocampus where it is divided, processed and stored. In Pavlovââ¬â¢s conditioning experiment, he learned that a conditioned response can be created from memory (Pinel, 2009). Given the limits on information processing capacity, the specific details encoded and retrieved in memory come at the expense of other details. Comparing the types of details and processes that individuals from one culture prioritize over others offers insight into the type of information given priority in cognition, perhaps reflecting broader cultural values. The properties of memories and the types of memory errors people commit offer a window into the organization of memory. In terms of types of memory errors, if people falsely remember conceptually related, but not phonologically related items, it suggests that the meaning of the information is critical to the organization of memory, whereas phonological information is not (Chan et al. 2005). Information can be encoded not only in terms of its precise properties (e. g. , remembering the unique perceptual features of an item) but also in terms of its gist, or general thematic properties (e. g. , a category or verbal label). One example of highly specific memory representation comes from the literature on priming. Priming occurs when prior experience with an item facilitat es a response. Its effects are implicit: they do not rely on conscious recollection the item encountered previously. Although people respond to different examples of the same item (e. g. , a different picture of a cat) more quickly than to unrelated items, suggesting facilitation from prior exposure to a related item, the benefit is smaller than it is for a repeated presentation of the original item (Koutstaal et al. , 2001). The functions of the brain are well known for the control of the functional memory and learning and how the two have become interdependent. When individuals begin to stimulate the memory is when the learning occurs. Stimulating learning incites memory. With the knowledge at the center of the attention, it is imperative to stimulate the brain through lifelong learning so that one can start to achieve longevity and quality of life (Khorashadi, 2010). The brain is the organ is responsible for what we refer to as the mind. The basics of the mind are feeling, thinking, wanting, learning, behavior and memory. Memory is the fundamental mental process of the brain. Ifà asà humans if weà not have memory then we areà capable of simple reflexes and stereotyped behaviors. There are two different types of memory the declarative memory and the non-declarative memory. The examples of a declarative memory are semantic memory, which is the general memory, and the episodic memory, which is the detailed memory. Then the non-declarative memory is the skilled learning, priming and conditioning. Memory and learning are the most studied subjects within the field of neuroscience. Memory is a behavioral change caused by experiences, and learning is a process that is acquired by memory. Memory makes it possible to obtain pervious learning skills. There are different types ofà memory along with learning. Memory has temporal stages; short, intermediate, and long. The successive processes capture, store and retrieve information within the brain. There are different parts of the brain that process different aspects of the memory. It is known that a patient that suffers from amnesia will become memory impaired. With the two types of amnesia retrograde and anterograde the loss or inability to form memories will occur. With learning there are also different types the non-associative learning associative learning. These different types of non-associative are known as the habituation, which is a decreased response to repeated presentation of a stimulus. The distribution that is the restoration of a response amplitude after habituation. Then there is the sensitization that increases responses to most stimuli. There is also the associative learning that involves the relations between events. Classical conditioning is the neutral stimulus paired with another stimulus that elicits a response. The instrumental or operant conditioning is association is made between the behavior and the consequences of oneââ¬â¢s behavior (Okano, 2000). Learning and memory are interchangeable processes that rely on each other. When memory-related neurons fire in sync with certain brain waves memories last. Theta oscillations are known to be involved in memory formation, and previous studies have identified correlations between memory strength and the activity of certain neurons, but the relationships between these events have not been understood. Research shows that when memory-related neurons are well coordinated to theta waves during the learning process, memories are stronger. When memory-related neurons in the brain fire in sync with certain brain waves, the resulting image recognition and memories are stronger, than if this synchronization does not occur (CSMC, 2010). In society, he or she widely accepted the necessity to be a lifelong learner if one is to thrive in todayââ¬â¢s rapidly changing, economy, and technologically global society. Todayââ¬â¢s economy ushers in adjustments and transitional challenges at several levels, and lifelong learning viewed as the vehicle that will empower individuals to meet and adapt to the challenges of todayââ¬â¢s technological society according to (Jarvis, 1992). Too often today the knowledge and skills obtained from previous life experiences has become insufficient to respond to technological and economy question of today. The lack of accord that lies between an individualââ¬â¢s external world, and internal biographies that has been gathering over oneââ¬â¢s lifetime, is a point of disjuncture. This is the point in oneââ¬â¢s life that ushers in and ideal time, and condition for higher learning (Jarvis, 1992). A decision an individual must make at this point with a response to this disjuncture. An individual must decide to further their education to keep up with technology, or proceed with life as normal. With the ever-changing world of technology today it is only a matter of time before the point of disjuncture becomes inevitable. The traditional theory of the human brain was that it was a fixed and limited system, and it would develop its potential at the younger years of life. The theories insist that neurons were finite and could not regenerate. The contrast with the animal research has proven that new brain cells can be born in the hippocampus region responsible for new learning and memory. With this revelation the individual pursuit of activities that will foster brain health by developing neuron connections that underlie learning and experiences. Learning is imperative to human, and brain health. It is also imperative to quality of life. Today intuitions have financial incentives for people to continue lifelong learning has become a part of several health care programs. It is imperative that older Americans understand that learning is a healthy activity, not only for the brain, but for physical, emotional, and Spiritual, conditions as people age. . The learning and memory process is more delicate than individuals believe. However, the brain is an organ that can be exercised. It is important to remember to try to learn new things, and keep the brain moving. The brain and the mind are connected physically, and metaphysically. In order for the mind to be at ease, the brain has to function normally. Without normal brain function, an individual can experience depression. This depression can cause a slowing of the firing process causing false memories. The biological function of learning and memory are connected with one another in a delicate balance of connectivity. An electric charge between one neuron and another incites learning, and readies the memory. Perspective can change our learning process. An individual tends to learn something that interests them, rather than something that does not. The interest in the activity sends a stronger signal to the brain. This strong electric current incites the learning process, which makes memorizing the task much easier. This is why it is a strong belief that learning and memory are created by cells becoming close enough to respond to each other. An interest jump-starts this process. A healthy mind achieved through learning can reduce the affects of Alzheimerââ¬â¢s patients. More proof that as long as the brain is stimulated learning and memory can still take place. Reference Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (2010, March 24). When memory-related neurons fire in sync with certain brain waves, memories last. Retrieved November 14, 2011 from http://www. brandeis. edu/gutchess/publications/Gutchess_Indeck. pdf Chan, J. C. , McDermott, K. B. , Watson, J. M. , & Gallo, D. A. (2005). The importance of material-processing interactions in inducing false memories. Memory & Cognition, 33, 389ââ¬â395. Jarvis, P (1912) Paradox of learning on becoming and individual in society. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publisher. Khorashadi, M. (2010). Differential effects of estrogen on memory processes and learning strategies: A selective review of animal studies. Mcgill Science Undergraduate Research Journal, 5(1), 24-29 Koutstaal, W. , Wagner, A. D. , Rotte, M. , Maril, A. , Buckner, Okano, H. (2000). Pnas. Retrieved from http://www. pnas. org/content/97/23/12403. full http://www. pnas. org/content/97/23/12403. full Pinel, J. (2009). Biopsychology (7th edition). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. R. L. , & Schacter, D. L. (2001). Perceptual specificity invisual object priming: Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence for a laterality difference in fusiform cortex. Neuropsychologia, 39, 184ââ¬â199. Learning and memory The goals of the course are to provide students with foundational knowledge in behave viral neuroscience which includes contemporary theoretical issues and research methods, to encourage studs nuts to think now, and into the future, about the role of the nervous system in all psychological processes, to beg in to develop the ability to read and interpret original research articles in behavioral neuroscience and to practice CE writing skills. Lectures: Regular attendance at lectures is required. Textbook reading assignments are meant o provide additional breadth and background for the material discussed in lecture.It is assumed that the assigned readings will be completed before class. Exams: Your comprehension of the lecture and reading materials will be assessed by 3 exam s and a final exam. Exams will be in multiple choice format. Together they will comprise 75% of the final grade. The final exam will be given on FRIDAY 12/11/2009 from 8:00 ââ¬â 11:00 AM. This is the only time the final exam will be given. Exemptions from taking the exam at the scheduled time will only be gar need under college and university exceptions (e. G. , no more than three exams in one day), or to students who have serious illness or family emergencies.Therefore, please plan accordingly. Article Summaries: One goal of the course is to build foundational knowledge in behavioral neuroscience , including contemporary theoretical issues and research methods. While we will discuss the results of many r search studies, we will also read and discuss original research articles in order to give you a fuller appreciation f or the theoretical issues and search methods. You will be required to read each article and to write a brief (no more than one page) narrative summarizing the article.The articles will be available via Blackboard and w ill be announced in class and on Blackboard. Grades on summary papers comprise 10% of your final grade. Neuroscience in the Media Paper: Another goal of th e course is to encourage students to think now, and into the future, about the role of nervous system in all psychological processes. To encourage such broader thinking, each SST dent will be required to iscuss an example of ââ¬Å"physiology in the mediaâ⬠(movies, television, music, magazine nest, newsprint, etc).This term paper will discuss and critique an example of physiology in the media with r preference to original scholarly research articles on the topic. The Media Watch paper will comprise 15% of the final grade and is due on December 4th 2009. To facilitate the Neuroscience in the Media paper project, a b rife description of the media example that will be the basis for your paper is due on October 7th and a bill graphs of original research articles for the topic is due on November 6th.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Human Resource Management in Context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words
Human Resource Management in Context - Essay Example The review of the literature related to this subject has revealed the following problem: the criteria on which the recruitment and selection policies are based can be highly differentiated across organizations. In practice, this means that the decisions of HR managers in regard to these activities cannot be controlled either in regard to their credibility or in regard to their reasoning. The values and the rules applied in each organization are critical, at the level that they can set the limits of key organizational practices, such as the recruitment and selection practices. 2. People resourcing and business environment 2.1 HR planning ââ¬â overview and key characteristics The first step for developing an effective HR strategy is to secure that the whole process will be carefully designed. HR planning helps HR managers to secure the success of their decisions. According to Rahman (2010) HR planning is a demanding process. Errors during the development of a firmââ¬â¢s HR plans could result to severe problems in regard to employee performance and communication (Rahman 2010). For eliminating the chances for such failures, Rahman (2010) suggests the gradual development of HR planning. It is suggested that the process should incorporate three key phases: ââ¬Ëthe quantitative HR planning, the qualitative HR planning and the planning of personal actionsââ¬â¢ (Rahman 2010, p.158). The quantitative HR planning focuses on the identification and the evaluation of the needs of the organization in terms of the number of employees (Rahman 2010, p.158). The qualitative HR planning refers to the attitudes of employees and the nature of the tasks assigned (Rahman 2010, p.158). The issues of time and space, as related to the HR needs of a particular organization are addressed through both the above processes (Rahman 2010, p.158). Another critical part of HR planning is the planning of personal actions (Rahman 2010, p.158), a process that focuses on the transformati on of ââ¬Ëactual performance into the target performanceââ¬â¢ (Rahman 2010, p.158). From another point of view, the HR planning can be used for making the connection ââ¬Ëbetween recruitment/ selection strategies and the organisation strategiesââ¬â¢ (Millmore 2007, p.286). In other words, HR planning verifies the relationship between the recruitment/selection processes and the business environment. Amos et al. (2009) note that HR planning does not focus solely on the needs of the organizations in terms of staff but also on the philosophy and values on which the recruitment of the staff would be based (p.99). According to the above view, HR planning defines the framework used for the recruitment and selection processes (Amos et al. 2009). Moreover, HR planning should be developed using specific criteria: a) the rules on which various HR processes will be based, as decided by HR planners, should be flexible enough so that they can be changed if necessary (Amos et al. 2009), b) the structure of HR plans should be also open to changes; this means that HR planning should set alternatives, available in cases of emergent organizational needs or of unexpected pressures in local or the global market (Pravin 2010). In regard to the above, Amos et al. (2009) note that rules are necessarily included in all HR plans. It is noted that these rules help
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
The International Law of Human Trafficking Coursework
The International Law of Human Trafficking - Coursework Example The researcher states that no matter the high number of women working on the global issue of human trafficking is pretentious. The women who seem to work for the end of this bad practice are the ones who, in order to escape the said poverty, engage in the trafficking. They normally get away with it since their actions are less suspicious and some of their actions are backed by self-explanatory answers. A number of cases have emerged where women who are the ââ¬Ërescuersââ¬â¢ of trafficked women had been found to be involved. In that, they rescue some women while traffic some women. Their actions are seen as an attempt to rescue the women if found with foreign women with no proper documentation. These women have gone ahead and made empires and vast wealth with this business while pretending to be rescuing trafficked women. According to Fox news released on the March 23rd of 2015, a woman was charged with trafficking her daughter in order to get money to buy drugs. Another view al together in the cartel of human trafficking is the fact that the government has put measures and laws that protect human beings and aims at eradicating human trafficking. However, the same government bodies put to govern against this vice is working with the criminals in conducting and propelling this business. One online news center the Kaieteur online news, a paper in Guyana, exposed some police who were involved with human trafficking. The report filed by news writer Abena Rockcliffe stated that the president of Guyana women minersââ¬â¢ organization, Simona Broomes was against the idea of the government posting rogue police to certain areas. This comes after certain policemen were pounding to have been involved in actions that were not policing stipulated.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Edgar Allan Poe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Edgar Allan Poe - Essay Example As Quinn (119) states, at the age of 18 Poe joined the United States army claiming that he was 22 years old and served there for two years. He released his first book of poetry named ââ¬ËTamerlane and Other Poemsââ¬â¢, relying on his salaries from the army. However the book got little noticed in the market. Frank (5) illustrates Poeââ¬â¢s biography that in 1829 when he was 20 years old, Poe enlisted in the west point military academy but unfortunately got dismissed just after one year; again in 1831 he moved to Baltimore where his aunt Eliza Clemm had lived. From there, he fell in love with his young cousin Virginia whom he married later. This marriage and thereby increased family obligations influenced him to think about a new income source. In 1833 he won a contest for his story ââ¬ËMS found in a Battleââ¬â¢. As described in the article ââ¬ËEdgar Allan Poeââ¬â¢ on www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/130 , Poe enthusiastically accepted the post of an editor as well as contributor of the Southern Literary Messenger. Subsequently, he worked with other publications such as Gentlemanââ¬â¢s Magazine, Grahamââ¬â¢s Magazine, Evening Mirror and Godeyââ¬â¢s Ladyââ¬â¢s Book; and it was the starting point of his career as an appreciated critic and essayist.
Monday, August 26, 2019
Compare or contrast Ken Albala's Eating Right in The Renaissance with Essay
Compare or contrast Ken Albala's Eating Right in The Renaissance with Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign - Essay Example This paper will compare the main theme of Albalaââ¬â¢s book, that of dietary concerns and political activity with the Lets Move campaign started and ran by Michelle Obama. Albala states that diet and Political stability are interconnected, a fact that is illustrated by Michelleââ¬â¢s campaign. The First Ladyââ¬â¢s campaign is targeted at reducing the overall rate of obesity in children in the United States by advocating for healthier eating habits and active lifestyles. The first comparison between the First Ladyââ¬â¢s campaign and Albalaââ¬â¢s theme is the actions by Obama to associate with the public. The First Ladyââ¬â¢s campaign is a method of mingling with the population, which serves to increase the political influence of the President. The use of the First Lady as a promotional campaign serves to increase the notion that the White House and the political elite are concerned with the health and wellbeing of the population. Albalaââ¬â¢s assertion that diet and political stability are interconnected is also true since it can be eluded that a healthy population has less time to find the negative effects of the political regime. From the photos in the Letââ¬â¢s Move campaign, Michelleââ¬â¢s efforts are seen as she tries to encourage the youth to plant gardens, which constitutes extra activity. The use of extra activity serves to reduce obesity rates in the population. The connection between the work of Michelle Obama and the author is also seen in the economic performance that the campaign has instigated. Albala states that there is a connection between the economic performance of a commonwealth with the food habits in the population, and from the reaction to the Letââ¬â¢s Move Campaign, this assertion is confirmed. The reaction of food manufacturers to Obamaââ¬â¢s work included the actions by manufacturers and retailers to reduce sugar, salt and fat in in
Sunday, August 25, 2019
The President Wants You to Organize Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
The President Wants You to Organize - Term Paper Example The article also depicts the upcoming of Lewis , the future leader of the labor party with a unique and powerful personality .Here the caption ââ¬Å" The President wants you to organize ââ¬Å" relates to the slogan spread by Lewis to his fellow workers working in coal mines in an attempt to work out their freedom. It conveys the message that ,the president wants to see a union of labor of coal miners across the country. Here the author is trying to say or argue that rich and powerful will always try to subordinate or exploit the poor and helpless. Here the indication is on the coal miners who are working in the unfavorable conditions with a meager wages and inferior facilities. Here the emphasis is on the Presidentââ¬â¢s demand for unity among workers to gain power and freedom in their profession. Here the author is saying that the president wants to see unity among coal miners so that they can get facilities. The author is arguing about the truce between the industrialist and the labor class. The author is saying the in order for the laborers to bargain or demand; they should form a legal union .Laborââ¬â¢s right and freedom is the main content of this chapter and the call for unity is originating from the President. Along the chapter the author is projecting the fight of labor class for better wages and living circumstances against all odds. Here the chapter starts with the Presidents call for all skilled and unskilled workers to unite in an attempt to demand their human rights and freedom. Here the chapter explains the negativism in the life of coal mining labors and their struggle to earn decent wages and comfortable living situations. Unfortunately, all the authority lies under the strong and cruel hands of the industrialist. Here, Lewis is one personality who comes up front to assist the coal miners in formulating a labor union where in they can bargain for their human rights. The chapter explains about the will power and motivation of Lewis in
Saturday, August 24, 2019
The identification of Harry's rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
The identification of Harry's rights - Essay Example At this point, it should be noted that there is no problem as of the capacity of Harry to proceed to the purchase since he is not minor nor he suffers from a mental illness (s.3 Sales of Goods Act of 1979, MacLeod 2002). When ordering the table, Harry mentions to the sales assistant that he wants a table similar to that of the poster in the shopââ¬â¢s window; it is implied that the bed ordered should be of the same size, technical characteristics and colour as the bed illustrated in the specific poster (s.13(1) SOGA, Curtis v Ghemical Cleaning and Dyeing Co Ltd [1951], Andrews v Hopkinson [1957]); otherwise an issue of misrepresentation about quality would exist (Cranston 2000, p.148) In accordance with the case study, that bed was grey; therefore, Harry expected to receive a similar bed when making the order (s.13 (1) SOGA). At the same time, Harry picked a chair from the shopââ¬â¢s catalogue and made the relevant order. Again, the item ordered, the chair is defined through a photo of the item presented to the customer. This means that Harry did not have the chance to examine, closely, the size or the other qualities of the items ordered (Law Commission, 2009, p.9). He was only able to define their required characteristics through photographs. It should be noted that Harry did not explain to the seller the purpose of the goods, so the court could decide that the seller is not liable for the fact that the products are not fit for purpose (Reddy & Johnson 2011, p.22, Jewson Ltd v Leanne Teresa Boyhan [2004], BSS Group Plc v Makers (UK) Ltd (t/a Allied Services) [2011]). At this point, the following issues should be discussed: a) whether the items were accepted (s32 SOGA), and b) whether the items met the requirements of the law in regard to not fit for purpose products. The time framework available to Harry in order to make his claims should be also examined. In accordance with the Sales of goods Act 1979, the time framework for the buyer to develop claims against the seller in regard to the items sold is 28 days from the date of the sale (as such term is commonly added in contracts in order to define the ââ¬Ëreasonableââ¬â¢ time during which the right of the buyer to reject the goods sold is retained, s35(4) SOGA). Harryââ¬â¢s rights, as derived from the specific sale, are active. Harry can approach the seller with a claim for faulty products within the period of 28 days from the date of the sale, meaning the date when the sale was completed, i.e. when the buyer accepted the goods (Chen-Wishart 2007, p.595). The period of 28 days had not passed; it begins from the day that Harry checked the goods, in the context that the seller has to give to the buyer a reasonable time for checking the goods and Harry was absent which means he could not check the goods (s.35 SOGA, Law Commission, 2009, p.10). Also, the English courts have held that the silence of the buyer cannot be considered as acceptance of the goods sold (Felthouse v B indley [1862], Hannah Blumenthal [1983]). However, in order for the above claims to be valid, it needs to be proved that the products sold are not fit for purpose. The law, the Sales of goods Act 1979 (SOGA), sets the criteria under which a product is considered as not fit for purpose: ââ¬Ëa) it does not match the description (s.13, SOGA), b) is not of satisfactory quality (s14.2 SOGA) and c)
Friday, August 23, 2019
Twentieth Century Conflicts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Twentieth Century Conflicts - Essay Example The individual level of analysis in war includes a basic idea of how human traits cause many of the social outcomes in historical instances, including war and peace. There are variations of this idea as listed in a paper written by Wade L. Huntley, Ph.D. titled Causes of War and Paths to Peace written in May of 2004. Those variations include: basic human nature, varying features of human nature and both perception and misperception. His considerations behind this would include that in factoring basic human nature, people are basically aggressive, loving, greedy and fearful and so forth. People would be of all sorts of types, some aggressive, others peaceful, greedy or generous. Perception and misperception can result as bad decisions are made, especially in times of stress, which continually exemplifies the limits of human understanding of more than just human nature. Now, the question is, why does this series of considerations explain how war can manage coming about According to the text written by Wade L. Huntley, Ph.D. titled Causes of War and Paths to Peace written in May of 2004 that would include such potential motivations as self interest, which would lead to dilemmas in security, the equivalent of fear, protection requirement as a result and then intimidation as a result of those protections. Uncertainty breeds doubt and thus creates misperception and misinterpretation of actions. Wars or conflicts that would figure into this particular style of analysis would include, the Kurds, Bosnia, and Afghanistan in the grand scheme of war analysis because it would be individual conflicts of interest and security involved. The state level of war analysis includes a basic idea that the key factor is not necessarily based on human factors, but governmental ones in organization and such. The constraints that are created as a result of the basic infrastructure of the country can become a root cause of war. There are two variations to this idea. One is the state's nature; because each state wants certain things just because they would happen to be states and things like security and unity or nationalism would be inclusive within that. Also, included within this perspective is, like individuals, every state would be different. There would be differences that include purposeful, ideological and structural differences to consider. Much like the man vs. man consideration, this would be, in order revolutionary vs. status quo, capitalism vs. communism and democracy vs. totalitarianism. So, how can we understand such things, well we examine one of the wars on a state level. This would be, in essence, the Vietnam C onflict in which half the country believed strongly in democratic process and the other half would believe strongly in the communist construct. The same could be said for the Korean War. Understanding the underlying reasons would hardly gain knowledge as to how the individual level of war interpretations would inevitably cause war. Nor, would this actually explain the impetus of war in the fact that uncertainty of the human condition exists. In the State level of war, you have states that control the military, so what happens within a state or affects that state, can affect the military. No matter how good the people are within that state, it hardly would imply that the governing body for that state would be the same. Regardless
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Review Coursework for Rules for monetary policy questions
Review for Rules for monetary policy questions - Coursework Example However, the excessively high level of money circulating in the economy induces inflation. Conversely, the excessively low level of money circulating in the economy kills economic performance and induces deflation. Since the association between the money supply and other economic indicators such as the gross domestic product and prices level or inflation has become irregular, the money growth based policies have been unsuccessful (What is money supply? Is it important?, 2014). Adopting rules for the monetary policy is like suggesting that the economy regulators clearly understand all the variables within the economy and how they affect one another. The center stage for the formulations of rules for monetary policy is the interest rates and the economic output. It is currently clear that the performance of an economy is influenced by the performance of other institutions like the financial market, the capital market, and the financial institutions. These players add to the list of factors to be considered when formulating rules for monetary policy. The regulators have not been able to understand fully how the financial markets affect the economy, thus, controlling an unclear situation could cause damages. Therefore, the policy makers are reluctant to adopt rules for monetary policy (Swanson, 2014). Swanson, A. (2014). What the US could gain and lose from monetary policy rules. Retrieved from
Co-education Female Essay Example for Free
Co-education Female Essay The debatable issue on Co-education is continually progressing through the State and convincing parents and teachers that sex-separation will reveal a sign of improvement in studentââ¬â¢s lives. In the United States, teamwork is a massive aspect in peopleââ¬â¢s lives where both girls and boys work together in order to achieve their goal , however, both articles provide informative proves that co-education could result in failure because of the different stereotypes in society. The debate mainly focuses on the separation of both sexes in school since ââ¬Å"there is no extra cost. The debate also catches the readerââ¬â¢s attention by the different research that many scientists did in order to prove a fair result that will satisfy the parents and teachers. The separation of sexes in school could result in improvement of education and behavior with boys and girls. Based on Jennifer Medinaââ¬â¢s article, teachers will face less problems if both sexes are separated since the boys will tend to focus more on learning than on girls, in addition, girls will tend to feel more comfortable participating in class. Co-education will also result in good teamwork especially in the outside community because both girls and boys will learn to communicate. However, from the boyââ¬â¢s point of view, they will tend to be more comfortable in expressing themselves and learn about ââ¬Å"being a manâ⬠in their own bodies. In addition to those articles, the media will affect the parents and the teachers around the state because of highly known and educative people in society. For example, Leonard Sax who is a best seller author of Why Gender Matters and Michael Sax argues about single sex with a huge audience in order to prove their facts about the separation and the importance of it. In contrast, both sex educations could also result in improvement around the state and in schools because boys and girls will learn to communicate together and work hard as one community. In addition, many authors and scientist were seeking for evidence in order to prove that Co-education could be for the good of their community. For example, a research on Bronxââ¬â¢s Eagle school stated that both sexesââ¬â¢ classes tend to have higher test scores around the state and tend to receive high percentages in their community. Both sexes will also learn and appreciate that both sexes are important in everyoneââ¬â¢s lives since they communicate and work together outside of the learning community. Researchers also proved that working together as both sexes will also result a sign improvement in teamwork because many girls tend to be left out in single-sex schools in teamwork projects. Comparatively, Co-Education and single education also have their problems in society because of their lack of certain teachings in schools. For example , a study showed that girls tend to be smarter than boys and tend to solve math and science faster and more accurate since there are different brains and each person have a different sign of knowledge and personality. However, since girls are smarter, they tend to ask for more detailed teachings and writing scripts since they will have more things to explain in their writing assignment. When in contrast, boys have to write about a simple sport or a job they seek for in order to prepare them for the future. Although, teachers who support single education tend to have other opinions toward their ways of teaching. For example, Mr. Napolitano claims that he is more comfortable in expressing his feelings and thoughts while teaching to single sex classrooms because the boys will tend to have the same situation. In addition he also shows a book called Patrol Boy in order to show boys that having a tattoo is not a material they should use in co-ed class. In conclusion, this debate tends to prove that single education will show more improvements since the media tend to support it and also the teachers. The reasons that parents should choose single education is because they will improve economically and also their students will face less behavior problems and more school focused. However, co-ed schools tend to have higher scores and will teach the students to work together in order to improve their speech especially outside in society since they will be working together as one team. Both articles prove that both educations will result in bonding together as students and as teachers in this society because at the end of this debate both classrooms will be teaching and learning in the states.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Marketing and Business Analysis of Mothercare
Marketing and Business Analysis of Mothercare Company History Mothercare is a retailer of specialist of products for mother-to-is, the babies and the children until the age of eight. Mothercare opened its first warehouse in 1961 in Surrey. The business was centered initially in pushchairs, the furniture of the quarter of children and the clothes of the maternity, but it extended its range later to include the clothes for the children until the age of five and more ahead until the age of eight. Now it offers an ample range of the maternity and the homemade clothes of the children, furniture and furniture, bed, feeding, bathing, equipment of the route and the toys with its operations to by minor in the United Kingdom, and also it works internationally with licenses in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East under mark of Mothercare. The business began its business of order by mail in 1962. In 1972, Mothercare first felt well to a public company and in Mothercare 1982 combined with the chain of the habitat of retailers to form plc of Mothercare of the habitat. In 1984, Mothercare began to extend itself internationally with entering adjustments of the license with the select partners in chosen countries. In 1986, plc of Mothercare of the habitat combined with the British home stores plc. During years 90 they rationalized the combined group of forces. 2000, Mothercare became the unique trade name and the name of the company that maintained was changed plc of Mothercare. In June of 2007, the group acquired the limited possessions, the owner of the warehouses of Chelsea of the early trade name of the center that learned (ELC). ELC was founded on 1974 originally like the toys of offer and books of a business of order by mail with the educative content. The first store to by ELC minor was opened more in the reading in front of he himself year. In 1985, ELC was acquired by plc of Juan Menzies who continued extending the state and ELC became a well-known affluent trade name of the main street. In September of 2001, ELC was the subject of a purchase of participation of the management, during which aerodinamizado ELC their not-beneficial operations, categories exits of the product and warehouses and grew their operation of sourcing in Asia. Gurgle.com, a social site of the establishment of a network for the new mothers was sent in 2007. Strategic Corporate Development History Strategy The aim is to construct to the group of Mothercare in the main retailer of specialist of the world of parenting and products of the children. The acquisition of the center that learned early in June of 2007 was a dominant step in the development of this subject. The aspirations of the group will be reached to traverse: Developing own-it marks of innovating factory and exciting the products under the Mothercare and to learn early center trade names; The best one of masters of the class and the specialization of our personnel; and The guessed right delivery of the strategy of the growth needed down. Growth strategy The strategy of the growth of the group of Mothercare is centered in four dominant handles that give the potential of the Mothercare and of the early trade names of the center that learn. Maximization of synergies of the integration of the center that learns early; reconstructing the combined Mothercare and to learn early it centers the characteristic list; Continuation of the fast growth of direct; and leading the international reach of the Mothercare and to learn early it centers the trade names Synergies of the ELC integration Single synergic greater of the acquisition of the center that learns early is the optimization of the combined BRITISH list of the warehouse. A significant element of this is the insertion of the center that learns early in dominant Mothercare outside warehouses of the city and greater warehouses of the main street. One hopes that 80 early fillings of the center that learn negotiate in the warehouses of Mothercare by Christmas 2008. Second synergic of integration is to develop the early trade name of the center that learns internationally through the existing networks of franchisee of Mothercare. Third synergic of the acquisition is growing the margin by the efficient operation of our offices of sourcing. With the acquisition of the center that learned early we acquired an office outpost of sourcing based on Hong Kong and have invested already in this facility, that is responsible now directly for sourcing the toys of all the group. Fourth synergic is the integration of the operations of several channels through the two trade names. Property portfolio The second handle of the growth of Mothercare is the strategic one reconstructs of the list of combined BRITISH characteristic. Inserting warehouses of the early center that learn within Mothercare in their own aids right size the chain of Mothercare; taking the best sites from both trade names, and putting a commander in execution it reconstructs of the combined list of the warehouse. The list of the main street also will be treated consolidating the two trade names in a warehouse in where we have a Mothercare and a center that learns early in the same main or Next Street, creating a more beneficial warehouse with two trade names in a location. Growth of direct The growth of the direct will grows in line increasing range of accessible product. Mothercare now has on 350 types of pushchair in line and 300 accessible seats of car. The extension of the success of our direct business in our international markets is being progressed. The center for the center that learns early is in the optimization of the Web site and the introduction of fabric-in-stores. International The fourth handle in our strategy of the growth is globalization of our two trade names. The international business will grow with the construction like-for-like the sales, having opened new warehouses in existing countries and opening new warehouses in new countries. With the center that learns early there is an opportunity to quickly grow the global presence of the trade name with leveraging the existing network of franchisee of Mothercare. The second handle of the growth of Mothercare is the strategic one reconstructs of the list of combined characteristic. . The acquisition of the center that early learned also has given us an opportunity significant to integrate and to optimize the combined lists of characteristic who take the best sites from both trade names and we is in course to put a commander in execution reconstruct of the combined list of the warehouse that we announced at the time of acquisition. Also rightsizing the list of the warehouse of Mothercare with resisting (closing a warehouse and opening a smaller warehouse in the same city) and downsizing (that a warehouse makes existing smaller) to lead sales by square foot. This strategy has been guessed right in the reduction of the operating expenses, particularly rent, whereas it conserves to the extensive majority of sales. Now we have made ten right sizes in Mothercare and the economy is forcing. Now we have recovered 16 of our warehouses of towards be-of-city with our new format of Mothercare and all are being made well. The greatest warehouses now contain the home and route of Mothercare, clothes of Mothercare, the early toys of the center that learn, the shoes of Clarks and a store of the photo, creating a true destination parenting. Now we glided to roll towards it go this format to a total of 40 warehouses by the means the next year. We are also in course of optimization of our list of the main street consolidating the two trade names in a warehouse in where we have a Mothercare and center that learns early in the same main or Next Street, creating a more beneficial warehouse with two trade names in a location. Whereas the synchronization of the activity of the characteristic is to a certain uncertain degree, we hoped that all this activity is finished before 2009 end. The result of all this work will be a list transformed of the warehouse of the group into the United Kingdom that focuses more towards centers parenting of towards be-of-city. The exceptional costs of this exercise have been recognized like appropriate in the cost of sales, administrative costs or loss in the disposition of the interests of the characteristic. We considered annualized advantages of this characteristic we reconstructed to ascend to à £5.0 million including depreciation and anticipated these we will begin to affect the declaration of rent in 2009/10. Growth of Direct The direct business by directs in home and directs in warehouse has been fast these last years and total the direct sales promote to à £85.5 million east year, a growth of 78.9 percents. We are increasing our ranges constantly in line and now we have them on 400 types of in line pushchair accessible and 150 seats of car in line, easily the greatest selection available in the United Kingdom. Now we are extending ranges of the clothes and other parts of the home and traveled option of accessible increase, in line later for our clients. Also we are considering ways to extend the success of our direct business in our international markets. A dominant conductor of the direct growth of Mothercare these last years has been our fabric-allowed strategy of the warehouse, to where each Mothercare has the capacity to in line request any accessible thing in our Web site, for the delivery to the home. Current strategic situation Plc of Mothercare (Mothercare) is a based retailer of specialist BRITISH of products for mother-to-is and the children until the age of eight. The company offers a variety of maternity and the products of the children for which plc of Mothercare (Mothercare) is a retailer of specialist based BRITISH of products mother-to-are and the children until the age of eight. The company offers a variety of maternity and the homemade products of the children who include the clothes, the feeding, to bathe, furniture, furniture, the equipment of the route and the toys through its distributors to by minor through country. These products are put under two trade names to by minor that is to say, Mothercare and center that learns early. The main subsidiary of operation of the limited company included of BRITISH and Chelsea de Mothercare store the limited possessions. The company works 1,014 warehouses, including 609 Mothercare and the center that learns early stores outside the Kingdom United in 50 c ountries through world. The 24 dominant recent progresses Feb of 2010 of plc of Mothercare: Mothercare obtains the approval of the government for company at risk shared with the 9 DLF Feb of 2010: Mothercare and shippers to create the the 18 line Nov of 2009 of the clothes of the new children: Mothercare reveals benefits and the strategy of the east characteristic comprehensive profile of the SWOT of plc of Mothercare provides a deepened strategic analysis to him of the businesses and the operations of the company. The profile has been compiled by Global Data to bring you to a clear and impartial Vista of the dominant forces of the company and weaknesses and the potential opportunities and threats. The aids of the profile you formulate the strategies that increase their business allowing of understanding their partners, clients and competitors him better. The profile contains the critical information of the company including, Description of the business a detailed description of the operations of the company and the divisions of the business. Corporative Strategy summarization of the analyst of the strategy of business of the company. Analysis of the SWOT a detailed analysis of the forces, the weakness, the opportunities and the threats of the company. History of the company progression of the associated dominant events to the company. Important Products and services an important product list, services and trade names of the company. Competing dominant a list of the dominant competitors to the company. Dominant Employees a list of the dominant executives of the company. Executive Biographies a brief summary history of use of ejecutivos. Dominant operational Heads a list of departamentos/de the functions of the key of the title of the personnel. Important Locations and subsidiary one lists and details of the contact of the dominant and subsidiary locations of the company. The companys core strengths and weaknesses and areas of development or decline are analyzed and presented in the profile objectively. Recent developments in the company covered in the profile help you track important events. Equip yourself with information that enables you to sharpen your strategies and transform your operations profitably. Opportunities that the company can explore and exploit are sized up and its growth potential assessed in the profile. Competitive and/or technological threats are highlighted. Scout for potential investments and acquisition targets, with detailed insight into the companies strategic, financial and operational performance. Financial ratio presented for major public companies in the profile include the revenue trends, profitability, growth, margins and returns, liquidity and leverage, financial position and efficiency ratios. Gain key insights into the company for academic or business research. Key elements such as SWOT analysis, corporate strategy and financial ratios and charts are incorporated in the profile to assist your academic or business research needs. International Mothercare plc (Mothercare) is one UK based specialist that dealers of products for fostra-till is and children up to the age of eight. The company offers a variation of maternity, and childrens products, that includes that baklava, mating that swims, furniture, home pieces of furniture and inventories, equipment travels and toys up to and including its levying over the country. These products market stem carcasses during two as the retailing bran marker namely, Mothercare, and to learn for early type centres. Carried out headmaster the operational subsidiaries that are consisted of off limited Mothercare UK and limited Chelsea miscellaneous trade holdings. The company functions 1.014 miscellaneous trade, including 609 Mothercare, and to learn for early type centers miscellaneous trade outside UKEN in 50 countries over the world. This extensive PLUGGHÃâST profiler of Mothercare plc gives you an in-depth strategic analysis of carried out businesses and functions. Profile era has been put together of global computer for to come with to you a clear, and a prejudice free views of carried out they key strength and the weakness and the potential occasions and the threats. The profile era help formulates you strategies that increase your business, through making possible yourself in order to understand that your partners, customers and competitors improve. The international match that fourteen uses pressure this spring growth strategy, the globalization is of our two bran marker. The international match has continued in order to grow quickly this year with total franchiseereor up 42.2 percents, and underlying Gila for- to like sellers up 12.0 per cents during the year was opened 77 new koncessiondiversehandel (51 Mothercare and to learn for early type 26 centers) and to come with us in end sum to 494 miscellaneous trade on the year completes outside UKEN (379 Mothercare miscellaneous hand electrical and to learn for early type 115 centers miscellaneous hand electrical). Mothercare and for early type that faith centers is now present in 48 countries outside UKEN. We will continues in order to build the international match business up to and including growing Gila for- likes rear that opens new miscellaneous trade in existed nation and opens new miscellaneous trade in new countries. The at the end the month opened plans we ours 50th stocks in Saudi Arabia and in order to broaden striking spring presence in Turkey and Russia where we have currently 30 and 25 miscellaneous trade respective. In India, we were have, has plans in order to open 100 miscellaneous trade, ourselves already opened 20 miscellaneous trade in the at the end the two years in eight towns, and the capacity has exceeded our expectations. We also announced recently our first, in China, we be expect to open our first two miscellaneous trade in this important market stem imminent. In faith for early type centre where is an occasion to grow the fast brands global presence up to and including using it existed Mothercare franchisee links contact, and we are operable with ours franchisee partners to develop plans for faith for early type centers in the countries that Mothercare acts in, but faith for early type does not centre. We plan in order to open at least 100 new foreign miscellaneous trades this year over the magnified group. Corporate responsibility The determination and dedication of employees in the business in the front, and all this process, the necessary Ajarn brand each corporations use has the responsibility (cr) program in the first time the ELC of, which. ELC of cr the head of the group has been appointed the head of the responsibility of the Company in September, with the corner, cr, responsible for the business administration as well as in the mothercare Ltd. (0) The Company Group Secretary with the management and regulations of the group Bank from the brand and the group, which was the duty and affiliated companies of all for the last month cr Program during last year, independent experts have been appointed to look at all form of the group of business and the responsible for these help to the study in the case base set goals and objectives the appropriate in the business together, and the review will be reflected in this section, the details of the acts of us in this year, information for the educational environment al impact of the group and plans for future, there were four in our responsibility, which is below This figure shows vividly and four, the interconnectionà target group and public policy of good corporate governance and the settings for the news reports of us, and the program cr. Responsible sourcing: : Making sure that our jets and partners particularly those that we bought of directly they deal to people with respect, they offer decent conditions of work and they pay the attention to environmental editions. Making sure we are a right and honest company with that to make the business that provides products of safe quality, good. Environment: Understanding and handling the impact in the atmosphere the track of the coal of our warehouses, warehouses and vehicles, the sweepings that we arrange and the packed one of products we sell. Also it demands offering of an option of the products that have environmental advantages to our clients. Community: It includes our commission to the corporative citizenship with charities and the activities of support of the community that affect our personnel, clients and people in our chain of source. Our people: To also treat our enough personnel and, the investment in them and making sure of each one can become and contribute. This also makes sure that we work our business to assure to us as soon as is practicable a safe atmosphere for our personnel and clients with the adoption of the constant policies of health and security. Environment Most of the environmental track of the group comes from warehouses that provide in the United and world-wide Kingdom with products and of the operation of the warehouses they themselves. All the United Kingdom and some products destined for warehouses of our partners of the license los happen with one of three warehouses in the United Kingdom some directly given through the jets but some concerned by us and requiring transport of the wharf in where they arrive. In the warehouses they are classified and they are transported possible to our warehouses. Some products directly give to homes of the clients los who follow an order in-store or in the Internet. The more importantà environmental aspects are therefore: warehouses, using energy and producing the sweepings; warehouses, using energy and producing again the sweepings; it transports the fleets, bringing products from the wharvesà to the warehouses, from the warehouses to the warehouses or homes of the clientsà los; the products, and the materials did them; and packed and other materials in bulk. The energy and the emissions of the coal of our warehouses are according to the indications of the table. These have calculated using a mixture of real data (where we have it) and estimations based on figures of the previous-year. All the warehouses of Mothercare have systems of management of the energy, that allow the control of the consumicià ³n. The controls all of the heating and the illumination settle down and they are handled centrally (with a certain degree of local flexibility to allow the personnel to maintain an atmosphere comfortable). The illumination is extinguished at night, commutation in partially when the personnel completely enters the warehouse and moments before the warehouse is opened. All the new warehouses are specified at the high levels of the energy efficiency. In ELC with its list of smaller warehouses, encouraging to the approach it has been traditionally different with the personnel who is found out and reduces the energy consumption. In order to suppor t this, ELC undertook an east test year with plan of global action of investigating the possible savings in the average warehouse. The objective is to combine the best one of both systems taking the messages from the knowledge of the energy of ELC in Mothercare, and extending the system of management of the energy from Mothercare to the ELC warehouses. Much of the sweepings of warehouses is the product packed one cleared (e.g. the boxes or the external purses of the clothes) needed to surely obtain the product in the warehouse. This is gathered everythingà by the licensed contractors regulated and something is recycle. The plan is to approach this of two ways: cutting the sweepings that reaches each warehouse reducing the transit that it packs and that increases to the amount the group recycle at the moment. Community The community and the charitable implication are centered in the foundation of Mothercare, that is the main vehicle for the donations. The foundation is an independent charity, presided overà by Karren Brady, with the drawn additional administrators of the board of Mothercare (our president, CEO, company secretary). Their charitable objectives league together of near the interests of our clients and personnel: to assure good the health and well-being momia-to-is, new momias and its children; special necessities of the baby-care and premature births; and other referring initiatives parenting to well-being of the family. The foundation has east year centered in a significant donation to the well-being of the charity of women, with supported others in an inferior degree. Discreet bottoms available of the marks of the foundation both for Mothercare group employees: The bottom of the president is an annual allocation donated after a competition between the personnel of Mothercare to propose cause deserving or of the inspiration. Bottom of the ones in charge of an area el is available and respondsà to requests of the local charities made to the ones in charge of the area of the group. In 2007/08 à £100,000 was donated directly to the foundation. In he himself year the done foundation grants totalling à £95,000. Mothercare and ELC have a history of the professional management of people. In the last year the center has been in the work to combine two diverse cultures and to keep the best one from both. This has demanded actually bringing of the two functions of the hour in one and reviewing, simplifying and harmonizing of our policies of use so that they are applied to our global business. One of these equal opportunities of the preoccupations of the policies. The business is trusted to provide the equal opportunities for all the personnel without concerning the race, the sort, the age, the incapacity or the religious bottom. In addition we have undertaken a certain limited work to investigate the diversity of the sort within the group and aimed to assure to us that the business is ethnic representative in warehouses and the central office. The annual objectives pay attention so that to all the personnel it gives a clear picture them of what it is required of him. They value to the employees against these, and this revision of its operation leagues together to its rights of the pay and the premium. In the last year the group has needed the elements that define the culture, or the DNA of the group. These are: taken care of for the parents; make the business harder; pull together; and consignable fact. They have determined all greater ones in charge already against this frame, and is being including now in our processes of the recruitment, the promotion and the valuation. In addition, the personnel can one same-handle his to in line use of the development and frame of development of race. All of these facets have lead to Mothercare being voted one of the top 20 Best Big Companies to Work For by its staff. This award is adjudicated by the Sunday Times and is based on anonymous survey responses from at least 40 per cent. The future The group has fixed a number of targets of the long term to direct and to inspire the work of the CR. These are supported to need annual the objectives what we needed to make every year to keep to us in the track for these aims from more long term. Our 2013 targets are in order to cut the absolute emissions of the coal of our BRITISH buildings and our BRITISH fleet by 15 percents (compared to the line of bottom 2007) to cut the packed one à £100 of the products was associated to each that we sell by 15 percents (comparedà to the line of bottom 2007) to the cut the number of the purses single-uses at least of the carrier by 30 percents (compared to 2007 line of bottom) that we will make sure that on 50 percents of wood products we sell are done of the wood that recycled or is certified by the FSC that it above pushes for the recycling, making sure that at least 75 percentsà of our sweepings of United Kingdom is recycled so that the program of the community of the group raises à £1 million stops to the charity as first it walks towards these, our objectives for the next m year is the action will be taken the use of the energy of the warehouse of the cut including bringing warehouses of ELC in the system of management of the energy of Mothercare and the operation a consolidation of the campaign of the knowledge of the energy of the personnel of the fleets of the delivery of the business to gain effective nesses and to look for ways to increase our use of the transport of track for the merchandise begins a project to review systematically and to reduce the amount of packed in our products and to investigate ways to cut use of the purse of the carrier establishes the data of the line of bottom on our sweepings of warehouses and DCs working a project experimental to investigate ways to reduce the amount of sweepings of the warehouse that is sent to the development of the embankment of a new group-wide policy in the purchase and to the use of wood products and t he paper, bringing to the whole group until the same greater levels they review our approach to give charitable with an aim to concentrate more of our activity with a single society of large-scale that can be applied to the world-wide business of all the group, including our partners of the license
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Job Satisfaction And Its Importance In The Workplace Education Essay
Job Satisfaction And Its Importance In The Workplace Education Essay Job satisfaction is increasingly becoming important in the workplace. Employers now recognise that the happier their employees are, the better will be their attitudes towards the work, the higher their motivation and the better will be their performance. Job satisfaction in any field of work depends a lot on how conducive the work environment is. The work itself, the pay and the scope for promotion are only some of the factors which have an impact on job satisfaction. Educators job satisfaction is important as it has a direct impact on students achievement and their future career (Pitkoff, 1993). An educator who is unsatisfied with his/her job tends to be unmotivated and more likely to escape from his/her responsibilities. In these circumstances, we tend to see an increase in absenteeism among teachers. Such educators usually show little concern in school matters and this obviously has a negative impact on the performance of our children. Various studies have been carried out in the past to assess the impact of motivation and job satisfaction on employee productivity and performance (Vroom, 1964). Some of these studies have found a positive relationship between job satisfaction and job performance which leads to the conclusion that satisfied employees tend to perform much better than less satisfied ones. 2.1 Definition of job satisfaction Job satisfaction is one of the most investigated topics in the fields of organizational behaviour. The most-used research definition of job satisfaction is by Locke (1976), who defined it as . . . a pleasurable or positive emotional state resulting from the appraisal of ones job or job experiences (p. 1304). It is now recognized that job satisfaction is a global concept that also comprises various facets (Judge et al., 2001) including pay, promotions, co-workers, supervision, the work itself, recognition, working conditions, and company and management. Job satisfaction has also been defined as the extent to which a staff member has favourable or positive feelings about work or the work environment (De Nobile, 2003). It refers to the positive attitudes or emotional dispositions people may gain from work or through aspects of work (Furnham, 1997; Locke, 1976). Ivancevich et al. (1997) defined job satisfaction as the feeling and perception of a worker regarding his/her work and how he or she feels himself well in an organization. Davis and Newstrom (2003) and Dessler (2001) describe job satisfaction as a set of favorable or unfavorable feelings for the employees to perceive their work and that determine the possibility of a major disposition to achieve higher performance. Therefore, job satisfaction refers to an individuals general attitude toward his or her job (Robbins, 1998). Jensen (2000) defines job satisfaction as: a sense of personal growth most often measured by the extent of new challenges and learning situations experienced (p. 1). On the other hand, job dissatisfaction refers to unhappy or negative feelings about work or the work environment (Furnham, 1997). There exist many factors which may result in job dissatisfaction. Some of them are poor working conditions, overwork, low levels of pay, no scope of promotion or career advancement and lack of recognition. But what is worst are the consequences of job dissatisfaction which obviously affect both the employees and the organization. It may result in loss of motivation, lack of interest, frustration, poor productivity, absenteeism and even high turnover rates. To sum up, we can say that job satisfaction describes how content an individual with his or her job and also implies doing a job one enjoys, doing it well, and being suitably rewarded for ones efforts. Job satisfaction further implies enthusiasm and happiness with ones work. 2.2 Factors affecting job satisfaction Job satisfaction depends on several different factors such as satisfaction with pay, promotion opportunities, fringe benefits, job security, relationship with co-workers and supervisors and communication within the organisation. (Nguyen, Taylor, Bradley, 2003). Job satisfaction may lead to cost reduction by reducing absences, task errors, conflicts at work and turnover. As work is an important aspect of peoples lives and most people spend a large part of their working lives at work, understanding the factors involved in job satisfaction is crucial to improving employees performance and productivity. 2.2.1 Age Age is one of the factors affecting job satisfaction. Various studies carried out in this field have shown that job satisfaction tends to increase with age. That is older employees tend to report higher satisfaction and younger employees report the lowest job satisfaction rates (Warr, 1992). However, the study carried out by Oshagbemi (2003) in United Kingdom (UK), found that the relationship between job satisfaction and age was insignificant for employees of the UK universities. 2.2.2 Gender Several researchers have examined the relationship between job satisfaction and gender (Mason, 1995). However, most studies have shown contractions in the relationship between job satisfaction and gender of the employees. On one hand, some studies have found women to be more satisfied than men (Ward and Sloane, 1998), whereas other studies have found men to be more satisfied than women (Forgionne and Peters, 1982). 2.2.3 Working environment It is essential to provide employees with a work environment which is conducive to their overall development. They need an environment which is healthy and safe and which caters for both personal comfort and facilitates doing a good job. As mentioned earlier, people spend a high percentage of their lifetime at work. So we can say that employees expect more than money for the work they do. Hence, it can be said that having a friendly and supportive environment can lead to increased job satisfaction. Syptak, Marshland and Ulmer (1999) advise organisations to do everything they can to keep the companys equipment and facilities up to date. In their article, they also recommend organisations to avoid overcrowding and allow each employee his or her own personal space, whether it is a desk, a locker or even just a drawer (p. 1). 2.2.4 Fair policies and practices Individuals who perceive that promotion decisions are made in a fair and just manner are likely to experience satisfaction from their jobs (Witt and Nye, 1992). Very often employees are demotivated and dissatisfied with their jobs because unfair policies and practices prevail at their place of work. It is therefore of utmost importance for organization to have a fair and equal system in terms of practices and policies so that there is no discrimination and frustration. It is a fact that organization which follows the right procedures to promote employees creates a culture of trust, loyalty and beliefs in the whole organization. When an employee gets fair promotion, which is generally based on his true assessment, he gets a type of recognition, and hence, increases his job satisfaction. In other words, we can say that promotion provides opportunities for personal growth, more responsibilities, and increased social status. 2.2.5 Caring organization Taylor (2000) suggested that job satisfaction is directly related to a companys investment in its employees well- being. Arthur (2001) pointed out that employees want to believe their company really cares about them. Care can be shown in various ways, but generally it takes into consideration career development, adult treatment, being taken seriously and being appreciated for a job well done. (p. 221). When people feel that the organization for which they are working cares for them and takes actions in order to improve their work and lives, they are happy and this creates higher satisfaction. These employees furthermore become loyal and committed. Advantages of job satisfaction to the organisation The Frederick Herzbergs theory and job satisfaction To better understand what keeps job satisfaction high, it is important to recall Frederick Herzbergs theory. The latter put forward that satisfaction on the job depends on two elements: hygiene issues and motivators. Hygiene issues (dissatisfiers) Motivators (satisfiers) Organisational policies Work itself Kind of supervision Achievement Salary Recognition Interpersonal relations Responsibility Working conditions Growth opportunities Job security According to the Herzbergs theory, Hygiene issues cannot motivate employees but they can help to minimize dissatisfaction, if handled properly (p. 1). These issues are directly related to the employees working environment. On the other hand, motivators create satisfaction by fulfilling individuals needs for meaning and personal growth (Syptak, Marshland and Ulmer, 1999). The above theory can be very helpful in guiding organizations on how to maintain employee satisfaction. Job satisfaction and productivity Studies have shown that, only a few organizations believe that job satisfaction is a crucial element in their overall strategy and very little is being done to promote it. This can be due to the fact that many organisations fail to understand the link between job satisfaction and productivity. Should we not care about job satisfaction? Is it true to say that happy workers are productive ones? In fact, in the right conditions and settings, job satisfaction can to a great degree lead to higher productivity. If employees feel that their jobs are fun and interesting, they will be more willing to give extra effort at work for the benefit of the whole organization. Instead if employees have the feeling that their occupations are meaningless and boring, they will have a negative attitude which will definitely lead to a decline in productivity. Job satisfaction helps to create a better working environment When employees are enjoying a higher degree of job satisfaction they tend to be more helpful and friendly with their colleagues at work. This helps to promote teamwork where sharing of information and knowledge is enhanced. Moreover studies have shown that job satisfaction among employees may lead to a better and safer working environment with lesser negative conflicts which otherwise would impede the smooth running of the organization. Job satisfaction and absenteeism and turnover High rate of turnover has always been a great problem to many organizations. It obviously results in loss of potentials and talents and causes huge losses in terms of additional costs. According to Sattler and Mullen, generally, the more productive people are, the more satisfied they tend to be and when employees feel satisfied they are less likely to leave the organization. (2007). From this, we can say that in order to retain talented people in the organisations, managers need to devise strategies in order to bring about job satisfaction. Once employees are happy and satisfied at work, the rate of absenteeism and turnover will be lower. Achievement and responsibility According to Herzberg theory, achievement and responsibility are two important motivational factors which can be used to create job satisfaction at work. Noe (2005) suggests that learning can be facilitated by providing employees with specific challenging goals and objectives (p.111). In this context, managers need to set clear and achievable goals to their employees. This will help to provide employees with a sense of achievement on completion of tasks and may bring about more satisfaction. Furthermore organisations need to empower and encourage their employees to take more responsibility. Such strategies do help to bring more satisfaction in employees and make them more loyal, committed and will have ownership interests in their jobs. Employee satisfaction can lead to customer satisfaction Numerous studies have been carried out to look at the link between customer and employee satisfaction. Many of them have shown a relationship between employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction and profitability. For example, a study carried out at Sears Roebuck Co. showed that a five-point improvement in employee attitudes led to a 1.3 rise in customer satisfaction which, in turn, generated a 0.5 increase in revenues. Brooks (2000) reviewed the relationship between financial success and customer and employee variables (e.g., customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, etc.) and found that, depending on market segment and industry, between 40 and 80 percent of customer satisfaction and customer loyalty was accounted for by the relationship between employee attitudes and customer-related variables. Similarly, Vilares and Cohelo (2000) found that perceived employee satisfaction, perceived employee loyalty, and perceived employee commitment had a sizable impact on perceived product quality and on perceived service quality. In other words, when our staff is happy, our customers will be too. At the heart of these endeavors is a strong belief that todays employee satisfaction, loyalty and commitment influence tomorrows customer satisfaction, loyalty and commitment-and, ultimately, the organizations profit and growth. Job satisfaction is a matter of great significance for employers. As shown above, organizations benefit a lot from satisfied employees in the following ways: à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ Lower staff turnover à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ Higher productivity à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ Reduction in conflicts and complaints à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ Punctuality (reduced lateness) à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ Better worked morale Therefore, we can say that job dissatisfaction affects both the organisation and the employees negatively. If job dissatisfaction prevails, the organisation is likely to be affected through poor customer service, quality production and profitability. It is a clear and obvious that employees lacking loyalty and commitment will show very little original thinking and will absent themselves very often from work. All these put together will clearly result in poor performance and low profitability for the organisation. Job satisfaction in the primary educational sector It is known to everyone that reward and recognition are very scarce when it comes to the primary educational sector. Numerous studies carried out by sociologists have confirmed this. Moreover, as most of the teachers work is being carried out within the walls of closed classrooms, teachers often find themselves isolated from others without any support from peers and superiors. Due to such organisational structure, teachers do not receive appropriate feedback from others and often find it hard to work together so as to improve their work. According to Frase, 1992, many teachers leave teaching within the first three years of employment as a result of these conditions. Decision makers therefore need to find ways to retain teachers in the profession and keep them motivated and at the same time promote satisfaction. Studies have shown fairly convincingly that teachers are motivated more by intrinsic than by extrinsic rewards. Pastor and Erlandson (1982) Carried out a survey which found that teachers identify their needs and measure their job satisfaction by factors such as participation in decision-making, use of valued skills, freedom and independence, challenge, expression of creativity, and opportunity for learning. In a survey conducted by Brodinsky and Neill (1983), a majority of school administrators (and teachers) cited three policies that effectively improved morale and motivated their staffs: shared governance, in-service education, and systematic and supportive evaluation. New Theories of Teacher Motivation Frase, 1992 identified two sets of factors that affect teachers ability to perform effectively and therefore derive job satisfaction. These two factors are 1. Work context factors 2. Work content factors. Work Context Factors Work context factors are those which meet the basic needs such as à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ the class size à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ discipline conditions à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ availability of teaching materials à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ the quality of the head masters supervision and his/her leadership style According to Frase, 1992, the above context factors do not bring job satisfaction as such. However, during their absences or if not well handled, problems which might affect the teaching and learning process might crop. They may thus lead to job dissatisfaction. Work Content Factors According to Frase, once again, work content factors are intrinsic aspects related to the work itself. They include opportunities for à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ professional development such as further on job training leading to personal growth à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ Recognition of hard work à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ challenging and varied tasks à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ increased responsibility and empowerment à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ achievement and authority. Studies carried out by the National Center for Education Statistics in the United States (1997) have clearly shown that teachers who do not feel supported in the above fields are less motivated to do their best work in the classroom. Their data confirm that staff recognition, parental support, teacher participation in school decision making and control in the classroom are the factors most strongly associated with teacher satisfaction. Difficulties educators face in the classroom As an educator, it can bring much satisfaction to see students develop new skills and competences and achieve success in terms of knowledge. However, it may be frustrating when one is dealing with unmotivated or disrespectful students. Very often, teachers must cope with unruly behaviour and violence in the schools. Teachers may experience stress in dealing with large classes, heavy workloads, or old schools that are run down and lack many modern facilities. Accountability standards also may increase stress levels, with teachers expected to produce students who are able to exhibit satisfactory performance on standardised tests in core subjects. Many teachers are also frustrated by the lack of control they have over what they are required to teach. Working Conditions It takes a decent work environment to teach well. Art 8 or the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation states that, we must improve the working conditions and school environment so as to best promote effective learning and teaching, and enable teachers to concentrate on their professional tasks. Workload has to be fair to be able to carry or tasks effectively and must not have a negative impact on the health and safety of teachers. Also, the authorities must devote equal teaching resources to all educational institutions. School climate The values, attitudes, expectations and behaviour more or less shared by the members of a school community are generally referred to as school climate. A positive school climate plays an important role in fostering teachers performance, academic achievement of students and school motivation. A positive school climate nurtures an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect between each and everyone in the school. Teachers would like to work in schools where they can feel comfortable with their colleagues and the school leadership. Therefore, creating a healthy school environment for everyone begins by supporting healthy relationships among the staff. Healthy relationships produce a climate conducive to honesty, open communication, and risk-taking (Ames Miller, 1994). In a true learning community, cooperative learning and mutual respect are expected of faculty as well as students. Establishing a supportive school environment increases self-esteem and achievement (Cantwell, 2003). Leadership Teachers are more satisfied when their head teachers are good and model leaders. This includes motivating employees to do a good job and striving for excellence. Effective head teachers create structures in which it is clear that teachers have a certain authority. In certain schools some head teachers empower their teachers to work on certain tasks like creating a media and audio visual room, or creating other structures for the benefit and welfare of students as well as for staff members. Such kind of empowerment and trust in employees yield commitment, loyalty and higher performance at the place of work. Such leaders motivate subordinates to do more than originally expected. They raise the consciousness of subordinates about the importance and value of designated outcomes and ways of reaching them and, in turn, get subordinates to transcend their own immediate self-interests for the sake of the mission and vision of the organization. (Yammarino, Spangler and Bass,1993). Teachers performance Educators job is one which does not produce tangible goods whose quality could be measured quantitatively. Their jobs consist of preparing pupils of 5-11 years old academically and help them in their overall development. As a matter of fact, it is difficult to measure their performance. A few years back, with ranking system at the CPE level, inspectors and school head teachers used to assess the performance of their staff by analyzing the performance of students in the final exam. However, this is not an ideal way of measuring performance as there are other factors apart from the CPE pass rate which are linked to the teachers performance. Training After completion of a two year diploma course at the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE), the educator is posted in a given school and is assigned the responsibility of a class. The MIE together with the Ministry of Education offer supplementary courses so as to upgrade the standards of educators and at the same time keep them abreast changes occurring in terms of methodology, contents and curriculum. Some of these courses are: à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ Certificate in Educational Management à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ Diploma in Educational Management à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¢ Advanced Certificate in Educational Management After the completion of these courses, educators are eligible for a rise in their salary and furthermore are eligible to postulate for jobs like Deputy Head Teacher and Head Teacher. It is a fact that the more positive the perceptions employees have concerning the usefulness and scope of advancement the training sessions will provide to them, the higher will their job satisfaction. Promotional prospects Promotion in the primary sector is based on seniority. It is only after about twenty five years of service that a teacher will be automatically promoted to Deputy Head Teacher. From there, the latter will have to wait for some five more years to aspire to become the head of a school. As a matter of fact, the promotional scope is rather restricted and this is a real demotivating factor to many educators in the field.
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