Chapter 11 writing assignment Essays - Psychology, Phobias

Chapter 11 writing assignment One aspect of chapter 1 1 that I found quite interesting was the section on phobias. While the exact cause of phobias hasn't been pin pointed due to its complexity, it has been observed that it's a combination of biological and environmental factors. Studies have shown that the same phobia can be found in several members of the same family. When asked how the individual thinks they acquired the phobia, they stated that it was a result of watching someone else in the family have the same phobia and learning it from them. The same observational learning can be found in animals. Experiments done on monkeys for example, showed that the monkeys had fears of snakes for an extended amount of time but only after watching another monkey be scared of snakes. Observational learning has been indicated to be stronger in animals than in humans. Perhaps this is due to the instinctual need for survival. If one animal observes that another animal of the same species is scared of something, it's safe to assume it' s for a good reason. in order to insure its own safety, that animal will also be scared of it. But what if the species differ?

M.I.T Application for MBA Program †Example Essay

M.I.T Application for MBA Program – Example Essay Free Online Research Papers M.I.T Application for MBA Program Example Essay 1. Explain how the MIT Sloan MBA Program’s focus on innovation will help you achieve your career goals. I always remember my deceased father always regretting his inability to make change. My father has taught me that even though you may be ahead of others by walking, you are still behind because the others are running. My late father managed the xxx Corporation. In 19xx, He was unable to promptly prepare for the new flow of westernization into Korea, such as the firm’s information system, westernization of employees’corporate culture; acknowledgement of the labor union, new classified customer’s appearance, and westernization of the manufacture. My father who had managed the firm for 30 years with dynamic effort was faced with bad luck. In the end, his corporation was to be dismissed. Along with his frustrations, he contributed his writings of thoughts to many places. His writings emphasized that a firm that has not gone through change is soon to be a firm that is bound to fail. My fate has always been to become a great businessman because ever since my childhood days, my father made incessant speeches concerning a businessman’s attitude. Before my father passed away, he left me a message saying, â€Å"the key to a firm’s survival is innovation.† I will treasure his words forever. From my late father’s great influence, I decided to work for xxx upon graduation from undergraduate studies. While employed at xxx, I always kept in mind the possibilities of improvement and innovation of my work, the firm’s policies, and current organizational matters. I persuaded the managers and the top executives, who were stuck on the concept of traditional decision-making procedures, face the need for innovation by accepting the labor union, through discussions and negotiations with my contributed efforts into increasing productivity. I also proposed for the ‘xxx Project’ with strategic intent to the CEO executives who were only satisfied with the fixed income of continuous OEM production. I was evaluated and complemented that the proposal not only brought great opportunities for the firm to exclusively create and develop the brand in itself, but a great opportunity for the firm to explore the foreign market. Thereafter, I made another initiative to improving on most of the enterprises, such as organizational downsizing, transferal of employees, reformation of authoritarianism in the management, adoption of the ERP system, and employee training for obtaining information, that xxx was after for a year and a half since 19xx. I performed these tasks heartily. Although there were many problems and many who opposed my proposal for the firm’s innovation, xxx had a great common vision in terms of creating the firm’s brand in itself and in terms of exploring the foreign market for the first time in 20 years. When I left the company, there were many employees who were willing to face the changes in business environment more positively with greater future vision for the company. I strongly believe that innovation and creativity are valuable tools for the 21st century businessman. In order to survive in the business world, a firm should be able to change rapidly in accordance with the 21st century hi-tech information society of the Internet. If a firm cannot adjust under such circumstances of high-tech, the firm cannot survive. To become such a businessman who can quickly adapt to these changes, I chose Sloan. Sloan’s program will enable me to become a businessman who sees the importance of innovation and leadership in the bu siness world. More importantly, I believe that Sloan will provide me with the kind of tool to propel forward in the field of strategic planning and marketing, organizational design and change management. 2. Describe a situation where you introduced and/or managed change in an organization. Tell us how you influenced others in an organization (business, school, extracurricular activity) and comment on the professional and/or personal attributes you used to do that and how these attributes (an others) might be important to the attainment of your career goals. How do you expect the Sloan School to further the development of these attributes? The most significant improvement that I have made while employed at xxx was the ‘xxx Project’, which began in February of 19xx, to develop a strategic plan in order to become a global enterprise such as xxx or xxx. xxx that began to produce the xxx 21 years ago set up the project based on the traditional pattern of the OEM export. The director of xxx development who had worked for the company for over 9 years was negative in creating the company’s brand and the opinion of the majority was that such a project was too risky to produce a product in competition with global brands. Despite the negative opinions around me, I submitted the proposal for the xxx and I insisted that xxx create its’ own brand image and challenge the global market. Because x foreign companies, such as xxx and xxx hold over xx% of the domestic market up to 19xx, it would be impossible to create the company’s brand name and develop technology in the future if the product does not develop or if the company continues to develop the product based on the OEM system. There was also a possibility that even our occupied market in the domestic market would be deprived from those foreign companies. Based on these facts, I insisted technology cooperation with xxx that boasts xx years of excellence, developing technology, creating distribution channels and subsidiaries in the industrialized countries including the U.S., and getting involved in the global market vigorously. My report brought on many debates about the feasibility and the investment outlook for 10 months of next-generation xxx development process. When the CEO executives supported my proposal, the firm decided to lay out the xxx development process for x years and take its’ brand abroad with a strategic intent. I learned that a talented businessman should have exact judgment with clear-cut resources and have clear vision for future development. One of the critical factors that led the firm to strategically compete in the global market was that my â€Å"xxx†for 4 months, was able to strike down all of the negative opinions with my specific data and detailed strategy. This experience has encouraged me to continue my studies in an American graduate school in order to learn more detailed analytical approach and gain the knowledge behind effective management strategy. Sloan has all the important necessities to fulfill my needs. I strongly believe that Strategic Management and Consulting Track of Sloan have diverse resources for businessmen such as research and development, finance, human resource management, and marketing. These important resources will enable me to achieve my goal to becoming a CEO of a corporation. Program of Sloan provides both entrepreneurship and leadership. I strongly believe that Sloan is the best graduate school of business for me as well as future businessmen. Cover letter Since I had worked in the xxx department of xxx, whose yearly income was $xx million in 19xx, my major problem was a lack of knowledge in Finance and Management. Upon graduation from undergraduate studies, I was employed in the Management Planning Team. Because I did not have the background in business administration from majoring in xxx Literature in undergraduate, I realized the difficulty in grasping the concept of general company matters, marketing analysis, and setting up the short and long-term marketing plan. When I participated in the future development of xxx and sales project for 10 months that began in February 19xx, I realized that I was incapable of successfully performing my duties as an Assistant Manager with 8 staff members for a project in which the company heavily depended upon. It was then that I had realized what special talent was needed to become a successful manager. For instance, while analyzing xxx, xxx’s technological advantage and marketing strategie s, I realized the importance of learning Marketing Research and Strategy. I also realized the importance of Financial Management and Corporate Financial Policies when planning sales and marketing strategies for the future sales of xxx and strategies for increasing our market. Through these experiences, I became strongly motivated to applying to your college. If I am given the opportunity, I would like to study Corporate Finance and Financial Strategy. In my situation that I should come back to the xxx, and join the management team, without the knowledge of finance, I could not successfully manage the company and be an incompetent businessman. I would like to focus my studies on subjects relating to Entrepreneurship and Marketing. I believe that I am qualified to be competitive among your students because I have earned a certificate of Accounting and Finance,sponsored by the xxx. Along with this basic background, I am currently studying Finance as a graduate student at the xxx University Business School. Sloan is top choice for two main reasons. First of all, Sloan offers diverse courses for a businessman who needs innovation and leadership that are not offered at the xxx University. Second reason is the many advantages that can be offered from the location of your school, with worldwide competitive corporations gathered in New York and Boston areas. Upon graduation from the Sloan School, I plan to be the most representative person at xxx by learning and applying the strategies of these large growing global corporations in East Coast area, and if possible I would like to analyze our competitors, xxx and xxx. I would also like to have experience with the U.S. market and its’ customer characteristics in preparation for future plan of xxx to set up xxx subsidiaries in U.S. I plan to work for 5 years at xxx after graduation from Sloan, by improving xxx so that it will rank second to xxx. My long-term goal is to be able to challenge the CEO’s of the top 5 ranking companies in Korea, such as Hyundai of Korea. In addition, to achieve my goals, I plan to earn the CFA certification upon my MBA studies. Armed with the CFA certification and Top School’s International bent, strength in finance and management training, I will be ready to place that call to the trader in China, conduct a teleconference with xxx corporation in Tokyo, and visit the CFO in America. Research Papers on M.I.T Application for MBA Program EssayOpen Architechture a white paperAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaThe Project Managment Office SystemMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductTwilight of the UAWPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoPETSTEL analysis of IndiaDefinition of Export QuotasAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2

Human Skeleton Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Human Skeleton - Essay Example The archeological findings of this skeleton showed a skull which is smaller than that of humans (Tomkins, n.p). The skeleton showed evidence of the bipedal upright posture. The skeleton was 3ft 7in tall and weighed approximately 64 pounds. The skeleton had a similar appearance to that of a chimpanzee (Tomkins, n.p). The skeleton had a smaller skull, hence, a smaller brain than that of humans. However, the structure of the pelvic and leg bones was identical to that of Homo sapiens sapiens, which suggested that they performed similar functions to those of modern man and walked in an upright position (Institute of Human Origins, n.d).The archeological findings were re constructed in the University of Cleveland by Owen Lovejoy (Institute of Human Origins, n.d). Another factor which showed that Lucy walked upright was her valgus knee; her greater trochanter was short and similar to that of humans (Institute of Human Origins, n.d). Her feet were also discovered to be physiologically flat. The reconstruction of her sacrum showed it had a broad iliac flare, and broad inner acetabular distance and a long superior pubic ramus (Institute of Human Origins, n.d). H er pubic arch was similar to that of humans. She had a smaller cranium and spatulate canines. Her cranial capacity as mentioned above was smaller than that of humans. Her mandible showed similarities to that of gorillas (Institute of Human Origins,

Algoeithm Design, Analysis and Implementation Assignment

Algoeithm Design, Analysis and Implementation - Assignment Example This is done by choosing a comparison element and placing all the elements that are less than the comparison element in the first group and the rest of the elements in the second group. This procedure is repeated recursively until the elements are sorted (a part consist of only one element). T(n) = (n-1) + ?1 ? i ? n ti As 1,2,....k-elements are already sorted, we can say that ti =0, where i = 1,2, 3... k. Then, the contribution of quick sort when early stopping is used can be given by, T(n)=(n+1)( ?k ? i ? n ti + ?(1)) = (n+1)( n lg +?(1)) =2n lg +?(n) Thus, T(n) for quick sort =O(nlg(n/k)). Given that, insertion sort is done on a partially sorted array (unsorted k-elements). In general, running time of insertion sort is O(n2 ), where n is the length of the array (total number of elements). In order to provide a solution to this problem, the total array is divided into subarrays of k-elements each, such that k/2? n ? k, then n = O(k) and the running time of insertion sort is O(k2). The total number of such subarrays (m) would then be n/k ? m ? 2n/k., which implies m = O(n/k). The total time spent on insertion sort would then be O(k2)* O(n/k) = O(nk). T(n) for insertion sort = O(nk). Therefore, the total time for this sorting algorithm is as follows: T(n) = O(nk + nlg(n/k) ). ... Solution: From the above problem (1), we find that quick sort sorts k-elements of an n-element array O(n log(n/k)) time. Quick sort sorts by partitioning the given array A[p...r] into two sub-arrays A[p...q] and A[q+1... r] such that every element in A[p...q] is less than, or equal to, elements in A[q+1... r]. This process is repeated until all the elements are sorted. Algorithm for quick sort is given by: A[P] is the pivot key upon which the comparison is made. P is chosen as the median value of the array at each step. If the element is less than, or equal to, the pivot key value, it is moved left. Otherwise, it is moved right. Assuming the best case scenario where each step produces two equal partitions, then T(n)=T(n/2)+T(n/2)+?(n) =2T(n/2)+ ?(n) By Master’s Theorem case 2, T(n) = O(n lg n) In other words, the depth of recursion is log n and at each level/step, the number of elements to be treated is n. If only k-elements are sorted, then the depth of recursion would be n/k and the number of elements would be n at each level, the time taken by this sorting algorithm is given by T(n) = O(n lg (n/k)). 2.2 Show that we can sort a k-well-sorted array of length n in O(n log k) time. As the array is already sorted for k-elements, the remaining steps required to complete the sort would be k (using the results from 1), then T(n) = O(n lg k). 3. Computing the k-th smallest element in the union of the two lists m and n using O(lg m +lg n) time algorithm: Approach 1: Merge sort can be used in this case. It splits the list into two halves, recursively sorts each half, and then merges the two sorted sub-lists. In the given problem, the lists are already sorted; hence, the

Sociological Perspectives And The Functionalist Perspectives Sociology Essay

Sociological Perspectives And The Functionalist Perspectives Sociology Essay The first sociological perspective that I will use to try to explain the Bertram family scenario is the functionalist perspective. The functionalist perspective evolved from the work of Emile Durkheim (1858-1917), though it was shaped by Harvard sociologist Talcott Parsons during the mid-20th century.    Functionalism can be summed up simply: the world is a system of interrelated parts, and each part makes a necessary contribution to the vitality of the system (Bohm, 1997: 82). Functionalism examines society through a functional framework which stresses that everything, no matter how seemingly strange, out of place, or harmful, serves a purpose. A useful analogy to use would be all the different parts of the body and how they function to keep the human body alive. All organs in the human body depend on each other and each is vital, performing an overall function. Social systems work in much the same way as an organic system. Societies have established structures within which are es tablished beliefs and practices. All members of society are expected to conform and behave acceptably. The institutional arrangements, for example, political or religious arrangements, exist in society not by choice of its citizens but because they perform a specific function for the social structure as a whole. People within these social structures know and agree on how to behave, living their lives in the right ways from which society benefits (Jones 2003:39). Functionalism holds that everyone and everything in society, no matter how strange it may seem, serves a purpose.   Crime, for example, is viewed almost universally as a nuisance.   Functionalists, however, point out that crime serves several purposes.   Durkheim concluded that crime and deviance serve three major functions for society: deviance clarifies or reaffirms societal norms, it promotes social unity, and it challenges the status quo.   Deviance can bring into question the status quo, forcing society to reth ink previously held norms.   For example, acts perceived as criminal or deviant were critical in shaping the rights movements for African Americans, women, and homosexuals in the United States.   Without questioning the traditional way of treating disadvantaged groups, the norms of discrimination and prejudice could not be broken. Criticisms of functionalism focus on its acceptance and rationalization of social inequality and societal evils.   Since functionalism holds that all aspects of society are necessary, human rights issues like poverty, hunger, slavery, and genocide must be accounted for.   Critics suggest that functionalism can be used as a rationalization of such issues.   The perspective is also criticized for its lack of testability, which is critical for upholding any social science theory.   Several questions stand against its reliability.   Still, it has its strong points, such as its ability to explain crime and deviance.   Functionalism essentially s erves as the most traditionalist of the sociological schools of thought. As with all the other different parts of society family has a role to play in the functioning of society and each family member has a role to play. Mrs Bertram is no longer able to perform the social roles that society expects of her (for example, mother and wife). In the scenario of the Bertram family, Mrs Bertram could be seen to have taken on the sick role. The functionalist perspective of illness is that it disrupts society; it too is a form of deviance. A functionalist perspective would suggest that social services would need to control the deviance by either putting Mrs Bertram into residential care or by providing services for her at home, in order to bring her back in line with societys expectation of her. Similarly the social worker would also expect Mr Bertrams deviant behaviour to be dealt with. The fact that he is leaving his wife alone for extended periods of time and is generally not caring for her as would be expected of a husband could be viewed as deviant behaviour. The Bertrams are from a generation where gender roles were very specific and Mr Bertram is probably struggling with the role reversal, so would need support with this. Mr Bertrams possible alcoholism could also be viewed as a form of deviance that would need to be brought under control by perhaps providing him with support to overcome it. Feminist theory became established in the 1960s. What defines feminism is the view that womens relative subordination must be questioned and challenged (Abbott, Wallace and Tyler, 2005:16). The feministic view is that women are oppressed and their freedom to act and express themselves is limited by the relative power of men, as they tend to possess more economic, cultural and social resources than women. There is a wide range of feminist views due to the failure to agree on ways to explain subordination of women or how women can be liberated or what actually constitutes oppression (Abbott, Wallace and Tyler, 2005). As a result there are many varying feminist perspectives drawing on a wide range of disciplines. According to Abbott Wallace and Tyler (2005) early feminists have focussed on issues relating to questions of power, knowledge and subjectivity. Liberal feminism sees gender prejudice as a matter of individual ignorance (Jones 2003:91). Liberal feminists believe inequalities ca n be eradicated by putting in place anti-discrimination laws and by promoting non-sexist attitudes. Marxist feminists believe that womens subordination serves the needs of capitalism (Jones 2003:92). Marxist feminists argue that subordination of women in capitalist societies is best explained by understanding the economic disadvantages that they face. Radical feminism sometimes referred to as gynocentrism affirms that patriarchy is the key to understanding social structures and patriarchal relations are universal and elemental (Jones, 2003:94). The term patriarch is used widely to refer to a society based on universal male supremacy and female subordination (Abbott, Wallace and Tyler, 2005:33). This perspective is concerned with womens rights rather than gender equality and it emphasises the difference between men and women. Within radical feminism the family is seen as a key instrument of womens oppression through sexual and maternal obligation. Feminists who adopt this perspective are concerned with the way women perpetuate mens control when they become so oppressed by patriarchal ideologies. Feminist theories of social work have been criticised recently for treating women generically and displaying insufficient sensitivity to the complex ways in which other social divisions such as race, age, disability, etc impact on gender relations. (Dominelli 2002) Mrs Bertram could be seen by feminists to be suffering at the hands of a patriarchal society. She has been lured into dependency by Mr Bertrams charming ways. It could be argued that Mrs Bertram found the prospect of marrying into a higher social class rather appealing. Radical feminists argue that all relationships between men and women are institutionalised relationships of power (Abbott, Wallace and Tyler, 2005:35). Mrs Bertram does not appear to be an equal in the marriage and her illness has further exacerbated her powerlessness. Mr Bertram has all control of the finances and probably all major decisions affecting Mrs Bertram, especially as she now lacks capacity, further reinforcing her subordination. It is unclear whether Mrs Bertram has ever worked, if she has not Marxist feminists would argue that this was to the benefit of a capitalist society as she provided, when she was able, free domestic services to sustain her husband. Mrs Bertrams reasons for wanting to stay with her husband may be due to her ideological view of marriage. Feminists argue that married women do not have an identity separate to their husbands (Abbott, Wallace and Tyler, 2005) and she may be trying to hold on to what little she has left of her identity as she is slowly losing her faculties due to the Alzheimers. Her ideological view masks the real subordination she faces at the hands of her husband. This is further reinforced by his neglect of her needs and failure to care for his wife as a husband would be expected to. The psychodynamic theory was pioneered by Freud and later developed by a number of writers. Freud argued that there were various levels of conscious and unconscious thought. The id which is the source of basic urges and the drive to survive. The superego is the conscious, public expression that seeks to convey that we are doing what is acceptable to society. The ego is the part of the unconscious that attempts to mediate between the id and superego. Individuals may not be aware of the interactions within themselves and engage in behaviours that are expressions of their deep unconscious, seeking to rationalise them through the ego and superego. The psychodynamic approach includes all the theories in psychology that see human functioning as based upon the interaction of drives and forces within the person, particularly unconscious conflict between the different structures of the personality (Baker, 2003:39). The psychodynamic approach attempts to explain the motivation of behaviour. Th e basic assumptions of the psychodynamic theory are that behaviour is motivated by conscious and unconscious mental processes, and that behaviour reflects current motivation and past experience (Glassman and Hadad, 2009). The approach claims that early negative experiences may become buried in the unconscious and manifest themselves in how an individual behaves in relationships with people later in life. Bion (1962) cited in Maclean and Harrison (2009) believes that the quality of childhood relationships in early life shapes the development of personality and character. According to Freud various defence mechanisms are developed by people to cope with difficult emotional situations. These defences include denial, repression, projection and displacement. Freud was of the opinion that people could overcome their problems by making conscious those thoughts and motivations hidden in the unconscious. He used several methods to gain access to the unconscious, such as free association whic h involved allowing the individual to say whatever came into their mind and if the client became blocked talking about something this signified something deeper was occurring in their unconscious. Freud also use dream analysis as he believed that unconscious thoughts were revealed in dreams and could be interpreted. Transference was another method used as clients projected and displaced their own thoughts and feelings onto their therapist. The psychodynamic approach is criticised for its subjectivity and gender, cultural and historical bias (Barker, 2003). The psychodynamic approach could be used to better understand Mr Bertram. Problems that are identifiable in the case scenario are his poor management of money, his neglect of his wife and his suspected alcoholism. His behaviour could possibly be a result of what is happening in his unconscious mind due to a negative experience in early childhood. The amount of time he spends at the golf club away from his wife could be explained as him using denial as a defence mechanism against painful emotions. He may have experienced painful losses in the past and this may have affected his unconscious mind. It is possibly too painful for him to accept his wifes illness and his coping strategy is to refuse to accept what is happening. His suspected alcoholism may be due to him regressing to an earlier stage of development where he felt safe or comfortable, possibly the oral stage when developing children focus on oral pleasures such as feeding. It is possible that the stress of his wifes illness h as triggered the regression and he may not even be aware of how his unconscious is leading him to use alcohol to cope. His use of alcoholism could also be explained as fixated behaviour, if Mr Bertram experienced trauma when he was at the oral stage (stage where according to Freud child gains satisfaction from sucking, eating, etc) in his development it is possible that he then became confined to this particular stage. His conscious choice to drink alcohol has its origins in the repressed depths of the unconscious mind (Ingleby 2006:8). His use of alcohol as a way of managing a difficult situation is inappropriate behaviour and generating its own set of problems as he is neglecting his wife and the home is in an awful state. A social worker using this approach would have to proceed with caution as behaviours may not be the result of unconscious assumptions. Behaviourism rose in prominence in the early 20th century through the ideas of thinkers such as Pavlov and Watson. The behaviourist approach lays emphasis on the role of environmental stimuli in determining the way that we act. A key idea in behaviourism is that all individuals enter the world as a clean slate (Ingleby, 2006:5). Social factors are then responsible for shaping the individual. The basic assumption is that humans learn behaviour by learned relationships between stimulus (excites the sense organs) and a response (reaction to stimulus). The main behaviourist theories of learning are classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning occurs when we make an association between a neutral stimulus that reliably produces a response, so that the neutral stimulus comes to produce the same response (Baker, 2003:43). It is most well known through Pavlovs experiment where dogs were given food at the same time as a bell was rung. The result was that the dogs wou ld salivate when the bell was rung even if no food was presented. Pairing of an unconditioned stimulus led to an unconditioned response and when the unconditioned response was paired with another stimulus, the stimulus eventually produced a response on its own. Operant conditioning has had a considerable influence on psychology and is used regularly in social care (Maclean and Harrison, 2009). Operant conditioning recognises that the environment effects behaviour. Much behaviour occurs randomly and whether we repeat it or not depends on the response we get. For example, if a person says they want to kill themselves, they may not know how or fully understand what they are saying but whether or not they say it again may depend on the response of those around them. The behaviourist approach is criticised for be oversimplified as it ignores mental processes and limited as not everything can be accounted for by simple learning (Barker, 2003). It is possible that Mr Bertram has learned behaviours over the years due to the responses he has received. As he is from a white upper class background he has led a fairly privileged life. Even though his financial status is now in question he has learned over the years that his exceedingly charming manners are able to get him what he wants. He was able to use his charm to sweep Mrs Bertram off her feet and so far has managed to use this same charm offensive to keep the landlord and social services at bay. If we apply the principle of operant conditioning to the situation we can see that Mr Bertrams behaviour has been shaped by the way that those he has come into contact with have responded by conceding to his charming ways. The consequence has been that he continually uses this behaviour to mask the problems he and his wife are experiencing. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe just before independence and I am the second child of a nurse and a self-made business man. Education was very important in my family and although it went unsaid there was always an expectation that we would be successful in life. The culture I was raised in had a very patriarchal framework and this extended to state policies and procedures. For example, in order for me to obtain a passport or national identity card I had to either go to government offices with my father or a male relative with the same surname or produce my fathers identification documents. My mothers presence or her documents would not have been acceptable. If I view this from a feminist perspective, women in my culture were placed in a position of subordination because of economic dependency and because generally they were constructed as socially inferior (Abbott, Wallace and Tyler, 2005: 28). Despite the fact that my mother worked all financial decisions were made by my father. M arxist feminist would argue that subordination of women in Zimbabwe served and continues to serve to enhance capitalist interests. My mother tended to my fathers every need so that he could go out and be productive at work. Education was a very important part of my life. Emphasis was always placed on the fact that I needed a good education in order to succeed in life. I remember getting very good reports at school while my sister got the opposite. My parents would sit her down every time her report card came home. If I apply the behaviourist principle of operant conditioning to my situation I learned that if I came home with a good report card my parents response would be a positive one. I therefore endeavoured to always have a good report so that that positive response from my parents would be repeated. My background will provide me with insight on how women can feel oppressed even in environments that they are supposed to feel safe, so that I can effectively challenge oppressive practices. My background also helps me understand how responses I may have as a social worker will shape future behaviours of service users to other social workers or professionals. It is clearly important to have an understanding of sociological and psychological perspectives in social work as both make a significant contribution to understanding different service user needs.

Personal Narrative- Meeting God through Strangers :: Personal Narrative

Personal Narrative- Meeting God through Strangers Meeting strangers can often times be awkward, but there are other moments when, if given, a stranger can transform your life. The time frame was approximately six years ago and I was working as a photographer for Sears Portrait Studio. As the photographer, I was always meeting new and interesting people. My job was fairly predictable in that we primarily photographed children; except for one day when that would all change. I was working at the front counter when an older couple approached. Their disposition was gentle and soft. They wanted to know if we were photographing that particular day. I said, "Indeed, we were." I might mention that this couple was so polite in asking that I was a bit caught off guard. I told them we could get them in immediately if they were ready. The lady mentioned that all she needed to do was add a touch of lipstick, fix her husband's tie, and they could be ready. The wife made sure to explain that the portraits would be for their 35th wedding anniversary. They both followed me in to the sitting room as I began to take a few poses. After doing so, I started to notice something peculiar about the couple. I was not a Christian at that time, so all I really noticed is that they weren't like everyone else I encountered. I was in a difficult relationship myself, and after seeing their interaction with one another, it spurred me to ask them a question. I said, "I don't mean to pry, but I was noticing something about you both that seems unique; I was curious what makes your relationship work?" The woman paused for a moment and pondered my question. After a moment she replied with sheer confidence, "God." He was what made their relationship work. I took a few steps back. This was not the answer I was expecting. We continued with the sitting and I met them out front to finish up the sale. I told them that "it was nice to meet both of them and I appreciated their advice." But, before I got that full sentence out, the lady reached out and embraced me. I knew at that moment, God had a hold of me and that he was using this couple as a vehicle to my salvation. These "strangers" are my family today.

Operations Management in Business Essay

In writing this assignment the template provided by the college has been used helping in completing the Assignment in the correct format. Information for this assignment has been collected from various sources such as academic pieces of writing from textbooks and lecture notes. Information on the company has been gathered from the organisations website, journal articles and government statistics. References will be provided at the end of the assignment under the referencing section. LO1: Understand the structure and aims of business organisations LO1.1 Explain the importance of operational management Operation management can be identified as a complete set of managerial activities employed by the organization to transform resource inputs into product and service outputs. So the resource inputs are the factors of production such as materials, parts, supplies, technologies, capital, human resources and information. The transformational process is that set of activities through which operations managements produces output that is value to a customer or client in the organization’s external environment. So the concept of adding value is critical to operations management. So when operations add value to the original cost of the resource inputs, where a business can generate profit or non profit org can provide public services  to the society. So no organization can be successful unless they manage their operations efficiently. An organization has to manage its operations in an effective manner so that customers will get a satisfactory output. Read more:  Operations Management Essay Why an operation manger position is important to Kingslice 1.To take capacity decisions: That is as operation manager, has to decide how much capacity will be needed and need to identity how flexible capacity should be. 2.To take facilities decisions: So operation manger has to decide where should facilities be located and also how many facilities will be needed and what size they should be. 3.To make workflow and technology decisions: Operation manger should decide what workflow layout would be best for Kingslice and also what technology should be used. 4.To make materials and inventory decisions: How often should inventory be ordered and how large should inventory levels be. 5.Have to make quality decisions: As a bread producing company how Kingslice can achieve best quality outputs and what level it should be. So as the operation manger in Kingslice it is really important to concentrate on productivity and profitability. So as the operation manager I have to look at Quality, Efficiency and Effectiveness issues in the company. †¢Quality Standard: As it is expected to produce various kinds of breads to meet customers’ needs it is very necessary to maintain standard quality in products. Eg: Wholemeal bread, White bread, Gluten-free bread. To ensure quality, the right ingredients must be bought at a reasonable price to be competitive among the rivals. So the Economic Order Quantity model will be an effective tool in this case. †¢Efficiency Standard: Should reduce wastage and need to produce the right amount of breads according to sales. It is very important that all the equipments need to be up to date according to new technology bakers should be well trained. †¢Effectiveness Standard: This will help Kingslice to generate more profit and will attract more investors in to the organization. So having skilful staffs and proper equipment will help to lift up the effectiveness in Kingslice. LO1.2 Explain the need to produce safely; on time; to cost; to quality and within the law Operational efficiency is the ability of an organization to deliver products or services to its customers in the most cost-effective manner possible while still ensuring the high quality of its product, service and support. To improve operational efficiency it’s important to analyze the current situation of the company, which occurs when the right combination of the people, process and technology come together to enhance the productivity and value of any business operations, while reducing the cost of routine. It is important for, Kingslice as bread producing company to, -Decrease operational cost and optimize efficiency -Manage and develop product quality and ensure regulatory compliance -Generate a real time demand driven sales and operational planning process âž ¢Safety Kingslice should guarantee that safety of all staffs. Staffs need to carry out a health and safety trainings which will be useful be more cautious at work and react efficiently to safety issues. Equipments should be service over period of time to prevent any danger. âž ¢Cost Minimising wastage will help Kingslice a lot. So the saved money saved could be used in other departments which lack facilities. Avoiding unnecessary cost will help the company to stay competitive. âž ¢Time Producing the bread on time will help Kingslice honouring its contacts to the retailers. By this act, other retailers can switch to Kingslice. âž ¢Quality Customer and retailers feedback need to be taken in to consideration seriously so that we can identify which areas need to improve the most. Having regular meetings with staffs is another form of feedback where ideas can be discussed as well as issues in how to improve quality. âž ¢Legislation To maintain our competiveness and reputation in the market Kingslice need to stick on to the law. Health and safety policy should be respected by giving the staffs the necessary equipments to work. There are laws that protect the environment; at Kingslice we should try to recycle waste. LO1.3 Explain the link between operations management and strategic planning Operations management deals with designs, management with products, processes, services and supply chains. It is considered that the acquisition, development and resources utilization that company needs to provide the goods and services to fulfil their customer’s needs. So basically it is the acquisition of resources and processes them into finished goods according to the customers’ wants and the business goal. Strategic planning is a method for a company planning the present based on the projections what will be needed in the future. So it is a road map to direct the business from where it is now where it will like to be Strategic planning gives a clear view on: †¢How resources should be allocated. †¢The issues need to be addressing. †¢The strengths and weaknesses. . Strategic Planning Process Link between Strategic Planning and Operation Management In Kingslice, as the operational manger should be able operate following operations strategies, †¢Ability to produce bread at low cost †¢Ability produce in accordance with specification and without error †¢Ability to do things quickly in response to customer demands and thereby offer short lead times between when customers orders a product and when they receive it. †¢Ability to deliver products in accordance with promises made to customers †¢Ability to change the volume of production †¢Ability to change the mix of different products Eg: Wholemeal bread, White bread †¢Ability to innovate and introduce new products Eg: Gluten-free bread, Multi-seed bread Applying the SWOT analysis in Kingslice, -Strengths: Get the best out of the staffs and equipping well trained staff and technology. -Weaknesses: Need to reduce the wastes and have to follow or standard recycling method. -Opportunities: Innovating products and change package design will help to increase the sales. -Threats: competitors and health and safety issues LO1.4 Produce a systems diagram to illustrate a typical business LO2: Understand the link between operations management and strategic planning LO2.1 Explain the ‘Three Es’ (economy, efficiency and effectiveness) In this 3 Es’ theory it is often referred to Value of Money. †¢Economy –Minimising the cost of resources (doing things at a low price) This covers financial side of work carried out. It is measured by considering the cost of resources consumed into value of output delivered. †¢Efficiency –Performing tasks with realistic attempt (doing things the right way) This can be measured in terms of the inputs required to generate the outputs. So if a task can be finished with less resources, the efficiency is been improved. †¢Effectiveness –The point to which objectives are met (doing the right things) This can be measured by setting up a target before a task begins and then evaluating whether the targets have been achieved not. †¢Integrating 3Es use of the resources in improving quality o f the products and the customer service in Subway So this 3Es are interrelated so as operations manger when dealing with improving quality and customer service its necessary to consider all 3. So I can suggest following, †¢Benchmarking against other rivals for indications as to whether we are â€Å"economic enough†, â€Å"efficient enough† and â€Å"effective enough†. †¢Comparing with other parts of our organization †¢Measuring and interpreting trends over a period of time †¢Aiming to continuous improvement So I would suggest following measures to improve above qualities in Subway, †¢Economy Performance Measures: Maintaining a cost per unit Comparing the actual cost input with planned input †¢Efficiency Performance Measures: Minimising the waste Make sure staffs well trained Equipment must be up to date †¢Effective Performance Measures: Storing the right amount of stocks Identifying the best selling meal depending on the location Identifying the target customer group Responding to customer feedbacks LO2.2Explain the tension between cost minimisation and quality maximisation. Cost minimisation aims to achieve the most cost efficient way of delivering goods and services achieve the essential level of quality. Customer is the main root in Tesco Plc, without them they cannot survive in the completive market. While offering good customer services and the good quality products need to have an idea about the cost minimization of the product as well. So in this case I realised major out flow of the company is marketing and branding cost. Therefore I have to identify better marketing and branding technique to drop overall Tesco marketing and branding cost for our products. But marketing is very vital to survive in this competitive market (ex.Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose) Thus have to look any alternation cost to reduce rather than cutting marketing cost. I came with an idea to reduce production cost at controlling, †¢Minimise the extra over time, †¢Minimise unnecessary utility expenses †¢Management ordering –then we can reduce transport cost and increase the sales in an efficient way. †¢Hence some Tesco expresses don’t have their own bake off it will be good move to build their own bake off to control waste, cost and provide high quality products. In the mean time I have given my attention to best customer services throughout our entire retail shops. By  advising all retail managers to look after extra satisfactory stock at any time and maintain all warehouse activities including production ,servicing and manage of chilled foods and grocery items while minimum of wastage and maximising customer satisfaction towards highest profitability margin while in according to control the safety features. To increase the customer services I manage to conduct, †¢Proper training programme to all our staff. †¢Evaluate the retail shops and individual staff by’’ mystery shopper’’ †¢Well experience new staff recruitment, LO2.3 Evaluate the significance of the five performance objectives that underpin operations management Strategy in a business organization is essentially about how the organization seeks to survive and prosper within its environment over the long-term. The decisions and actions taken within its operations have a direct impact on the basis on which an organization is able to do this. The way in which an organization secures, deploys and utilizes its resources will determine the extent to which it can successfully pursue specific performance objectives. Slack et al. (2004) argue that there are five operations strategies: 1 Cost: The ability to produce at low cost. 2 Quality: The ability to produce in accordance with specification and without error. 3 Speed: The ability to do things quickly in response to customer demands and thereby offer short lead times between when a customer orders a product or service and when they receive it. 4 Dependability: The ability to deliver products and services in accordance with promises made to customers (e.g. in a quotation or other published information). 5 Flexibility: The ability to change operations. Flexibility can comprise up to four aspects: †¢The ability to change the volume of production. †¢The ability to change the time taken to produce. †¢The ability to change the mix of different products or services produced. †¢The ability to innovate and introduce new products and services. Operations strategy has a vertical relationship in the corporate hierarchy with business and corporate strategies, and horizontally with the other functional strategies, most notably with marketing strategy. Operations strategy might come about in a top-down or a bottom-up process with regard to business and corporate strategies. Similarly, an operations strategy might be developed in response to market requirements (i.e. market-led) or be based on the capabilities of its operations. Slack et al. (2004: p.67) argue that an operations strategy concerns the pattern of strategic decisions and actions, which set the role, objectives, and activities of operations’. Their use of the term ‘pattern’ implies a consistency in strategic decisions and actions over time. LO3 Understand how to organise a typical production process LO3.1Explain linear programming Linear programming is the process of taking various linear inequalities relating to some situation, and finding the â€Å"best† value obtainable under those conditions. Let X be the number of items produced in Basic and Y be the number of items produced in Deluxe. Let P be the profit from both Basic and Deluxe. Then; 10X+ 15Y= P A maximum units of capital is 100. Then; 100≠¥4X+5Y——————requirement 1 Maximum labour availability is 60 hours Then; 60 ≠¥2X+4Y 30≠¥ X+2Y——————-requirement 2 The number of items of the products should be greater than or equals to zero. Then; Y≠¥0 and X≠¥0 Graphical method is used to solve the problem 3 points are available and the 4th point should be derived from the graph Point (0,15) , (0,0) and (25,0) is available , X=16.7 and Y= 6.7 substituting in P= 10x+15y P=167 + 100.5 =267.5 Therefore the maximum profit = 267.5 LO3.2 Evaluate critical path analysis and network planning Critical path analysis is a step by step technique for process planning. This is series of activities determining the earliest completion of the project and schedule network analysis techniques used to identify the schedule flexibility and the critical path of the project schedule network diagram. The critical path is the longest path (sequence of activities) in a project schedule network diagram. Because it is the longest path, it determines the duration of the project and hence the finish dates of the project given the start date. CPA requires careful planning so projects can run smoothly. Improve efficiency and cash flow, therefore materials can be ordered to arrive only as they are needed. Critical path analysis †¢May be used as part of the decision making process. †¢Enables a firm to plan and monitor operations. †¢Time related – identifies the maximum time for an operation to be completed. †¢Identify potential problems in implementing operation. †¢Identifies where and when resources (including human ones) are needed. The approach is in three parts. †¢Create the network – break the overall task down into discrete activities and then create a logical network showing the relationship between the activities in terms of what follows or precedes what. †¢Calculate the timings – make estimates of the time required for each activity and calculate the total time required for the project and the critical path – the path of activities which must happen to estimate if the project is to be completed on time. †¢Update and monitor progress – this is where critical path analysis is really important in areas such as constructions. Having  formed the network and made the estimates and initial calculations, the progress of the activities can be monitored and the whole network updated as work progresses, to ensure that the project completion is not delayed. Example- The following tasks, estimates and precedence have been agreed in a project. TaskActivityEstimated datesprecedence AWrite project initiation document3- BResearch site one4A CResearch site two2A DDocument requirements – site one6B EDocument requirement – site two5C FDefine non – functional requirements2A GDefine agreed requirements3D,E,F HWrite invitation to tender4G Total days29 So we can prepare a project network for this project. After that we can be able to identify which activities are on the critical path of the project. Observing this path we can be able to infer the estimated elapsed duration of the project. The project network for this project- Critical path = ABDG H = 3 + 4 + 6 + 3 + 4 = 20 days In order to complete to this project take 29 days normally but after applying  critical path can be able to finish this 20 days and we can save 9 days from this. LO3.3 Explain the need for operational planning and control Operational planning and control decisions involve arrangement and control of labour, materials, and capital input to produce the required quantity and quality of production most efficiently. Operational planning and control are based on forecasts of future demand for the output of the system. But even with the best possible forecasting and the most finely tuned operations system, demand cannot always be met with existing system capability in a given time period. †¢Unexpected market trends †¢new product developments †¢competitors’ actions Can throw the forecasts off and problems in the operations system can reduce capacity. At these times, shorter term managerial decisions must be made to allocate system capacity to meet demand.   Long term planning involves factors such as fixed capacity planning and product planning. These decisions will affect the organization in the long run. Medium and short term planning involves variable capacity planning, product forecasting, operations scheduling and inventory management. Operation manger organises the operations functioned be allocating responsibilities and creating structures. To ensure business will run smoothly in the long run following planning and controls have to take in to action âž ¢Routing: _ decides the quality and material type _organizing production control forms _investigating which part of the product need to produced or bought âž ¢Scheduling Preventing unnecessary delays and completing operations successfully and efficiently. _Master scheduling _Manufacture scheduling âž ¢Despatching How the process and operations are done through the route sheets. _Centralised Despatching _De-centralised Despatching âž ¢Follow up and expediting âž ¢Inspection LO4 Be able to apply relevant techniques to the production of an operational plan for a typical business LO4.1 Produce a set of clearly defined operational outcomes Companies achieve operational outcomes by reducing or avoiding costs. We can use SMART tool to define the outcomes †¢Specific: Clear and definite terms describing abilities, knowledge, values, attitudes and performance. †¢Measurable: It is feasible to get the data and data are accurate and reliable so it can be assed in more than one way. †¢Aggressive but Attainable: Has potential to move the organization forward. †¢Results-oriented: Describes what standards are expected from customers. †¢Time-bound: Describes where organization would like to be within a specific time period †¢As the Operations Manager at Curry’s, †¢When a customer orders for any particular product online it will be delivered next day, so as the operational manger if we can improve that same day service. It will enhance the quality of customer service provided by Curry’s. †¢Reviewing all the shifts and rescheduling the staff rota. So we can put more staff in the busy periods so it will help to provide excellent customer service because customers won’t be waiting in the long queues to get served. †¢Customer Returns have a bad effect on the business so as operation manger need to ensure the customer to remain faithful to Curry’s. Discount vouchers, Percentage discounts can be issued to the customer. This will satisfy customers. †¢Some customers experience problems in going through the catalogues. By having trained staffs, it is promising for them  to offer help to the customers who wish to use their assist in deciding which particular product the customers are looking for. †¢As the operation manger, need to compliance with budget and stability in curries. LO4.2 Produce a network plan and indicate the resultant critical path TaskActivityEstimated datesprecedence ASearch for suppliers and prepare storage10- BObtain quotation and get the approval 20A CPlace Order5B DInform The accountant 10C EReceive Goods20D G H FReceive invoice15A GChecking goods and acceptance5F, C HMake payment15A Total days LO4.3 Explain how quality could be defined and maintained Quality means different things to different organizations depending on the context. In curry’s quality is more likely to mean service excellence and customer care which is measured in terms of meeting customer expectations and customer satisfaction. http://www.iia.org.uk/en/Knowledge_Centre/Resource_Library/quality.cfm †¢how to ensure the overall quality standard in curry’s -Providing vision and direction to achieve results. -Making decisions using accurate data and facts. -Delivering value through the development of individuals -Managing process through an integrated approach -Increasing efficiency -Focusing on customers and anticipating future needs -Continuous improvement Quality management tools, standards and models -ISO 9000 series -Total quality management -Investors in people -Service excellence -Six sigma †¢To achieve quality standards in curry’s need to, -Provide quick response to customer feedbacks and problems -Have fully trained staffs -Revise supply chain of the products if products, defects higher than the returns expected per day. -Have up to date software’s and hardware’s to provide after sales services if required Conclusion and recommendation Operations management is a broad area of business management that involves labor relations, statistics, manufacturing control, and policy creation, among other things Being a good operation manager demands lots of hard work and dedication as he/she has to demonstrate how he/she manage scarce resources, time, cost, quality and so on. 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