Contemporary Issues in Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2

Contemporary Issues in Management - Essay Example Management is simply the process of organizing and coordinating all activities in all business organizations in order to achieve defined goals and objectives (Newton, 2005). Contemporary organizations are very different from traditional organizations in so much ways. In contemporary organizations, the leadership style applied is mostly the democratic leadership style. This is a style that gives organization’s employees to participate in all almost if not all decision making situations. Employees of an organization are the most vital resources that an organization possesses since they contribute significantly to the success of the organization in the achievement of organization’s goals and objectives. The managers of Tesco Company for example are aware of this and this is why they mostly prefer the democratic style of leadership. The managers involve employees in decisions making situations such as setting of organization’s goals and objectives, setting policies a nd code of conduct that must be adhered to in the organization and designing plans to achieve organization’s goals and objectives and much more. In Tesco Company for example, the management is responsible for developing a competitive advantage that will enable the organization compete effectively in its respective market. The knowledge and skills of reflexive managers and employees’ ideas are vital to the development of an effective competitive advantage in organizations. Democratic leadership exercised by leaders in a contemporary organization gives employees opportunities to share their ideas with the organization’s managers on the business can develop a good competitive advantage. Parker (2000) argues that employees in contemporary organizations are always highly skilled and educated. Most contemporary organizations perform exceptionally well in their respective market and therefore employ employees who are highly productive in the market. The

ISO Standards and Excellence - work paper Coursework

ISO Standards and Excellence - work paper - Coursework Example These categories entail over twenty plus criterions based items. The five categories of ISO 9000 include the following: A quality management system comprises of set of rules that need to be fulfilled. Some of these require practical steps related to the ongoing processes, the others require the documentation and written material which include the declaration of the Standard Operating Procedures. Monitoring of processes, activities, timeline following and providing the employees with working manuals that clearly define their tasks and responsibilities are few of the basic requirements set forth by a Quality Management System. A quality system is a broader concept and application of the basic principles of quality services and delivery. The quality manual on the other side is a documented form of company and policy material which is largely based on the quality system manifesto and mechanisms. Quality system is a broad line definition and quality manual is the part of entire project and work which is presented as an organizational work policy representative documents. Quality procedures are set of steps and actions that are set forth before the workers prior to their working execution. The quality process include the practical demonstration of the steps so undertaken during the course of action. The work instructions comprise of the clear dos and don’ts of the organization which provides a clear path following to the organization and project accomplishment. Quality objective comes along as the part of the quality Management system and quality policy manifesto. Under the objectives, the workers are provided with the guidelines that need to be accomplished. The processes are clearly chalked out. The objectives roughly define the project goals and organizational management setup. I.S.O defines the quality objective and makes it an integral part of the organizational manifesto, the I.S.O accreditation is subject to

Economic sanctions against Cuba Essay Example for Free

Economic sanctions against Cuba Essay The US economic embargo against Cuba dates back to1962 during a revolution than led to Fidel Castro occupying the top seat as the President of Cuba. The embargos comprised both economic and commercial sanctions as well as financial support. These embargos were put in place when Fidel Castro nationalized all the enterprises that were owned by Americans in Cuba. (Jones, 2008). Due to this, the Foreign Assistance Act was passed in the US congress, which prohibited any aid to be extended to Cuba, and therefore a total embargo was imposed on all trade relations between the US and Cuba. (Sierra, 1962) This economic embargo was to undermine Cuban president, Fidel Castro and the socialist government he had established. Imports of all goods from Cuba were banned. In 1963, President Kennedy proposed that it was illegal for any US citizen to travel to Cuba either for personal reasons or for commercial purposes. In this connection, the US department of commerce made it a requirement that all exports of food stuffs and medicine be approved before being taken out of the country. (Sierra, 1962). The US economic embargo against Cuba led to great economic and social effects which are still felt today. The ban on trade relations with the US led to increased cost of imports and lower levels of production. The cost of food increased, which led to adverse shortage of food in Cuba and an increasing dependency on the Soviet Union. Cuba lost her major markets and foreign assistance leading to a collapse of the Cuban economy. (Lamrani, 2007). Because of this, the standard of living dropped. Additionally, there were critical health concerns due to a ban on medicines from the US. The US president should not continue supporting the policy but he should lift the sanctions. These sanctions hurt Castro’s administration a little, but it is the common man who suffers most from the enforced restrictions. His suffering is in direct contradiction to how the US would like to portray itself as a big brother to smaller and weaker nations. Therefore, lifting restrictions on trade will allow free trade to take place between Cuba and the US. This will stimulate economic growth of Cuba leading to a better standard of living. In addition, lifting travel restrictions will promote tourism in Cuba, which will also stimulate economic growth. Griswold (2005) says that there is need for the application of sound reasoning on trade in general as far as this policy is concerned toward Cuba. Therefore change in Cuba will not be embraced by applying more sanctions but it will be realized through dialogue between Cuba and the US government. The clips present different types of speeches by the presidents concerning different issues in the history of the US. President John Kennedy was among the best in communicating with the American people. An example of this is a humorous speech he made in a democratic fund raising event. Bill Clinton also made a remarkable speech when he talked about forgiveness in a ceremony commemorating the 1963 civil rights march in Washington DC. Contrary to the above, President Richard Nixon had the most difficult time connecting with the people because of the allegations of financial mismanagement by his administration that involved a political trust fund. Because of these allegations, he lost in California when he contested for the presidency a second time. (The history place) It is true that the economic sanctions imposed on Cuba for almost half a century seem to have failed in their mission. Castro’s administration continues to be in power and stronger than ever before, a situation, which is causing a big debate in the US government. (McLoughlin Boles, 2003) Reference Griswold, T (2005). The economic embargo. Updated 2006. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009 http://www. freetrade. org/issues/cuba. html Lamrani, S. (2007). The economic sanctions against Cuba: The failure of a cruel and irrational policy. Updated Oct.8, 2007. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009. http://www. globalresearch. ca/index. php? context=vaaid=7024 McLoughlin, E. Boles, E. (2003). The United states embargo against Cuba. Updated Dec. 5, 2003. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009 http://glenninstitute. osu. edu/washington/McLoughlinPaper. htm Sierra, J. A (1962). The economic embargo time line in Cuba. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009. http://www. historyofcuba. com/history/funfacts/embargo. htm â€Å"The history place†: Sounds of history: Updated 2009. Accessed Jan. 28, 2008 http://www. historyplace. com/specials/sounds-prez/index. html

madden :: essays research papers

Welcome to Madden NFL 2004. This README.txt file contains information on issues not covered by the manual and install guide. - Supported 3D Accelerator Hardware Madden NFL 2004 requires a 32mb 3D Direct3D chipset including: Cards with these chipsets are officially supported ------------------------------------------------------- - nVidia GeForce2 GTS, GeForce3, GeForce4 MX series, GeForce4 Ti series, GeForce FX series Win98 driver ver: Detonator 44.30 WinME driver ver: Detonator 44.30 WinXP driver ver: Detonator 44.30 Win2k driver ver: Detonator 44.30 http://www.nvidia.com **NOTE**: Madden NFL 2004 does not officially support the GeForce 2 MX series. - ATI Radeon 8500, Radeon 9200, Radeon 9600, Radeon 9700, and Radeon 9800 Win98 driver ver: Catalyst 3.5 WinME driver ver: Catalyst 3.5 WinXP driver ver: Catalyst 3.5 Win2k driver ver: Catalyst 3.5 http://www.ati.com - Matrox Parhelia WinXP driver ver: 1.04.02.007 Win2k driver ver: 1.04.02.007 http://www.matrox.com **NOTE**: This game does not support workstation 3D cards or dual monitors.*** ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Minimum System Requirements CPU: PIII or AMD Athlon 700MHz RAM: 128MB (256MB for Windows XP) Video: 32MB supported Direct3D capable video card with DirectX 9.0 or higher compatible driver (DirectX 9.0a is recommended) - Go to the "Windows and DirectX" section of this Readme. Recommended: 10 button dual analog gamepad ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Unreadable text with WindowsXP If you are having trouble reading the text in game and you are using the WindowsXP operating system, then you will need to download a patch from Microsoft to correct this. The patch can be downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistler/Patch/Q306676/WXP/EN-US/Q306676_WXP_SP1_x86_ENU.exe ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Running in Windowed Mode If you experience graphical issues while running in windowed mode at 640x480, turn the "Hardware Acceleration" setting for your video card to FULL. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Antialiasing and Anisotropic Filtering You may experience player model graphic corruption in the training and mini-camp drills with Antialiasing and Anisotropic Filtering set at 4 times or higher. Turn these settings OFF to resolve the issue. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Windows and DirectX Users with Windows (WinXP, Win2000, WinME, Win98 First or Second Edition) and a version of DirectX older than 9.0a may experience performance problems. These problems can be resolved by installing DirectX 9.0a BEFORE YOU INSTALL THE GAME, which is available on your Madden NFL 2004 game disc. Simply use windows explorer and go to X:DirectX (where X is your CD Rom drive). From there run the DXSetup.exe file. YOU MAY NEED TO UNINSTALL MADDEN NFL 2004, INSTALL DIRECTX 9.0a, AND THEN RE-INSTALL THE GAME. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- AOL and MSN - Minimizing Madden NFL 2004 If you are running AOL or MSN on Windows XP or 2000, sometimes pop-ups will minimize the game. To prevent this, press the START button in Windows then go to Settings - Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Services.

Profanity :: Swear Swearing

Profanity â€Å"Money doesn’t talk, it swears.† Many of the most brilliant minds throughout time have used profanity. Shakespeare’s best works were revised and edited in order to remove the numerous curse words or obscene phrases he included. The harmless use of profanity in an informal setting should not be penalized, by the assignment of an essay. Profanity continuously evolves, and has a very rich and interesting history. The system of assigning essays for the use of profanity is ineffective and counter productive. â€Å"When angry, count four; when very angry, swear.† The evolution of profanity began in the sixteenth century, and it evolves with each generation. Profanity is recognized in many Shakespearean works, and has evolved into the profane language used today. Some cuss or curse words have somehow maintained their original meanings throughout hundreds of years, while many others have completely changed meaning or simply fallen from popular vocabulary. William Shakespeare, though it is not widely taught, used a rather vulgar and dirty vocabulary in his writings. His works included subjects that some people wish they had not. "That includes a fair helping of sex, violence, crime, horror, politics, religion, anti-authoritarianism, anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, sexism, jealousy, profanity, satire, and controversy of all kinds" (Macrone 6). In Shakespeare’s time, religious and moral curses were more offensive than biological curses. Most original, prior to being censored, Shakespearean works contain offensive profanity, mostly religious, which is probably one of many reasons that his works were and continue to be so popular. "Shakespeare pushed a lot of buttons in his day- which is one reason he was so phenomenally popular. Despite what they tell you, people like having their buttons pushed" (Macrone 6). His works contained many profane words or phrases and as a result, were censored to protect the innocent minds of the teenagers who are now required to read them, and also because they were blasphemous and offensive. Almost all of the profanity was removed, and that that was not had just reason for being there. Some of the Bard's censored oaths are; "God's blessing on your beard" Love's Labors Lost, II.i.203 This was a very rude curse because a man's facial hair was a point of pride for him. And "to play with someone's beard" was to insult him. "God's body" 1 Henry IV, II.i.26 Swearing by Christ's body (or any part thereof,) was off limits in civil discourse.

Family Guy, Friend or Foe? Essay

Family Guy and Freud: Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious In Antonia Peacocke article â€Å"Family Guy and Freud: Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious,† she discuses the show created by Seth MacFarlane, stating how she loves the show and how she can even recite several episodes by heart. However, when she first started watching the show she did not care for the type of humor that was expressed. Peacocke goes onto explains that she is not the only one who has these same feelings on how the show is bigoted and crude (Peacocke). Evidence to this was when the show was cancelled not only once, but also twice, in 2000 and 2002. Soon after the show was band, complaints from so many viewers to Fox Television Network, the producers were forced to start airing the show again (Peacocke). However, as she continued to watch the television program, she noticed that there was more than just racist, sexist, and bestiality jokes to be taken from the show (Peacocke). She even goes on to state how she gave the show a second chance and realized that it actually had a purpose and portrayed the stereotypes many people use today. Family Guy is one of the most disgusting, cruel and racist shows I have ever laid my eyes on, that is what I first thought after watching the TV show, Family Guy, for the first time, now that I look back on it, it is simply not true. If you look into the show more deeply and get what Seth McFarland, creator of Family Guy, is trying to portray you realize there is a lot more to it. I took the same view of the show as Peacocke, at first I did not like it, but I was forced by my family and friends to watch it. After watching several episodes, I stepped back and took a deeper look at the racist and sexist jokes said on the show, and I realized there was mor e to learn and see then just getting a chuckle out of the cruel jokes. Family Guy can be one of the most sexist and demeaning television programs out there but if you take a step back and look at what Seth MacFarlane is trying to get at, from the women of the 1950’s to the censorships of the FCC, you can learn the true meaning of Family Guy. Anyone who has ever watched an episode of Family Guy will agree that the show is very offence and often time sexist, but most people do not really get the true meaning of the show and how it relates to the stereotypes in our day to day lives. In one occasion in Peacocke essay â€Å"Family Guy and Freud: Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious,† she states that in an episode â€Å"I am Peter, Here me Roar,† there is a scene of an old 1950’s work place where a business man is talking about how women are very insecure about their appearance(). He explains that men should be sure to complement women on how they look, even if they are ugly, because they will believe it (302). Then the businessman goes on to say that a firm slap on their butt will let them know what good of a job they have done (302). I take this not to be a sexist skit but how the women of the 1950’s were mocked in the work place and how normal it was for this to happen to them. This is just one of the many examples of people misunderstanding Family Guy. Peacocke also includes in her essay how celebrities influence the way we think and what we do things in our everyday lives. This is shown in one episode of Family Guy, mentioned in Peacocke’s essay, when Brian and Stewie, are talking about Stewie’s choice of reading material (304). Brian then goes on to explain to Stewie that he only picks what he is going to read based on the books presented in Oprah’s Book Club on the Oprah Winfrey show (304). However, Stewie is quick to deny any of his accusations. Soon after Stewie’s denial, Brian is able to get Stewie to admit that he really is reading the book simply because Oprah suggests it. Here they are trying to demonstrate how Americans are willing to listen to the suggestions of celebrities and do what they tell us to do, without thinking twice about it. I agree with Peacocke on this because I have first hand experiences with my family. One example of this is my dad is a huge Payton Manning fan. When he saw that Payton was endorsing the brand Buick, he just had to go run out and get one because he wanted to be just like Payton. When I asked him about it, he said that it was a nice car and had nothing to do with Payton. But in the back of my mind I knew it was because of Payton. This goes to show that people are willing to follow the instructions of celebrities but don’t really want to admit that they do (304). An episode of Family Guy, PTV, as mentioned in Peacocke’s essay, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is trying to shut down Peter’s Griffin’s own television show because it is not censored and appropriate enough to be put on television (306). Then the FCC takes it to a whole other level and tries to censor the town where they live, Quahog, later the FCC puts black bars over nude Griffin’s and uses a frog horn when they are using a swear word. The point MacFarlane is trying to depict in this episode is that no matter how much you try and censor media, you can never change the unforgiving nature of humans and therefore, in trying to do so, would be virtually impossible. Peacocke also states in the essay that it is the parent’s responsibility to watch over their children and there is more to worry about in this world then television (306). This reminds me of one of my own personal experiences with this as a child. One of my favorite shows that my dad let me watch growing up, The Three Stooges, got banned because the FCC thought that with them beating each other up and getting hurt every episode that it promoted violence, even though it was just a funny show to watch and get a laugh out of. Similarly, in Family Guy, they are not promoting hurtful racial or sexist slurs; they are showing the true stereotypes that exist in people today. At the end of the day, I have first hand experiences on both sides of the story. I have a reasonable understanding of the side, which does not care for Family Guy, and the side that knows the true meaning behind the television program. If the people who think this show is a disgrace would just take a step back, they could that Family Guy really has much more to offer then just racist, sexist and bestiality jokes. There is a distinct difference between what many people believe is sexist and what is simply just what the creator of Family Guy is trying to show us how people stereotype. I think that people are much more willing to listen to a message about discrimination and sexism if it is delivered in a funny way and they can make themselves believe it is really not them.

Netflix vs Blockbuster

Netflix vs Blockbuster Introduction The movie rental industry especially DVD by mail enables people to rent various film media online. The media include DVD’s, Blu-ray discs, and video games delivered to the consumer by mail. Most of the interaction takes place online through signing up to the respective rental service. The most dominant companies offering the above service include Blockbuster Video Online, Netflix, Lovefilm and eHit.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Netflix vs Blockbuster specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Though the movie rental industry still records impressive performance, there is some decline in some quarters attributed mainly to technological developments that have diminished the need for movie renting. Thanks to technology, online download and purchases and availability of substitutes like cable television and the internet pose a serious challenge to the long-term survival and relevance of the movie re ntal industry. This analysis will focus on two of the companies mentioned above. The analysis will focus on various aspects of the companies mentioned to determine which is one is more successful than the other. Additionally, there will be a brief analysis on the primary reasons for the different outcomes associated with the two companies. The discussion will contain two recommendations for the less successful company on ways of improving their fortunes. Analysis Both companies have their headquarters in the US. Netflix is the younger of the two having been in the business for slightly over fourteen years compared to Blockbuster’s twenty five years. Both entities display distinct business approaches that are clearly evident in their financial performance. Blockbuster, by virtue of it s age has a larger network spread over seventeen countries with approximately 1700 stores (Ireland et al., 2011, p. 105). Netflix on the other hand has a smaller area of operation compared to its older competitor, with stores in the US, Canada, and a handful of countries in Latin America. However, the company has in place plans to expand to Europe specifically Spain, UK and Ireland. Both companies offer more or less the same services. Even so, Netflix appears to offer a wider variety of services compared to Blockbuster (Schermerhon, 2011, p. 21). Besides disc rentals, Netflix also offers internet vide streaming as well as original programming.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, the company offers device support services by availing hardware and software support, video game consoles, set-top boxes for better quality digital transmission, Blu-ray disk players and hand-held services. Block buster on its part is only involved in online rentals and retail operations such as GameRush stores and Blockbuster Express (Schermerhon, 2011, p. 27). Given the above status of services offered by both companies it is clear that Netflix has diversified its sources of revenue more than Blockbuster. Unlike Netflix whose ownership has been steady, Blockbuster has had to change ownership a couple of times. The company stock’s tumble in 1994 led to a takeover by Viacom. Blockbuster however de-merged from Viacom in 2004 and immediately introduced the Game Pass nationally. At the same time, the company introduced Blockbuster Online, an online DVD subscription. The takeover and apparent boardroom fights have had an adverse effect on Blockbuster, something its competitor Netflix has been successful in avoiding. Netflix’s cautious approach to expansion and successful avoidance of the business twists that come along with takeovers and change of leadership are evident in their financial results (Hill Gareth, 2008, p.50). At the same time, the effect of the above trends is clear in the financial performance of Blockbuster. Near bankruptcy has led to the closure of numerous stores in Europe and a chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing saw Blockbuster purchased by Dish Network. The company sought protection due to apparent failure to service its $900 million debt as well as mounting losses. Management by the new owners has seen the closure of hundreds of stores in its areas of operation including a wind up of the Canadian unit. While Blockbuster is struggling with bankruptcy issues, its competitor Netflix recorded a net income of US$ 160 million in 2010. The company’s total revenue totaled US$ 2.17 billion while its operating income totaled US$ 283 million in the year 2010. Its total assets in the same year totaled US$982 million while total equity totaled US$ 290 million in the same year (Light, 2011, p. 56).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Netflix vs Blockbuster specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Blockbuster got delisted fro m the New York Stock Exchange on July 2010 due to a failure by its stockholders to pass a reverse stock split. This is in contrast to Netflix’s stock price increase by 219% in the same year. The share price was even better in 2011 registering $1.07 earnings per share in April 2011. Additionally, the company added 8 million new subscribers to attain a total of 20 million subscribers (Light, 2011, p. 56). In 2009, Blockbuster’s leadership declined to release figures about its subscriber’s base. By 2007 however, the company’s base had hit 3 million, a far cry though from Netflix’s 20 million. Financial performance, customer perception and stability of a business entity determine success of business (Klein, 2010, p. 45). On this front, it is clear that Netflix is more successful than Blockbuster. Blockbuster is experiencing boardroom feuds, poor financial performance and significant contraction while Netflix on the other hand is recording phenomenal gr owth, employing a cautious approach in expansion worldwide. Numerous reasons ranging from leadership and expansion and penetration strategies can help explain the above company situations. The section below briefly outlines the three most probable explanations for the above situations. It is possible that Blockbuster‘s leadership failed to capitalize on its initial dominance to establish a solid and loyal clientele, critical at a time like today. Presence in numerous other countries besides the US failed to net enough subscribers necessary for survival during hard economic times. Furthermore, the company appears to have engaged in reckless expansion with little or no proper projection on return on investment. It is therefore possible that the company spent more on deliveries than what it netted out of the subscriptions. Besides, there appears are flaws on its franchise arrangements, access to credit and unsound business decisions probably due to multiple change of ownership. N etflix on the other hand did what Blockbuster failed to do. It is apparent that the company seized the opportunity by implementing sound financial and business expansion strategies (Hitt, 2009, p. 275). Besides, Netflix embraced innovation and the use of technology to spur its subscriptions.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Recommendations To improve its fortunes, blockbuster video needs to: Concentrate on the primary market in the US before any diversification takes place. The current approach taken by Dish Network involving closure of stores is necessary to achieve the above. To embrace innovation and carry out improvements based on the weaknesses of its competitors as well as market trends. Conclusion The comparisons given above are by any means not exhaustive. Though Blockbuster recorded many successes, it is easy to spot its failures especially on the backdrop of successful peers like Netflix. The success of Netflix is comparable to that of Google and Facebook, entities that embraced technology and used then to their advantage. It will be premature however for any business entity in the same industry to write off Blockbuster. It is possible for the company to make a comeback and still claim its lost success. References Hill, C. Gareth, J. (2008). Essentials of Strategic Management. London: Spri nger. Hitt, A.M. (2009). Strategic management: competitiveness and globalization : cases. NJ: Infobase Publishers. Ireland, D.R. et al. (2011). Understanding Business Strategy: Concepts and Cases. New York: Routledge. Klein, T.D. (2010). Built for Change: Essential Traits of Transformative Companies. New York: Routledge. Light, L. (2011). Taming the Beast: Wall Streets Imperfect Answers to Making Money. Berlin: Springer Verlag. Schermerhon, J.R. (2011). Exploring Management. New York: John Wiley Sons.