Monday, September 30, 2019

Marketing Mix in Ports

Logistics Management Due Date: Word Count: Abstract This essay investigates the Port of Long Beach (POLL) with the aim of identifying the business and marketing environment and ascertaining its major marketing opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses.Based upon this internal and external environmental evaluation, the up's of the extended marketing mix are analyses in relation to Poll's current marketing strategy. Finally, suggestions on how Improvements to Poll's marketing strategy, with specific reference to the analysis of he extended marketing mix are proposed and the impacts of such suggestions are detailed. Research comprised of academic literature, Industry Journals, reports and websites In relation to the organization Itself and Its affiliates.What was found was that the Port of Long Beach's key marketing strategies were based upon environmental stewardship, community, Industry and government relations, Infrastructure and transportation, trade and commerce and organiza tional effectiveness. It was also recognized that the marketing strategy that POLL employ Is highly sophisticated, covering all facets of the extended marketing mix. Poll's facilitating effective delivery of service to their major customers, East Asia, which accounts for 90% of its throughput.POLL was analyses and segmented according the up's of the extended marketing mix. Its key marketing strategies included environmental stewardship, community, industry and government relations, infrastructure and transportation, trade and commerce organizational effectiveness. POLL have focused this strategy, in conjunction with partnerships on their customer base, primarily East Asia which accounts for 90% of trade and also consumers within its local hinterland. Finally, changes to Port of Long Beach's marketing strategy are put forth and also the potential impacts of such changes are detailed.Table of Contents Abstract Contents Price Process Evidence Introduction ii Table of iii Introduction 1 Task 1 1 Task 2 3 Product 4 4 Promotion 5 People 5 6 Physical 6 Task 3 7 Conclusion 8 References 10 The rise of globalization and subsequent increased freight volumes has required seaports to become customer-focus oriented, proactive and adaptive in a highly competitive freight market, encouraging trade facilitation both within the port wrought its logistics and supply chain and internationally (Cannon 2004), (Cannon 2008), (Strategic Plan 2009).It follows then that seaport marketing must also develop and adapt in order to create value and also customer satisfaction. This essay will investigate the Port of Long Beach's (POLL) overall business from a marketing perspective, profiling the industry, the markets within the industry, its customers, this evaluation, the up's of the extended marketing mix are analyses in relation to Poll's current marketing strategy. Finally, suggestions on how improvements to Poll's marketing strategy, with specific reference to the analysis of the extend ed marketing mix are proposed and the impacts of such suggestions are detailed.Task 1 Summaries key organizational and marketing information from your Assignment 1 Case Report, in order to provide the context for your response to Questions 2 and 3 below. Pollinator & Khakis (2011) suggests that When shippers are confident about the volumes of cargo they will need to move or they feel that transport is of too great strategic importance, they may decide to take the shipping risk themselves'. Whilst POLL do possess fully automated facilities, they do not do so in partnership with any major shipping lines.The absence of any major partnership agreements has left the door open for POLL to sign such agreements with Orient Overseas Container Line (COOL) and Mediterranean Shipping Co (MASC.), ensuring that the majority of all cargo owned by MASC., COOL and their alliance partners will now pass through Poll's terminals and not Poll's (Porter 2013). The impact of the partnerships has been imme diately reflected through a 10. 1 percent increase in container throughput in the second quarter of 2013, which simultaneously saw a 9. Percent decrease from POLL (Canada, California Ports Grow West Coast Market Share 2013).Newly developed on- dock rail facilities, gray chassis pool and Green Port Gateway have greatly improved the ports competitiveness and efficiency whilst allowing for greater network connectivity through to east U. S. As far as the Ohio River (Port of Long Beach), (UNCLAD 2013). Kettle, Brown, Burton, Deans & Armstrong (2013, p. 243) states ‘Business buyers are influenced heavily by factors in the current and expected economic environment'. This statement has never been more evident than in hipping following the Global Financial Crisis (SGF) in 2008/2009 and more recently the European debt sovereign crisis.Subsequent austerity measures have seen a shift in trade routes from Asia to Europe now heading to the west coast of the U. S. , placing POLL and POLL in primary position to receive increased volumes of cargo (UNCLAD 2012). POLL is aware of its impact on the environment and have answered with their award winning Green Port Policy, which seeks to reduce and eliminate the pollution generated by the port. POLL wish to not only be the busiest and most efficient port in North America, but also an environmental innovator and leader (Port of Long Beach 2013).Critically evaluate the marketing mix of your chosen organization, using relevant marketing theory. The advent of globalization and the subsequent increase in seaport competition has required seaports to differentiate their product through the provision of value-added services and continually evolving marketing strategies (Cannon 2004). Port of Long Beach's key marketing strategies were based upon environmental stewardship, community, industry and government relations, infrastructure and transportation, read and commerce and organizational effectiveness (Port of Long Beach 2013).PRODUCT The product of a port can be separated into its core product and its actual product (Kettle, Brown, Burton, Deans & Armstrong 2013). POLL seeks to create value and competitive advantage through its complex and highly integrated service offering, enabled through its cargo handling services and value-added services. POLL possess both dedicated container and bulk cargo terminals, with supply chain capabilities that allow network access as far as the Ohio River.Network connectivity is enabled pacifically through on-dock rail, across 10 piers and 80 berths that are serviced by 66 post-Panamas gantry cranes, allowing for efficient transshipment and storage of cargoes. Channel and berth depth have been deepened in order to accommodate many of the larger container vessels capable of carrying 13,000 TIES. POLL encourages trade facilitation through its harbor services, tug/towing, piloting, consulates, marine surveyors, U. S. Customs, freight forwarders, customer brokers, and shipping agents .Supporting services such as waste disposal, medical facilities, tortes and bunkering are also available. Additionally, POLL provides value-added services such as cold storage and bonded warehousing (Port of Long Beach 2013), (Strategic Plan 2009). PLACE Place of the product involves company logistics and marketing activities concerned with delivering the company's service. A ports location is imperative to its ability to attract and retain customers. POLL is situated in the heart of the most populous extensive hinterland access, allowing it to be served by 140 shipping lines with connections to 217 seaports.Poll's location and network connectivity allows for the shiest chance of frequency, reliability, profitability and relative convenience. High traffic volumes of its major competitor and harbor neighbor, POLL, results in increased traffic flows and congestion that would otherwise belong to POLL, however POLL is able to reduce this effect as five of Poll's container terminals are connected with on-dock rail facilities, that increase the efficiency of traffic flow and reach of the port past the immediate through to the extended hinterland in the east U.S. (Cannon 2008), (Kettle, Brown, Burton, Deans & Armstrong 2013) (Port of Long Beach 2013), Strategic Update 2009). PRICE Price is the amount of money the customer has to pay to obtain the product (Kettle, Brown, Burton, Deans & Armstrong 2013). It is difficult to compare port tariffs among ports accurately because of diversity in their systems and regulations, the existence of pricing by long-standing agreements and the influence of the exchange rate. This is indicative Poll's Tariff No. , which continually states that tariffs and charges are assessed in accordance with and based upon each and every of the limitations, agreements, covenants and conditions set forth'. POLL, however, does adopt a mix of efficiency pricing and relationship pricing, as each strategy is specifically applied to the type of customer and relationship. Efficiency pricing applies to customers requiring the lowest available prices. This pricing strategy is more applicable to short-term transactional based customers. Relationship pricing is offered to those that are either profitable in the long-term or have the clear potential to grow.Port charges encompass navigation, berth and cargo operational services, all of which are either based on size of ship, time in port or size/volume of cargo. Other business related costs include real estate, licensing and management services incurred from or by port-related services (Berry & Hydra 1996), (ESCAPE 2002), (Port of Long Beach 2013) PROMOTION Promoting a port is suggested as being a means of communicating with current and potential customers, with its purpose being to raise awareness of what the port offers and to influence customer attitudes and behavior towards the port (Bernard 1995), (Somers and De Wiled 1997).POLL seeks to promote itself through the development of a positive brand image, conveying network connectivity, sailing frequency, liability, service quality and professional management (Branch 1998), (Port of Long Beach 2013). POLL has formed partnerships with leading European and Asian shipping companies, each of which are part of shipping alliances that allows it to promote its services globally (Porter 2013). POLL further promotes itself through its website, annual reports and strategic plans, outlining its clear directive for the future, one that balance their role as a facilitator of international trade with our strong partnership.PEOPLE Cannon (2008) states ‘Establishing a relationship with a customer and building loyalty emperies two parts, the initial marketing to attract the right relationship over time so that the financial and other objectives of both parties are achieved. ‘ It follows then that marketing communications play an important role in customer relationship management. POLL have a clear focus on employing talented and motivated people, with the aim to empower them at all levels that encourages them to develop and enhance the relationship in order to maintain customers. Gumminess 1994), PROCESS Customers migrate to other service providers when the process is poorly managed and lets them down (Kettle, Brown, Burton, Deans & Armstrong 2013). In order to lessen the risk of losing competitive advantage, customer relationship management within ports has evolved into the development of partnerships. Decisions by POLL marketing and management are indicative of this evolution with the recent contractual arrangements with COOL and the subsequent development of Terminal Operating Shipping Lines (TOSS).Vertical integration allows COOL to exert market power through upstream or downstream integration, whilst POLL benefit from the resultant higher volumes of cargo and technologically advance cargo systems, improving service delivery (Bishop 2009) (Porter 2013). PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Services are mostly intangible. Thus the meaning of other tools and techniques used in marketing is important as customer tend to rely on physical cues to help them evaluate the product before they buy it (Kettle, Brown, Burton, Deans & Armstrong 2013) (Marketing Teacher 2013).POLL and the local government have both invested heavily in regards to the internal and external environments resulting in aesthetically pleasing views both inward and outward from the port. Restaurants, tourist shops, parks, bikes and public transport facilities lie directly adjacent and opposite POLL, increasing the ports community integration and acceptance. Such external projects, matched with modern, sophisticated internal infrastructure projects are becoming increasingly attractive to all stakeholders and customers, as POLL leads the way in efficiency and environmental stewardship, both domestically and internationally.How could your chosen organization improve their marketing mix in view of the evaluation you conducted an d the strategies you recommended in your Case Report? Whilst POLL have invested heavily in their own employees and long-term customers, it seems that they could do more in relation to the greater public. The greater public, whilst benefiting from increased trade volumes, efficiency, environmental standards and community-friendly amenities, are not utilized in their full capacity. Increasing public involvement within the port has many benefits and repercussions, should issues arise.Cannon (2008) propounds that port developments are hampered by community concerns and the need for environmental performance, which is mirrored by Giuliani & O'Brien (2008) who state that citizen concerns about ports environmental impacts shape public policy, which can lead to policy intervention and increased costs or loss of customers. Increased involvement allows the public to take a vested interest in the operations of the port, boosting public perception, thus allowing for greater public investment an d increased brand image, greatly reducing the potential for public backlash should negative publicity in regards to the port arises.The development fully automated facility in conjunction with private investors, MASC., COOL and their alliance partners, could discourage competing shipping lines, not involved in such alliances from investing in POLL, and in some instances lead to discriminatory treatment. Bishop (2009), states ‘Ports and ocean carriers may also get onto conflict because of resource scarcities, for instance when dedicated terminals are allocated to a single shipping line, hence pushing other carriers to operate via ports elsewhere'.POLL could adjust their strategy in relation to such firms by taking them from transactional based customer and developing customer relationships. Whilst this strategy may not be applicable to all smaller sized shippers, it is through the development of relationships with medium to larger sized shipping lines, not a part of shipping al liances, where POLL could increase market share whilst at the same time decrease POI-As competitive advantage. The U. S. Has replaced Europe in relations to exports, however the increased volumes can have both a positive and negative effect on hinterland connections with the rest of the U.S. The development of infrastructure and processes within the port are only as effective as its network connections with the hinterland. Ensuring network inevitably improve its perceived port efficiency to an Asian, global and domestic markets that demand it. Although rising cargo volumes can create congestion within the vast networks connecting POLL with its hinterland, an opportunity lies within to market to major injecting intermediate and multimedia firms.Forming alliances or partnerships with such firms could secure reliability through the supply chain into the future and in turn reduce costs to importers, increases perceived reliability in the Asian market and also increases appeal and potent ial for importers to utilities the facilities POLL has to offer. The promotion of high efficiency and reliability to the East Asian consumer base that accounts for 90 percent of Poll's container throughput could prove the difference in perceived competitive advantage, resulting in cargo volumes transferring from POLL to POLL. ConclusionThe Port of Long Beach and the way in which the extended marketing mix have shaped its marketing strategy has been analyses. POLL was found to be in a highly competitive environment, specifically due to the close proximity of its larger rival, POLL. In order to regain competitive ground, POLL have entered into partnerships through the signing off long-term lease with a major shipping line COOL and allowed further private investment from MASC., in order to achieve better economies of scale, improved operational efficiency and better asset utilization to sure up profitability.This matched with newly developed, environmentally sustainable infrastructure, will enhance its capability to capitalist on shifting trade routes from Asia to the U. S. Then the marketing strategy of POLL was analyses and segmented according the up's of the extended marketing mix. Its key marketing strategies included environmental stewardship, community, industry and government relations, infrastructure and transportation, trade and commerce organizational effectiveness.POLL have focused this strategy on their customer base, primarily East Asia which accounts for 90% of trade and also consumers within its local hinterland. The up's; product, place, price, rumination, people, process and physical evidence were individually analyses with specific reference to POLL and its stakeholders including its customer base and POI-A. Lastly, three suggestions as to how POLL could improve aspects of their marketing mix in view of the evaluation conducted are provided.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

A comparison of text and a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth Essay

‘From page to stage’- A comparison of text and a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. I have decided to aim my coursework at the scene where Banquo’s ghost appears to Macbeth. I am basing my coursework around the reactions of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, and also the way in which Banquo is portrayed to us in Shakespeare’s play and the performance, which we attended, by the Long Overdue Theatre Company. I am comparing each of these characters from the performance with the way that they are portrayed in the written version. In the TLOTC performance; we receive a calm atmosphere at the time of the banquet, however in the written version more mysterious version is revealed to us. In the production version I don’t feel we were given a very clear image of how Macbeth changed throughout the scene. The text initially portrays an image of how horrified Macbeth is when he sees Banquo sitting at the table. When reading the play we can visualise what’s happening throughout the scene. We can visualise how Macbeth talks to Banquo as though he is fully human and is really there. We see this by the way Macbeth speaks to Banquo, â€Å"Never shake thy gory locks at me.† It is in this way that we can tell clearly what’s happening in this scene. The TLOTC portrays this to us well, I feel that they gave us the clear view of Macbeth’s feelings towards the ghost. I feel that this helped us to realise the fear that Macbeth felt. They showed Macbeth’s actions clearly, he was very shaken and scared, I feel that the tone of voice he used was very effective. I feel that we learn more about Macbeth’s astonishment and disbelief in the TLOTC performance than in the text. Macbeth asks † Which of you have done this?† This shows us that Macbeth is in shock at what he is seeing before him. In the performance we are able to see the facial expressions, I feel that this helps us to get a clearer view at what Macbeth is feeling. Whereas in the written version we can only try and visualise what Macbeth is feeling. The tone of voice use helps us to realise the tension which Macbeth feels. Each time Banquo entered the room Macbeth’s tone of voice changed: it became shaken and very loud. I think that Ben Shockley portrayed this very well in the performance. Macbeth tries to tell the others what he sees before him. He say’s to them â€Å"If I stand here I saw him.† In the written version we can’t tell what type of voice is used so less emphasis is put on Macbeth’s words. The supernatural elements were portrayed to us more clearly in the performance. In the written version Shakespeare gives very few stage directions. In the LOTC production I felt that the sound effects that were used each time Banquo’s ghost appeared were very effective, in the way in which we are able to tell when Banquo’s ghost was appearing. We get none of this build up of tension from the written version. I feel, however, that the written version is much fuller than that of the performance as the impact of Shakespeare’s language was more obvious. This was particularly at the beginning of the scene, where Lady Macbeth seems to have a very calm, patient attitude towards Macbeth. Lady Macbeth says to the others in a calm voice â€Å"Sit, worthy friends, my Lord is often thus.† We can see Lady Macbeth’s attitude change towards Macbeth in both the performance and the written version. When she hears Macbeth speak to the ghost but she doesn’t know who her husband is talking to. Lady Macbeth tries to be strong and reassure everyone that Macbeth’s behaviour should not alarm them, when she says to them: † My lord is often thus, and hath been from his youth.† As Macbeth begins again to talk to Banquo Lady Macbeth’s attitude changes again, she begins to panic a lot more. I feel that the way she was panicking partly was giving away their innocence. Lady Macbeth’s panic is conveyed on stage when she say’s â€Å"Pray you speak not, he grows worse and worse, questions enrage him. At once, good night.† In the LOTC performance and in the written version Lady Macbeth is shown as the stronger person between her and Macbeth. Lady Macbeth begins to get so antagonised that she begins threatening Macbeth’s right to call himself a man: she say’s † What, quite unmanned in folly?† I feel that the performance gives a better view on Lady Macbeth’s strong will to keep her and Macbeth from looking guilty. Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth not to worry as she is afraid that all his worrying will give away their innocence. I feel that the blood, which appeared from Banquo’s mouth and nose, helped the audience to visualise Banquo’s presence as a ghost, of a murder man, intent on making his killer suffer.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Issues That Lead to the Recession Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Issues That Lead to the Recession - Term Paper Example â€Å"A significant decline in activity across the economy, lasting longer than a few months. It is visible in industrial production, employment, real income and wholesale-retail trade. The technical indicator of a recession is two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth as measured by a countrys gross domestic product (GDP); although the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) does not necessarily need to see this occur to call a recession.†(Recession†¦.) Recession hurts the government in some of the vital areas that are the supporting pillars of the economy and its impact is unfavorable news for the government budget. Government borrowings rise. Tax revenues dip low due to lower income tax and corporate tax revenues. With the steep rise in the unemployment levels, the government is obliged to extend unemployment benefits to a wider section of the society. Higher borrowing leads to higher taxes and additional interest payments in the future. As shares turn unattractive, the prices begin to dip. Lower profitability and lower dividends create a depressive mood for the investors and they look out for alternative sources of investment. The fall in share prices continues in anticipation of recessionary trends prolonging. But this is only the initial phase. When recession is at its hardest phase, the developments take a strange turn. In anticipation of economic recovery, share prices begin to recover, as the prudent investor calculates that it is the favorable time to invest from the point of view of long term gains. Falling prices of shares may be due to various other factors as well, not alone recession. The normal reaction to recession is that it should result in a lower inflation rate. The highlight of recession is it reduces demand and wage inflation. The issue to be examined is what economic factors impact the recession hard. The current recession is due to rise in oil prices. The expert opinion about this inflation is, it is bound to

Friday, September 27, 2019

GRNS402 Carbon Farming Initiative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

GRNS402 Carbon Farming Initiative - Essay Example Carbon absorbed by plants is stored in plant tissues which are then consumed by animals (Cameron, 2011). Carbon in plant tissues can also be taken to the soil through decomposition when plants die. Carbon is stored in soils in the form of organic matter. This is a compound combination of compounds of carbon containing decomposed plant tissues and animal tissues and carbon that is associated to soil minerals Carbon dioxide that has currently led to change in climate are resulted from agricultural activities (Kimble, Lal & Follett, 2002). Carbon however can also be stored for a long term in the soil through the process of soil carbon sequestration. In carbon farming, the main aim is to remove carbon that is available in the air and convert them to plant material. The farming practice is successful when there is more gain of carbon from the atmosphere that results from enhancement in land management and conservation to exceed loses (Kimble, Lal & Follett, 2002). Conservation tillage is a process that can be used to minimize manipulation of the soil for production of crops. Practices included in this aspect are mulch tillage, cover cropping and crop rotation. Forests are also play an important role in sequestering carbon in the soil on farms (Bates, 2010). Carbon Farming Initiative enables farmers and those that manage firms to make recognitions of carbon through keeping carbon or reduction of gas released on land from greenhouse. The credits obtained credits can be traded to individuals and productions with the desire to balance their releases (Swingland, 2003). Rules governing carbon farming have changed. The changes in the sector have been integrated with Emission Reduction Fund. In the changes, there are activities that can be carried out in farming as brought out under the Carbon Farming initiative (Cameron, 2011). The activities fall

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Investments class (Measure for t-bond & funds historical data) Assignment

Investments class (Measure for t-bond & funds historical data) - Assignment Example Theoretically, a bond is like a stock or a share which gives a sort of dividend to its holder. It is one of the most important categorizes that comes under the ambit of finance and it is important from the viewpoint of financial consultant to analyze the same (Bodie, Zvi, Alex Kane, and Alan, pp. 44-55). There is a significant relationship has been found among the interest rate and bond valuation. A rate at which the interest is paid by the borrowers in consequences of using the money specifically borrows from a lender. Interest rate in particular is a percent of principal paid by a certain amount per annum. Interest rate is one of the most important from the standpoint of a country and it is also deems a positive and significant tool come under the ambit of monetary policy. Countries with a high interest rate would not be deemed as economically viable because the cost of doing business in these countries would be high. Interest rate has its own recognition for the companies, especia lly for the new companies who want to enter in a new country. There are number of countries which decreased its key policy rate merely to increase the level of borrowing in the economy which may increased the financial and economic potential of the economy as a whole. There are number of methods to value a bond and it is essential to value it accordingly, in order to increase the recognition. Bonds depend heavily upon yields, interest rates and maturity provisions. The main perspective of this assignment is to answer some of the questions related to bond analysis and valuation. There are four different tasks which have been required for the same analysis. The dynamics of funds with respect to the changes in time has been linked to the advancements or the trends registered in the contemporary world. The preference of each model against another has been pegged on the associated risks and the profitability that may be developed from the option of preference. The distinction of one mode l of funds to another can be presented via the evaluation of the procedures or methodologies that are deployed through the realization of the eventual aims. Other contributory factors that assist in the evaluation of the advancements made by a model of preference can be sourced from the governing principles in terms of contribution and subscription. Mutual funds focus on pooling together risks in terms of investment. Small investors pool their monetary value under one basket, thus aligning themselves for a strengthened investment. The caption point that is routinely developed via this approach is the fact that the investment is modeled along with an intelligent platform (Kent, Mark, Russ and Sheridan, pp. 15-20). The flow of monetary investments under mutual funds has posted significant adjustments across the twenty year period. A reflection on the annular performance of a mutual fund based investor, such as Cohen & Steers Realty Shares (CSRSX), reflects the indicated trend. This or ganization has been posting mixed adjustments in its annular revenue overview. The flutualtion of mutual funds in the analysis could be analyzed here with the below mentioned table and chart, Â   Mutual Funds Close End Funds ETFs UIT Total 1995 2,811 143 1 73 3,028 1996 3,526 147 2 72 3,747 1997 4,468 152 7 85 4,712 1998 5,525 156 16 94 5,791

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Critically discuss the organisational purposes that job analysis can Essay

Critically discuss the organisational purposes that job analysis can serve - Essay Example Job analysis in the words of Armstrong (2006, p.446) is â€Å"the process of collecting, analyzing and setting out information about the content of jobs in order to provide the basis for a job description and data for recruitment, training, job evaluation and performance management. Job analysis concentrates on what job holders are expected to do.† The data collected in this practice pertains to the identification of job, its nature, involved operations, type and use of materials and equipments, inter-relation with other jobs and also the attributes of the person who will be handling the job- capabilities, training, educational level, competencies, knowledge, et cetera. Job analysis thus aims at planning for and analyzing the external environment factors or task and role components on which people have to be fit in according to their suitability and relevance. Successful human resources entail properly defined and prior settings of parameters related to worker’s abiliti es, job activities and environmental components. Job analysis serves as the pre-requisite in inter-linking these three types of analyses namely- worker, job and environmental; and account for overall designing of jobs, role and tasks and respective skills and talents demanded to fill those jobs (Pilbeam & Corbridge 2010). The US Department of Labor (2004) devised the Occupational Information Network database for categorized information on different occupations. Better known as O*NET, the classification diagram (Figure 1) depicts all broad and specific descriptors required to analyze a job. Jonassen et al. (1999, p.64) present a comprehensive view of the O*NET whereby the work descriptors are segregated into experience, worker and occupation requirements, characteristics regarding worker and occupation and other specifications. Figure 1 demonstrates the specific components covered under the three analyses heads which make up the sections for data collection in job analysis. In the co ncerned figure, the data heads pertaining to the job make up the Job Description while those related to the individual are known as Job Specification. Thus, these two are the outputs of job analysis function (IRS 2003). Figure 1: Occupational Network Diagram Source: Jonassen et al. (1999, p.64) Organizational structure is comprised of occupations which are characterized by jobs possessing similar characteristics- for example; the occupation of marketing involves closely related marketing activities but come under the commonality of marketing occupation. Every occupation in turn is made up of different positions whereby tasks assigned to people are different based on their competencies and abilities. This is where the role of job analysis emerges. Job analysis serves as the building block of organizational structure because it differentiates the position of individuals from that of their actual assigned tasks and roles. Such minute details establish processes, work methods, performan ce standards, training and development needs, incentives and compensation and promotion and appraisal plans for each job, position and occupation, based on the three analyses conducted. Job analysis assumes important place in human resources management because of its significance and implications in both strategic and operational issues of an organization. Job analysis when broken

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

HEALTH EDUCATION ON THE BENEFITS OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS Research Paper

HEALTH EDUCATION ON THE BENEFITS OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS - Research Paper Example They may also show signs of withdrawal. This may be followed by overeating or loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts, lack of concentration and difficulties in making decisions which previously they could handle with ease. Depression can be treated by use of antidepressants. These drugs are not only effective in treating depression but also a host of other disorders. A study has suggested that antidepressants are effective in curing individuals with severe depression. In the study, 35 clinical trials were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of antidepressants on patients. Some of the antidepressants used in the trial include venlafaxine, nefadozone, fluoxetine and paroxetine (Reinberg 23). This study found that patients who were severely depressed greatly improved on taking the antidepressant drugs. According to the authors, the antidepressants seemed to benefit more those who had severe depression. The study concludes that there is need to try more than one depressant on a patie nt in order to find out the antidepressant that works best. However, the study emphasizes that treatment of depression using antidepressants is only effective when it is focused on a particular patient, and involving multiple approaches. This approach also requires that follow-ups on patients’ recovery are regularly conducted (Reinberg 24). The study found that once an antidepressant is matched to a patient, then it will work best in curing depression. Current research is aimed at matching antidepressant drugs to patients. This means that patients will soon be receiving antidepressants that will work on them quickly (Reinberg 24). Another study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of using antidepressants in treating depression among adults, youths and geriatric populations. The participants included 4 geriatric patients, 12 adults and 4 youths on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (Gibbons et al. 572). These were to be examined using the antidepressant fluoxetine. In addition , 21 adults were examined using venlafaxine. The results of the study showed that patients responded far better compared to placebo controls introduced into the study. Adults recorded an improvement rate of over 35% compared to the placebo controls (Gibbons et al. 573).Youths in the study recorded the highest treatment rates in comparison to the control. This study concluded that antidepressant drugs are effective in treating major depression, contrary to earlier suggestions that they were only effective in treating severe depression. However, the study concluded that antidepressants were more effective in youths and adult patients compared to elder patients. This study was conducted over a 6 weeks period. The study reports that 55.1% of adults treated with fluoxetine showed a positive response (Gibbons et al. 573). In controls, only a paltry 33.7% showed response. In addition to these figures, 45.8% of the patients showed subsidence in the depression levels. However, only 30.2% of the controls showed subsidence in depression levels. The drugs venlafaxine and fluoxetine produced similar results (Gibbons et al. 575).The study shows that antidepressants are effective in treating depression. Critics have raised a number of concerns about the effectiveness of antidepressants over placebos. However, more research continues to back antidepressants i

Monday, September 23, 2019

SAM 445 UNIT 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SAM 445 UNIT 1 - Assignment Example There are four managerial functions an Athletic Director utilizes when planning activities for a football program. These are decision-making, planning, directing operational activities, and controlling. Planning as a managerial function in accounting perspective ensures efficient communication of the football program that outlines the goals of the university. Effective planning is achieved through budgeting process based on decisions made by managers. The budgets outline sources or inflows of economic resources as well as the uses of economics of the institution. Controlling function is a function achieved by measuring performance, comparing the real performance with the budgets and taking action where required. There are different approaches for analyzing performance. Performance will be equated to the number of wins acquired by the institution form the football games. However the process of determining the persons who performed well sounds challenging. The challenge lies among the persons to be given credit; coach, manager or the team. Poor performance is evaluated from the number of lost football games, the number of head coach fired and such like. The challenge worth argument in case of matches lost form football games is the person to be evaluated. Does the coach win or lose the games or is the team responsible for the

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Spirituality and Art Essay Example for Free

Spirituality and Art Essay â€Å"Spirituality is such a vibrant and integral part of our lives that even our changing times and all the apparent obstacles have not stifled the powerful partnership of spirituality and art in the modern era† Lynn M. Herbert. This essay will assess and discuss three contemporary artists that address the idea or concept of ‘spirituality’ in their work. Spirituality is a term that lacks certain defiance or a definitive definition, although social scientists have defined spirituality as the search for ‘the scared’; which is broadly defined as that which is set apart from the ordinary. The term has changed throughout modern day society that it can now be classes as a separate entity from religion itself. Three key contemporary artists that use their works to convey the message of spirituality are; Alex Grey- The Artists Hand, 1997, oil on wood, 1616 inches; H. R Giger The Spell I, 1973, Acrylic, ink on wood 240x280cm and Cosima Lukashevich – The Oracle, 2009, Painting, Pastel on canvas 16 x 21. 9 inches. Each one of these three pieces has a different take on what the artist personally believes spirituality is. Alex Grey is that of a visionary artist best known for his depictions of the human body. The multiple layers of reality, revealing the complex integration of body, mind, and spirit has become his trademark in the 90’s. His paintings have been featured on various covers of albums and have been exhibited throughout the world. (Hagerty, 2006) The artist’s hand, 1997, holds a powerful instrument, here symbolized by a â€Å"Vajra brush,† is a means to awaken people to their own essence through the light of higher power. The history of art is an expression of universal creativity that invisibly surrounds and supports every creative action. The Vajra is a spiritual device, a thunderbolt scepter owned by the Hindu god Indra and adopted by the Buddhist sages as a symbol of the diamond-like clarity and brilliance of the mind’s true nature. (Alex Grey) This is a key point in Greys piece along with his signature of the human body. The Artists Hand shows the layers of a human body each layer showing a new represtation of it. The vajra has ightning potruding from it and the figureines in the background are all that of superstious being either being a direct decent of a religion or an ancient civilization. The incorporation of the eye is one that with background research tells of a clarity to the artists beliefs. Grey’s interpreataion of spirituality in which his pieces show that his definition comes from the human body and key chakra elements. To Grey it seems that spirituality comes from within the human body rather then of a religious origin. Giger however uses his interpretation of the relationships that the body has, The Spell I (1973) by H.  R. Giger shows the relationship between man and machine. Through Giger’s artwork the idea of Biomechanics is understood to bring the human structure to the next level, allowing evolution to take place with the existing aid of machinery. The visuals presented in Giger’s artwork tell the story of how humankind is affected by its surroundings and what we take for granted. This is Giger’s idea of our future and if we keep relying on a machinery to complete our tasks we will become one with machine living in a cultureless society. Mark, 1982) Unlike Grey, Gigers use of the human body is more conceptual in a mechanical way; he utilizes the concept of the matrix in his piece alonlg with key spirituality symbols like the horned female and the skull. Even though futruistic his take on spirituality is that of a symbolic method. Cosima Lukashevich is a well-rounded spiritual artist who is said to be artist of the world – who unlike Giger and Grey is inspired by life and the cultural heritage and ancient symbols. Her pieces are of less refinance and are that of an expletory piece. Lukashevich channels her spirituality through nature and meditation; her piece uses ancient symbols and meanings. Her interpretation of The Oracle, 2009, is that of a dreamlike appearance. Her use of position allows the viewer to focus of the clarity of the eyes in the piece. The use of her medium is crucial in this piece and so is the symbolic meaning behind it. Comparing this piece to Giger’s and Grey’s it is clear that it is more earthy then the two others. Grey and Giger have a precision to their pieces that Lukashevich does not capture however each artist expresses in their own way what they think spirituality is. Giger and Grey even though having slight common grounds take very different paths with their concepts. The use of the human body has been a key feature throughout each of these three pieces and shows that the human body is a crucial piece in the journey through spirituality. Spirituality is still a term that lacks certain defiance or a definitive definition, although social scientists have tried to define spirituality as the search for ‘the scared’; which is broadly defined as that which is set apart from the ordinary. The term itself still remains broadly defined; however you may choose to argue the points that of the artists, Alex Grey, H. R Giger and Cosima Lukashevich each convey through their works as the definition. Each has tried to convey their own definition of spirituality though their own works. But at the end of the day spirituality is something that one defines within themselves through their beliefs, attitudes and values; it is something that will remain till the end of time as an undefined term that through various artistic channels many try to seek its true origins. Artists at the dawn of the 21st Century have had the unique opportunity to create a universal spiritual art. This art will be born from visions of sacred archetypes common to all mystic paths. The spirit of the times will choose artists sufficiently prepared for this task. The challenge to an artist today is integrating the vast visual legacy of human culture with their own deepest and highest personal insights, distilling that into works of art and making a living at it.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Higher education Essay Example for Free

Higher education Essay Discussion of aim of education is a function of the philosophy of education or educational theory. The aim of education in the fullest and deepest sense of the word is in keeping with the nature of the human personality or human nature. Human nature is defined in terms of the cultivation and development of perceptive intelligence based on experience i. e. creative intelligence. Creative intelligence or intuition combines reason of understanding with wisdom of compassion depends on human awakening or enlightenment. aim of education is to cultivate creative intelligence required for adaptation to changes in the social environment i. e. adaptability. Life is very complex and complicated. But an aim in life can make the complex life simple and purposeful. Aims give us direction to work and without aim, destination, or objective life becomes incomplete and haphazard. Individual has different interests, attitudes and needs. Every individual wants to achieve certain goals in life. But a clear-cut aim makes the road of life easy. Educational aims are varied. They have their different role in different fields. Some specific aims are listed below: (i) Knowledge Aim: The aim of education is the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes. It helps to adjust properly in one’s own environment. Knowledge helps the man to overcome the nature and satisfy human wants. It links the teacher and taught with social situation. It helps with certain skills to live in a society as human being and civilized one. Philosophers and educationists of the world believe in knowledge. It is the valuable asset of life, which helps the individual to overcome misery and problems of life. (ii) Vocational Aim: Knowledge aim of education is narrow by nature. The theoretical knowledge will never meet our basic needs of life. We need bread and butter to fill up our belly. We can get it if education is vocationalised. Gandhiji realized it in 1937 when he introduced Basic Education. Vocational aim develops the social efficiency of the individual. It reduces mental tension after completion of education. Those who are lower, intelligence in vocational education or training are a blessing for them. Realizing this aspect. Indian Education Commission (1964-66) introduces work-experience in the curriculum. (iii) Character Building Aim: The Indian concept of education believes in self-realization. Self-realization is possible through moral education. So the individual should cultivate moral virtues or values which constitute character. Swami Vivekananda said, â€Å"We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one’s own feet. † (iv) Complete-Living Aim: The individual has various aspects to be developed. Every aspect of the personality is reflected in various activities to be performed. Education should help the individual to fulfill the various needs and necessities of life like self-preservation, fulfilling necessities of life, rearing and bearing of children, performing civic responsibilities and utilizing his leisure time properly. Firstly, the individual must know the art of self-preservation. Secondly, education should enable to him to earn his living. Thirdly, he should know how to take care of his own children. Lastly, he must have the idea how to utilize the leisure hours properly in a profiting manner. (v) Harmonious: Development of the personality aim- Gandhiji said, â€Å"By education, I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man-body, mind and spirit. † The meaning itself indicates to develop all-round aspects of individual-physical, intellectual, social and spiritual. All these aspects of the individual should be harmoniously developed. True education is development of 3H’s instead of 3R’s. The development of Head, Heart and hand of an individual makes him happy. (vi) Democratic Aim of Education: One of the important aims and objective of education suggested by Secondary Education Commission (1952-54) is to develop the democratic citizenship. India is a democratic country. Even citizen must have to realize the duties and responsibilities carefully. So the aim of education is to train carefully the future citizens. Training should be provided to develop the following qualities of the individual. (i) Capacity for clear thinking (ii) Receptivity of new idea (iii) Clarity in speech and writing (iv) True patriotism Further the democratic aim of education develop vocational efficiency, personality and leadership quality. Indian Education Commission (1964-66) under the chairmanship of Dr. D. S. Kothari suggested the following as the aims of education in a democratic set-up. (i) Increasing productivity (ii) Developing social and national integrity (iii) Making education modernized and (iv) Cultivating of social, moral and spiritual values. Each individual teacher has an opinion about what the aim of education should be, not only in their own classroom but also in school in general. Many issues occur when differing opinions about the purpose of education collide. It is important to recognize that other people, including many of your coworkers, administrators, and your students parents might have a different point of view concerning what education should be all about. Following is a list of different aims of education that individuals might espouse. 1. Knowledge to Get By. This old school belief holds that school is important in providing students with the knowledge they need to get by in their day-to-day lives. They need to know how to read, write, and do arithmetic. Even though these core topics form the foundation of a students education, most educators today would probably not agree that this should be the extent of a students school career. 2. Knowledge of Subject Matter Being Taught The purpose of education to some teachers is to impart knowledge about the subject matter they are teaching without much thought to other classes. When taken to the extreme, these teachers focus on their own subject matter as being more important than what students are learning in other classes. For example, teachers who are unwilling to compromise their own subject matter for the good of the students can cause problems for the school at large. When the school I taught at tried to implement senior projects, we got push back from a couple of teachers who were not willing to change their lessons to include cross curricular activities. 3. Desire to Create Thoughtful Citizens. This might be considered another old school belief. However, this is held by many individuals, especially within the larger community. Students will some day be a part of a community and need the skills and mores to exist within that society as thoughtful citizens. For example, they will need to be able to vote in presidential elections. 4. To Gain Self Esteem and Confidence While the self esteem movement often gets ridiculed, we do want our students to feel confident about their learning abilities. The problem comes in with inflated self esteem not based on reality. However, this is often cited as an aim of the educational system. 5. To Learn How to Learn Learning how to learn is one of the key elements of education. Schools need to teach students how to find information they will need once they leave school. Therefore, the specific subject matter being taught is not as important for future personal success as is the ability for students to understand how to find answers for any questions and problems that might arise. 6. Lifelong Habits for Work. Many of the lessons that schools teach are necessary for success in their students future lives. As adults, they will need to be able to get to work on time, dress and behave appropriately, and get their work done in a timely manner. These lessons are reinforced on a daily basis in schools around the nation. Some individuals see this as one of the main reasons for sending students to school. 7. To Teach Students How to Live Finally, some individuals look at school in a more holistic manner. They see it as the means towards right living for the rest of their lives. Not only do students learn information in their individual subjects, but they also learn life lessons in and out of class. As previously explained, proper work etiquette is reinforced in the classroom. Further, students have to learn how to deal with others in a cooperative manner. Finally, they learn about how to learn information they might need in the future. In fact, one of the things that many business leaders cite as being necessary for future workers is the ability to work as part of a team and problem solve.