The New Leadership Challenge , Creating The Future of Nursing Essay

The New Leadership Challenge , Creating The Future of Nursing - Essay Example The managerial leadership of the firm promotes flexible approach to the changing dynamics of the organizational management. The myriad aspects of leaders and leadership facilitate and influence human behavior for greater achievement of mutually negotiated targets with greater enthusiasm. Indeed, the many challenges of good leadership takes into account the changing environmental factors and translate them into opportunities of growth. The paper would be looking at the various facets of leadership and how it impacts the role of nurse managers. Nature of leadership Organizational leadership assumes special meaning because it motivates and encourages others to strive towards common goals with renewed enthusiasm. It tends to empower people with knowledge and influence their behaviour, attitude and feelings towards important issues so that they are better prepared for changes and become more accommodating in their approach. The traits and styles of leaders within organizations therefore b ecome hugely crucial elements that inherently help exploit new situations and inculcate a sense of stability amongst the followers or workforce especially in adverse situations. The various leadership theories support the varying perspectives of leaders and how they impact the behaviour and attitude of others. The leadership traits and styles become integral part of leaders within organizations. Leadership traits. The four most important traits of effective leaders are: honesty; forward looking; inspiring; and competency (Kouzes and Posner, 2007). These are critical paradigms of that help the leaders to gain the trust of the followers who willingly follow them. Honesty is one of the most desirable traits of leaders that inspires committed following. They set high standard of ethics and moral integrity which inculcates trust and gives them a distinct credibility in the eyes of their followers but also gives credence to their ideological perspectives of issues. Leaders are also forwar d looking because their vision ensures that followers are well equipped to handle changes. With strong communication skills, they are able to communicate with their followers and inspire them towards visionary goals. They have the ability to’ read emotions in one’s self and in others, and to be able to use this information to guide decision-making’ (Ashkanasy et al., 2002: 317). Indeed, their capacity to look forward to the future is highly pertinent issue as it is able to anticipate and exploit new avenues of opportunities. In the current environment of globalization and changing format of society, they help provide intangible stability among the diverse workforce through cross cultural understanding and facilitate their integration with the system. With strong ideals, indomitable will and highly creative disposition, leaders are hugely inspiring. They challenge the status quo and explore new dimensions to overcome tough situations. Hence, followers tend to imi tate and imbibe qualities to move forward. An effective leader therefore empowers followers and motivates them to make decisions based on informed choices. The leaders are very competent individuals which is reflected in ‘leader’s track record and ability to get things done’ (Kouzes and Posner; 35). The leadership competency relies on experience that provides the leaders with necessary knowledge to act aptly under different situations. They understand the hidden

Organisational Behaviour Essay Example for Free

Organisational Behaviour Essay The concept of the balanced scorecard (BSC) was first introduced by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton (1992) in their now widely cited Harvard Business Review article, â€Å"The Balanced Scorecard—Measures that Drive Performance.† The widespread adoption and use of the BSC is well documented. For example, Kaplan and Norton (2001) reported that by 2001 about 50% of the Fortune 1000 companies in North America and 40% to 45% of companies in Europe were using the BSC. The basic premise of the BSC is that financial results alone cannot capture value-creating activities (Kaplan Norton, 2001). In other words, financial measures are lagging indicators and, as such, are not effective in identifying the drivers or activities that affect financial results. Kaplan and Norton (1992) suggested that organizations, while using financial measures, should develop a comprehensive set of additional measures to use as leading indicators, or predictors, of financial performance. They suggested that measures should be developed that address four perspectives: 1. The financial perspective. Measures in this perspective should answer the question, â€Å"How should we appear to our shareholders?† 2. The customer perspective. These measures should answer the question, ABSTRACT. Although the application of the balanced scorecard (BSC) in the business sector is well documented, very little research has been reported regarding the adaptation or application of the BSC in the education sector. In this article, the authors (a) describe how the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence has adapted the concept of the BSC to education and (b) discuss significant differences as well as similarities between the BSC for business and the BSC for education. The authors also present examples of the BSCs of three Baldrige Education Award recipients. financial performance (Kaplan Norton, 1996). Thus, the BSC enables managers to monitor and adjust the implementation of their strategies and to make fundamental changes in them. The Baldrige National Quality Program: An Overview The Baldrige National Quality Program is the vehicle of implementation of The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Improvement Act of 1987–Public Law 100–107. This law was enacted on the basis of a set of â€Å"Findings,† one of which was that [T]he leadership of the United States in product and process quality has been challenged strongly (and sometimes successfully) by foreign competition, and our Nation’s productivity growth has improved less than our competitors’ over the last two decades. (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003a, p. 61) â€Å"How should we appear to our customers?† 3. Internal business processes perspective. Measures in this perspective should answer the question, â€Å"What processes must we excel at?† 4. Learning and growth perspective. These measures should answer the question, â€Å"How can we sustain our ability to change and improve?† A critical factor for an effective BSC is the alignment of all the measures in the four perspectives with the company’s vision and strategic objectives. The BSC allows managers to track short-term financial results while simultaneously monitoring their progress in building the capabilities and acquiring the intangible assets that generate growth for future The primary objective of the Baldrige Program is to help American businesses improve their competitiveness in the global market. Businesses can improve their competitiveness by identifying role-model organizations, recognizing them, and disseminating their best practices throughout the United States. The Baldrige Program is widely recognized as a very significant factor in strengthening U.S. competitiveness in the global market. In its 1995 report Building on Baldrige: American Quality for the 21st Century, the Council on Competitiveness made the following statements: â€Å"The Baldrige National Quality Award and its state and local offshoots have been key to the effort to strengthen U.S. competitiveness† and â€Å"The Baldrige Award Program, having galvanized U.S. quality efforts, is now positioned to become the vehicle to stimulate and coordinate efforts to expand quality as a national priority† (Council, p. v). The Council (p. 22) also stated that it â€Å"is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of chief executives from business, higher education and organized labor who have joined together to pursue a single overriding goal: to improve the ability of American companies and workers to compete more effectively in world markets, while building a rising standard of living at home.† In 1995, The Council was chaired by Paul Allaire, CEO, Xerox, with Thomas E. Everhart, President, California Institute of Technology, and Jack Sheinkman, President, Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, AFL-CIO, CLC, as vice-chairmen. Recipients of the Baldrige Award are obligated to present their â€Å"best practices† at one national and two regional conferences. In addition to these obligatory presentations, there is a great demand for additional presentations. Through 1998, past Baldrige Award recipients made approximately 30,000 presentations. The centerpiece of the Baldrige Program is the Criteria for Performance Excellence. These criteria define a stateof-the-art management model that integrates the following seven areas into a comprehensive system: leadership; strategic planning; customer and market focus; measurement, analysis, and knowledge management; human resource focus; process management; and business results. In Figure 1, we show the framework of the criteria in a systems perspective. The criteria maintain currency through annual revisions and improvements that incorporate emerging issues and best practices (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003a). The criteria place heavy emphasis on the development of a comprehensive measurement system that is aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. The measurement system yields results in the following areas (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003a): 1. Customer-focused results 2. Product and service results 3. Financial and market results 4. Human resource results 5. Organizational effectiveness results, including key internal operations performance measures 6. Governance and social responsibility results Clearly, this set of results is consistent with the basic concept of the BSC. The financial and market results are the only lagging indicator and cover the BSC’s financial perspective. The customerfocused results obviously cover the BSC’s customer perspective. The product and service results together with the organizational effectiveness results cover the BSC’s internal business perspective. The human resource results cover the BSC’s learning and growth perspective. The governance and social responsibility results were added in 2003 and represent a new perspective in view of the recent, well known collapses that giant corporations experienced owing to unethical practices. The Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence In 1995, the Baldrige National Quality Program began the process of converting the business criteria for use in the education sector. This process culminated in the development of the Education Criteria for Performance Excellence and with Congressional approval of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for Education in 1999. In Figure 2, we show the framework of the education criteria in a systems perspective. Clearly, this framework is very similar to that of the business criteria shown in Figure 1. In 2001, three educational institutions became the first recipients of the Baldrige Award. The BSC in the Education Criteria for Performance Excellence Although the concept of the BSC has been widely adopted and used in the business sector, the education sector apparently has not embraced the BSC concept widely, as indicated by the dearth of published research on this topic. A thorough review of the literature yielded few significant publications. For example, Cullen, Joyce, Hassall, and Broadbent (2003) proposed that a balanced scorecard be used in educational institutions for reinforcement of the importance of managing rather than just monitoring performance. Sutherland (2000) reported that the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California adopted the balanced scorecard approach to assess its academic program and planning process. Also, Chang and Chow (1999) reported that responses in a survey of 69 accounting department heads were generally supportive of the balanced scorecard’s applicability and benefits to accounting programs. The importance of measurement permeates the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. The focus on measurement in the criteria first appears in the set of â€Å"Core Values and Concepts.† These factors comprise the philosophical foundations of performance excellence and are as follows (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003b): 1. Visionary leadership 2. Learning-centered education 3. Organizational and personal learning In the â€Å"focus on the future† core value, the criteria state that â€Å"a major longer-term investment associated with your organization’s improvement is the investment in creating and sustaining a mission-oriented assessment system focused on learning† (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003b, p. 3). The criteria recommend that organizations use both (a) formative assessment to measure learning early in the learning process to allow for timely intervention, if needed, and (b) summative assessment to measure progress against key relevant external standards and norms regarding the knowledge and skills that students have (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003b). In the â€Å"management by fact† core value, the criteria make the following statement: â€Å"A major consideration in per-formance improvement and change management involves the selection and use of performance measures and indicators. The measures or indicators you select should best repres ent the factors that lead to improved student, operational, and financial performance. A comprehensive set of measures or indicators tied to student, stakeholder, and/or organizational performance requirements represents a clear basis for aligning all processes with your organization’s goals† (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003b, p. 4). The congruence of the portion in italics with the basic premise and the perspectives of the BSC is clear. In the â€Å"focus on results and creating value† core value, the criteria state that â€Å"the use of a balanced composite of leading and lagging performance measures offers an effective means to communicate short and longer term priorities, monitor actual performance, and provide a clear basis for improving results† (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003b, p. 4). The criteria make the following statement in the â€Å"systems perspective† core value: â€Å"Alignment means using key linkages among requirements given in the Baldrige Categories to ensure consistency of plans, processes, measur es, and actions† (Baldrige National Quality Program, 2003b, p. 5). The 11 core values and concepts are embodied in the following seven categories: 1. Leadership 2. Strategic planning 3. Student, stakeholder, and market focus 4. Measurement, analysis, and knowledge management 5. Faculty and staff focus 6. Process management 7. Organizational performance results In Figure 2, we show the framework connecting and integrating these seven categories into a comprehensive system. In describing Figure 2, the criteria state, in part, that â€Å"Measurement, Analysis, and Knowledge Management (Category 4) are critical to the effective management of your organization and to a fact-based system for improving performance.

Essential Factors Considered In Hr Practices Commerce Essay

Essential Factors Considered In Hr Practices Commerce Essay Human resource management (HRM) is known and accepted in the broadest sense of the term, as a form of management that includes all management decisions and actions that affect the nature of the relationship between the organisation and the employees its human resources (Beer et al., 1984, p. 1). As can be observed based on the definition, the tasks of those belonging in HRM can be complex as it involves all issues that encompasses employee and firm relationship. Believing that the most important asset of a business is the people in order to achieve sustained business success is the core philosophy of human resource management (HRM), and realising this leads to a strategic management of people within the organisation. The effective management of human resources is increasingly being recognised as a major determinant of success or failure in international business (Tung, 1998), in practice many organisations are still coming to terms with the human resources issues associated with international operations (Ferner, 1997). In the international arena, the quality of management seems to be even more critical than in domestic operations (Tung, 1998). This is primarily because the nature of international business operations involves the complexities of operating in different countries and employing different national categories of workers (Morgan, 1986). The field of international human resource management, however, is only slowly developing as a field of academic study and has been described by one authority as being in the infancy stage (Laurent, 1986). Primarily, the main goal of this paper is to provide insightful details regarding the concept of the international human resource management in relation to a multinational company like Honda. In addition, this paper will discuss some factors that must be considered when managing people in the international environment. This paper will focus in three areas: The Organisational Structure in the Context of Globalisation, Global Leadership in a Global Environment and Transferral of Employees Internationally. Company Profile Honda is the worlds largest manufacturer of engines, ranging from tiny single-cylinder lawn trimmers to the mighty V-10 engines of Formula 1 racing. Honda Motor CO., Ltd. is considered as a limited liability and a joint stock corporation which was incorporated on September 24, 1948 under the Commercial Code of Japan known as Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. The company was formed to the firms of an unincorporated business founded in 1946 by the late Soichiro Honda, to produce or manufacture motors for motorised bicycles. Honda was unusual in having already created an industrial model by the time it entered the automobile industry. Twelve years after it was founded in 1948, Honda had become the worlds largest motorcycle manufacturer, on the basis of a strategy which focused on product innovation and production flexibility and on the mass production of products which had in effect opened new market segments. The firms success owed much to the mechanical and commercial imagination of Soich iro Honda himself. His associate, Takeo Fujisawa, who was in charge of the organisation and its finances, had been concerned from the start to find the resources needed to overcome the difficulties inherent in this profit strategy. Industrial models which are to be consistent with part of a strategy of flexibility and innovation must therefore give the firm the resources to counter these risks or reduce their impact. By 1967 Honda had become a proper car manufacturer. It opted for an innovative automobile niche and exportation in order to create a place for itself among Japanese producers. It marketed a mini front-wheel-drive car with a small but powerful air-cooled engine. The models commercial success in Japan propelled Honda into third place behind Toyota and Nissan, with an annual production of 277,000 passenger cars in 1970 (Mair, 1994). Honda became the worlds largest motorcycle producer twelve years after it was founded in 1948. The company entered the automobile industry during the early 1960s. It then grew continuously for three decades, overtaking established automobile producers to rank tenth in the world and become one of Japanese Big Three alongside Toyota and Nissan. During this period Honda developed an image as a different company with an idiosyncratic trajectory led by innovative products. Growth was seriously challenged in the 1990s. Yet by now Honda had deepened and globalises an industrial model of flexible mass production. Accordingly, Honda remained profitable during the 1990s Japanese recession. At the same time the crisis forced a rethink of the product innovation strategy (Freyssenet, 1998). Today, Honda is being regarded as one of the multinational automotive companies operating in different parts of the world. Honda had been able to penetrate the global market including countries in different pa rts of Asia, USA and Europe. Organisational Structures in the Context of Globalisation The true worth of international HRM is becoming more widely understood as IHRM steadily interweaves all aspects of people management and development within the company (Williams, 1995). According to Lipiec (2001), HRM is defined as the process of coordinating an organisations human resources, or employees, to meet organisational goals. Human resource professionals deal with such areas as employee recruitment and selection, performance evaluation, compensation and benefits, professional development, safety and health, forecasting, and labour relations. There are many factors in which multinational companies must consider, and one of these is about giving emphasis to the organisational structure imposed in the globalisation context. A key issue in accomplishing the goals identified in the planning process is structuring the work of the organisation (Zammuto OConnor, 1992). Organisational structure is the formal decision-making framework by which job tasks are divided, grouped, and coo rdinated. The organisational structure of multinational companies is being influenced or affected by the emergence of globalisation. Globalisation is easier to describe than to define. This is because, in its present form and usage, it is a new, complex, dynamic, multidimensional, and worldwide phenomenon, which means different things to different people and different things to the same people across time and space (Rosenhead, 1996). It evokes strong emotions because it is associated, rightly or wrongly, with most of the worlds significant challenges and opportunities (Kiggundu, 2002). As mentioned, one of the Multinational companies that are being challenged by the concept globalisation in terms with organisational structure is Honda. The organisational structure of Honda comprises of board of directors, senior management, different committees on finance, and employees. As of March 31, 2003 the company has been able to employ 126, 900 full time employees which includes approximately 65, 000 l ocal employees employed in international subsidiaries (See Appendix 1). In order to cope with the various influences and effects of globalisation, the management of Honda, has been able to improve and expand its organisation so as to conduct environmental activities on a global scale. The management has improved its organisational structure to achieve their organisational objectives (A sample of organizational structure of one of the subsidiaries of Honda is seen in Appendix 2). One of these objectives is to be able to pursue an environmental conservation programs at all phases of Hondas operations and throughout the lifecycle of Hondas products. In addition, the improved organisational structure is done in order to initiate speedy and flexible measures in managing their internationally diverse employees. In this manner, Honda ensures that the manager that they will hire certainly have the ability to adjust the human resource policies and practices to foreign environments. In the competition for global talent, corporations that are reluctant to consider foreign nationals for top management positions will lose out; the most talented people simply will not join an organisation that holds no promise of promotion (Keeley, 2001). As of March 31, 2003, Honda had 139 Japanese subsidiaries and 173 international subsidiaries (See Appendix 3). As Honda gain more experience they are able to adopt a more global approach to the management of all their operations both domestic and international (Dowling Schuler, 1990). Researchers have long acknowledged that there are differing types of organisational structures that produce differing types of manager-subordinate relationships. Honda try to enhance cross-value capabilities by facilitating dialogue, camp sessions, or brainstorming seminars held out side the workplace, and even drinking sessions (Nonaka Takeuchi, 1995). Organisational structure had a bigger role in the organisational practice of the management of Honda. It has been evidently shown that when the leader had a great strategic plan and whose plan had been vision and delivered well, the company will have a greater probability to succeed. Since, the competition are very high in the market be especially in the global arena, Honda has been able to consider the strategic function of its organisational structure internationally. Global Leadership in a Global Environment Due to the emergence of globalisation and its intense effect to different companies, many of the businesses are trying to cope with this situation and be known not only in the local marketplace but also in the international level. However, operating in the international arena is not that easy because of different factors to consider. When a firm decides to expand its venture to international market, it faces different challenges that need to be given emphasis (Klein, Ettenson Morris, 1998). One of the most important considerations that should be given enough attention by the management of any industry is the management of the human resources and the determination of the international human resource management (IHRM) practice that will be implemented through the global leadership ability. Leadership comprises the aptitude and ability to inspire and influence the thinking, attitudes, and behavior of other people (Adler, 1991; Bass, 1985; Bass and Stogdill, 1989; Bennis and Nanus, 1985 ; Kotter, 1988). Leadership is a process of social influence in which one person is able to enlist the aid and support of other individuals in the achievement of a common task (Chemers, 1997). The achievement of corporate success can only be accomplished by people who have broader knowledge in leadership (Cascio, 1995). In an international marketplace where borderless organisation is quickly becoming the norm, the leaders of Honda has been able to recognise that employees have an increasingly important role in the cultivation of the company achievements. The level of employee involvement in companies has expanded in general and in internationally-oriented corporation, progressive manages must recognise that only through effective management of people can organisations survive (Bartlett Ghoshal, 1989). The concept of international human resources refers to the process procuring, allocating and effectively utilising human resources in an international corporation. The leaders handling IHRM is said to be significant in the attainment and accomplishment of companies in the global scene. IHRM apparently draws the line between a companys endurance and obliteration (Sims, 2002). In line with the global leadership of Honda, the company has been able to utilise a system that would give balance to their imposed international human resource management. One of the leadership ability that Honda, inherited from Soichiro Honda, is his visionary ability. The visionary leadership ability of the leaders of Honda encompasses their ability to eliminate management layers to become visible within the organisation and being active, early participants for future projects and operations. The leaders of the company have been able to be directly involved in every operation and become a powerful role model to their subordinates (Nevis, DiBella Gould, 1995). In addition, the company had been able to utilise the permissive (delegative) or the so called laissez-faire style. In this manner the employees of the company in the international level are permitted to be involved in the decision making process. In this manner, the management implements minimal control or manipulation on t heir employees both local and international. However, the management is still accountable for the final decision to be made. Herein, the opinion and ideas of the Honda employees are being valued by the leader and each employees and staff encompasses different tasks set by the leader. Transferral of Employees Internationally Another factor to consider when managing international human resources is the concept of transferring human resources to international operations. Part of the concept of transferral of employees to international organisation is the recruitment context. Recruiting in the international arena is taken a lot more seriously and given a lot more thought than it used to be. Gaining competent employees at all levels of the organisation is more than a matter of training. It stems from changes in recruitment and selection philosophy (Ashkenas et al, 1995). Recruiting the most competent employees for each and every organisation is continuous challenge for the human resource management, specifically in the international arena (Henderson, 1996). Faced with the problem of conducting recruiting effort to fill critical position in any level of organisation, the international HRM practice must create an Employee Recruiting Policy to identify the critical activities in the recruitment process and monitor its results. In case of Honda Motor, the international human resource management of the company has been able to plan an IHRM Recruiting Program clearly state the mission and objective of the recruitment process to be done. Specifically, the purpose of such policy is to offer a criterion and standard measure for recruiting human resources that will be work in the international level. The recruitment imposed by the international HRM also includes a procedure so that the recruitment process for the international subsidiaries of Honda should be accurate and correct. In this manner, the international HRM of Honda also ensures that they are updated when it comes to job position, if a new position is required or if a transferred/reassi gned or terminated workers or employees would need a replacement. In addition, the move of Honda to transfer employees to international subsidiaries aims to promulgate their organisation culture even in the global arena. Honda Motor has make it sure that they always follow the international labour policies. In this manner, before an employee is given an opportunity to work in the international level, the company provides all the necessary trainings, in order to ensure that the transferred human resource or employees will be able to provide the necessary responsibilities allotted effectively and efficiently. Another important factor to consider when transferring an employee to an international subsidiary is the orientation of the management system of the host country in order for the transferred employee to adjust with the present situation of the international organization. In the case of Honda, the company has been able to provide a comprehensive orientation to employees who will be transferred regarding the culture, attitudes values and other hum an factors that can be encountered to such international subsidiary. It is also equally important to note that since, Honda, belongs to a company which manufactures quality and innovative cars, sharing of knowledgeable and efficient employee or managers is one of their style. These transferred employees, are responsible to collaborate with other employees in such international subsidiary (Gallie, 1998). The creation of work teams with collective responsibility for the management of a group of machines or a specific segment of the work process was based on a managerial initiative. Conclusion In any business enterprise, employees are considered as the most vital assets. In order for these companies maximise their assets, the management should have the ability to effectively manipulate employees working condition (Ulrich, 1998). Herein, the employees must be allowed to be involved in the decision making process to further enhance the organisational structure (Delaney Huselid, 1996). Moreover, the structure of tasks among the employees strengthens the organisational performance (Wilson, 1989). As problems of regional and cultural diversity politically led administrative issues impede the functioning of the organisation, it is very essential understand the employees (Schneider, 1983). The enhancement, building, enthusiasm, motivation and development of the employees of any organisation depend largely on the leadership, mandate and vision of the organisation (Rainey Steinbauer, 1999). The management of Honda has been able to employ the general HRM practices of Japan with their international subsidiaries like the United States. Hanada (1989) described five phases in the development of international human resource management through which Japanese firms such as Honda pass as it become increasingly involved in global activities. In stage one of Hondas international activities, the programs are limited to export of its product for example in Philippines, Taiwan and USA and its International HRM function is mainly concentrate in an export department. With the urge of the company to be known in the global context, Honda has been able to establish foreign assembly or operations like in USA, UK and other part of Asia. Herein, the increase human resources of Honda, is usually handled by creating an overseas operations department. The establishment of an overseas human resource department characterises the structure of the firm which is substantially modified to reflect the increasing interaction between Hondas domestic and foreign operations. In addition, there are also times when Honda, felt to have greater control of their international operation. Herein, the International HRM of Honda, functions mainly in different areas and practice of HRM. In this manner, the company gives emphasis to the differences of their employees so as to have a harmonious human resource relationship. There are also times in which the company had been able to reach the globalisation phases that the management of Honda, attempts to thoroughly internationalise its human resource management and there is no distinction between foreign and Japanese employees with the international division. All in all it is very crucial that an international organisation should make a way in adjusting their management styles and approaches to adhere with the differences and similarities of the employees, specifically those in the international environment so that IHRM may catalyst the motivation among diverse individual. It is also important to note that international human resource management should have the ability to employ the principles and concepts of emotional intelligence and give emphasis to the importance of self-awareness in dealing with different kinds of people, winning their trust and to ensure that the peoples values and the organisations objective will intersect to a common goal and that is to incorporate good employment relationship. Recommendation In managing people, the international human resource management, Honda Motor Corporation and other Multinational Corporations should be able to have the ability to think more systematically and strategically in handling one of the most valuable factors within the organisation, i.e. its human resources. Herein, IHRM practice should be able to develop a successful organisational culture and a stable organisation by means of effective management of the people. In addition, communication is a very important factor to use in order to have a harmonious and smooth relationship between the management team and the employees in the international level. In addition, the management should try to integrate its own management system with the management system of the host countries, in which MNC are operating. The main goal of this integration is to let the employees within the international operation feel that their culture, values and traditions are not being discriminated by the management. In this case, if Honda would continue to implement a strategic international human resource management, it will be able to handle and manage their human resources in each international operation successfully. Reference Ashkenas, R., Ulrich, D., Jick, T., Kerr, S. (1995). The Boundaryless Organization. Breaking the Chains of Organizational Structure. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Bartlett, C.A. Ghoshal, S. (1989). Managing Across Borders. The Transnational Solution. London: Hutchinson Business Books. Beer, M., Spector, B., Lawrence, P., Mills, D. Walton, R. (1984). Managing Human Assets. New York, NY: Free Press. Cascio, W. (1995). The Human Resource Challenge of International Joint Ventures. Westport, CT: Quorum Books. Delaney, J.T., Huselid, M.A. (1996). The Impact of Human Resource Management Practices on Perceptions of Organisational Performance, Academy of Management Journal, 39: 949-69. Dowling, P.J. Schuler, R.S. (1990). International Dimensions of Human Resource Management . Boston: PWS-Kent. Ferner, A. (1997). Country of Origin Effects and HRM in Multinational Companies. Human Resource Management Journal, 7(1): 19-37. Fine, M.G. (1995). Building successful multicultural organisations. Westport, CT: Quorum Books. Freyssenet, M. (1998). One Best Way? Trajectories and Industrial Models of the Worlds Automobile Producers. Oxford: Oxford University. Gallie, D. (1998). Restructuring the Employment Relationship. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Hanada, M. (1989). Management themes in the age of globalisation. Management Japan 20, 19-26. Henderson, G. (1996). Human Relations Issues in Management. Westport, CT: Quorum Books. Honda Motor Co. Ltd (2005). Available at [www.honda.com]. Accessed on [05/05/2005]. Keeley, T.D. (2001). International Human Resource Management in Japanese Firms: Their Greatest Challenge. New York: Palgrave. Kiggundu, M.N. (2002). Managing Globalization in Developing Countries and Transition Economies: Building Capacities for a Changing World. Westport, CT: Praeger. Klein, J.G., Ettenson, R.E. and Morris, M. (1998). The Animosity Model Foreign Product Purchase: An Empirical Test in the Peoples Republic of China. Journal of Marketing, 62(1): 89-100. Laurent, A. (1986). The Cross-Cultural Pussle of International Human Resource Management. Human Resource Management, 25: 91-102. Lipiec, J. (2001). Human Resources Management Perspective at the Turn of the Century. Public Personnel Management, Vol. 30. Mair, A. (1994). Hondas Global Flexifactory Network. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 14(3): 6-23. Morgan, P.V. (1986). International Human Resource Management: Fact or Fiction. Personnel Administrator, 31(9): 43-47. Nevis, E. DiBella, A. Gould, J. (1995). Understanding Organisations as Learning Systems. Sloan-Management Review, 73-85. Nonaka, I. Takeuchi, H. (1995). The Knowledge-Creating Company. New York: Oxford University Press. Rainey, H.G., Steinbauer, P. (1999). Galloping Elephants: Developing Elements of a Theory of Effective Government Organisations. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 9: 1-32. Ragins, B.R. (1997). Diversified mentoring relationships in organisations: A Power Perspective. Academy of Management Review, 22: 482-521. Rosenhead, J. (1996). Whats the problem? An introduction to problem Structuring methods. Interfaces 26:117-131. Schneider, B. (1983). Inter-actional Psychology and Organizational Behavior. In L.L. Cummings and B.M. Slaw (Editions) Research in Organizational Behavior, vol. 5, pp. 1-31. Selmer, J. (2001). The Preference for Pre-departure or Post-arrival Cross-Cultural Training: An Exploratory Approach. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 16(1): 50-58. Sims, R (2002). Organisational Success through Effective Human Resources Management. Westport, CT: Quorum Books. Tung, R.L. (1998). American expatriates abroad: from neophytes to cosmopolitans. Journal of World Business, 33(2): 124-45. Ulrich, D. (1998). Human Resource Champions: The Next Agenda for Adding Value and Delivering Results. Boston, Mass: Harvard Business School Press, p.88. Williams, L.C. (1995). Human Resources in a Changing Society: Balancing Compliance and Development. Westport, CT.: Quorum Books. Zammuto, R. OConnor, E. (1992). Gaining advanced manufacturing technologies benefits: the role of organizational design and culture. Academy of Management Review, 17: 701-28. Appendix Appendix 1 Total Number of Employees of Honda Motor Co. Ltd As of March 31, 2003 Total Motorcycle Business Automobile Business Financial Service Other Business 126,900 24,100 92,100 1,700 9,000 Appendix 2 Organizational Structure of Honda (Based in Pakistan)

The Chocolate War :: essays research papers

1. Robert Cormier wrote The Chocolate War. The copyright of the book is 1974. 2. In the exposition of The Chocolate War, Jerry Renault, the freshman quarterback, was receiving constant blows from opposing players. Jerry was trying to get the ball to his receiver, the Goober, but not having any luck. In The Chocolate War, the rising action was the majority of the story. At Trinity High School, the school that Jerry attends, there is a group of "elite" students called the Vigils. The Vigils give out "assignments" to random students at Trinity. Archie, the head, told the Goober that his assignment was to unscrew every screw in Room nineteen. The Goober spent several hours doing his assignment, and eventually finished with the assistance of a few Vigil members. As the story goes on, the reader learns that every year at Trinity, there is a chocolate sale run by the assistant head master, Brother Leon. The last major detail in the rising action was when Archie informed Jerry of his assignment, Jerry’s assignment was not to sell chocolates for the first ten days of the annual chocolate sale. The climax of the novel was on the eleventh day of the chocolate sale when Jerry was supposed to start selling the chocolates but he didn’t. As a result of Jerry not selling any chocolates, the other students’ sales began to plummet during the falling action of the story. Brother Leon began to feel nervous and had to go to Archie and the Vigils for help. Incredibly, the Vigils turned the whole school against Jerry and made selling chocolates the "cool" thing. Students began to look down upon Jerry for not conforming to the chocolate sale tradition. Someone even vandalized Jerry’s locker and cut up his gym sneakers. A group of boys, including Emile Janza, one of the biggest bullies at Trinity, jumped Jerry after football practice and abused Jerry’s body with their fists and football cleats. The Chocolate War didn’t have a happy ending, but there was a resolution in the story. Archie set up a boxing match, of all things, between Jerry Renault and Emile Janza. Emile ended up beating Jerry to a bloody pulp in a matter of minutes, while Jerry landed only three punches the entire match. As a result Jerry finally learned that he couldn’t beat the system, and that he’d be better off doing what his authorities instructed him to do.

Dr. Stragelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Essay

â€Å"Dr. StrangeLove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb† was directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1964. Irreverence and satire are used many times in this film. Serious events are often portrayed lightly or made humorous. An example of this is the scene where Mandrake finds the codes to recall the planes, but doesn’t have the right amount of change make the call on the payphone. The whole world depends on whether or not he makes the call, but all the audience does is shake their heads and smile. This is an example of irreverence because the situation is dire, yet the people don’t seem worried or willing to help. Black humor was used in the schene in the plane where Major Kong stops to put on his cowboy hat. I thought this was an example of black humor as well because instead of doing something else more productive, he decides to go put on his cowboy hat. Another instance of black humor is when they find lipstick and chewing gum in the military survival kit. The use of black humor causes the tone of this film to be funny with a grim, serious undertone. Many parts are funny, but then you remember this is based on real events and things people were actually scared of happening once. An example of irony in Dr. StrangeLove is when there is a dogfight between two American troops, and a sign that says â€Å"Peace is our Profession† is shown. Then the General tells his troops to â€Å"shoot first and ask questions later†. This is clear example of irony because the sign says peace, but there is fighting. Another example of irony is when the General was very casual about putting the base on lockdown. There could be a nuclear war breaking out, but he doesn’t seem to be worried at all. The use of irony makes the tone of this film have a mocking tone. My favorite scene in the film was when General Ripper is talking to Mandrake about water. He tells Mandrake â€Å"on no account will a commie ever drink water†, that they only drink vodka. I like it because I find the generalizations the General makes funny, and how he keeps going on and on about water without really having a point. I think Kubrik’s purpose in writing this film was to illustrate the idea of mutual destruction. The film achieved this, and also let people laugh about a very real and scary situation.

The True Meaning Of Family Essays

The True Meaning Of Family Essays The True Meaning Of Family Essay The True Meaning Of Family Essay My essay will be developed around the poems The Black Walnut Tree and Lineage. Deep inside these poems we can discover the true meaning of love for family ties. The Black Walnut Tree unfolds strong feelings for the absent father and husband. This person comes to life with a form of a tree that serves as a family debate. Mother and Daughter are faced with a dilemma that can lead them to an economic stability or a sense of guilt. But something brighter than money moves in our blood. That something brighter its definitely the love and memory of his father that its no longer resent. Even though the old tree brings up many different problems like roots in the drains, or the difficult task of cleaning up the leaves its hard for them to get rid Of the tree. We can see the difficulty for this family in getting the money to pay off mortgage and the maintenance caused by the tree. But the love and strong feelings towards the husband and father figure o;sighs the harsh reality. Its clearly stated towards the end of the poem the pain and suffering that cutting the tree would bring to their life. Its a sense of scare hey dont want to go through so they prefer to deal with it than feel guilty about it. Thats why they just talk about it but they wont cut the tree. We can identify the importance of family ties that is represented in the walnut tree. The tree is the family tree that not only represents the father but the entire family. This is why the importance and sentimental attachments towards the tree. Something similar occurs in the poem Lineage where a child grows up dolling her grandmothers. The lineage is the line of ancestors of the speaker. We can identify a deep love and admiration from a child towards her family. It gives me the impression that the speaker is remembering her childhood and compares herself with her grandmothers. She remembers them as strong hardworking women that represented a role model which she would like to follow. Throughout the poem the speaker describe her grandmothers with details and compared them to her. Why am I not as they? She wants to be strong like them and for an unknown reason she is different. This poem allowed me to free up my imagination and think about he meaning of being strong working in the fields. It was probably the time of slavery were it was all about being strong for African Americans and for a child was probably a sign of admiration and example to follow. Both of these poems have so much in common. The family ties and the strong feelings for each other. In The Black Walnut Tree the family lineage is represented in the tree. The tree is part of their family. In the poem Lineage the grandmothers are the ancestors of the little girl.

QUALITY INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS Essays - Free Essays

QUALITY INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS Essays - Free Essays QUALITY INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS A quality interpersonal relationship is a relationship which is built on understanding of self and others. A quality interpersonal relationship goes beyound just being casually aquainted with others to sharing with and gaining an understanding of one another. What I mean by sharing with is that you get a feeling for each other. I can empathize with you and see things through your eyes. When a quality interpersonal relationship is present there's certain amount of synergy that takes place between the persons involved in the relationship. A good example of a quality interpersonal relationship could be found within the strong family unit. If we were to study a family that is close knit what would we see. We would most likely see the following characteristics: individual respect, trust, open lines of communication, open mindedness, patience, empathy, love and many other attributes which add up to a strong interpersonal relationship. With in a strong family you find people that truely feel for each other. For example if Mom is sick the morale of the other family members goes down. If Dad gets a promotion the hold family shares the feelings of esteem with Dad. The point I'm trying to make is that in quality interpersonal relationship you will start to feel some of things that I feel which allows you to better understand me and communicate with me. Although a quality interpersonal relationship sounds like the best thing since Campbell soup and the Gerry-curl it's not a relationship that's easily achieved. To achieve a quality interpersonal relationship takes time, effort, desire, understanding, trust, disclosure, and feedback, effective communication, and etc. When we first meet a person we don't immediately establish an interpersonal relationship. As implied in the opening paragraphs, a quality interpersonal relationship goes for beyound conducting casual conversation. It takes time to build an interpersonal relationship. Why? People like to interact; however, they are protective of there feelings and don't immediately open up to let you inside to see who's live there. What I'm saying is to establish an interpersonal relationship with others you need to know things about them and get some perceptiion of how they interpret things. To get this type of understanding about another person takes time. A good example would be the development of a friendship. Think of your best friend. This is probably one of the most productive inpersonal relationships that exist for you. Now go back from the time you met up until now. How did you get to become such best friends? As you think through the process you find those things that lead you to become best friends are the some of the same things that are required to build and interpersonal relationship. I think the depth or even mere existance of an interpersonal relationship hinges on disclosure and feedback. Let's talk about the importance of disclosure and feedback in a quality interpersonal relationship. First of all let me give credit where credit is do. My ideas of disclosure and feedback come from the self- disclosure model developed by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham. The model has become know and Johari's window. The premise of the model is that the more we disclose about ourselves and get feedback the more we learn about ourselves and the more others learn about us. I believe there is a direct tie between this theory and how a quality interpersonal relationship is achieved. When I met the person who is now my best friend, I started the relationship with a casual hello, like most people do. As time passed, I found reasons to disclose things about me. Well guess what happen; as I started to disclose things about me he also shared things about him. As more time passed, we started to give feedback to each other about the characteristics and behaviors of each other. ! The longer relationship lasted and the more we disclosed the more we begin to trust each other. The more trust the more disclosure and feedback. This continued until we've developed an inseperable friendship and a top quality interpersonal relationship. So you can see it doesn't happen over night and it takes time and risk to build an interpersonal relationship. The risk comes in when

Compare and Contrast Essay on Sports

Compare and Contrast Essay on Sports Compare and Contrast Essay on Sports Sporting activities are very popular for many people and nations across the world. The reason is that they bring people from different and diverse backgrounds together. They help create a strong bond between societies that participate in the various sports. It has also become a huge economic activity. Many people make large sums of money when they are sportsmen or sports women. Some become millionaires when they are still underage, and this makes their life easier. Sports can also be dangerous. Many instances of deaths have also been reported in sporting events. Due to the financial gain and the fame that results from success in sporting events, many people engage in dangerous sports. The majority of people to engage in sporting for anticipated heath gains, and this has received much attention across the world. However, this gives rise to a debate about the truth of sport being healthy or not. Some sports call for extreme health and fitness because they are so dangerous, and can lead to causing harm to, or, the death of the participants or the audience. Hence, this subject lends itself to compare and contrast essays. How to write a good compare and contrast essay on sports: You need not be a sport expert.  The writer must, however, understand the workings of sport, the different kinds of sport, and the motivations behind the sports. Whether you can play sport is not an essential ingredient for an unbiased essay. You need to deal with success and failure.  The writer of such a comparative essay should analyze the successes and the failures of sports people. However, success should not be only measured by the money that an individual got from participating a sporting activity, but also the health gains that he/she made. Many people who engaged in sports and made fortunes also suffered injuries that end up frustrating their future. Compare the possiblity of riches with injuries.  The writer should compare whether getting such injuries is worth the money or financial gain received. Sportspeople have died after taking part in competitive sports, and left behind all the monies that they accumulated in their sporting career, for example, various Formula One drivers. Others, like Mohommed Ali, got injuries that eventually confined them, and their lives were made difficult without the use of expensive medications. Such negative repercussions should be compared with the positive gains that sports people get. For instance, being a successful footballer is a shortcut for being wealthy and famous. Many people want to be associated with successful sportspeople, and many still believe that sports are the most lucrative investment that one can have. Compare and contrast financial inequalities between different sports.  The writer should also compare the merits and demerits across the different sporting disciplines that exist. For instance, success in boxing and football mean different things. Tennis and golf, or rugby and cricket are not the same. Some of these sports are more dangerous than others, and the financial gains acquired vary across the different sporting disciplines. At custom writing service you have a great opportunity to order a custom essay on any sports related topic.

Theme of Escape in The Glass Menagerie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Theme of Escape in The Glass Menagerie - Essay Example I traveled around a great deal †¦ I would have stopped, but I was pursued by something† (VII, 237). That something turns out to be the images and sounds of the sister he left behind. While Tom is now a member of the merchant marine and an accomplished traveler, living out the internal dreams of his youth in a way he had never thought possible, this outward show of personal dream fulfillment is revealed as little more than an illusion of its own. In truth, Tom’s heart remains trapped within the small apartment he shared with his mother and sister. Amanda attempts to live vicariously through her daughter and the future she envisions for her but is constantly disappointed. She indicates girls in her time â€Å"knew how to entertain their gentleman callers. It wasn’t enough for a girl to be possessed of a pretty face and a graceful figure – although I wasn’t slighted in either respect. She also needed to have a nimble wit and a tongue to meet all occasions† (I, 148). She continues to encourage Laura to hold out hopes for a good marriage. This starts with her own recitation of the quality of her suitors, â€Å"My callers were gentlemen – all! Among my callers were some of the most prominent young planters of the Mississippi Delta – planters and sons of planters† (I, 148). Yet this future based on the past will never happen. Laura is the only character permitted to live almost totally removed from the real world through her glass figures and old records. Laura’s habit of escaping backwards into childhood can be traced as she first dropped out of high school because she â€Å"made bad grades on my final examinations† (VII, 219) and then dropped out of business school: â€Å"I couldn’t go back there. I – threw up – on the floor!† (II, 155). She escapes instead into a romanticized world of early childhood. Her options have become

The papacy of Pope Francis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The papacy of Pope Francis - Research Paper Example The recent election of Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglia in 2013 as Pope Francis brings to 266 the total number of popes in the history of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has therefore, served for less than a year. Nonetheless, this paper focuses on the papacy of Pope Francis, including the challenges he has faced since he was elected, as well as those that he might face in future. This paper also addresses key issues that surround the aspect of papacy in the Catholic Church, including papal infallibility, among others. Like other leaders, the popes of the Catholic Church have been faced with a plethora of challenges. However, each pope has addressed the challenges in their own distinct manner. Likewise, Pope Francis has not been an exception. According to the International Bulletin of Missionary Research (2013), since his election as a pope, he has already encountered different challenges, and is expected to face more challenges in future. Some of these challenges emanate from the ch urch, and the pope is expected to provide a redress for them. Nonetheless, governance is one of the major challenges, which the pope has faced, and will continue to face in the future. Pope Francis, being a leader, has to make important decisions as far as governance is concerned. For instance, he had to appoint his secretary of state. This is a senior position, which is regarded second after the pope. Therefore, appointing a secretary requires the pope to have experience in the Curia, be strong-willed, and exhibit aspects of reform. On the contrast, Pope Francis is considered to have less experience in the Curia, and exhibits more pastoral than managerial capabilities (International Bulletin of Missionary Research, 2013). In addition, Pope Francis has to deal with the practical problems of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is big in size, thus faces different challenges in the form of social and economic issues, and doctrinal issues, among others. For instance, the pope has to deal with all the financial affairs of the Vatican, including the finances that goes out and comes into the church. In addition, Pope Francis has to address issues in the church, such as homosexuality, divorce, the position of women in the church, and abortion, among others. On the aspect of homosexuality, Pope Francis’ recent remarks about homosexuality have elicited considerable controversy. Although Pope Francis argued against judging gay people, but instead welcoming them to the church, these sentiments were welcomed with criticisms from those people, who feel that homosexuality in society should be condemned (Montoya, 2013). Overall, Pope Francis being a spiritual leader and a symbol of church unity, also faces the challenge of ensuring the stability of the Catholic Church. This includes him reaching out to the large number of secular Catholics and maintaining the relevancy of the Catholic Church. Throughout history, the Catholic Church has been implicated with differ ent controversies, most of which have persisted even today. First, there is the common Catholic contraception controversy. Since the Catholic Church is known to be prolife, this advocates for the ban on contraception and abortion. This stand of the Catholic Church therefore, continues to result in a collision between religion and public health. This also hampers

Security questions regarding U.S. military support to Turkey Essay

Security questions regarding U.S. military support to Turkey - Essay Example In the recent crisis between Syria and Turkey the following problem has appeared: does NATO approve the initiatives of Turkey, so far, in regard to the military conflicts within Syria? The answer seems to be positive. This view is based on the statement of the Secretary-General Rasmussen that ‘obviously Turkey can rely on NATO solidarity’, a statement made on the 9th of October (NATO 2012). Of course, as a member of NATO, Turkey has right to ask for such support. Still, the intervention of NATO in the conflict between Turkey and Syria would have certain implications that can be reflected in a series of security questions. 2. U.S. military support to Turkey – Security questions In order to refer to an issue as being related to security it is necessary for certain terms to be met. The common form of security questions is described in the study of Everts (2001). According to the above researcher, a security question can be related to different issues. Reference can b e made, for example, to the ‘democratic government’ (Everts 2001, p.44), as a security question. It should be noted that through the decades, the form of security questions has been changed. Energy, environment and allies’ security are common security questions in countries worldwide (Everts 2001, p.44). ... een Turkey and Kurds – Democratic question as a security question The claim of Kurds for the creation of their own state within Turkey is quite old (Brauch et al. 2003). However, since the beginning of the crisis between Syria and Turkey, the efforts of Kurds to promote their geopolitical interests have become quite strong (Dannreuther 2012). On the 3rd of October a Syrian attack on a Turkish town resulted to the death of five civilians (BBC News 2012). Turkey responded with attacks on targets near the borders (Guzel & Frazer 2012); the UN Council supported the specific initiative of Turkey (Guzel & Frazer 2012). The provision of military support by NATO to Turkey would allow the latter to develop extensive military operations against Syria. However, in case that the conflict between Turkey and Syria would be further expanded, then Kurds would possibly take the chance to develop more dynamic operations against the Turkish militants. In such case, the political stability of Tur key would be set in risk, a fact that would negatively affect the popularity of Turkish government. The stability of the country’s polity, as this stability would be threatened by the expansion of armed conflicts within Turkish territory, can be characterized as one of the most important security questions related to NATO’s intervention in the conflict between Turkey and Syria. 2.2 The geopolitical stability of European Union – Supporting the allies’ safety as a security question The political and social stability in Turkey can highly affect the geopolitical stability of European Union. The potential involvement of Turkey in a war would threaten the security of EU, even if Turkey is not a member state. Moreover, the cooperation between Turkey and the EU is close, especially in terms of

The Aleph Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Aleph - Essay Example Driven by a rather natural desire to be close to her place and relatives, he lives near her house to have someone to share his trouble with. At that time he gets acquainted with the dead woman’s brother, Carlos Argentino Daneri. The attitude of Borges’ attitude towards him is rather interesting. He is a poet, but a protagonist treats him and his gift with irony considering him to be a plain layman. Daneri is writing a very long epic poem about all the places on the Earth as if he visited them himself. He is dreaming about winning a prize and become famous. This desire irritates Borges. One day Carlos calls Borges’ number asking for help. He appeared in a trouble as his house has to be destroyed by some business. However, Daneri worries not because he loves the place he lives in. He discloses his secret he was hiding for long: there is an Aleph in one of the rooms of his house, and he simply can’t lose him, because he needs him to finish his great poem: â⠂¬Å"Yes, the only place on earth where all places are — seen from every angle, each standing clear, without any confusion or blending. I kept the discovery to myself and went back every chance I got. As a child, I did not foresee that this privilege was granted me so that later I could write the poem. Zunino and Zungri will not strip me of what’s mine — no, and a thousand times no! Legal code in hand, Doctor Zunni will prove that my Aleph is inalienable† (Borges). Borges does not like Daneri and can’t believe him, but he still comes to see the Aleph. Actually, he does not trust the poet thinking that the wants to kill him, thus behaves very carefully. â€Å"The full knowledge of a fact sometimes enables you to see all at once many supporting but previously unsuspected things. It amazed me not to have suspected until that moment that Carlos Argentino was a madman† (Borges). Having come to his

Article Reviews Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Article Reviews - Essay Example d) Follow up questions that probe managers’ moral reasoning by focusing upon key organizational values. Managers often face moral and ethical conflicts in workplace; however, little experimental research has sought to identify with the reasoning analysis managers use to determine these conflicts. A better insight of a manager’s moral analysis could lead to a greater awareness of the influences upon managerial decision making when faced with ethical dilemma like the organization culture and individual values, greater predictability of organizational and managerial principled behavior and the construction of organizational guides and incentives to aid managers towards moral action (Weber, 300). One of major obstacles towards a better perception of managers’ logic lies in the lack of available and suitable methods to assess manager’s decision making process when faced with moral or ethical dilemmas. The result of this study includes a model for developing and reviewing the moral content of corporations. With its help, corporations’ principles can be improved, defined and measured. An annual ethics report can provide the stakeholders with insight into the formal and factual efforts of the organization, the consequences of its actions and the specific hurdles faced by these corporations in implementing their business agenda. Nonetheless, because of the huge tasks which corporations put up with, the internal delegation of responsibilities, the increasing sophistication of business operations, and authority; the vulnerability to unethical conduct increases as a result. Carroll, Archie B. The Pyramid of Corporate Social responsibility: Towards the Moral Management of Organizational Stakeholders. Business Horizons (July-August). 1991). pp 39-48. Several companies have come up with internal policies relating to the moral behavior of workforce since most of these simple and more in depth policies are contained in corporate ethics codes. They are predestined to make out the company's future expectations of employees and to offer direction on executing some of the regular ethical problems that arise in the process of doing business; therefore, it is believed that by putting such a policy in place, it will lead to better ethical consistency in application, avoidance of ethical disasters and awareness. Increasing number of organizations requires staff to attend workshops and seminars regarding business activities that frequently include the company's legal requirements, specific case studies, and policies (Carroll 43). Some companies require their staffs to sign agreements indicating that they will stand by the company's rules of conduct. Some companies believe that corporate ethics codes are primarily entrenched in useful concerns, and are primarily to limit the company's legal burden. The company will keep away from a lawsuit because its workers will follow the rules; nonetheless, should it happen, the company can as sert that the crisis would not have arisen if the staff had followed the corporate codes of ethics accurately. Corporate codes of Ethics are essential not only in business environment but also in all areas of life because it forms an important part of the basis on which cultured society is founded. A society or business that lacks moral principles is bound to fail. Porter, Michael and Mark, Kramer. â€Å"Creation Shared Value: How to Reinvent Capitalism and Unleash a Wave of innovation and Growth†

Sucessful supply chain management and the creation of competitive Essay

Sucessful supply chain management and the creation of competitive advantages requires effective demand and supply chain manage - Essay Example In this case, upstream interconnection focuses on source of supply, while downstream interconnection deals with distribution of commodities to customers. Therefore, SMG focuses creation and optimization of value in processes and activities for services and products that are offered in order to satisfy customer demands. SMG may also be considered a interrelationship and management of inflow and outflow of commodities and relevant information through a network that interlinks producers, manufactures and consumers (Samaranayake, 2005, 48). However, there is a need for a change in SMG, which is facilitated by a shift from individual functions of management to integration of necessary activities in the process. Some of the processes managed through SCM include management of customer relation, suppliers’ relationship service, returns, demand, flow of manufacturing processes and order fulfilment. Moreover, there are functions and facilities, which are entailed in the supply, chain ac tivities such as conversion and transportation of commodities from a stage of raw materials to finished goods. Therefore, SCM can be conceptualized as a network through which suppliers and consumers are able to integrate demand and supply. Competitive Advantage In order to create a competitive advantage with through supply chain management, there are supply chain connections in the upstream and downstream flow of materials and information (Monczka, Trent & Handfield, 2005, 9). There are both physical and informational elements entailed in the process of SCM, which is perceived as creation of value chain network that consist of individual functional units. In addition, it entails upstream supplier network and downstream channels, whereby organization forms an integral part of the SCM. In this case, this calls for equitable performance in a way that facilitates achievement of organizational objectives. In other situation, supply chain management is applied as a way of gaining competit ive through maximization of value, whereby it leads to generation of disparities between finished products. In fact, these different is vital to the customer and for supply chain as well, whereby it offers a means of satisfying customer needs (Chopra & Meindl, 2007, 22). On the other hand, SCM offers a platform for a competition based on value of products and services offered by an organization and collaboration with suppliers and customers. This leads to acquisition of a substantial market share, which is derived from consumers through satisfaction (Martin & Grbac, 2003, 25). Therefore, SCM creates an opportunity of gaining a competitive advantage through collaboration and cooperation aimed at improving the efficiency and market effectiveness that is vital to the customers. Nevertheless, gaining a competitive advantage through SCM requires planning of operations, whereby it is vital for facilitating the process of distributing commodities in the market to the consumers (Gimenez & V entura, 2002, 4). Moreover, there other issues considered in the process of designing and monitoring the supply chain; in fact, these

The Aleph Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Aleph - Essay Example Driven by a rather natural desire to be close to her place and relatives, he lives near her house to have someone to share his trouble with. At that time he gets acquainted with the dead woman’s brother, Carlos Argentino Daneri. The attitude of Borges’ attitude towards him is rather interesting. He is a poet, but a protagonist treats him and his gift with irony considering him to be a plain layman. Daneri is writing a very long epic poem about all the places on the Earth as if he visited them himself. He is dreaming about winning a prize and become famous. This desire irritates Borges. One day Carlos calls Borges’ number asking for help. He appeared in a trouble as his house has to be destroyed by some business. However, Daneri worries not because he loves the place he lives in. He discloses his secret he was hiding for long: there is an Aleph in one of the rooms of his house, and he simply can’t lose him, because he needs him to finish his great poem: â⠂¬Å"Yes, the only place on earth where all places are — seen from every angle, each standing clear, without any confusion or blending. I kept the discovery to myself and went back every chance I got. As a child, I did not foresee that this privilege was granted me so that later I could write the poem. Zunino and Zungri will not strip me of what’s mine — no, and a thousand times no! Legal code in hand, Doctor Zunni will prove that my Aleph is inalienable† (Borges). Borges does not like Daneri and can’t believe him, but he still comes to see the Aleph. Actually, he does not trust the poet thinking that the wants to kill him, thus behaves very carefully. â€Å"The full knowledge of a fact sometimes enables you to see all at once many supporting but previously unsuspected things. It amazed me not to have suspected until that moment that Carlos Argentino was a madman† (Borges). Having come to his

Sucessful supply chain management and the creation of competitive Essay

Sucessful supply chain management and the creation of competitive advantages requires effective demand and supply chain manage - Essay Example In this case, upstream interconnection focuses on source of supply, while downstream interconnection deals with distribution of commodities to customers. Therefore, SMG focuses creation and optimization of value in processes and activities for services and products that are offered in order to satisfy customer demands. SMG may also be considered a interrelationship and management of inflow and outflow of commodities and relevant information through a network that interlinks producers, manufactures and consumers (Samaranayake, 2005, 48). However, there is a need for a change in SMG, which is facilitated by a shift from individual functions of management to integration of necessary activities in the process. Some of the processes managed through SCM include management of customer relation, suppliers’ relationship service, returns, demand, flow of manufacturing processes and order fulfilment. Moreover, there are functions and facilities, which are entailed in the supply, chain ac tivities such as conversion and transportation of commodities from a stage of raw materials to finished goods. Therefore, SCM can be conceptualized as a network through which suppliers and consumers are able to integrate demand and supply. Competitive Advantage In order to create a competitive advantage with through supply chain management, there are supply chain connections in the upstream and downstream flow of materials and information (Monczka, Trent & Handfield, 2005, 9). There are both physical and informational elements entailed in the process of SCM, which is perceived as creation of value chain network that consist of individual functional units. In addition, it entails upstream supplier network and downstream channels, whereby organization forms an integral part of the SCM. In this case, this calls for equitable performance in a way that facilitates achievement of organizational objectives. In other situation, supply chain management is applied as a way of gaining competit ive through maximization of value, whereby it leads to generation of disparities between finished products. In fact, these different is vital to the customer and for supply chain as well, whereby it offers a means of satisfying customer needs (Chopra & Meindl, 2007, 22). On the other hand, SCM offers a platform for a competition based on value of products and services offered by an organization and collaboration with suppliers and customers. This leads to acquisition of a substantial market share, which is derived from consumers through satisfaction (Martin & Grbac, 2003, 25). Therefore, SCM creates an opportunity of gaining a competitive advantage through collaboration and cooperation aimed at improving the efficiency and market effectiveness that is vital to the customers. Nevertheless, gaining a competitive advantage through SCM requires planning of operations, whereby it is vital for facilitating the process of distributing commodities in the market to the consumers (Gimenez & V entura, 2002, 4). Moreover, there other issues considered in the process of designing and monitoring the supply chain; in fact, these

Appearance of Pre-Hispanic Filipinos Essay Example for Free

Appearance of Pre-Hispanic Filipinos Essay The natives of the Philippine islands already wore different types of clothing and ornaments before the arrival of Spanish colonizers. The men usually wore short-sleeved, collarless jackets that reached just below the waste. The jackets were also symbols of their status in the community. The chief usually wore red, for example. The bahag was worn for the lower part. It is a strip of cloth wrapped around the waist which passes between the things, leaving the thighs and legs exposed. A head gear or a putong is a piece of cloth wrapped around the head. This is also important like the color of the jacket. A red putong meant that the wearer has already gone to war and killed an enemy. An embroidered putong meant that the wearer has killed at least seven enemies. Adornments such as necklaces, armlets or kalombiga, anklets, earrings and rings were also worn. These were usually made of gold and other precious stones. Women also wore sleeved jackets called baro and skirts called saya or patadyong. Women fancied wearing ornaments as well such as gem-studded bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. Tattoos Tattoos played an important part in the appearance of pre-Hispanic Filipinos both for the men and women. Tattoos were considered to be the equivalent of medals, one had to work for and earn it. The more tattoos a person had, the more impressive was his or her war record. The Visayas was known to be the Islas del Pintados or Islands of the Painted People because it was the there that the early Spanish colonizers observed very tattooed people and Spanish writers referred to them as the pintados, meaning â€Å"painted†.

Discuss the challenges facing forensic scientists

Discuss the challenges facing forensic scientists GENETICS FOR IDENTIFICATION ESSAY Discuss the challenges facing forensic scientists for DNA-based identification of the remains of the victims of war or other conflicts (both civilian and military personnel). Illustrate with a range of examples. Discuss the challenges facing forensic scientists for DNA-based identification of the remains of the victims of war or other conflicts (both civilian and military personnel). Illustrate with a range of examples. Introduction The remains of victims of war often pose numerous challenges to forensic scientists enlisted to aid in the identification process using DNA analysis. Foremost, the remains of victims of war have frequently been buried for long periods of time, often over 50 years, and this can cause degradation and contamination of DNA. This affects the quality and quantity of extracted DNA, making it difficult to amplify and generate a genetic profile. This concise report highlights the problems facing forensic scientists during the analysis of war remains and the methods used to overcome some of these issues. DNA techniques The DNA techniques which can be used in DNA identification of skeletal bones include: mitochondrial DNA analysis (mtDNA); autosomal Short Tandem Repeat (STR) and Y-STR analysis; and mini-STR profiling. STRs, also known as microsatellites, are DNA repeat units between two and seven base pairs long that can easily be amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The number of repeat units varies considerably amongst individuals, hence why sensitive STR analysis is highly discriminative for identification, even in degraded DNA samples (Butler et al., 2012). Fifteen years ago, results of a study where teeth were buried in soil for up to eighteen weeks revealed that mtDNA analysis using primers for the HV1 and HV2 regions generated the best results in comparison to other DNA techniques; thus mtDNA was a reliable method for the identification of skeletal remains (Pfeiffer et al., 1999). Developments in technology mean that analysis of mtDNA alone is now insufficient information for positive identification, and more specific methods are employed, such as STR analysis. Nevertheless, when nuclear DNA (nDNA) samples are too degraded to be processed using STR analysis, identification using mtDNA and hypervariable regions is used. This is because mtDNA is present in high copy numbers and the circular structure of mtDNA makes it more resistant to degradation, but again there are limitations (Higgins et al., 2013; Coble et al., 2005). Mitochondrial DNA is passed on maternally; therefore it will be the same throughout generations of females of the same maternal lineage and could identify a familial match to a sister or aunt, for example. However reference samples are solely restricted to maternal relatives, thus its discriminatory power is far less than an STR match (Lee et al., 2010). Finally, where female relatives are absent, Y-STR analysis can be carried out to identify paternal lineage of the Y-chromosome. Mutations within the Y-chromosome are possible, and they may occur between generations as well as within the same bone samples, particularly if they are old skeletal bones. This must be considered when making conclusions from Y-STR analysis as it may cause problems for the forensic scientist during the identification process (BoriĆ¡ et al., 2011). DNA samples from skeletal remains With war victim skeletal remains DNA sample options are minimal, but the preferential samples to obtain for DNA analysis are teeth and bones, which contain both nDNA and mtDNA. DNA in teeth is generally considered more protected against degradation and destruction than bones due their unique composition and their location in the jawbone protecting them against degrading exogenous organisms, making them useful for analysis decades after death. Additionally, they normally yield a higher quality of DNA than bones, and the results of a study by Pilli and colleagues looking into the effect of contamination on samples revealed that teeth have a greater refractory to contamination by exogenous DNA than bones (Higgins et al., 2013; Pilli et al., 2013 respectively). Another reason for utilising teeth is because there are a number of sources of DNA within the tooth, including dentine, and this dentine powder is rich in mtDNA (Muruganandhan et al., 2011). Nevertheless, both of these samples are used because the internal content is unlikely to be contaminated with contemporary DNA compared to other samples, and the recovery of one or both of these is observed in a number of case studies identifying war victims (Lee et al., 2010; MarjanoviĆ¡ et al., 2007; AndelinoviĆ¡ et al., 2005; Ivanov et al., 1999). However, although these sources of DNA are the most likely to be preserved over time, DNA analysis can still be affected by the presence of PCR inhibitors (for example environmental and biological chemicals), insufficient quantity of DNA material, and high levels of DNA degradation (MarjanoviĆ¡ et al., 2007). DNA degradation DNA degradation and PCR inhibitors occasionally cause allele and/or locus dropout, thus not reflecting the true profile of the individual and can cause problems for forensic scientists during the analysis of genotypic DNA profiles, especially if heterozygotes are interpreted as homozygotes (Coble et al., 2005). Exposure to environmental conditions affects DNA, and factors such as heat and humidity affect the rate of DNA degradation and the resulting quantity of DNA, with cooler temperatures delaying the degradation process. This DNA degradation caused by endogenous intracellular enzymes results in smaller DNA fragments sizes and may also cause base mutations (Higgins et al., 2013). Despite the development of sensitive DNA typing identification methods, in some cases excessive DNA degradation can still pose an issue, as seen in Lee et al., 2010. One sample (SR0014) had an exceptionally low DNA yield for both extractions, 28.7 ±20.69 pg/ µL and 27.2 ±16.81 pg/ µL, in comparison to the average yield of 217.5 pg/ µL and 199.1 pg/ µL, respectively (table 1). This DNA yield produced genotypic results at eleven autosomal STR loci; however nine of these were homozygotic and this was interpreted as allelic dropout, which in turn causes problems for profile determination and does not allow for identity inclusion or exclusion. Another example of degraded DNA amplification being below 100% was seen using AmpFISTR Yfiler amplification, which revealed only 34 out of 49 profiles, and MiniFiler which produced 40 out of 49 genetic profiles, with the other profiles being incomplete, likely due to only small amounts of degraded DNA being amplified (BoriĆ¡ et al., 2011). Table 1 – DNA concentrations (pg/ µL) extracted from twenty-one skeletal samples belonging to Korean War victims. Two DNA samples were extracted from each bone sample and quantified to try and replicate the profile for consistency and to highlight any contamination issues. (See Lee et al., 2010. Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01411.x/pdf. Last accessed on: 24th February 2014) DNA extraction Another issue facing forensic scientists is the quantity of DNA extracted from bones or teeth. Degraded samples offer a paucity of template DNA concentration, hence the smaller PCR products (Ivanov et al., 1999). If precise procedures are not employed then DNA essential for producing a genotypic profile may be lost, and methods are required to maximise the potential from the extraction process. Recently, developments in such methods have massively impacted on the success of obtaining profiles from skeletal remains which are highly degraded. Extraction techniques employed by forensic scientists to overcome this challenge include the standard organic (phenol/chloroform) method, the PrepFiler Forensic DNA Extraction kit, the Qiagen DNA extraction procedure, and a large-scale silica based extraction method, with a minimum of two independent extractions for each sample usually taken. Lee and colleagues used the latter in 2010 alongside demineralisation to maximise the DNA yield, and the p ositive effect of this method was reflected in the high DNA yields observed following quantification, with all samples, except two, being greater than 50pg/ Ã‚ ­L (Lee et al., 2010). Additionally, during the extraction of DNA from 109 bone samples from victims of war in mass graves in Croatia, an advanced extraction method, alongside the phenol/chloroform method, was used. The standard method yielded 20-100ng of extracted DNA across samples, whilst the advanced Promega DNA IQ system produced 20-200ng of DNA (AndelinoviĆ¡ et al., 2005). Contamination The sensitivity of new DNA typing methodologies to minute amounts of DNA brings with it the challenge of contamination. Remains buried for a long period of time and then excavated for analysis are subject to natural cross contamination from foreign material from the surrounding environment as well as from human handling, and this can affect the validity of the findings and interfere with DNA profiles. Thus, procedures are implemented to remove any foreign matter from the outer surface which may contaminate the probe extracting the DNA from the core of the bone or tooth. Common protocols forensic scientists use to overcome the issue of contamination on bones include sanding down the outside of the bone, washing it in mild detergent, irradiating it with UV light and storing it at -20oC until it is required for DNA extraction (Ossowski et al., 2013; BoriĆ¡ et al., 2011; Lee et al., 2010; MarjanoviĆ¡ et al., 2007; Imaizumi et al., 2002). However, in cases where excess contamination has occurred from archaeological handling and repeated excavation and reburial, it is impractical for forensic scientists to remove this extent of contamination, further limiting the samples which can be used for DNA. It is of paramount importance that sterile environments are used for sample analysis and that gloves are worn when handling bones to avoid contamination from humans, and gloves should be changed between the handling of bones belonging to different individuals to avoid DNA transfer. Another issue regarding contamination is the processing of ancient skeletal samples in proximity to contemporary relative reference samples, therefore, DNA from these two sample types should be extracted and amplified in separate laboratories. The majority of studies referenced in this report have not stated whether they adhered to this, with the exception being Ossowski et al., 2013 who reported that all laboratory staff wore masks, lab overalls and sterile gloves and everyone who handled the samples had previously had their DNA sample taken for reference purposes. As a result of the strict procedures implemented, no contamination was seen throughout the examination process, and they successfully identifi ed two individuals through DNA analysis when it was determined that they could not be identified through anthropological methods (Ossowski et al., 2013). Finally, a complete record of everyone that has handled the samples pre- and post-excavation should be kept (Pilli et al., 2013). Issues with mass grave DNA samples A further problem forensic scientists are confronted with is the high number and poor quality of the remains discovered, particularly in mass graves, due to wars being open events with large numbers of unknown individuals involved. The violent nature of wars and conflicts and circumstances of death often renders a number of remains fragmented, meaning that prior to DNA analysis, an anthropologist must examine and match bones suspected to belong to the same individual. This should be considered during DNA analysis in case different profiles arise from bones supposedly belonging to the same individual. Furthermore, explosives can cause bones to become incinerated, damaged and carbonised which will affect DNA extraction and amplification (Ivanov et al., 1999). This issue was presented during the recovery of approximately 10,000 skeletal remains, belonging to approximately 53 war victims in 2009, more than sixty years after World War II. In the majority of cases, it was impossible to conclude which bones belonged to one individual due to the vast number of separated, damaged and intermingled bones and the small grave area to which they were confined. Additionally, a number of victims showed obvious gunshot wounds, which further shattered the skull bones into multiple fragments (BoriĆ¡ et al., 2011). DNA reference samples Prior to DNA analysis, it is paramount that circumstantial investigative research is carried out to narrow down and establish possible victims in the grave to allow for identification of their surviving relatives. This is problematic in the first instance if ante-mortem records of soldiers have not been kept. It is reasonable to assume that relatives of military personnel would be easier to identify, compared to civilians, because records are often kept of the soldiers that fought in a war, as well as when they were reported missing or pronounced dead. Reference swabs are required from these presumptive relatives to compare their DNA profiles with the profiles obtained from the unknown remains to determine if a familial match is seen. Ivanov et al., 1999 reported absent DNA samples on record during their involvement in the identification of the remains recovered following the Chechen War (1994-1996). Few remains were available due to the lethal force of missiles, and this was an additional problem to the lack of DNA samples on record, which meant the absence of comparative reference samples. Accordingly, the timely process of locating potential relatives and collecting their DNA samples began. In comparison to some cases where excavated war remains are over 60 years old (MarjanoviĆ¡ et al., 2007), these remains were excavated three years after the end of the war, however skeletonisation and advanced decomposition, with mummification, was still observed. Bones had been scavenged by animals, further exposing them to contamination alongside the reported careless excavation of the bodies (Ivanov et al., 1999). Mini-STRs Applying mini-STR loci to severely degraded DNA samples is effective in genotyping nDNA profiles that would otherwise yield a negative result with standard STR kits, which use STR loci of up to 250 base pairs and are likely to cause loss of signal (AndelinoviĆ¡ et al., 2005). In comparison, mini-STR technology can amplify loci with alleles that have fewer than 150 base pairs and works by annealing primers as close as possible to the STR repeat region, creating the smallest possible amplicon (Figure 1) (Martin et al 2006; Pizzamiglio et al., 2006). When there is not enough intact DNA to produce full profiles using the larger CODIS loci, mini-STR loci markers are small enough to amplify alleles less than 150 bp in length (Hill et al., 2008). It is important to remember that mini-STRs are designed to profile high quantity, low quality, degraded DNA and should not be used for small amounts of DNA. Fig. 1 – Mini-STR analysis uses primers which anneal as close as possible to the STR repeat region along the genome, creating a small amplicon to be amplified. Successful application of mini-STRs was seen in 2010 when skeletal remains from the Korean War were subject to DNA analysis in the hope to identify the 55 year old remains of the missing casualties (Lee et al., 2010). Twenty-one skeletal samples were extracted from the remains of the victims of the Korean War and, following decontamination, were subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing of the mtDNA HV region, and PCR amplification of autosomal STRs and Y-STRs using common STR kits and in-house miniplex plus systems that use smaller amplicons to optimise the genetic material from degraded samples. Results revealed that mtDNA hypervariable regions were efficiently amplified and determined in all 21 samples. A combination of AmpFISTR Identifiler alongside size-reduced amplicons in AmpFISTR MiniFiler and the in-house miniplex NC01 plus system for autosomal STR, successfully genotyped 17.2 loci out of 18, and the miniplex NC01 system showed 100% success in genotyping the four loci du e to the reduced amplicon size. Additionally, twenty samples were successfully genotyped at 11 or more loci using standard STR kits, but with the in-house system, they were genotyped at 15 or more loci. The results of amplifying autosomal STRs showed the importance of mini-STRs when working with highly degraded DNA, as reduced-sized amplicons genotyped samples with a low quality of DNA in comparison to the standard kits. The same success of genotyping samples of poor quality DNA was seen using the Y-miniplex plus system in conjunction with AmpFISTR Yfiler during Y-STR genotyping (Lee et al., 2010). Profiles were also generated using mtDNA PCR amplification and miniplex NC01 analysis using the buccal samples provided by the 24 suspected relatives (Lee et al., 2010). Smaller quantities of template DNA were extracted from the relatives, as although more DNA was available, it was of a higher quality compared to the degraded unknown samples, so a smaller amount was required. If too much high quality template DNA is used, excess peaks and spurious bands would be observed, making the results unclear (Ivanov et al., 1999), and alternatively too little, or degraded DNA, may reduce the height of some alleles so the peak heights may be too low to distinguish from background noise (NFSTC Science Serving Justice, 2007). Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that DNA degradation affecting the quality and quantity of DNA, fragmentation of bones, numbers of bones in mass graves, contamination and poor extraction procedures are all challenges that forensic scientists face during DNA based identification of skeletal war victim remains. However, as efficient DNA extraction methods to optimise the template DNA concentration are advancing, and technology is consistently being refined to develop methods such as the mini-STR system, identification of war victims using DNA analysis, alongside anthropological measures, is becoming more successful. Word count: 2668 Page | 1

Summary of Expo Center :: essays research papers

An Informative Summary of â€Å"Japanese Hospitality Robots Debut at World Expo† Tsuno, Yoshikazu â€Å"Japanese Hospitality Robots Debut At World Expo.† 9 Mar 2005.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  SpaceDaily 1 Apr 2005 . The 2005 World Exposition in Nagkute, Japan will present technical wonders to the public. The World Expo runs in the central Aichi region for six months starting March 25. Japan uses the expo to display its technological might. Interactive Robots on display will be the main attraction. The Expo includes robots that resemble young women, called Actroid, in information booths that speak four languages. Guest felt awkward due to Actroid’s realistic human features. The designers wanted the most honest reaction from the guest. Three versions of the Actroid with different faces will be mobilized at the Expo. Japan hopes Actroid will draw 15 million visitors to its industrial heartland. There are also security contingent robots on wheels and tiny colorful machines that sing. The Alsok guard robot has a touch panel in its chest to provide directions to visitors. If Alsok detects suspicious people it will try to scare them away with sirens and lights. Alsok can also detect fires and report them to a security center. For small children there is the child-care robot PaPeRo. With built-in cameras and microphones, it can recognize the faces of children and say their names. The PaPeRo also sings with children and quizzes them, recognizing who voice even if they try to trick it. With the expo running for six months, the public will see many advances in robotics created to interact with humans. Even thou we are able to see and interact with them, it will be some time before the public can purchase them. Japanese Hospitality Robots Debut At World Expo Japanese robot venture Kokoro's humanoid robot 'Actroid', able to recognize 40,000 phrases in four languages, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and English, guides visitors at a reception for the 2005 World Exposition Aichi in Nagkute near Nagoya, central Japan 07 March 2005. Japan will welcome the millions of guests at the World Exposition opening this month with hosts trained to greet them in their language, entertain their children and perform rap music with them - the gracious hosts are robots. AFP photo by Yoshikazu Tsuno. by Yoshikazu Tsuno Nagakute, Japan (AFP) Mar 09, 2005 Japan will welcome the millions of guests at the World Exposition opening this month with hosts trained to greet them in their language, entertain their children and perform rap music with them.