Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Importance of the English Language in Present Day World Essay

Language is the source of communication. Its the way through which we share our ideas and thoughts with others. There are uncountable languages in this world. Because every country has their own national language, then they have different local languages spoken and understood by their people in different regions. Let’s talk about English. It is the language of England and has International Standard. Many people think English as American Language but it is not true. In fact, when Columbus discovered America, he saw the country in the Stone Age with high illiteracy rate. Those were the European and English people who brought education and knowledge even technology towards America. There are several factors that make us to learn English Language to go through in the current time. First of all, as I already mention, it has International Standard, that’s why everyone needs to learn English in order to get in touch on International Level. If we see Educational field, we will find much of the syllabus is written in English. Children are taught and encouraged to learn English on starting levels. And accordingly, as they promote to the next levels they study almost all the subjects in English. We see the Internet and find more than 90% of websites written and created in English. And even when you see some sites in other languages, they also give you the option to translate in English. All the research and studies you find will be written and typed in English. All the information regarding each and everything contains English Language. There is another factor that make English very important in this world is it is the easiest language of the world to learn. Many people think that it is very difficult and confusing. But I suggest them to start and learn only for a week and they will feel easy with English. With good understanding and communication in English, we can travel around the globe. We get assistance and help in English in every part of world. You can test it by on line travel. Better you visit some offices, companies, governmental organizations, and other departments, and you will see the importance of English as they hire the professional staff after getting know that whether the people they are hiring are good at English or not. This is the company’s will that their staff is not even well educated but also good English speaker, writer and Reader. Those who are still unaware about the importance of English. They should start learning English as a time will come when everything would be understood, spoken and written in English. Better watch some media and get the scope of English.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Economic Issues Simulation Paper Essay

The Castor Collins health plan is a health maintenance program (HMO) that was found in 1999 and has grown over the years. The company provides health insurance coverage through a system that involves a network of physicians and hospitals. Castor Collins Heath Plan uses the capitation model to fund its large distributed group of physicians and health care organizations. Castor Collins currently provides health care coverage to 100,000 subscribers and would like to increase their enrollees. It is the responsibility of the Vice President along with his most trusted advisers, Helen Feuerman, Chief Financial Officer, Jonathan Wilkes, Chief Medical Officer, and Adam Hunter, Executive Vice President, Planning and Development, to reach out to new clients; two in particular, E-Editors and Constructit. E-Editors The company E-Editors employs 1,600 individuals, 760 males and 840 females. The employee’s ages range from 35-54. Most of the employees with E-Editors are married so they will need to provide an affordable health care plan for their families. Looking at the kind of work involved for most of the employee’s, Castor Collins found that many of the individuals have a sedentary position. In fact, ninety-five percent of the employees at E-Editors have a position that requires long hours of sitting in front of a computer; the remaining five percent of the employees have positions that require physical activity. A thorough health screening was conducted by Castor Collins. Their findings were as followed, most of the employees who have sedentary positions had problems with their vision. Twenty two percent of the employees had no history of health issues. Twenty six percent of the employees are smokers, most of them revealing that they are considered heavy smokers, although none of employees that smoke reported any respiratory complications. The remaining forty- five percent of the employees are obese. Interestingly, the obesity is due to a sedentary job, poor eating habits, and little to no physical activity. These populations of employees are at risk for severe health complications and diseases. Constructit Constructit has 1,000 employees; 550 being male and 450 are females. The age group ranges from 26-42, and sixty percent of the employees are married. Fifty three percent of the employees have positions that require physical activity. Thirty-two percent of this group has high activity positions and twenty five percent have moderate activity positions. The remaining forty three percent of the employees have sedentary positions. The result from this groups health screening are as followed, thirty-eight percent of the employees have no preexisting health issues and are in good physical health. Ten percent of the employees are smokers. Thirty nine percent of the employees are considered obese, which is a high obesity rate. Some of the illnesses that were reported are digestive disorders, respiratory diseases, injuries, and allergies. Analysis of both groups It is Castor Collins job to find suitable health care plans that will benefit both companies, employees, and Castor Collins while keeping in mind to make it affordable and beneficial to all. They will need to evaluate the potential risks and assess the cost of premiums for both. All members of the team determined the best way for deciding would be best conducted by using the cost-benefit analysis system. â€Å"The cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is a set of techniques for assisting in the making of decisions that translates all relevant concerns into market (dollar) terms† (Gertzen & Allen, 2007). The team must first consider the age, gender, and profiles of all employees. Secondly, decide the potential health risks, calculate premium and profit. Thirdly, decide what services will be covered and co-payments for these health plans. When taking into consideration the different health profiles of all employees’ obesity seemed to be an issue for both. This alone makes the population at high risk for health issues associated with obesity such as; heart diseases, strokes, and diabetes. E-editors seem to have a higher percentage of obesity and smokers putting them at a much higher risk with health issues. Outcome After evaluating the cost and benefits that go along with providing health insurance coverage to both E-Editors and Constructit, Castor Collins financial team decided that they would only be able to provide health insurance coverage to Constructit and not E-Editors. The reason for this decision is E-Editors have a higher percentage of employees that are at risk for developing chronic diseases. The team went ahead and presented an offer to Constructit and their employees. Castor Collins can offer their employees the Castor Standard plan, which the premium to be charged will be $3,428.00. The reasoning behind choosing this plan over the Castor Enhanced and the Castor Enhanced Minor is the premiums for each employee would be significantly lower than the Enhanced and Enhance Minor plans even though each employee was willing to pay a maximum of $4,000 for their annual premium. Also, Castor Standard does not cover preexisting health conditions, so this would be a low risk investment. Preexisting conditions can cost a company thousands of dollars and in the end not be beneficial to the company’s profits. If Castor Collins were to contemplate preexisting conditions a much higher premium may have to be considered. This is an advantage that can help keep the annual premiums down and still provide many other health coverage services. The premiums that Castor Collins will charge the employees at Constructit are much lower than anticipated, which means a lower profit return. This group is considered a lower health risk group so increasing premiums could create a possibility to make greater returns, but the outcome is still fitting. Conclusion Many hours of planning and development were considered for the final decision of adding Constructit and not E-editors as a client. The team made this decision by utilizing the CBA method and determining that Constructit would be low risk to provide health coverage too. The plan that was chosen Castor Standard will have a lower return but in the long run be beneficial to Castor Collins. The employees at Constructit will be able to afford the health coverage plan and look towards the future knowing they are insured and covered for any emergencies without draining the wallet. Castor Collins and Constructit will begin a rewarding journey that will benefit both companies in the end. The team based this decision on considering all the  necessary health profiles, risks, and premiums and comparing all of the facts between both companies. Reference Getzen, T. E., & Moore, J. (2007). Health Care Economics: Principles and tools for the Health Care Industry. Hoboken,, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Business Models and Technological Innovation

The current assignment deals with identifying the comparisons between the business models of Target and Wal-Mart. In addition, the significance of ratio analysis along with the important categories of ratios is evaluated from the perspective of the retail organisations. The impact of the business models on the financial performance of the above-mentioned organisations is critically reflected to develop an insight about their financial positions. Moreover, the study also analyses the cause behind changing rate of return in terms of equity, price-earnings and leverage ratios. The latter segment of the assignment sheds light on Ackman’s views for modifying the financial and overall strategies of Target.   Ã‚   The Dayton Company has established Target in the year 1962 and Wal-Mart has been set up in the same year. These two organisations are the major competitors in the US retail industry in the 21 st century. The major points of distinction between the business models of Target and Wal-Mart are summed up as follows: Target has been popular in the US retail industry for its â€Å"fun, fast and friendly services† to its clients. Wal-Mart, on the contrary, has been popular for its strategy of low cost services. In this context, Baden-Fuller and Haefliger (2013) stated that the small retailers often tend to follow the business models of large retailers for improving their themes of store layout to cater the needs of the customers. Wal-Mart is known for its cheaper prices of products and the stores contain large boxes with racks of products and general merchandise to meet the needs of the customers. The racks and furniture are of basic designs with the aisle space minimised to portray the sensation of low prices. In the words of Landry et al. (2013), such sensation converts the perceptions of the customers to purchase quality products at lower prices compared to the other stores in the market. Target, on the other hand, has designed its theme at the most appropriate costs, as it mainly aims to target the higher-class customers. Additionally, the fixtures and layouts of Targets are highly elaborate having broader aisles and quality concepts of lighting. In this regard, Schaltegger, Là ¼deke-Freund and Hansen (2012) stated that such high quality layout and visual display improves the customers’ shopping experience. However, it is worth mentioning that Wal-Mart has now undertaken initiatives in most of its US stores by incorporating better quality of fixtures and broader aisles to attract the high-level customers. As commented by Baden-Fuller and Haefliger (2013), the soft lines are the soft products involved in retail organisations like linens and clothing. Target has developed a set of designers to create brand new soft lines for its stores. Therefore, the organisation aims to improve the shopping experience of the customers by depicting the reflection of selling better quality soft goods at reasonable prices. Conversely, Wal-Mart has focused on the traditional marketing approach of providing quality soft goods at cheaper prices compared to the competitors. The financial ratio analysis is an important method to evaluate the financial performance of an organisation and its significance is briefly summed up as follows: Evaluation of financial statements: With the help of ratio analysis, the associated stakeholders of an organisation could determine the profitability and liquidity positions of the same (Healy and Palepu 2012). For instance, the profitability ratios like gross margin, operating margin and net margin could help the organisation to know about its profit margin and accordingly, measures could be taken to improve the same further. Judging the organisational efficiency: As commented by Delen, Kuzey and Uyar (2013), the efficiency ratios and the liquidity ratios like inventory turnover, debtors’ collection, creditors’ payment, current and quick ratios help in knowing about the operational efficiency of the management. Accordingly, Target would be able to make effective use of its assets to earn higher income. In addition, the turnover ratios would also help the organisation to know about the market demand. The other two efficiency ratios would indicate the effectiveness of the organisation in collecting and paying amounts to the debtors and creditors respectively. With the help of accounting ratios like return on investment and dividend payout, the external investors associated with Targets could make sound decisions based on the annual or monthly returns. Based on these ratios, the investors make decisions whether to make investments or withdraw the fund invested in the business (Brigham and Houston 2012). Comparison of financial performance: In the words of Brigham and Ehrhardt (2013), it is of prime necessity for an organisation to compare the financial position of its rivals. Hence, based on the financial ratios, Target could be able to distinguish its performance from Wal-Mart and take remedial actions, if necessary, to increase its revenue margin. Evaluation of the stability of a firm: The accounting ratio like capital gearing ratio help in evaluating the financial stability of a firm by indicating its leverage (Frank and Pamela 2016). In case, the preference share capital and other fixed interest bearing loans are higher in contrast to the equity share capital and reserves, the investors might not be willing to invest in Target and vice-versa. Figure 1: Importance of financial ratio analysis Identification and importance of the key ratio categories for the retail companies: With the help of gross margin, Target would be able to review its pricing strategy and evaluate the risk of overpricing or under pricing based on the cash flows. In case, the profit is low, the management of Target could reduce its cost of sales, increase the sales value and minimise damages. In the words of Vernimmen et al. (2014), the retail organisations mainly aim to achieve 50% gross margin at the end of each accounting year. The management of Target needs to consider this ratio, since it helps in knowing the selling and replenishment of stocks. In this context, Weil, Schipper and Francis (2013) cited that higher rate of turnover reflects the introduction of new merchandise, while a lower turnover indicated the capital congested in stocks. In the latter case, Target needs to release its inventory at lower cost to avoid any potential loss. With the help of liquidity ratios, Target could gauge the ability of its stores to write off the short-term debts and obligations. According to Edwards (2013), the benchmark for current ratio is 2 and that of the quick ratio is 1 for the retail industry. However, Richard and David (2016) argued that the retailers often consider the quick ratio as the best measure, since it subtracts inventories from current assets to indicate the firm’s ability of raising cash for meeting debt obligations. The return on assets is considered as another important ratio, which portrays the growth rate of the retail operations (Horngren et al. 2012). The retailers like Target always prefer to have higher ratio to maximise the amount of revenues. The creditors consider the gearing ratio to compare the investments with the funded business portion. Thus, Target needs to maintain a lower gearing ratio to ensure increase in funds from the creditors. According to the financial report of Target, the sales of the organisation have increased at almost a fixed rate from $26,296 in 1999 to $62,884 in 2008. This depicts that the organisation has managed to increase its customer base through improving its store layouts and the nature of services. However, Wal-Mart has also experienced wide increase in its revenues from S153,345 in 1999 to $401,244 in 2008. In this case, Wal-Mart has been enjoying competitive advantage over Target due to its low cost products to attract all categories of customers. According to the gross margin value, Wal-Mart has been enjoying competitive advantage over Target. This is because of high quality products at cheaper prices to attract all types of customers. However, both the organisations have performed quite above the industrial benchmark of 50%. The degree of financial leverage for Target has been 0.96 in 2008 compared to 0.61 of Wal-Mart. This depicts that Target has relied highly on debt financing, which has increased the debt payments of the organisation. In addition, the inventory turnover of Wal-Mart has been greater, which is due to the selling of goods at low prices to the mass market. However, the liquidity position of Target has been quite higher in contrast to Wal-Mart. The possible reason is the increased amount of retained earnings and less investment on capital projects. This implies that the company has been efficient in discharging its existing liabilities with the cash generated. This has been further supported by the dividend payout, which is high for Wal-Mart over the years 2006-2008. The debt-to-equity ratio has been significantly high for Target, which reveals that the company is inefficient to acquire funds through issuance of equity shares. The credit policy of Wal-Mart has been stringent, as the company is not extending the amount to be received from the debtors for accumulating higher working capital. This is because Wal-Mart has been making payments to its creditors within short span of time in comparisons to that of Target. Thus, these above-mentioned ratios are the key metrics, which have helped in ascertaining the financial performance of Target and Wal-Mart. The rate of return on equity is largely dependent two components, which include net margin and the asset turnover. For instance, if the sales of an organisation increase, the return on equity also increases, since each sale generates higher money for the organisation (Hotchkiss, Strà ¶mberg and Smith 2014). In addition, if any retailer generates greater sales from the assets owned, it increases the return on equity. Thus, the product sales and turnover from assets are the major determinants, which lead to differential rate of return on equity for the retailers. Some retailers deliberately increase the financial leverage to acquire funds through debt financing in relation to the equity shares. Thus, higher amount of debt in the capital structure of the organisation might result in higher price/earnings ratio and equity returns (Pà ¤tà ¤ri, Karell and Luukka 2016). According to the provide case, Ackman has hold a substantial portion of the shares of Target and initially, the person was highly satisfied with the financial performance of the organisation. However, the person has demanded to be appointed as a board member of Target. The management of the organisation has declined the negotiation immediately. Hence, this shows that the person has self-interest in the organisation to accomplish his personable goals and objectives. It is quite justified on the part of Ackman to change the board of directors of Target, as no direct possesses the relevant CEO experience. However, it is to be borne in mind that Ackman has been quite satisfied with the management before putting forward the proposal of becoming a board member. Thus, this demand for change might not be aligned to suit the needs of the associated stakeholders. Ackman has also suggested to increase the business reach outside USA to match with the revenues of its major competitor, Wal-Mart. In addition, the proposed nominees of the person do not have any sort of relationship with Ackman, which challenges the personal conflict issue. Furthermore, one of the former board members of Target has extended support to the proposed changes, as they will result in creation of long-term values fore the shareholders.    However, most of the external analysts have supported the management of Target by stating that the investors are highly satisfied with the organisational performance. This is because the earnings from each share of the organisation have increased from 1999 to 2007; however, it has fallen marginally in the year 2008. In addition, the management of Target has been effective to maintain its liquidity position despite the lower turnover from inventory and delayed payments from debtors. Despite positive effects of Ackman’s changes, the demand for changes has aroused because Ackman has been denied to be appointed as a director within the organisation. Hence, despite the increase in financial leverage and fall in the annual sales growth, it has yielded adequate returns to the investors. Thus, Ackman’s demand for changes is not justified to match the organisational strategies and financial record of accomplishment. In compliance with the brave discussion, it is feasible for the investors to stay with the current board of Target. This is because Target has provided the opportunity to Ackman to express his views to the shareholders possessing the voting rights and most of the shareholders have turned up for the organisation. In addition, the changes proposed on the part of Ackman would barely result in long-term benefits to the shareholders. In addition, Target has increased its dividend payout to the shareholders over the years, which also signifies the management efficiency in running biasness operations. Hence, from the perspective of an investor, it is better to select the existing Target board instead of choosing the proposed slate of Packman. In order to avoid such conflict, the Target Board could have increased the remuneration of Ackman, as the maximum amount of investment is drawn from the person itself. However, Callen (2015) argued that increasing the remuneration of a specific shareholder might result in discontentment amongst the other stockholders. In addition, Target could issue bonus shares to Ackman through which greater benefits could be realised. With the help of such strategies, Target might have been able to avoid such conflicting interest and maintain effective relationship with the largest shareholder of the organisation. According to the provided scenario, a substantial portion of the derivative securities of Perishing Square is with Target, which would perish within two years. Hence, this type of investment would help in boosting the stock performance of Target in the short-run; however, the value is nominal in relation to long-term shareholder value. As a result, the return on equity might be reduced largely along with fall in the dividend payout ratio. In addition, the company might suffer from poor liquidity position, as the creditors might not be willing to extend its payment period due to the possible fall in share prices. According to the above discussion, the business model of Target is to attract the high-income individuals by selling products at affordable prices. On the other hand, Wal-Mart has been providing high quality products at lower cost to attract all types of customers. In addition, it has been found that ratio analysis is an important financial tool to evaluate the financial performance of an organisation and help the investors to make sound decision-making. After comparing the financial performance of Wal-Mart and Target, the former has been enjoying competitive advantage due to its expansion in the global markets. Furthermore, from the given case, it has been found that Ackman’s proposed changes are not effective in improving the financial performance of Target from the ethical perspective. In order to avoid such conflict, the organisation might have increased the remuneration ad issued bonus shares to Ackman. Lastly, it has been evaluated if such the changes were implemented, it might result in loss of shareholder value of Target. Baden-Fuller, C. and Haefliger, S., 2013. Business models and technological innovation.  Long range planning,  46(6), pp.419-426. Landry, R., Amara, N., Cloutier, J.S. and Halilem, N., 2013. Technology transfer organizations: Services and business models.  Technovation,  33(12), pp.431-449. Schaltegger, S., Là ¼deke-Freund, F. and Hansen, E.G., 2012. Business cases for sustainability: the role of business model innovation for corporate sustainability.  International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development,  6(2), pp.95-119. Healy, P.M. and Palepu, K.G., 2012.  Business Analysis Valuation: Using Financial Statements. Cengage Learning. Delen, D., Kuzey, C. and Uyar, A., 2013. Measuring firm performance using financial ratios: A decision tree approach.  Expert Systems with Applications,40(10), pp.3970-3983. Brigham, E.F. and Houston, J.F., 2012.  Fundamentals of financial management. Cengage Learning. Brigham, E.F. and Ehrhardt, M.C., 2013.  Financial management: Theory & practice. Cengage Learning. Brigham, E.F. and Houston, J.F., 2012.  Fundamentals of financial management. Cengage Learning. Frank, J.F. and Pamela, P.P., 2016. Financial Management and Analysis. Hotchkiss, E.S., Strà ¶mberg, P. and Smith, D.C., 2014, March. Private equity and the resolution of financial distress. In  AFA 2012 Chicago Meetings Paper. Pà ¤tà ¤ri, E.J., Karell, V. and Luukka, P., 2016. Can size-, industry-, and leverage-adjustment of valuation ratios benefit the value investor?.International Journal of Business Innovation and Research,  11(1), pp.76-109. Vernimmen, P., Quiry, P., Dallocchio, M., Le Fur, Y. and Salvi, A., 2014. Corporate finance: theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons. Weil, R.L., Schipper, K. and Francis, J., 2013.  Financial accounting: an introduction to concepts, methods and uses. Cengage Learning. Edwards, J.R., 2013.  A History of Financial Accounting (RLE Accounting)(Vol. 29). Routledge. Horngren, C., Harrison, W., Oliver, S., Best, P., Fraser, D. and Tan, R., 2012. Financial Accounting. Pearson Higher Education AU. Richard, L. and David, P., 2016. Advanced financial accounting. Callen, J.L., 2015. A selective critical review of financial accounting research.  Critical Perspectives on Accounting,  26, pp.157-167. Warren, C.S., Reeve, J.M. and Duchac, J., 2013.  Corporate financial accounting. Cengage Learning. O’Neill, P., Sohal, A. and Teng, C.W., 2016. Quality management approaches and their impact on firmsÃâ€" ³ financial performance–An Australian study.  International Journal of Production Economics,  171, pp.381-393. Parker, L.D., 2012. Qualitative management accounting research: Assessing deliverables and relevance.  Critical Perspectives on Accounting,  23(1), pp.54-70. With a decade's experience in providing essay help, Business Models and Technological Innovation Business model is defined as the abstract presentation of a company’s way of working. The model is a comprehensive layout about how the company operates in the market, sells its products, generates revenue and maximises its capital. Business models are primarily related to entrepreneurial firms like Google and show how these firm captures market opportunities and create value. Today business models include technology and show how companies use it to create economic value (Chesbrough, 2013). Innovation is a very important aspect of business models and has evolved has the stimulus which stimulates the organisations to continuously manage their models to adjust to the market conditions. Business models are designed to embrace the entire business system of an organisation. The companies earlier conceived business models as â€Å"pipes† which showed how they produced goods and sold them to consumers (Aithal & Jeevan, 2016). This model worked just like pipe carrying water but did not include other important aspects like innovation, organisational culture or future strategies. The platform model as used in present international companies like Apple is based on a technology driven platform which acts like a market. The digital platform help the buyers meet the seller and also stores the information about the transactions for future use (Van, Parker & Choudary, 2016). Today business models have evolved into dynamic systems which allow the companies using them to explore new markets, bring about innovations and restructure their models according to the market situations. The companies conceptualise their business models based on several factors within themselves and from the external environment. The structures of the companies have a profound effect on the business models. The multinational companies like Apple and Vodafone keep on introducing new products and expanding their business into new markets. These companies look upon disruptive innovation, restructuring and sustainability as the essence of their business models. These companies follow business models like franschise, manufacturer, retail outlet or distributorship to operate in their markets. The working cultures of the companies decide their power to adjust to new situations and take advantage of them. Companies grapple to change their existing business models and adopt new business models. Management, communication and coordination among the various segments are important for smooth adoption of new business models. The leadership in the companies and the employee relationship have profound effect on the business models and its dynamism. For example the companies like Nestle with expertise in fields of technology, innovation, marketing mix and financing have leadership in the market (Vahlne & Johanson, 2014). The global locations of these companies operate in an integrated way which enables the management to lead them through the changes. The small companies with limited resources often find it difficult to change their models and often face employee resistance (Kastalli & Van Looy, 2013). The dynamic business models used by the multinational companies can be used to deal with market challenges in a more strategic way. The static business model is only based on value creation between the consumers and the company. The dynamic model looks upon businesses as blocks but does not integrate them. However, the market challenges and intense competition require a total reformation of the companies and their ways of operating. This requires restructuring of the whole company as a system to adapt to the changes. Companies which fail to adapt to the changes often threat from substitute or threat of new emerging companies. Google has a unique business model which allows the internet giant to lead the market. In fact, it can also be opined that the business model of Google has helped the company to reach a position of having almost no competitor. The business model of Google, first allows the firms and people to promote their products in return of payment. The company also provides free blogging services to bloggers without opening accounts. The search engine allows these two groups of consumers to promote their blogs and earn money. Google has emerged as the world’s largest paid online advertisement platform and encourage growth of start-ups, entrepreneurial ventures and small business. It allows these groups to advertise their products to a vast consumer base which allows them to create their own profitable market. Google provides free services to the net surfers and allows a variety of services like email communication, socialising and video sharing. The free customers provide Google with invaluable information while using the internet which it uses to develop its future business.   This business model of Google provides services to the segments like bloggers and advertisers and which generates huge revenue for it. The services provided by Google are parts of the business system while the way of charging the advertisers and bloggers form the profi t model (Itami & Nishino, 2010). Companies use and develop innovative business models to expand their territories and partner with other firms.   The business model of Google is not restricted to providing mail and blogging services. The company has a dynamic business model which allows it to partner with companies and expand its product line. Google joined the Alliance for Affordable Internet which allowed the company to enter into partnership with Facebook, Intel and Microsoft. The business policies. The business model of Google has inspired it to enter into joint ventures and partnerships with organisations from diverse fields. The company entered into partnership with NASA to construct office of 1 lakh square feet which would used for research on nanotechnology, distributed computing and entrepreneurial space industry. Google set up two wind farms to generate renewable forms of energy. The company have entered into acquiring companies like Youtube and Android (Osiyevskyy & Dewald, 2015). Thus, the dynamic busi ness model of Google helps it to acquire new companies and operate in a sustainable way. Business models are developed by companies and advertise their innovative power. Business models are designed to adapt to new market situations and expand new markets. A well planned business model helps a company to acquire companies to expand its product portfolio. For example, Google owns the video sharing software Youtube, the internet search engine Google Chrome and the satellite map, Google Maps. This innovative product line consisting of various softwares catering to diverse needs under one owner, Google has helped the company to be the undisputable leader in the internet services market. Thus, the business model of Google allows it to bring about innovations (Baden-Fuller & Haefliger, 2013). Business models help the companies to explore and exploit their resources to bring about innovation and sustainability. The companies today lay stress on sustainable supply chain management to reduce their emission of poisonous gases and waste water. The companies invest in setting up renewable sources of energy like windmills. These policies of them benefit the society, consumers and the other stakeholders (Girotra & Netessine, 2013). Thus, business models encourage the company to acquire and use resources in a sustainable ways which encourage innovation. The aim of developing a business model is to operate ina way to provide maximum consumer satisfaction and high profits. Companies also price their products according to their business models and price their products to cater to huge consumer base (Dudin et al., 2015). The firms offer innovative products in various shapes and sizes at apt prices to cater the diverse consumer needs. It can be concluded that the business models are the very essence of the companies and expressions of their business strategies. The companies make dynamic and innovative business models to take advantage of the market situations and expand their operations. Their business models also help them to create innovation in areas of marketing mix, supply chain management and sustainable operations. Aithal, P. S., & Jeevan, P. (2016). How Service Industries can Transform themselves into Green Business Industries. Baden-Fuller, C., & Haefliger, S. (2013). Business models and technological innovation.  Long range planning,  46(6), 419-426. Chesbrough, H. (2013).  Open business models: How to thrive in the new innovation landscape. Harvard Business Press. Dudin, M. N., Kucuri, G. N., Fedorova, I. J. E., Dzusova, S. S., & Namitulina, A. Z. (2015). The innovative business model canvas in the system of effective budgeting. Girotra, K., & Netessine, S. (2013). OM forum—business model innovation for sustainability.  Manufacturing & Service Operations Management,  15(4), 537-544. Itami, H., & Nishino, K. (2010). Killing two birds with one stone: profit for now and learning for the future.  Long Range Planning,  43(2), 364-369. Kastalli, I. V., & Van Looy, B. (2013). Servitization: Disentangling the impact of service business model innovation on manufacturing firm performance.  Journal of Operations Management,  31(4), 169-180. Osiyevskyy, O., & Dewald, J. (2015). Explorative versus exploitative business model change: the cognitive antecedents of firm?level responses to disruptive innovation.  Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal,  9(1), 58-78. Vahlne, J. E., & Johanson, J. (2014). Replacing traditional economics with behavioral assumptions in constructing the Uppsala Model: toward a theory on the evolution of the Multinational Business Enterprise (MBE). In  Multidisciplinary Insights from New AIB Fellows  (pp. 159-176). Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Van Alstyne, M. W., Parker, G. G., & Choudary, S. P. (2016). Pipelines, platforms, and the new rules of strategy.  Harvard Business Review,  94(4), 54-62.

The reflection of the case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The reflection of the - Case Study Example This is one of the dilemmas facing Kamen and Segway entering into the market, and what the early investors in Credit Suisse and Perkins were also facing, investing close to $37 million each and for that getting only about seven percent of total equity. That meant they were valuing Segway very highly, while allowing Kamen to hold majority shares of the firm. It was an educated gamble and entails a lot of risk. The risk mitigation measures, such as the undertaking of formal and rigorous market research, were essentially not present in this case. The investors, and Kamen, had to go on faith that Kamen’s intuitions are correct. One can argue that from the perspective of the market, there are many other unknowns too that make the Segway venture more complicated. There are the laws on the use of the Segway in public streets and the way they are to be regulated or not that add to the uncertainty of the success of the product. Moreover, there are unknowns too with regard to whether th ere are going to be oppositions from vested interests who may be adversely affected by the success of the Segway, including the traditional car manufacturers, and even the oil companies, whose sales and profits will be affected by the success of the new machine. One can expect that these vested interests will not take the introduction of the Segway and the threat to their livelihoods sitting down. Of course if the threat is real they have the motivation to block its success, by lobbying for the Segway’s regulation for instance, and making it difficult for the Segway to gain access to roads. These and other vested interests will surely put up a fight. Then too, as the article notes, it is not clear at that point whether the market will warm up to the new vehicle, given that the American love affair with automobiles is deeply entrenched in the culture and is part of the American psyche, immortalized in art, in popular culture, in the movies, and in

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Unemployment In UK and Effect of a Wage Increase Essay

Unemployment In UK and Effect of a Wage Increase - Essay Example Unemployment In UK and Effect of a Wage Increase In general, a minimum wage rate sets the price of hourly labour at a level that defies the ability of the market forces to determine the price of hourly labour. The legislated minimum wage, of course, is not set below the equilibrium wage rate or the wage rate in which the demand for labour is equal to the quantity of labour supplied or the hours of labour supplied. Otherwise, there would not be a need for a legislation of a minimum wage rate. Legislation on the minimum wage rate is usually above the equilibrium wage rate. At that level, however, or at the level in which the legislated minimum wage rate is higher than the equilibrium wage rate, the quantity demanded for labour or the number of hours of labour demanded is lower than the quantity of labour supplied or number of hours of labour supplied. Thus, involuntary unemployment takes place. In Baumol and Blinder discussion, the line segment AB represents the employment gap. The work of Mankiw and Gwartney et al. also supports the perspective articulated in Figure 1. Varian pointed out the wage increases can actually increase or decrease the supply of labour but Varian’s view on the matter may not be relevant because the wage increase that we are discussing pertain to the minimum wage. Baumol and Blinder pointed out, however, that research undertaken by economists David Cards and Alan Krueger in early 1992 for New Jersey and Pennsylvania reportedly did not provide support for the perspective reflected in Figure 1 because the New Jersey stores in which wages were higher produced more net hiring than their Pennsylvania counterparts whose wages are lower. Thus, even if Baumol and Blinder (2009, p. 115) articulated a conventional perspective on the impact of legislated minimum wage, the authors called for more studies. In another section of Baumol and Blinder (2009, p. 201-202), the authors viewed that an increase in the nominal increase in nominal wage at current prices lead to a leftward shift in the ag gregate supply curve. This is because the marginal costs for output will increase with an increase in the minimum wage. Baumol and Blinder (2009), however, did not clarify if the economic model represented in Figure 2 will also apply to a vertical aggregate supply curve but it seems appropriate to view that it is probably the case. Thus, it is possible that a net effect of an increase in the minimum hourly wage for labour above 21 years old will be to contract the economy, assuming that increasing the minimum wage for above 21 years old will have a net effect of increasing the overall minimum hourly wage. In addition, if the Baumol and Blinder perspective (2009, p. 201-202) applies, the increase in hourly minimum wage (assuming the increase in minimum wage for labour above 21 years old will have that effect), will also lead to an increase in the price level. Of course, we are assuming here that aggregate demand is unchanged. The current world crisis has probably shifted the aggregat e demand to the left and, thus, it is more likely that the contraction will not be associated to a significant increase in prices. Figure 2. Nominal wage and the aggregate supply curve Baumol and Blinde

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Performance Engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Performance Engineering - Essay Example As the user continues to value the performance of a given project so is the time that the user also needs to concentrate on the risks that might lead to the failure of the set project. In addition, there are quality requirements that the user will have to put into consideration. For instance, scalability and performance are two qualities of service requirements. In addition, manageability as well as security are among other quality of the service requirements. The user needs to put into consideration in order to reduce risks as well boost performance of the system at he same time. Furthermore, the user can employ the mechanism of reactive against reactive mechanism in order to ensure that there is improved performance of any given project at a given time(Rangaswami et al.). In most organizations performance level is not in developers consideration until the point where the customer lounges a complaint against the performance standards of that particularly given project. Meaning, for the production, to meet the client’s expectation. Then it has to be frequently evaluated. On the other hand, there are many problems to consider when it comes to the reactive approach (Woodward M). Performance downfalls enter from time to time just from an early stage of the designs and at the same time the design problems can be hard to fix through more efficient coding. In addition, installing architectural problems thereafter in a given cycle is sometimes hard to make. Furthermore, making it at a later stage is not only difficult and complicated but also very costly to t he user. Performance is a persistent quality of hardware systems; everything has an impact on it, ranging from software itself to the rest of the underlying layers, such as hardware, system, communications network and middleware. The process involves a performance engineering, which incorporates efforts

Friday, July 26, 2019

Nursing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 14

Nursing - Assignment Example The article did bring out the role of public health department in the health of the community. Some of the activities of the activities of these nurses to the community outlined in the article include control of communicable diseases, administration of immunization, prevention of chronic diseases, family planning awareness and provision of safe food and drinking water to persons affected (Carolyn & Karen, 2011). The article clearly outlines the ability and potentials possessed by these groups of health workers. Public health nurses in the community based in creates safety networking by with other community agencies, identify risks affecting the community and intervene to provide solutions where possible, provision of health education especially to vulnerable population, and identify the problem and provide solutions before the problem advances. The author brought out challenges facing these groups of workers in the course of delivering their services, which affects effectiveness and fulfillment of their role. Lack of job security and inadequate staffing emerged as the serious problems affecting them. The author’s conclusion on the issue of public health nurses indicate that there are adequate resources and facilities are provided for effective service delivery and effective utilization of resources (Carolyn & Karen, 2011). The article managed to bring out and clearly demonstrates the striking issues affecting public health nurses and the efforts instilled to solve these issues, imposition of cost effective systems for disease prevention and health improvement of the community’s health. Having knowledge and understanding about the community is significant for health nurses, since policy makers and health planners when dealing with matters affecting the community will use the information. Community involvement by these groups of persons in meeting their welfare and ensuring that the needs of the community are met is an issue to

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Medical Microbiology case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Medical Microbiology case study - Essay Example ion which is the infection of the urethra and bladder that is shown by pain during urination, frequent urinating, blood stained urine and ‘NO’ fever is reported. The upper urinary tract infection that is the infection of the kidney parenchyma and pylus that shows in lower UTI signs and symptoms, fever and chills, vomiting and nausea (Tadesse & Alem, 2006). Laboratory diagnosis involves direct microscopic examinations of white blood cells, erythrocytes and epithelial cells. Existence of more than five white blood cells and many epithelial cells per HPF indicates UTI (Tadesse & Alem, 2006). Also culture can be done through blood agar medium and Mac Conkey agar medium. Culture results are interpreted as greater than or equal to 105cfu/ml of urine indicates UTI. Less than 103cfu/ml of urine shows specimen contamination, 103 - 105 cfu/ml of urine is not certain and 103 - 105cfu/ml of urine in catheterized specimen or symptomatic patient shows UTI (Tadesse & Alem, 2006). There are two species: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and pseudomallei. Our species of interest is P. Aeruginosa. It is located in animal and human intestines, soil, water and moist areas in hospitals. Primarily, it is a nosocomial bacterium. It invades and triggers infections in hospitalized persons whose host defences are abnormal. It produces toxins. Its antigenic features include exotoxin A which by hindering protein synthesis is cytotoxic, pili to stick to epithelial cells, lipopolysacchride which has an endotoxic effect, exopolysacchride that has anti – phagocytic features and its enzymes include protease, hemolysins, phospholipases C and elastases which digests proteins (Tadesse & Alem, 2006). Its clinical features are that it’s pathogenic when it is introduced into environments that lack the required defences such as neutropenia of any cause, a broken mucus membrane and the utilization of urine catheter. Urinary tract infection is related with an indwelling catheter (Tadesse & Alem,

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Home work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Home work - Essay Example The basement has boards which show what to expect in the building, and shows where they can be found. The basement also has an indoor environmental quality, which gives information about the dangers of inhaling volatile organic compounds. The first floor shows the history and the mission of the building. It also shows its plan and layout, the surrounding neighborhood . The floor also shows the LEED performance, which is the criteria used to determine a green building. The second floor is concerned with the energy and atmosphere, such that, the windows had been covered by a bronze Mylar film, which reduces the full glare of light i.e. ultraviolet ray and, infrared rays. The walls have also been made from wheat board that uses a safer bonding agent, which is emission free. The third floor has a board showing the common cause of Colorado, the advantages of the use of fiber glass in the building and the benefits of using shared hands, which leads to saving money. The floor will use insulations of cellulose, natural cotton fiber and soy based foam. All these are natural and organic materials. The furnishings in the lobby, offices and meeting rooms are made from recyclable materials, the development of clean and renewable energy by buying a wind power and a composite door from minerals and fibrous

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Public School Uniforms Outline Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Public School Uniforms Outline - Assignment Example However, there has been a rise in a group of people opposing the idea. Critics argue that uniforms do not add any value to the education of the students. They argue that most reforms which proponents cling on are not solely because of the use of school uniforms, but a combination of several reform measures taken by the institution (Draa, 2005). The effectiveness of the policies in terms of law and finance is also questioned (Brunsma et al, 1998). The rapid change of clothing trends that target the youth has created problems among the youth, who are mainly the majority in schools and colleges. There is an unending appetite among the youth to appear fashionable among their peers; hence an increase in unscrupulous means of acquiring the clothes (Draa, 2005). Students who cannot afford such lavish dressing may feel inferior in schools; hence the need of uniforms. Uniforms make everyone equal and eliminate the need of unhealthy competition between students in schools. Competition among the students over their appearance results in taunts and even fights (Holloman et al, 1996). The school community is made up of different kind of people, from different backgrounds. Allowing the students to dress up as they wish would make the school environment look chaotic. Different communities have their own unique dress codes; that could be their tradition and due to lack of exposure and tolerance, students wearing them can be ridiculed by others. The administrators ease the social problems, tension and appearance related issues by embracing the use of uniforms (Draa, 2005). The use of school uniforms is for the safety of the children themselves. According to Draa (2005), there are cases where school-age children are robbed or even killed for their shoes and clothes which are of high demand. The role of uniforms in the prevention of violence is framed as a safety issue for the students in schools

Recruitment And Selection Essay Example for Free

Recruitment And Selection Essay 1.1 Introduction: This report is about the principles and practices involved in the process of strategic recruitment and selection at Automax ltd. Automax Ltd is in business of manufacturing auto components for a wide range of products in India, it operates more than 7 units in India The biggest challenge in Automax ltd is to find, attract and retain the talent and big challenge for employees in this organization is to find good people to work with. Human resource is not only the most important resource for any organisation but is a non replicated resource. The main aspiration of Automax Ltd is that it should be the most preferred company to work for, employees should feel belonged to the organisation and all professional goals needs to be fulfilled. The researcher will discuss the principles and practices used by them for strategic approach to strategic recruitment and selection. As we know that HR functional HR strategies deal with the core areas of HRM like recruitment and selection, performance management, pay issues, employee relations. 1.2 Strategic Recruitment: According to [ (Alan Nankervis, 2009) ]Recruitment and selection within an organisation is an integral part of that organization’s overall human resource management and planning process. It is closely related to other human resources management processes like human resource development, performance appraisal, job design, promotions and transfers, reward management. Strategic recruitment usually refers to the identification of the real  recruitment needs of the organization and fulfilling those needs. The organizational needs should be tied with the overall business needs. In strategic recruitment approach, business strategy should be linked to the recruitment strategy 1.3 Principles of Strategic recruitment : These principles are just the guidelines which helps in designing and implementing effectiverecruitment strategies. 1 .A well defined strategy: There should be a clearly defined and communicated strategy which defines the brand message, target candidates and primary sources.If the strategy is not defined ornot communicated properly it might result in wastage of resources. 2.Pipeline approach : A well defined recruitment strategy should help in building a steady and continuous pipeline of talented applicants. 3.Employment branding : 1. http://www.ere.net/2008/07/07/the-20-principles-of-strategic-recruitin 2. g/ Automax is committed to recruit individuals with appropriate skills, knowledge, expertise and experience and passion to excel in business not only on academic excellence but also on proactive approach they perform effectively. Human dignity, honesty and sincerity are the core values of the company and the recruitment and selection procedures provide mechanism to formulate for assessing and appointing the most effective and able individuals and also ensures that everyone is treated with equality and fairness. Recruitment and selection procedures are designed in such a way that they not only provide the best practise but also comply with legislation.(Sud,2007) It is believed that â€Å"The quality of an organisation can never exceed the quality of the minds that make it up.†At Allied autos it is the responsibility of Human Resource Department to ensure that recruitment procedures should be clear and concise. For example at Allied autos ltd. Strategic HR plan is prepared by the top management which includes in detail the requirement of future human resource, number and type of people required. Preparation of training programme plans so that future needs can be met from inside the company. Preparation of long term recruitment and selection plans. Plans for retaining the able and skilled manpower needs to be prepared. Increased flexibility plans should be prepared so that the company can make best use of human resource. The main aim of any recruitment and selection strategy should of sourcing the best candidate. This can be done by http://www.solgm.co.nz/NR/rdonlyres/D096BC3A-31D7-4044-9732-296D410B26F7/50553/PMFs3.pdf 1.4Resourcing Strategy at Allied Autos Ltd. According to ()HRM is about matching human resources to the strategic and operational needs of the business and it ensures full utilization of the resources. It is not only concerned with the keeping and obtaining the right number and quality of people required but is also concerned with the selecting, promoting and efficiently employing those people who fit the culture and strategic requirement of the organization. The rationale behind resourcing strategy is that the strategic capability of an organization is dependant on the resource capability in the form of people. The main aim of resourcing strategy is to ensure that competitive advantage by a firm is achieved by employing more capable people than rivals. 1.5The strategic hrm approach to resourcing HRM places more emphasis than traditional personnel management of finding people. According to Townley (1989) Organizations are concentrating more on the attitudinal and behavioural characteristics of employees. According to Armstrong,Baron(2002,pg160,161)HRM approach to resourcing is of matching resources with organizational needs does not mean maintaining the status quo rather it means radical changes in thinking about the skills and behaviour which is must for the sustainable growth and cultural change in future. The integration of business and resourcing strategy is based on the understanding of the direction in which organization is going and determination of The number of people required to meet business needs The skills and behaviour required to support this alignment. The impact of restructuring the organization. 1.6Fair Approach to recruitment and selection : There should be no discrimination, there should be incorporation of mutual respect into the recruitment and selection.Should be ethical and equal like power should be used in appropriate manner, use of skilful interview techniques, confidentiality should be maintained. 1.7Sub- sytems of recruitment and selection (Pilbeam Corbridge,2006) 1. Attraction : Suitable candidates should be attracted. 2. Reduction : Anyone unsuitable must be eliminated 3. Selection : proper, assessment, choosing and appointing. 4. Transition: conversion of successful candidate into an effective employee. It should be noted that the involvement of line managers is of crucial importance, it is true that the best laid plans will fails if line managers are not convinced that it is important for the company. 1.8 At allied auto different phases of recruitment 1. Applications are generated by persuading the people to apply. 2. After the applications are received suitable candidates are encouraged to stay until the completion of selection process. 3. Offering of job to suitable candidate sometimes it happens that the same candidate is selected by the 2 different companies than HR department takes every possible step to encourage that candidate to join them. 1.9 Approaches to recruitment and selection: Competency Approach: Torrington et al(2008,pg170). it is concerned with the behaviour that is relevant rather than the competent performance. These models are popular in graduate recruitment where decisions are made about future recruitments. This kind of approach is suitable in service organizations like banks. A Contingency approach: According to [ (french, 2010) ]the underlying principle that organizational policies and practices need to be shaped within a particular context. For example different culture emphasise different attributes when approaching the recruitment and selection of the employees. It is true to a great extent for example if the company is operating across many countries than it needs to recruit the people according to the culture of that place specially the low level staff like KFC is operating across many countries and is recruiting the  operational staff from that culture as it helps them to understand its customers better and make profits but say if for UK branch it recruits outside the culture that its recruitment costs will increase. Traditional Approach: It means getting the right people, it involves a sequence of steps like defining the ideal candidate. Defining the criteria in such a way that there is fit between the job and person like Job description and person specification. This approach was criticised on the grounds that it assumes that there is only one best way to perform a job, resulted in unfair discrimination, one way job. 1.10 Strategic recruitment and selection : It sees human resource as an investment for future, use of sophisticated methods of selection, involvement of stakeholders. On the other hand it is an improvement over the traditional method in a way that it aims at development of people, more reliable, switching from company needs to current market demands. 1.11 Staged approach is the best approach for allied autos as it is into manufacturing of auto components: Recruitment and selection advocates viewing the process as sequential with distinct and inter-linked stages. The model is referred to as the resourcing cycle and it begins with the identification of a vacancy and ends when the successful candidate is performing the job to an acceptable standard. This in turn is a two way process in which organisations evaluate the candidate and the candidate in turn observes the organisation as a prospective employer. This process helps to ensure that not only the best candidate is attracted to apply and accepts the post but also the unsuccessful candidate respects the decision and apply for future vacancies. The first and most important questions to be answered before recruitment are :- 1.Determining a vacancy ? If yes does it needs to be filled in by a newly recruited employee ? It is to be noted that there is not only one way of filling the g ap but there are different way in which the gap can be filled . Recruiting a new employee must be with the dealt in careful manner during recession. For example at allied auto when a new vacancy occurs HR department normally does not recruits new employee immediately, as first step the concerned department where the vacancy occurred try some of the options like reorganise the work, use of overtime, use of an agency. 2. Attracting Candidates: [ (Armstrong, 2009) ]The most  important step in attracting candidates is to analyse the recruitment strength and weaknesses of the organization. For example previously when allied auto was choosing among the wide selection of candidates is becoming a thing of past. As we know employees are developing their marketability and knowledge-based skills, allied auto is competing to find the best candidate as its image seems to be less attractive to candidates. Allied autos recognised that recruitment process of the company should be made as powerful an incentive to candidates to join as generous pay and condition. For example Former director of human resource system and personnel relations at CGU, David Hope believes that the interview process should be put together with a firm of business psychologists, it will help graduates to understand the brand, culture and company’s commitment to graduate recruitment. Allied autos soon realised that if the recruitment and selection process is well designed it can definitely be an indicator of the future performance and will attract the good candidates, if the candidates can see that there is a positive link between the recruitment process and the job they will be positive about the company. 3.Recruitment Advert: The most widely used method to attract applicants is the recruitment advert. The most effective advert are those that are eye catching and provide sufficient details to attract interest, use of telephone numbers or contact details for informal enquiries will have an important effect on candidates perception of the job and will be encouraging. For example advert of allied autos. 4.Measuring Candidates: CV or application form : it is a document prepared by the individual as a part of the application which includes the details as to education, employment history and other relevant information. In any advert details related to how to apply should be included like whether to send the CV or to fill in a standard application form. Processing application: After the advert the next step is handling applications and processing them. It should be decide in advance internally in the organization as to how these applications needs to be handled. At allied autos standard acknowledgment is sent to all the applicants and then applications are compared and sorted with the key criteria in persons  specification in 3 categories suitable, provisional and unsuitable. Standard letter is sent to the shortlisted candidates for interview and if any of them have not filled in the application form before. 5.Selection: One of the last stage in recruitment and selection is the selection itself. It includes the choice of methods by which a short-listed group is reduced by the employer following the recruitment stage and thus it leads to an employment decision. [ (french, 2010) ].In allied autos relative merits of the shortlisted candidates are assessed against the job description and person specification which explore their skills , experience and knowledge which establish the most suitable candidate for the job. After that the interviews arranged with the respective department and is ensured that they are structured, well prepared and focused. Not more than 5 candidates are interviewed and all the interviews are held the same day. Some jobs involves practical tests and presentations, at allied autos practical tests are taken on the day of the interview and this is informed to the candidates in advance. References are taken for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interviews and are taken in writing and then these references are passed on to HR department for the successful candidates. The successful candidates are given the appointment letter and this is forwarded to the HR department as it is the HR department which will issue the formal offer letter. 1.12Talent Management and Development Techniques: According to (Banfield and Kay,2008) The successful attracting and recruiting of new talent means that the needs of both the organisation and individual tend to match. Ultimate aim of the organisation should be to develop and maintain this pool of talented people by making use of different elements like attraction and retention programmes, roles design, talent management relationship, performance management, career management. At allied autos it is believed that the key to success is sustained focus on technology, systems and human resource. Training needs are identified periodically and all new recruits are trained in technical training centre on pressing machines and other technical fields. Competencies can be used to develop self assessment and encourages  feedback for enhancing improvement and aligning employee goals with business objectives. The need for employees at all levels to be involved in ongoing development of new skills, exposure to new experiences and learning to learn is apparent. Strategic Human Resource Management Page 226 Google Books Result books.google.co.uk/books?isbn=0415099897 Olive Lundy, Alan G. Cowling 1996 Business Economics THE SELECTION PROCESS The ultimate effectiveness of strategically selecting Selection principles Human resource selection is a process of measurement, http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=2Kg9AAAAIAAJpg=PA226lpg=PA226dq=principles+of++strategic+selection+in+hrmsource=blots=zWSI2-Xzi7sig=7L-Zd675CI2AYhMYaYIMFL65PVEhl=ensa=Xei=UyngULa_MO3L0AXMyIG4Dgved=0CFcQ6AEwBQ#v=onepageq=principles%20of%20%20strategic%20selection%20in%20hrmf=false 2.1 Strategic Performance Mangement: â€Å"Strategic performance management encompasses methodologies, frameworks and indicators that help organizations in the formulation of their strategy and enable employees to gain strategic insights which allow them to challenge strategic assumptions, refine strategic thinking and inform strategic decision making and learning.†-Bernard Marr Different tools used for strategic performance management are 1. Mangement by objectives 2. Balanced scorecard 3. Hoshni Kanri 4. Value based management 5. Result oriented management 6. Performance prism Principles of strategic performance management 1.Be honest and open 2. make goals interesting, challenging and engaging 3.build on strengths more than correcting weaknesses Performance management is a broader term, it includes Performance management systems Monitoring and evaluation Performance management in context Measuring performance 2.2Models of Performance Management 1. Balanced Score card : Balanced scored card is a tool used for strategic performance management. This model was developed by Kaplan and Norton in 1960’s.This is used as a tool by the managers to keep track of and to monitor to the activities of the staff within their control. The main advantage of this method is that it is a mixture of both the financial and non financial measures compared to a target within a single concise report. It alerts the areas to the manager where performance deviates from expectations. To many organisations it is positioned as a holistic performance measure as it provides information relating to financial, internal processes, customer perceptions and internal growth and learning. Now increasingly it has been associated with strategy implementation. 2. The EFQM Business Excellence Model: This model was developed by European foundation for quality management for long term sustainability of the strategic objectives. According to EFQM(1999) it is defined as the outstanding practice in managing and achieving results. This model helps the organizations to maintain a balance between the stakeholders and incorporates financial and also an indicator of the future financial performance. It helps the business in identifying the threats and opportunities for improvement against strategic goals, this is used as a basis of self assessment. The main drawback of this modelis it is not standard model and it does not tell how to fill the gaps although it provides a valuable feedback. 2.3Performance management systems : According to (Bevan and Thompson,1992) PMS should communicate the objectives of the organisation to all employees. Departmental and individual performance targets should be related to the organisation objective. Identification of training and development and reward outcomes. Evaluation of the  effectiveness of the process as a whole. 2.4Objectives of performance management at Allied autos 1. Improvement of organizational and individual performance 2. Alignment of individual and organisational objectives 3. performance pay decisions 4. helps in personal development of employees. Reducing poor performance and increasing organizational performance are the main priorities of performance and development function at allied autos. For considering the management of performance issues in the organization it is possible to identify two different reference frames which are associated with the use of term performance management. According to Taylor(2005) these are known as two perspectives on Performance management. Standard Oriented: It is measured at the individual level, focus on improving poor performance, concerned with slippage below expected expectations, Use of formal appraisal systems , incentive based payments and disciplinary procedures ,transactional leadership. Excellence Oriented: It is measured at the organizational level, focuses on enhancing strong performance, concerned with continuous improvement, Use of enhancing job satisfaction, coaching techniques, transformational leadership. In allied autos both perspectives co-exist, it is very difficult to manage both of them together but it is fact that individual performance will lead to organizational performance as it is the individuals who make up the organization. HR department sets the rules and these were written in the policy for example(lateness, absence etc) and these are acceptable by all. Individual performances are measured by the department head or immediate supervisor and if there are deviations then standards are set for those particular workers to improve their performance. On the other hand if we look at excellence oriented approach although it sounds good but if we see the practical aspect of it, does not clearly indicate as to what is the satisfactory level of performance and its main focus is on continuous improvement, it mainly motivates, maximises level of commitment and job satisfaction among the staff. For example at Allied autos this is always the problem, in the manufacturing plant, the performance of production people is always measured on the basis of quantity produced by them and it ignores the quality. If we  look at it practically this kind of data is not correct as it will not provide the accurate results when evaluating the performance. 2.5 Behaviour-Oriented Approach: It has been argued that outcome approach does not provide the proper assessment of individual performance. So, it is argued that behaviour needs to be assessed as much as behaviour. There was an argument that not only the achievements are important but the processes by which they are achieved are also important. It only focuses on what individuals do and remove other environmental factors and the other inputs. Employee behaviour is less readily measured then the criteria used in other approaches. The main methods used are direct observation, the report of others watching them for example peers. Approached used rating scale, critical incidents and reactive approaches. 2.6 Principles of measurement at allied autos. Performance is measured according to the needs of customer, both internal and external, what is considered important by the customer is measured. Strategic plan is prepared which indicates what is to be measured and translating of customer needs to strategic priorities. All the departments are supplied with measured results of the key strategic areas for further improvement by motivating them. 2.7 Classification of measures Performance Appraisal According to Jeanne Murphy, Growth strategists and president of strategic solutions. â€Å" If you can’t measure a goal, then don’t set the goal,† performance should be measured on objective basis. According to Kane(1996),Taylor(2005),measures are classified as 1. Productivity measures: At allied autos sometimes for the casual workers who are actually working in the plant( manufacturing unit)producing spare parts their performance is measured according to the units produced by them, the more the numbers produced the better is the performance. The main drawback with this measure of performance is that it ignores the quality of the output as sometimes there may be some rejections at the customer end or when it goes for quality check. 2. Quality Measures : This involves assessing the individual on the basis of quality of service delivered by him. For example at allied autos in order to measure the performance of staff who is working in the head office or customer care department. The performance is measured  on the basis of customer satisfaction, absenteeism, poor quality work and motivation. It can be internal customer like different departments or external customer to whom the final goods or services are supplied, this kind of performance measurement many a times fails to give accurate results specially when it is converted into quantifiable terms. This assessment method is mostly used in service industry like hospitals, banks etc. 3. Objectives set and Met: This involves assessing the individuals or teams on the basis of objectives set by the top management or the immediate manager or supervisor. As the name indicates performance is measured on the basis of how far the objectives met the criteria defined, are they below satisfaction or objectives or above the satisfaction. To some extent this method is reliable but if say some have some personal bias with the sub ordinate than the boss or the supervisor will not give accurate results. 2.8 Criteria for performance measures-appraisals At allied autos performance measures are set in accordance with the strategic goals: like for example different targets are set for each department and division. Main focus is on both quality and quantity of outputs that can be measured and accomplished. Performance measures at allied autos are based on evidences. Measures that can be verified are taken into consideration. Performance measures at allied are set in such a manner that they help in providing sound feedback and action. Performance measures are comprehensive in respect that they cover almost every area. In order to be achievable measurable targets must be set by expressing the individual requirements. for example : For output : According to (Bratton and Gold,2003)Targets should be clearly defined and should be measurable. Proper defining of the objectives so that an individual should know what is expected, it is the responsibility of the organization to ensure that everyone must understand what is required of them. It is said that objectives should be SMART S-Specific; M-Measurable ; A-Agreed; R-Realistic ; T-Timely Job Related: Job descriptions should be in writing indicating the broad roles and responsibilities. Competencies of the individual or team should be defined in advance. If there are any descrepencies which are normally expected as a result of human nature, it should be the responsibility of the top management to take necessary steps to remove them and use certain strategies to improve performance. 2.8 Strategies used at allied autos for improving performance. 1. Negotiation: At allied autos if it is observed that the performance of any worker is not upto the standard then he is called in by the immediate line manager or supervisor for the discussion to know the reason of detoriation in the performance level sometimes there is some personal problem which results in falling down of performance. 2. Grievance procedure: At allied autos there is proper grievance procedure handling system, grievance booklet is kept in the plant for recording grievances on daily basis. At the end of the day this register is checked by the HR manager and corrective actions are taken. 3. Reward: To motivate the employees and to improve production different reward schemes are in function at allied autos like suggestion reward, attendance reward, long term service reward etc. 4. Improvement in the working environment: Allied auto is taking all the necessary steps to improve the working environment for the workers like previously there was no cooling system in the plant and due to extreme hot weather workers were not able to give their 100% and they started feeling tired quickly, now a new cooling system has been installed in plant with which not only workers are happy but the output has also increased, canteen was renovated, water filtering system was installed keeping in my mind the health and safety of staff. All this have resulted in improved efficiency and low turnover rates. 2.9 Pay Performance Issues The most important factor to be considered in order to improve performance is the Pay issues. Pay should be linked to performance not to time as it is unrealistic and does not motivate the workers. Pay structures should be designed in such a way that they bring in flexibility and multi skilling. Pay should be market driven there should not be any biases. It should be noted that if pay is performance based then it will definitely  help in improving performance. Should be based on performance appraisals and these appraisals should be fair. Some companies now a day’s use 360 degree appraisal: which means feedback is obtained from everyone like peers, superiors, subordinates and then the performance is measured. There should be transparency in pay differentials, there should be equal pay for equal work. According to (CIPD,2012)Performance management is a holistic process as it bring together many of the elements that make up the successful practice of managing people including learning and development. 3.10 Conclusion : It is to be concluded that allied autos has started realising that their employees are their strength and every possible action has been taken and strategies developed not only to recruit the best talent but also to retain them by making use of different development techniques like performance management, career development, performance measure. It is of great importance that strategic principles and practices used in recruitment and selection will have an effect on performance management so recruitment and selection should be done in a sophisticated manner and must be aligned with the business strategy. 3.1References : Armstrong,M.(2009),Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management.11th ed. London and Philadelphia: Kogan Page Ltd. Armtrong,M. and Baron,A.(2002),Strategic HRM. London: CIPD Banfield, P.and Kay,R.(2008),Introduction to Human Resource Management.1st ed.New York: Oxford Printing Press Bratton,J. and Gold,J.(2003),Human Resource Management Theory and Practice.3rd ed. New York: Palgrave Macmillan Google,books.(2012),People Resourcing. Taylor,S. Available from http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=6f-Yk35qMqcCpg=PA268lpg=PA268dq=perspectives+of+performance+management+by+taylorsource=blots=Elonir4KyPsig=5Ia4pJD8eyY8kEDyxI6692PjM-4hl=ensa=Xei=0VicT5T0K4Ke0QXArf2DDwved=0CDQQ6AEwAA#v=onepageq=perspectives%20of%20performance%20management%20by%20taylorf=false[Electronically accessed 28th April 2012] Rees,G.and French,R.(2010),Leading,Managing and Developing

Monday, July 22, 2019

Sizing up the Matter about Matters on Size Essay Example for Free

Sizing up the Matter about Matters on Size Essay The article by Roy Johnson was concerned about the sport open-wheel racing. The author noted that there are new policies regarding the weight of the vehicle, which included the weight of the driver. A lot of women are involved in such races, including those who were least expected—the modeling type of women. By being so light, there is an advantage in a race, both on and off the track. With lighter weighted drivers, it is almost expected to have the cars run faster. However, it is not just the weight that defines the speed of the driver. It also challenges the skills and knowledge of the driver about the sport. In this regard, when a model type women run through the races, and if her experience and knowledge lacks in comparison to those plus sizes, then who exactly has the greater advantage? The article also included that she is able to attain ranks in races wherein women never reached that almost equal levels with men. But after the many attempts and races she experienced, she was still lacking in excelling in this sport. In the end, does the size and gender really matter in attaining the most victorious position in any race? The first placer and grand price? Perhaps there are sports wherein people would have to accept that only men, or only women, can perfectly excel in a certain sport. I do no believe that it is being spiteful of sexes, or within sexes. Should the women really be that skeptical about their weight? With these said, he only answer that this paper could suggest is to keep in mind that sports do not only measure physical strength. It also involves skills and knowledge. Work Cited Johnson, Roy. â€Å"To the IRL, size matters. † Yahoo Sports. 28 March 2008. 11 April 2008 http://sports. yahoo. com/top/blog/roy_s_johnson/post/To-the-IRL-size-matters? urn=top,73900.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

A summary of criminological theories

A summary of criminological theories Criminology Matrix Demographic Information Social Disorganization Theory Beginning on the 20th Century 1920-1930’s. Created by theorists Robert Park, Ernest Burgess, W.I. Thomas, Florian Znaniecki, Clifford Shaw, and Henry McKay. Social disorganization shows social change, conflict, and the lack of social consensus as the root causes of crime and deviance. Social disorganization, Chicago school of criminology, Chicago Area Project, demographics, concentric zones, delinquency areas, and cultural transmission (Schmalleger, 2008). Strain Theory Began on the 20th century 1930’s to present. Created by Robert K. Merton, Steven F. Messner, Richard Rosenfeld, Peter Blau, Judith Blau, and Robert Agnew. The concept of strain theory is innovation, ritualism, rebellion, differential opportunity, relative deprivation, and distributive justice. Strain theory agues that a socially approved success of goals and a lack of appropriate ways to achieve those goals. As a consequence, according to the perspective of strain theory, individuals who are unable to succeed often turn to other ways that promise social recognition and success (Schmalleger, 2008). Culture Conflict Culture conflict began on the 1920’s to present. Created by theorists Thorsten Sellin, Frederic M. Thrasher, William F. Whyte, Walter Miller, Gresham Sykes, David Matza, Franco Ferracuti, Marvin Wolfgang, Richard A. Cloward, Lloyd E. Ohlin, and Albert Cohen. The concept of culture conflict is subcultures, socialization, delinquency and, illegal opportunities (Schmalleger, 2008). Learning Theory Learning theory began in 1930’s and to the present. Created by Edwin Sutherland, Robert Burgess, Ronald L. Akers, and Daniel Glaser. Actions are learned, and crime is like another action that is also learned. People tend to learn how to commit crime from others, and such learning comes from the achievements of norms, values, and patterns of behaviors that are conductive to crime. The standpoint of the theory’s concept is that communication and social achievement of learned criminal behavior that values that behavior is detrimental (Schmalleger, 2008). Social Control Theory Social control theory began on the 1950’s to present. Created by Walter C. Reckless, Howard B. Kaplan, Travis Hirschi, Michael Gottfredson, Charles R. Tittle, and others. The concept of social control theory is the inner and outer takeover, of self-derogation, social bond, and control balanced. Social control theory predicts that when a social restriction or antisocial behavior are weakened delinquent behavior begins. This theory questions law abiding citizens rather than criminals (Schmalleger, 2008). Labeling Theory Labeling theory began on 1938-1970, 1960’s-1980, 1990’s to revival. Created by Frank Tannenbaum, Edwin M. Lemert, Howard Becker, John Braithwaite, and others. The concept of labeling theory begins with tagging, labeling, outsiders, moral initiative, primary and secondary deviance, and shaming. Labeling theory is the concept that negative labels within a society lead individuals to commit crime (Schmalleger, 2008). Rational Choice Theory Rational choice theory began in the late 18th century. Created by Cesare Beccaria. The concept of rational choice theory is that criminals make a rational, and informed choice to commit a crime. This makes criminals making the decision, based on, if the crime is worth committing based on the benefits that outweigh the cost or punishment. The XYY â€Å"Supermale† The XYY theory began in 1965. Created by Patricia A. Jacobs. Patricia Jacobs examined 197 Scottish prisoners for chromosomal abnormalities with a simple blood test. The supermale, also known as XYY syndrome has little evidence that men with this syndrome commit crimes of greater violence than other man. However, they may commit more crimes (Schmalleger, 2008). Behavior Genetics Behavior genetics theory began in 1907. Created by Sir Francis Galton. Sir Francis study heredity and the possible influences on human behavior. According to the theory it is easy to show that some criminals inherit criminal nature. Behavioral genetics is â€Å"the study of genes and the environmental contributions to individual deviation in human behavior† Galton might have believe that heredity was related to criminal behavior however, he had no opportunity to explore the relationship in profundity (Schmalleger, 2008). Sociobiology Sociobiology began in 1975. Created by Edward O. Wilson. It is the study of biology and its impact on social behavior taking some of its research from evolution and applying it to modern population (Schmalleger, 2008). Certain forms of behavior contribute to the survival of a social group. Human behavior was the link of survival from one generation to another one. Territoriality explains the conflict between humans, this includes homicide, warfare, and other types of aggression. Pherenology Pherenology began in early 19th century. Created by Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828). This theory explained that the shape of the human skull was an indicative of the personality and could be used to predict criminality. The theory has four tenets the brain, personality, character, and skull shape (Schmalleger, 2008). Early Positivism Early positivism began in 1880’s – 1930. Created by Franz Joseph Gall, Johann Gaspar Spurzheim, Cesare Lombroso, Charkes Buckman Goring, and Earnest A. Hooton. The concept of early positivism is the phrenology, atavism, born criminals, and criminaloids. Criminality was the result of instincts that humans used to survive the evolutionary process. Lombroso has been called the father of criminology because he was the first criminologist to apply the scientific method. Empirical Foundation Social Disorganization Theory Four distinct conclusions resulted from Shaw and McKay’s research. The juveniles’ rates were consistent with an order three-dimensional pattern. There was an identical three-dimensional pattern revealed by several social problems. The three-dimensional pattern of juvenile rates showed long-term stability even though the structure in the city areas had changed. The city areas were becoming more delinquent this occurred through a network or interpersonal relation with family, gangs, and neighbors (Shaw, 1969). Strain Theory Merton said that all people have high economic ambitions and that social classes are linked to crime. Merton said that when individuals had high goals with income and education coupled with low chances of achieving the goals is strain theory (Liska, 1971). Studies with educational goals as measurements were unconvincing and suggested that income was a better component to use. Different studies used goals over expectation and reported any criminal connection which found hardly any support for Merton’s theory (Epps, 1967). Culture Conflict Thorsten Sellin observed that in a society were two cultures inevitably clash and it occurs because of the development of a combined culture. One of the outcomes of culture conflict is criminal behavior. This leads to the creation of criminals defining the surrounding everyday behavior of the individual. Sellin indicated that a diversified and more assorted society the bigger it gets and the more conflict occurs creating an increase in deviance (Claasical Criminology, 2002). Learning Theory Sutherland’s Learning Theory was based on observation. The studies concluded that criminal behavior is learned. Not only it is learned but criminal behavior is learned within intimate groups. It also shows that differential associations vary in frequency, duration priority, and intensity (Boundless, 2014). Social Control Theory Walter C. Reckless, observes that social pressure to follow community ideals, usually imposed by social isolation, was sufficient to control behavior. As society becomes complex, authority played a significant role in deciding whether people followed public laws. The research has found that economic class has little to do with predicting delinquent behavior, and that young people who do not connect or have attachment to parents or school are more likely to become juveniles (Criminology, n.d.). Labeling Theory In 2003, Jon Gunnar Bernburg and Marvin D. Krohn studied the impact of negative official intervention on young men in Rochester, New York. Data available was on men from the time they were 13.5 years old until they were 22. In keeping with what labeling theory would predict, Bemburg and Krohn found that intervention during adolescence led to increased delinquency in early adulthood because it reduced chances for achievement and successful employment. Negative labels come with harsh liabilities, as well as the consequence that the person starts to believe the label that has been given to him. (Schmalleger, 2008). Rational Choice Theory The research involving rational choice cannot be measured with regular crime statistics. It can only be applied through individual research because the theory is too specific to individuals (Schmalleger, 2008). XYY Theory Britished researcher examined 197 Scottish prisoners for deviations from regular chromosomes through a simple blood test known as â€Å"karyotyping† 12 members displayed a deviation of chromosomes that were unusual, and seven were found to have an XYY chromosome (Schmalleger, 2008). Behavior Genetics Twin researchers assumed that individuals choose partners that have an opposing personality. Equal environments, twin research also assumed that twins raised in similar environment share similar experiences. Genetic traits can be inherited through different genetic mechanisms involving a gene inherited from one parent and different gene from the other parents (Winerman, 2004). Sociobiology Edward O. Wilson research sociobiology by examining the genetic and how through affected human behavior and applied them through criminology theory. Research on what genetics are passed on and how they affect human behavior. Theoretical Components Social Disorganization Social disorganization theory comes from Chicago school of sociology. Social Disorganization is caused when a community does not solve the problems of its people which results in the breakdown of institutions within that community (Short, 1976). The theory states that delinquent behavior was not a result of the individual but it was a normal response of people adapting to less than favorable social conditions (Short, 1976). Strain Theory Merton came up with a sociological theory that explained how deviant behavior illustrated the conflicts between culturally defined goals and the official way of getting them (Boundless, 2015). Culture Conflict Suggest that human behavior is social, that results from conflicts between competing groups. Conflict theory originated with work of Karl Marx. Marx understood that human society in terms of conflict between social classes, markedly the conflict in capitalist societies between those who owed the means of economic production and those who didn’t. (Chegg, 2015). This is a sociological theory. Learning Theory Social learning theory, looks at the individual learning process, the formation of self and the influence of society in socializing. Learning theory is the formation of one’s identity to become responsive to a learned response to social stimulation. People engage in crime because of the association with others that also engage in crime. Criminal behavior is learned beliefs that are favorable to crime (Crossman, 2015). This is a sociological theory. Control Theory Control theorists generally argue that there are no problems to explain why people who commit crime because all human beings suffer from human weaknesses which makes it impossible to resist temptation. This is a sociological theory. Labeling Theory When someone has been labelled as a criminal or deviant, the label attached becomes the individual. Each label carries prejudices and images and this leads to others interpreting the behavior of the labeled person in a particular way. While the behavior would be seen as stereotypical to some, others would conclude that it is a self-fulfilling prophecy resulting from being labelled (History Learning, 2000-2015). This is a sociological Theory. Rational Choice This theory sees man as a reasoning actor that weights means and ends, costs and benefits, and makes a rational choices. Including the choice to engage in criminal activity, criminal activity is based on determined decisions that the potential benefits outweighs the risks taken by the individual. This is a psychological theory. XYY â€Å"supermale† XYY males are more likely to engage in criminal behavior but not violent behavior. XYY men were convicted of crimes are more likely to be guilty of property offenses and less likely than convicted XY men. XYY males were born criminals, XYY males according to the theory were more likely to commit violent crimes. This is a biological Theory Behavior Genetics Behavior genetics is the field in which a difference among individuals is separated into genetic against environmental. Environmental influences can be divided into two classes, shared and nonshared environments. Shared is the environment that is mutual by siblings such as socioeconomic statues and parental education, and nonshare is the environment that is unique to a person/individual. (SAPA, 1998). Early positivism. Early Positivism is a social and psychological theory that commits to practical application. It claims that determining criminal behavior and its cause comes from the physical, genetic, and psychological makeup that makes people predisposed to behave criminally (Marshall, 2015). References Boundless. (2014, November 14). Differential Association. Retrieved from Boundless Sociology: https://www.boundless.com/sociology/textbooks/boundless-sociology-textbook/deviance-social-control-and-crime-7/the-symbolic-interactionalist-perspective-on-deviance-64/differential-association-theory-381-8939 Boundless. (2015). Strain Theory. Retrieved from Boundless: https://www.boundless.com/sociology/textbooks/boundless-sociology-textbook/deviance-social-control-and-crime-7/the-functionalist-perspective-on-deviance-62/strain-theory-how-social-values-produce-deviance-375-6183/ Chegg. (2015). Denition of Conflict. Retrieved from Chegg: http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/definitions/conflict-theory-49 Claasical Criminology. (2002, Novemeber 18). Thorsten Sellin. Retrieved from Culture Conflict Theory: http://www.people.okanagan.bc.ca/wvdveen/WILMA WEBPAGE/classical_crim_theory/sellin.htm Criminology. (n.d.). Control Theory. Retrieved from Sociology Criminology: https://sociologycriminology.wordpress.com/control-theory/ Crossman, A. (2015). Learning Theory. Retrieved from About education: http://sociology.about.com/od/Sociological-Theory/a/Social-Learning-Theory.htm History Learning. (2000-2015). Labelling Theory. Retrieved from history Learning Site: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/labelling_theory.htm Liska, A. (1971). Aspirations and Expectations. Sociological Quarterly, 12: 99-107. Marshall, G. (2015, April 28). Criminology, Positivist. Retrieved from A Dictionary of Sociology: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-criminologypositivist.html SAPA. (1998, May). Bahvior Genetics. Retrieved from Personality Research: http://www.personalityresearch.org/bg.html Schmalleger. (2008). Criminology Today Fifth Edition. Columbus, Ohio: Frank Schmalleger. Short, J. F. (1976). Delinquency, Crime, and Soceity. Chicago:. University of Chicago Press. Winerman, L. (2004, April). A second Look at Twin Studies. Retrieved from American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr04/second.aspx