Description Of The UK Grocery Retailers Structure Essay

Description Of The UK Grocery Retailers Structure - Essay Example The essay "Description Of The UK Grocery Retailers Structure" talks about the structure of the UK grocery retailers - Tesco Plc. Type of bureaucratic and strict business structure or features is viewed within the organization of Tesco Plc. It is mainly due to its strict organizational features implemented by the dominant leader or manager, Mr. Philip Clarke. The leadership style of him not only enhanced the activities of the human resources but also amplified their coordination that helped the organization of Tesco Plc to attain optimum results in the future age. Hence, it might be stated that bureaucratic and post-bureaucratic features or traditions helped the organization of Tesco Plc to improve its market share in the entire globe. According to classical organizational theory, an organization is described as a social system or an association of employees or individual. It develops and expands, only if the workers or labors of the organization perform their duties in an appropriate way. This might facilitate the organization to improve its productivity in current and future days. However, growth and development of the organization offer a significant impact on the progress of the employees as well. This means that, if the employees get motivated towards their assigned duties then their level of performance and rankings might get enhanced. Similarly, due to increased efforts, the image of the organization might also get amplified. Thus, it might be stated that organizational development is a two-way process.

Red Robin Restaurant Evaluation Essay Example for Free

Red Robin Restaurant Evaluation Essay The theme for all Red Robin restaurants is â€Å"Red Robin†¦. Yum! † When thinking about this statement you really have to think about all that encompasses. What makes the food so good? Does the atmosphere make the yum factor even better? What about the staff how do they contribute to the yum factor of the food? For this evaluation I would like to explore this yum factor and truly understand what makes the Red Robin chain of restaurants stick with yum as a marketing tool to entice customers to come in. Firstly we will explore the atmosphere of the Red Robin restaurants and how the atmosphere adds to the yum factor. When you first walk into a Red Robin restaurant you are greeted by a friendly hostess who joyfully takes you and your party to your table. Once you are seated your server comes over to greet you and take your drink order. This is great for the yum factor because no one like to eat food in the mist of negativity, when you are in a place where the atmosphere is negative it just makes your whole entire experience bad. The one down side to this is that at times if you have children, you are still in the process of settling in; you are not quite ready for your server to come by and take your drink order because you have not even looked at the menu. Secondly we must discuss the staff and how they add to the yum factor for Red Robin restaurants. The staff at Red Robin is for about 95% of the time the friendliest and warm restaurant staff you will encounter. The staffs at Red Robin restaurants are very accommodating for anyone who needs to place a special order. They are also good about getting food to children first, especially if it is later in the evening and they are hungry. This ability to get what I desire to eat the way that I desire it without having to be reprimanded for substituting this for that or adding this or that, makes the yum factor so much better because it is truly what I want. However, the one con that I have seen of the Red Robin staff is that, they are not prepared for last minute large parties. There have been times when a group of friends have decided to just go and have a great time eating together, the staff takes about thirty minutes to get their selves together to be able to accommodate the crew. Lastly, we must discuss what makes the food so good and how it makes the yum factor. The food at Red Robin consists of burgers, French fries, select chicken products, salads and sandwich wraps. The burgers are considered gourmet because they have more than just your typical bacon, cheese, ketchup and mustard. The food theme for Red Robin is classic comfort with a twist of class to heighten your taste buds. On the other hand when it comes to the food some may find that the classiness of some of the items is too much for them. Some people just want a simple cheeseburger with no muss or fuss, and with all the gourmet burgers this may be a turnoff to those people. The uniqueness of the food is what gives Red Robin the yum factor, the food is comforting and the flavors are bold. In conclusion you can clearly understand how the staff, atmosphere and food at Red Robin restaurants live up you their motto â€Å"Red Robin†¦Yum! † When you have a great atmosphere, great staff, and food that delivers’ on the taste, you have a great recipe for the yum factor. When you are choosing a place to eat you want to choose a place where you have the full yum factor effect. Some restaurants may just have one or two elements of the yum factor, but if you are looking for a place with all three yum factors, then Red Robin is the restaurant for you.

Human Growth Behaviour And Development Social Work Essay

Human Growth Behaviour And Development Social Work Essay Attachment theory derives from psychoanalyic psychology, however it is used in social work to attempt to understand behaviour in infancy and childhood to show the way in which children develop emotionally WALKER 2009 This theory centres on the idea that children need to form secure relationships with other people, such as parents or guardians, as it is a significant contributer to their emotional development. Social bonds and relationships that are made in early childhood are believed to influence an individuals life and can impact upon their well-being to determine their emotional and social stability later in life. Consequently, attachment is seen as an integral component within infants and young childrens lives, as these experiences can shape a persons personality and identity in future years. (WALKER, J and K, CRAWFORD 2010). If these experiences of attachment are negative, and the child does not develop adequate relationships with their caregivers, then this can have detremental consequences on their psychological and emotional development. (WALKER, J 2009). The Attachment theory originates from the ideas of John Bowlby who believes that humans are biological predispositioned to seek attachment from others. He proposes that survival is closely related to the ability to possess emotional bonds with other individuals (GREEN 2003). This is because by forming an attachment with an authority figure who is seen as the stronger of the species, this reduces the vulnerability of the individual as it provides increased security and protection from harm posed by potential predators (BOWLBY 1958, cited in LISHMAN 2007). The theory looks at the way that attachment relationships are formed, and the reasons behind their manifestation. Children are seen to form these relationships for reasons such as safety, comfort and to provide guidence. These attachment behaviours, according to learning theorists, are displayed in infancy through talking, laughing and crying. This enables them to persue their basic needs for survival, such as food for nurishment, by their attachment to their mother who is able to support them in fulfilling their needs (WALKER, J and K, CRAWFORD 2010). This initial attachment to caregivers also guides the individuals thoughts, feelings and expectations as they become aware of peoples responses towards them which help them recognise how to behave (WALKER 2009). There are four assumptions of Bowlbys attachment theory which attempt to explain his beliefs. The first, is that infants and young children develop emotional ties with individuals early in life, which acts as a biological function and plays an integral part to their survival. The second assumption is that the way a child is treated early in life has a major contributing factor to their future relationships and the way their personality is formed. The third assumption is that attachment behaviour can form an internal working model which guide the childs thoughts, feelings and expectations as a result of the reactions of others towards their behaviour. The final assumption of Bowlbys attachment theory is that although it is difficult to alter attachment behaviour, it is not impossible, thereofre there is the possibility of alteration at any point in life, both in a positive and negative way (GREEN 2003). Although infants and young children are able to have more than one attachment figure, they are still affected when they are exposed to seperation from their primary attachment figure. This can happen for many reasons, such as a child being removed from a family home and placed into care, or perhaps death. This can be a very distressing and confusing time for a child as they are unsure of who to turn to for security and protection. This is evident in social work practice in instances where an abused child wants to remain with its parents, even though it is not a stable or supportive attachment (LISHMAN 2006). Bowlby proposed that children who have experienced seperation from their main attachment figure will suffer in a process involving protest, dispair and detachment, in an attempt to overcome their loss (BOWLBY 1958, cited in LISHMAN 2006). However, although Bowlby provided an important contribution to the idea of attachment, his research can be criticised in many ways. This is because Bowlby tends to focus his ideas on one primary figure of attachment, often the mother, when it is possible for children to form attachments with other people within their lives such as their father. Also, developing relationships with other people alongside the attachment figure is also important, this is because having to rely on the caregiving relationship of one person can be detrimental due to the fact it often results in dependency and does not allow other relationships to be formed with others, which can the hinder the social and emotional development of the child (WALKER, J and K, CRAWFORD 2010). According to Lishman (2007), the attachment theory believes that when a child is stressed or afraid, they exhibit particular behaviour and emotions which can be perceived as attachment. This is because they seek protection from harm through the help and security of an adult who they see as stronger than themselves. This is closly linked to two types of behavioural systems: the exploratory behavioural system and the fear behavioural system. The exploratory behavioural system is based of the belief that when an infant or young child feels comfortable and safe, the attachment behaviour remains dormant and therefore the child will be willing to explore the people around them and their surroundings. However, if a child feels threatened or vulnerable, the fear behavioural system will become active, where the child will no longer seek exploration and instead they will seek protection from their attachment figure and exhibit behaviour related to that attachment. However, the behaviour that they display is not intended to provoke affection from the attachment figure, instead it is to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“regain a state of equilibriumà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  (p59). This means that infants and young children are not dependent upon the caregiving nature of the attachment figure, instead their aim is to diminish their fears. There is a classification of attachment patterns which identifies four different types of attachment, which attempts to enanble professionals to assess young childrens behaviour and emotions (secure, ambivalent, avoident and disorganised). Secure attachment is based of the belief that children depend upon their caregiver as a base for exploration. The caregiver is available to the child and responds to the childs needs, therefore the child behaves in a positive manner. Ambivalent attachment looks at how children are unwilling to explore their surroundings as the caregiver is not consistent in their support. This can leave the child distressed, clingy and dependent. The third category is avoident patterns of attachment, and features an unresponsive caregiver, therefore the child feels rejected and they view themelves as dependent whilst actively avoiding or ignoring the caregivers presence. And finally, disorganised attachment is where children are fearful of their caregivers, and the y themselves may feel confused or depressed. This type of attachment is most often seen in children who have suffered abuse (HOWE 2001, cited in LISHMAN 2007). How a critical understanding of Attachment Theory can contribute to Social Work Practice. Social workers are seen to have three roles to play when working within an attachment perspective: assessment, planning and direct work with children, parents and carers. Assessment looks at areas within attachment such as the needs of a child, the parenting that they receive, their emotional and behavioural development and the relationships which they have formed. There are also tests created specifically for measuring attachment, such as Ainsworths stranger test which provide an indication of the pattern and quality of their attachments. The second role, planning, looks at how planning for new attachments when placing children with new families needs to be approached carefully. This is because they need finding the most suitable parenting figures where new attachments can be made. The third role is direct work with children, parents and carers. This is because direct contact and communication is necessary to achieve the best possible outcome when working with children and families. For example, when a child has been removed from their home and is being placed with new carers, direct work can provide support to the child to prepare them for change. It can also be useful with the adoptive or foster family to provide guidence and support towards what to expect and to help with any problems they face (LISHMAN 2007) Attachment theory has been used within social work practice as the basis for many child care policies. This is because the idea of a infant or child being attached to their family, which can influence their development in many ways, has been used as the basis for many legislation (LISHMAN 2007). For example, Sure Start Childrens Centres have been introduced in response to the importancy of family support to enable them to build and maintain positive family relationships (LAMING REPORT 2009, cited in BRAMMER 2010). Attachment theory had also contributed to policies such as shared parental responsibility, as it has emhasised the need for emotional and social relationships with caregivers, whilst also suggesting possible consequences to a childs development and the negative impact later in life if these needs were not met effectively. (LISHMAN 2007). Attachment theory also provides guidence to enable social workers to judge the quality of a relationship between a child and its parents. This can enable them to gain an understanding of at what point, if at any, intervention is necessary as it gives them the ability to evaluate the attachment that is present within the relationship. The attachment theory also gives a more comprehensive understanding of the loss experienced by an infant or child when they lose their main attachment figure. This means that people working within social work practice are aware of the common and typical behaviours of a child who is going through this process and can therefore support them to overcome it. A further way the attachment theory is used to benefit social work practice is that as it is known that attachment figures are necessary for children to develop adequately, individuals such as adoptive parents can be taught to exhibit behaviour which will encourage new attachmentment from the child which is needed for personal growth (WALKER, J and K, CRAWFORD 2010). However , care needs to be taken when placing a child with a new family as to prevent a repeating loss of attachment figures which can cause them to blame themeselves and produce feelings of worthlessness. This can mean ensuring that the child is appropriatly prepared and ready to form new bonds of attachment and that the new carers of the child receive sufficient support within their role. (LISHMAN 2007). Attachment theory can also be linked to the way in which a mother bonds with her new born baby. However, these early bonds are not solely restricted to mothers, it is also possible for fathers. Although, this bond is typically formed within the first few hours after birth as the mother and baby connect both physically and emotionally. The initial bond that is made is thought to have a significant effect on their future relationship as it is the beginning of their attachment. This knowledge enables social workers to support mothers who are particularly vulnerable to poor parenting, although this is only effective if the support continues throughout the first few months after the baby is born.. However, it is important to note that just because a mother fails to achieve an initial bond with her baby, this does not mean that abuse is inevitable. How are issues of diversity relevant to human growth, behaviour and development? GREEN, V. 2003. Emotional development in Psychoanalysis, Attachment Theory and Neuroscience: Creating Connections. East Sussex: Brunner-Routledge LISHMAN, J. 2007. Handbook for Practice and Learning in Social Work and Social Care: Knowledge and Theory. London: Jessica Kingsley WALKER, J and K, CRAWFORD. 2010. Social Work and Human Development. Exeter: Learning Matters WALKER, J. 2008. Studying for Your Social Work Degree. Exeter: Learning Matters BRAMMER, 2010. Social Work Law. London: Longman

Trouble With Bill Clintons Character :: essays research papers

Trouble With Bill Clinton's Character In the article, "The Trouble With Character" from Time magazine , writer Richard Stengel describes Bob Dole's attacks on President Bill Clinton's character during the second Presidential debate and explains why Dole's criticisms did not affect Clinton. Stengel begins the article by discussing how American parents do not want their children to aspire to become President as much as they used to. Most Americans feel that someone else should do the job, and this person is no moralistic model. Stengel says that the people's negative portrait of the President is demonstrated in the roles the President plays in various movies and novels. Stengel then discusses the second Presidential debate in which Dole said that Clinton "single-handedly contaminated the highest office in the land" and is the leading cause of the public's distrust of the government. The focus of Dole's campaign was not Clinton's issues, but his moral pertinence. The press were surprised by the fact that most people think that Dole has a better character than Clinton, but they still prefer Clinton as President. This notion comes from the reasoning that most Americans are only concerned with whether or not the country and its citizens are taken care of, and so disregard the President's moral imperfections which, in the people's opinion, have very little to do with the issues. So the President can cheat on his taxes or even his wife and the Americans will overlook it as long as he is getting the job done. Claims such as these lead some to believe that Americans' standards of acceptable moral behavior are going down. Stengel mentions examples of different presidents and the issues that gave them a bad reputation to demonstrate the fact that the people's expectations of the President have fallen. When it comes to politics, Americans are becoming more European – that is, they are becoming more and more tolerant of the flaws in their leaders. This is why Dole's complaints are ineffective in convincing voters. In my opinion, I think that Stengel is correct in saying that the reason why Dole's attacks are not working is voters are not concerned with the President's personal shortcomings, but rather his capability of running the country, and the two are not always closely related. I think that Bob Dole is going about the whole issue all wrong, and his tactics are not practical and may even backfire. He is trying to make Clinton look bad by insulting his character, but in doing so, Dole is revealing a lot about his own. Take for instance the issue of Clinton and his playful attitude

Impact Technology Has on Small Businesses Essay

Technology has given the world a 360 degrees turn, as well as all businesses. Technology has a great impact on our society, culture, businesses and education. This essay will not only prove why it has an impact on small businesses but also prove how it makes technology so much better and efficient. | The Impact Technology has on Businesses The impact that technology can make on a small business is huge. Technology has made the world a more efficient and more organized place to succeed, and can help a small business be a big success and accomplishment. By making a website for your business, you can help the business expand by selling products through the website, by doing this you expand the business world wide and can increase profit. You can also organize your business in all aspect, simple tasks made in a business such as book keeping and record keeping can make so much simpler by using technology. Technology is not just computers but is phones also, which is an essential for any business to have. With technology small businesses can become world-wide businesses and exceed the main purpose and achievement of the owner. To begin with, technology has made businesses grow. By using computers to achieve simple task as book keeping can make the job easier and keep all papers organized. Computers can help perform many tasks that offices have to do, like book keeping. Microsoft excel can help you perform this task in one single page without confusions and with less work than by paper. This is because excel can perform calculations for you once you adapt it, it is as simple as that. You can perform book keeping, record keeping, and perform all kind of calculations fast, understandable and visible in a single page. Now a day, you can have your meetings with business partners who are around the world in front of your computer! You can use Phones which are also a part of technology, and without them you can’t make orders for your business, or talk to others business people who can help you make your business grow while making you grow as an owner and entrepreneur also. Productivity can also improve in so many ways by using technology. Technology is exciting and can make things happen in a blink of an eye, work can be so much easier for employees. For example, now supermarkets have advance machines in order to ring the customer’s supplies, if an error occurs the employee can easily delete it instead of ringing everything up again. Without the advance technology we have today, the employees would have to put all prices by hand meaning they have to memorize all prices and if an error occurs, they will have to ring everything up again in order for the total to be correct. Also by having meetings done at that instant online you can save all the time of flying across the world to meet with a business partner, so whatever was in concern can be fixed and finish what you have to do, meaning more progress and productivity. By producing a website for your business can you can help it grow and expand your business to many other countries and produce more profit. By making a website many more people can see what your business bring to the world and have to offer. While a website is world-wide, your customers are world-wide, meaning more goods and services the business provide will be obtained and sold. If you sell your merchandize through the web you can perform a test and see how many states and countries, would like to have one of your businesses around based on the location wants and needs and construct the business in that specific location. For that fact, that the owner can make the business grow in difference ways, he/she can grow as an entrepreneur also. Finally with technology, you can produce more profit. By using technology in several ways you can increase the income of the business. Obviously, if you can produce and sell more not only in your location of business but in the web and around the world in which you will expand your business to, you will sell and increase profit. The entrepreneur’s income will increase and his success will exceed what was thought to be achieved. Anyone can be an entrepreneur but only the ones who force themselves to do better, can achieve excellence. I think that to install various businesses is not what makes an entrepreneur is how you keep those business stabilize and running is what makes a great entrepreneur. Technology doesn’t have to be imported into the business, business can be technology. There are many businesses in which technology is the main purpose, some businesses produce and sell technology, all kinds and types of it. From computers to printers to phones, not only phones but smart phones and templates which can be made into computers, mp3 and iPod. These are gadgets that are nothing without technology; technology is what brings all these gadgets to live. Some businesses cannot produce without technology if you think of it. For example, supermarkets, when you go pay at the registers, most supermarkets are now complete made of technology, the weigh in order to know the prices of fruits and vegetables are connected to the computer which transfer the weight and gives you a price, the screen you look at to keep in check the prices, that’s connected to the same monitor and it all combines to the register. When you are ready to pay and it’s with your credit card, you pass it through a machine which is connected to all and the internet to get an approval. This all needs technology to function. Matthew Hohn said â€Å"Together with the advancement of science and technology, technological innovations grew along with it, resulting to the emergence of new equipment and gadgets. No matter how big or small your company is, technology brings both intangible and tangible benefits to become cost efficient and to meet the growing demands and needs of customers† in the article. I agree with him in every aspect, technology has advance the way to look into our world and experiences, and by connecting businesses with technology and the way it can change the whole business completely is incredible. It’s truly amazing how technology has changed our world in many different ways and completely. In conclusion, technology has gave business the chance to expand and grow in many ways, by increasing profit, increasing chances of making a being a better one and achieving all the success it thought it will. With technology small businesses can become a world-wide business which will exceed achievement. By becoming world-wide the business will exceed the main purpose and achievement of the owner. Technology can go a really long way especially when it’s combined with business and greatness.

Origin and Development of Applied Linguistics Essay

â€Å"Applied linguistics is not a discipline which exists on its own. It is influenced by other disciplines and influences them as well. It is a two-way process. For this reason, applied linguistics examines theories from all sorts of different areas (semantics, syntax, pragmatics, sociolinguistics,†¦) and from all sorts of perspectives so that it help find out effective solutions for language -related issues such as teaching methodology (including foreign language and mother tongue teaching), translation, aphasia,†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Applied linguistics originated in close relation with foreign language teaching and has developed to cover a wide range of knowledge, but its core has always been language teaching and learning. Applied linguistics draws its sources from sociology, psychology, anthropology and information theory as well as from linguistics to solve practical problems in practical areas such as language teaching. So applied linguistics is not linguistics that is applied, though it applies, first of all, linguistics. In fact, what it applies depends on what the theories are applied to. Applied linguistics, unlike pure science, aims to solve problems. Thus between theories of linguistics and related fields and the practical areas such as language teaching, it plays the role of a mediator, which bridges theories and practice together. In this way, applied linguistics not only provides principles and methodology for language teaching, etc. , but also gives feedbacks to the theoretical study by summing up the experience from practice. As applied linguistics makes language teaching and learning its core, it provides language teacher with good language theories, principles and methodology. By learning applied linguistics, language teacher can possess an overall understanding of updated theories of language teaching & learning as well as a better perspective of the various factors affecting language teaching &learning. So it is very necessary for a language teacher to learn applied linguistics in order to teach more effectively. As for language learners, it is also very helpful to have some knowledge about applied linguistics. For one thing, by knowing the currently used teaching approaches and methods, which are covered by applied linguistics, language learners can learn to adjust themselves to the teacher’s teaching by adopting a more proper learning method because â€Å"a theory of teaching always implies a theory of learning â€Å"(Applied Linguistics, Yue Meiyun) and language learning is a two – way process, which needs efforts and adaptation from bath the teacher’s side and the learner’s side. For another, applied linguistics covers a wide scope of knowledge. It helps to enhance learner’s insights and depth of knowledge in language learning. Applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary field of study that identifies, investigates, and offers solutions to language-related real-life problems. Some of the academic fields related to applied linguistics are education, linguistics, psychology, computer science, anthropology, and sociology. The goal of this writing is to make some personal comment on the viewpoint: â€Å"Applied linguistics is not a discipline which exists on its own. It is influenced by other disciplines and influences them as well. It is a two-way process. For this reason, applied linguistics examines theories from all sorts of different areas (semantics, syntax, pragmatics, sociolinguistics,†¦) and from all sorts of perspectives so that it help find out effective solutions for language -related issues such as teaching methodology (including foreign language and mother tongue teaching), translation, aphasia,†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Many linguistic students like me find linguistics useful because it broadens and deepens their understanding of related fields such as languages and literature (English and foreign), social sciences (especially anthropology, sociology, and psychology), education, philosophy, communication†¦ The question is whether applied linguistics and linguistics applied is the same. Needless to say, the answer is â€Å"no†. Phillip Shaw, Stockholm University Strictly looking at the model above by Philip Shaw, a professor from Stockholm University, we can see a basic coherence between applied linguistics and other sciences. According to the professor, studying linguistics means studying language’s sounds, grammar, words, meanings, uses, and connected contexts – that is phonetics, syntax, lexis, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse respectively. Of these, phonetics focuses on the physical sounds of speech. It covers speech perception (how the brain discerns sounds), acoustics (the physical qualities of sounds as movement through air), and articulation (voice production through the movements of the lungs, tongue, lips, and other articulators). This area investigates, for instance, the physical realization of speech and how individual sounds differ across languages and dialects. This research plays a large part in computer speech recognition and synthesis. Syntax is the study of how units including words and phrases combine into sentences. Syntacticians investigate what orders of words make legitimate sentences, how to succinctly account for patterns found across sentences. Semantics within linguistics refers to the study of how language conveys meaning. Pragmatics is the study of how utterances relate to the context they are spoken in. By areas studied, he distinguishes different kinds of linguistics. Sociolinguistics is the study where linguistics looks at how language functions in different social contexts. In other words, it is the study of how language varies according to cultural context, the speaker’s background, and the situation in which it is used. Meanwhile, historical linguistics studies how languages are historically related. This involves finding universal properties of language and accounting for a language’s development and origins. Psycholinguistics is the study of language to find out about how the mind works. Pr. Phillip Shaw emphasizes that we can applied all knowledge of the above-mentioned sciences. It is understandable, therefore, whereas theoretical linguistics is concerned with finding and describing generalities both within particular languages and among all languages, applied linguistics takes these results and applies them to other areas. He defines applied linguistics as an engineering of linguistics, taking what the sciences of linguistics have discovered and applied to solve real practical problems. Kamil Wisniewski, in his work ‘Applied Linguistics’ 2007, he presents the term applied linguistics as an umbrella term that covers a wide set of numerous areas of study connected by the focus on the language that is actually used. He puts the emphasis in applied linguistics on language users and the ways in which they use languages, contrary to theoretical linguistics which studies the language in the  abstract not referring it to any particular context, or language, like Chomskyan generative grammar for example. Interestingly even among applied linguists there is a difference of opinion as to the scope, the domains and limits of applied linguistics. There are many issues investigated by applied linguists such as discourse analysis, sign language, stylistics and rhetoric as well as language learning by children and adults, both as mother tongue and second or foreign language. Correlation of language and gender, as well as the transfer of information in media and interpersonal communication are analyzed by applied linguists. Also forensic linguistics, interpretation and translation, together with foreign language teaching methodology and language change are developed by applied linguistics. Shortly after the introduction of the term applied linguistics it was associated mainly with first, second and foreign language teaching, however nowadays it is seen as more interdisciplinary branch of science. Although in certain parts of the world language teaching remains the major concern of applied linguists, issues such as speech pathologies and determining the levels of literacy of societies, or language processing along with differences in communication between various cultural groups – all gain interest elsewhere. There is a consensus among linguists that is applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary field of study that identifies, investigates, and offers solutions to language-related real-life problems. Some of the academic fields related to applied linguistics are education, linguistics, psychology, computer science, anthropology, and sociology. Major branches of applied linguistics include bilingualism and multilingualism, computer-mediated communication, conversation analysis, contrastive linguistics, sign linguistics, language assessment, literacy, discourse analysis, language pedagogy, second language acquisition, lexicography, language planning and policies, stylistics, pragmatics, forensic linguistics, and translation. For all of what I have presented above, I want to restate that applied linguistics does not exist on its own, it makes a great influence on other disciplines and also is influenced by them. The findings of linguistics, like the findings of any other theoretical study, can be applied to the solution of practical problems, as well as to innovations in everyday areas involving language. This is the mandate of applied linguistics. Applied linguists draw from theories of language acquisition to develop first and second language teaching methodologies and to implement successful literacy programs. Applied linguists may also engage in language planning by developing alphabets and grammars for unwritten languages and by writing dictionaries. In short, applied linguistics applies the theories and tools of formal linguistics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics in a wide variety of socially useful ways In his own work – â€Å"Issues in applied linguistics† (Cambridge University Press, 2001), Michael McCarthy presents applied linguistics as problem – solving concept. According to him, it is the belief that linguistics can offer insights and ways forward in the resolution of problems related to language in a wide variety of contexts that underlines the very existence of applied linguistics. Applied linguists try to offer solutions to real-world problems in which language is a central issue. People often think that applied linguistics refers to the use of linguistic research in language teaching, but this is just one sub-discipline. McCarthy lists out the domains of typical applied linguistic problems which, as he says, seems certainly be wide – ranging and potential endless, but might include 14 problems as following: 1- A speech therapist sets out to investigate why s four-year-old child has failed to develop normal linguistics skills for a child of that age. 2- A teacher of English as a foreign language wonders why groups of learners sharing the same first language regularly make a particular grammatical mistake that learners from other language backgrounds do not. 3- An expert witness in a criminal case tries to solve the problem of who exactly investigated a crime, working only with statements made to the police 4- A advertising copy writer searches for what would be the most effective use of language to target a particular social group in order to sell a product. 5- A mother-tongue teacher needs to know what potential employers consider important in terms of a school-leaver’s ability to write reports or other business documents. 6- A historian wishes to understand the meanings of place-names in a particular geographical area and how they have changed over time. 7- A person constructing a language test foe non-native speakers for entry into further education needs to know what the key linguistic or psycholinguistic indicators are of reading ability in a second of foreign language. 8- A literary scholar suspects that an anonymous work was in fact written by a very famous writer and looks for methods of investigating the hypothesis. 9- A dictionary writer ponders over possible alternatives to an alphabetically organized dictionary. 10- A computer programmer wrestles with the goal of trying to get a computer to process human speech or to get it to translate from one language into another. 11- A group of civil servants are tasked with standardizing language usage in their country, or deciding major aspects of language planning policy that will affect millions of people. 12- A body is set up to produce an international, agreed language for use by air-traffic controllers and pilots, or by marine pilots and ships’ captains. 13- A zoologist investigates the question whether monkeys have language similar to or quite distinct from human language and how it works. 14- A medical sociologist sets out to understand better the changes that occur in people’s use of language as they move into old age. (Michael McCarthy, â€Å"Issues in Applied Linguistics†, Cambridge University Press 2001, page 1-2) In a work called â€Å"Understanding applied linguistics† by Professor V. B Owhotu (2007), the author emphasizes the importance and growing diversity of applied linguistics. In his view applied linguistics is driven first by real world problems rather than theoretical explorations. In other words, the applied linguists should be preoccupied by the following problems: language learning problem (emergence, awareness, rules, use, context, automaticity, attitudes and expertise); language teaching problems (resources, training, practice, interaction, understanding, use, context, inequalities, motivation, outcomes); literacy problems (language and culture); language inequality problems such as ethnicity, class, gender and age; language policy and planning problems (status planning, corpus planning, and ecology of language); Language assessment problems (validity, reliability, usability, responsibility); language use problems (dialects, register, discourse communities, gate-keeping situations, limited access to services); language and technology problems (learning, assessment, access and use); translation and interpretation problem (on-line, off-line, technology assisted); and language pathology problems (aphasia, dyslexia, physical disabilities). Needless to say, it is far beyond my capacity to present an insight to all of these above-mentioned problems. However, in this part of the writing, I would like to take problems of language learning and teaching, translation  and interpretation, and speech-language pathology as examples to demonstrate the point that applied linguistics helps us to find out effective solutions to our practical problems. Researches in language teaching today show that applied linguistics is sometimes used to refer to â€Å"second language acquisitions†, but these are distinct fields, in that second language acquisition involves more theoretical study of the system of language, whereas applied linguistics concerns itself more with teaching and learning. In their approach to the study of learning, applied linguists have increasingly devised their own theories and methodologies, such as the shift towards studying the learner rather than the system of language itself, in contrast to the emphasis within second language acquisition. I shall continue by considering what avenues within linguists suggest themselves for approaching two of the problems relevant to languages teaching. Let us consider problem of teacher trying to understand why learners from the same language background are having difficulty with a particular grammatical structure in English. Potential linguistic questions for the solution of a grammatical problem, as McCarthy shows in â€Å"Issues in applied linguistics†, are: â€Å"What is known about the learner’s first language or any other language they know which might be interfering with their learning of the foreign language? What do grammarians say about this structure? What psychological barriers might be preventing the learning of the structure? Are some structure difficult to learn if they are tackled too early on? Is there an order in which structures are best presented? † (Michael McCarthy, â€Å"Issues in applied linguistics†, page 8). Can linguistics offer an approach or solution to the problem? If so, which branch(es) of linguistic study and by what methods? The answer lies in such linguistics’ components as pragmatics, semantics, syntax. In terms of pragmatics, students sometimes make mistakes in the use of unsuitable sentences in certain contexts that makes listeners misunderstand. Therefore, when teaching English, teachers need not only teach grammar and vocabulary but also teach how to use sentences in suitable contexts; e. g.  teaching students how and when to say thank you or apologize. In terms of syntax, the most popular mistakes students make are: when making sentences students often translate word by word as the result of their habit of mother tongue (e. g. I have a cat black); combining words incorrectly to produce phrases (e. g. â€Å"a high man† instead of â€Å"a tall man†); the agreement between words in a sentence (e. g. S and V, tenses). In these cases, possibly effective solutions for teachers are: teachers need to teach students how to combine words correctly according to English grammatical rules; they should teach words in contexts. Teachers might also apply semantic knowledge to deal with learners’ mistakes. That is when teaching students a word which has many different meanings, they should teach the meanings related to the context, situation; wishing to talk about a meaning of the word, we may use different synonyms or antonyms; when teaching students how to translate the sentences or the texts into learners’ mother tongue, we should teach students to combine the meaning of English words and the meaning of their mother tongue to have a good translation. It could be confirmed that any problems in language learning and teaching might be solved with application of linguistics, and knowledge about language plays or could play a major role in language teaching and learning. In translation and interpretation area, applied linguistics can also be shown with effective applications in solving problems. In an article titled â€Å"Linguistics and Applied Linguistics† posted in the website of University of Melbourne, Australia, the author emphasizes an important role of linguistics and applied linguistics in different areas of our life, specially in translation and interpretation area. The article provides clear reasons why linguistic and applied linguistics should be studied by those specializing in translation and interpretation. One of the given reasons is that the skills in need for solving problems are central to the study of linguistics. An evidence for this assumption is clearly shown in the article. That is, â€Å"In a period when Australian culture is coming to term with the need to relate the worldwide mosaic of non-English speaking cultures, and when information and communication are moving to technological centre stage, there is a growing demand for people equipped to analyze language. In fact, an increasing number of employers, ranging from language teachers to engineers of knowledge systems and speech synthesis, from translators to managers to designers of natural-language interfaces for computers, from lexicographers to lawyers to bilingual schools in Aboriginal communities, realize the value of a sound training in Linguistics†. As cited in the article, knowledge in Applied Linguistics will provide us a head start in understanding and orienting us to the area and will give us relevant knowledge and analytical skills. People with a background in Applied linguistics also gain an enhanced understanding of how people learn first, second and foreign languages and of how language is used in the community. These skills will be relevant to those interested in preparing for careers as language teachers, language education and assessment experts, speech pathologists, interpreters and translators, and a variety of jobs in industry where language and communication are issues are of concern. Linguistics and Applied Linguistics provide unique skills in cross-linguistic and cross-cultural communication that are helpful in solving problems in translation and interpretation. Speaking of applied computational linguistic, people often mention machine translation, computer – assisted translation, and natural language processing as fruitful areas which have also come to the forefront in recent years. I am going to pick up machine translation as a typical example of applying linguistic knowledge. Machine translation is a form of translation where a computer program analyses the text in one language – the â€Å"source text† – and then attempts to produce another, equivalent text in another language – the target text – without human intervention. Currently the state of machine translation is such that it involves some human intervention, as it requires a pre-editing and a post-editing phase. Note that in machine translation, the translator supports the machine and not the other way around. Nowadays most machine translation systems produce what is called a â€Å"gisting translation† – a rough translation that gives the â€Å"gist† of the source text, but is not otherwise usable. However, in fields with highly limited ranges of vocabulary and simple sentence structure, for example weather reports, machine translation can deliver useful results. It is often argued that the success of machine translation requires the problem of natural language understanding to be solved first. However, a number of heuristic methods of machine translation are also used, including: lexical lookup methods, grammar based methods, semantics based methods (knowledge-based machine translation), statistical methods, example based methods, dictionary-entry based methods, linguistic rule based methods. Generally, rule-based methods parse a text, usually creating an intermediary, symbolic representation, from which the text in the target language is generated. These methods require extensive lexicons with morphologic, syntactic, and semantic information, and large sets of rules. Statistical-based and example-based methods avoid manual lexicon building and rule-writing and instead try to generate translations based on bilingual text corpora, such as the Canadian Hansard corpus, the English-French record of the Canadian parliament. Where such corpora are available, impressive results can be achieved translating texts of a similar kind, but such corpora are still very rare. Given enough data, most machine translation programs work well enough for a native speaker of one language to get the approximate meaning of what is written by the other native speaker. The difficulty is getting enough data of the right kind to support the particular method. The large multilingual corpus of data needed for statistical methods to work is not necessary for the grammar based methods, for example. But then, the grammar methods need a skilled linguist to carefully design the grammar that they use. Generally speaking, application of knowledge from linguistics and applied linguistics benefits the practice of language teaching and learning, translation and interpretation. Linguistic theory has also provided a rich knowledge base for application in speech language pathology. First of all, linguistic approaches to aphasia are aimed at providing well-motivated descriptions for patterns of dissociation in aphasia; unifying diverse phenomena in normal and abnormal language under a single account; constraining competing accounts within linguistic theory. As cited by Roman Jakobson on the role of linguistics in research on aphasia (1971, p.39-40), â€Å"the application of purely linguistic criteria to the interpretation and classification of aphasia facts can contribute substantially to the science of language and language disturbances, provided that linguists remain as careful and cautious when dealing with psychological and neurological data as they have been in their traditional field†. He provides some linguistic approaches to aphasia such as: first of all, pathologists or clinicians should be familiar with the technical terms and devices of the medical disciplines dealing with aphasia; then, they must submit the clinical case reports to thorough linguistic analysis; and further, they should themselves work with aphasic patients in order to approach the cases directly and not only through prepared records which are quite differently conceived and elaborated. As we know, phonological theories have also provided frameworks for the description of the speech of unintelligible children in terms of coherent phonological systems, thus facilitating logical goal-setting for intervention. In this part, I might give an example of clinical application. Clinical linguistics entails the application of linguistics to speech-language pathology. This involves treating individuals whose linguistic development is atypical or impaired. This branch of applied linguistics may also involve treatment of specific language impairment, where one aspect of language develops exceptionally. Phonological disorder is a typical problem of people with speech-language pathology. Some children learning a language have difficulties at the phonological level of language acquisition, including problems with knowledge of phonetic segments and phonological constraint, and how that knowledge is implemented in speech production. These problems result in impaired intelligibility and most often difficulty in other language domains such as lexical and syntactic development. In addition, they may lead to later problems in developing literacy. Research in speech production disorders had little concern with the nature of phonology. Rather, children who used few speech sounds or used them incorrectly were studied to determine if they had problems with sensory, cognitive, motor, or perceptual tasks. A speech sound production problem was presumed to be a peripheral motor problem. After all, speech pathology and linguistics have, as sciences, experienced a parallel development over the past years. Although these disciplines have traditionally been separated, they have common areas of concern, and there are indications of a growing interest on the part of speech pathologists in such linguistic subfields as sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and neurolinguistics. Speech and hearing publications are paying attention to theoretical and methodological linguistic models, and descriptions of communication disorders are using linguistic paradigms as a basis. Given the interest of speech pathology in linguistics, there is both an obligation and an opportunity for linguists to define new roles for themselves within speech pathology. This requires the identification of common areas and methods by which the linguist can adapt linguistic concerns so that they are meaningful to the speech pathologist. Areas of common interest include communication disorders, phonetics, language acquisition, and language variation. Linguists may have to expand their data base to include the particular interests of speech pathology; they may need background information in areas not traditionally stressed in linguistics; and they must understand the goals of speech pathology as a professional field. Needless to say, what have been mentioned above may not enough to get an insight in application of linguistic and applied linguistic knowledge in solving practical problems. The writing, as being said in the very beginning part, just provides my personal comment on the given statement; therefore, in order to get insight in the statement, there should be further studies on it. There should be other different approaches in analyzing or understanding it, too. I myself believe that possible findings of potential studies on this viewpoint will be very meaningful and surely benefit the practice of applied linguistics in solving practical problems. REFERENCE 1) Alan Davies (2007), An Introduction to Applied Linguistics: From Practice to Theory, Edinburgh University Press. 2) Alan Davies and Catherine Elder (2004), The Handbook of Applied Linguistics, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing 3) Roman Jakobson (1968), Child Language, Aphasia and Phonological Universals, Mouton Publishers. 4) Roman Jakobson (1959), On Linguistic Aspects of Translation, essay retrieved from http://www. scribd. com/doc/23687802/Linguistic-Aspects-of-Translation-Jakobson 5) Michael McCarthy (2001), Issues in Applied Linguistics, Cambridge University Press. 6) V. B. Owhotu (2007), Understanding Applied Linguistics, University of Lagos Press. 7) Phillip Shaw, An Overview of Applied Linguistics, video retrieved from www. sportballa. com/video-gallery/Applied-linguistics 8) Kamil Wisniewski (2007), Applied linguistics, article retrieved from http://www. tlumaczenia-angielski. info/linguistics/applied-linguistics. htm. ———————– Linguistics By components of language Phonetics (sounds) Syn j C tax (grammar) Lexis (words) Semantics (meanings) Pragmatics (uses) Discourse (connected texts) By areas studied Comparative linguistics Psycholinguistics Sociolinguistics Historical linguistics Theoretical linguistics Applied Linguistics.

Management Communication Essay Example

Management Communication Essay Example Management Communication Essay Management Communication Essay Communication Is the work of managers, day In and day out. The dally work of managers. A. Managers are in constant action. 1. Switch frequently from task to task. 2. Change their focus of attention to respond to issues as they arise. 3. Engage in a large volume of tasks of short duration. B. Managers spend most of their time Interacting with others. 1. Engage In Interactions both Inside and outside the organization. 2. Talk and listen when in action. II. The majority of managers cluster around three core management roles. Interpersonal roles are the richest source of information for managers because of A. Their immediate and personal nature. 1. The figurehead role Is exhibited when performing ceremonial duties of their position. 2. The leader role is exhibited when demonstrating their responsibility for the work of the people in their unit and their actions. This is where the influence of managers is most clearly seen. 3. The liaison role is exhibited when establishing and maintaining contacts outside the vertical chain of command. B. Informational roles of managers are required because not even the most expensive management Information system can match the speed and intuitive power of a well-trained managers brain for Information processing. 1. The monitor role allows managers to scan the environment for Information. Subordinates. 3. The spokesperson role allows managers to send information to people outside of their organizations. C. Decisional roles are used by managers to make decisions on behalf of the organization and the stakeholders with an interest in the organization. 1. Interpersonal and informational roles often aid the decision making process. 2. The entrepreneur role is shown when managers seek to improve their genuineness, to adapt to changing market conditions, and to react to opportunities as they present themselves. 3. The disturbance or crisis handler role depicts managers who must involuntarily react to conditions. 4. The resource locator role involves managers making decisions about who gets what, how much, when, and why. 5. The negotiator role is used to resolve disputes with people inside and outside the organization. Ill. Although the specificity of managers work may differ, there are a few major characteristics relating to every Job. A. The time of managers is fragmented. This often drives managers to overwork ND can force them to complete tasks superficially. B. Values compete and the various roles are in tension placing managers in the middle when making many decisions. Managers cannot satisfy all parties involved, thus decisions are often based on the urgency of the need and the proximity of the problem. C. The Job of managers is overloaded due to significant reorganization efforts to make businesses more efficient, nimble, and competitive. Downsizing, coupled with high-speed data processing and remarkably efficient telecommunication systems has greatly increased the number of people directly reporting to managers. D. Efficiency becomes a core skill for successful managers. A. The role of the entrepreneur is gaining importance as managers become increasingly aware of threats and opportunities in their environment. Managers who are carefully attuned to the marketplace and competitive environment will look for opportunities to gain an advantage. B. The leader role is gaining importance as managers must become more sophisticated as strategists and mentors. Managers need to become more active mentors to attract and retain skilled employees. C. Managers must create a local vision as they help people within their organization to grow. V. The 21st Century workplace will require three types of skills, each of which will be useful at different points in your career. A. Technical skills are most valuable at the entry level, but less valuable at the senior levels. These skills constantly change and become outdated. B. Relating skills are valuable across the managerial career span and are more likely to help you progress and be promoted to higher levels of responsibility. These skills help you form relationships with people both inside and outside of the organization. C. Conceptual skills are the least valuable at the entry level, but more valuable at Enron levels in the organization. These skills permit you to look past the details of everyday work assignments and see the bigger picture. VI. Talking is the work of managers. A. One-on-one conversations allow an enormous exchange of information. B. Managers spend an astounding amount of time on the telephone. The amount of time per telephone call is decreasing, but the number of calls per day is increasing. C. Video teleconferencing makes direct conversations to people around the world a simple matter. These exchanges can be informal, conversational, and not much different than if the parties were in the same room. D. Managers give many presentations to small groups of three-to-eight people in both a formal and informal manner. Or perhaps, even several hundred. These presentations are often more formal but still involve one manager talking to others, framing, shaping, and passing information to an audience. VI. The major channels of management communication are talking and listening. VIII. The role of writing plays an important role in the life of any organization. A. Managers use writing as a career sifter; if you do not demonstrate your ability to put ideas on paper in a clear, unambiguous fashion, you will most likely not last. B. Managers at all levels of most organizations draft, review, edit, and dispatch their own correspondence, reports, and proposals. C. When a document leaves your desk, it takes on a life of its own. Documents become the property of the organization they are sent to and therefore they are free to do as they see fit with your writing. D. Managers create meaning through communication, thus communication is invention. X. Information is socially constructed. A. Information is created, shared and interpreted by people. B. Information never speaks for itself; it almost always requires some sort of interpretation, explanation or context. C. The context of a message is always of paramount importance to the listener, viewer, or reader in reaching a reasonable conclusion about what she sees or hears. D. If the messages you send as a manager are to have the impact you hope they will, they must come from a source the receiver knows, respects, and understands. X. A managers greatest challenge is to admit flaws in their skill set and constantly work to improve. A. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Improve existing skills by acquiring a knowledge base through speaking and B. Listening and, by your reading, being alert to changing trends in the industry.

Create a great resume in 10 minutes

Create a great resume in 10 minutes Do you want to learn how to create a great resume fast? Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing document, creating a great resume does not have to take a lot of time. According to a recent LinkedIn article, it isn’t uncommon for individuals to spend anywhere from several hours to several weeks working on their resumes. Although this can be time well spent, especially if it results in the new job of your dreams, you may be surprised to hear that in just 10 minutes you can have a functional and effective resume that will get you noticed.Use the strategies presented here to get your resume in great shape- in no time.Set a goal.Try not to think of creating a resume as a â€Å"one and done† activity. Instead, imagine every job you apply for as an opportunity to craft a targeted resume that best showcases your experience, abilities, and potential value. This means setting a goal- which doesn’t need to take up a great deal of your time.Why is setting a goal important? Consider creating a resume as a journey, and the quickest way to complete any journey is to have a clearly defined endpoint, which helps you determine the most efficient path forward. Your resume’s goal is your â€Å"guiding light,† saving you time and keeping you on track along your resume-writing path.When you come across a job opening that interests you, you should be able to conjure up a goal in around a minute. Here’s an example: if you’re eager to apply to a job as a marketing manager at a tech company, you may decide that a good goal is â€Å"portray myself as an experienced leader with a track record of marketing success and technical knowhow.† That was easy enough, and now you can move forward.Nail the fundamentals.Once you have a goal, ask yourself the following questions as you craft your resume’s bullet points: â€Å"Does this help me achieve my overall goal?† â€Å"Is there a better way to phra se this to help me achieve my goal?† Before long, this questioning process will become second nature and happen almost instinctively, ultimately saving you from sweating endlessly over each point.Stick to the fundamentals- the key responsibilities you’ve held during each of your previous job positions- and you’ll be able to quickly put together a resume that achieves your goal. Your resume doesn’t have to include every single thing you’ve ever done in your professional life, just the major items that serve to meet your goal. Remember, you can always go into greater detail regarding your experience during interviews.Hit your high notes.Did you take the lead on a major cost-saving initiative at work? Are you responsible for closing a lucrative deal for a previous employer? Do you have a slew of professional promotions and accolades that you’re proud of? Make sure that all of your positive on-the-job accomplishments are included on your resume. These complimentary items- which will help you stand out from the job hunting crowd- are likely easy to recall, so you won’t need to spend too much time remembering them.Have a basic template.Having a core resume template is a fantastic time saving tool. This basic resume â€Å"skeleton† should include the core fundamentals and high notes for each position you’ve held and will comprise most of the resume work you’ll need to do; you’ll simply need to tweak your resume template for any given position, which shouldn’t take much time. Typically, these tweaks include adding industry-specific keywords, which will help your resume make it through automated screening applications, and any items specifically asked for in a particular ad. With a well-crafted template, creating targeted resumes should be quick!Save your time for the job hunt!These days, the average person is busier than ever before, and all of us are eager to make our daily responsibil ities as quick and easy as possible. Save time and energy creating a great resume by using the strategies listed here, and invest that extra time in your job hunt!

An Ethical Analysis of the Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sport Assignment

An Ethical Analysis of the Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sport - Assignment Example This paper illustrates that John Mill introduced ‘utilitarianism’, a consequentialistic theory that sees good behavior or actions as those that generate the ‘greatest good for the greatest number of people’. This theory supports the knowledge about the outcomes of actions and of abiding by norms or standards encouraging these principles. Utilitarianism largely argues that the morally correct decision is the decision that generates the greatest good. There are numerous ways to explain this overall argument. One aspect worth mentioning is that the perspective is a kind of consequentialism, which states that the correct action is viewed wholly in relation to the outcomes generated. There are two forms of utilitarianism-- act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. The difference between these two lies in how or where they are used. Act utilitarianism is used in the process of choosing a specific action under a given situation, whereas rule utilitarianism is use d in the selection of a cluster of guidelines, which are consequently exercised to choose a particular action in a given situation. Act utilitarianism argues that an action or behavior becomes morally correct when it generates the most good for most people, whereas rule utilitarianism claims that the moral rightness of a decision relies on the rightness of the guidelines that enable it to attain the highest good. Act utilitarianism is the conviction that it is fine to violate a rule so long as it creates a higher good, whereas rule utilitarianism argues that even if a principle cannot generate a higher good, violating it will not either. Rule utilitarianism is a reaction to several of the main criticisms against act utilitarianism.

Challenges and opportunities effects of Canada's changing population Essay

Challenges and opportunities effects of Canada's changing population reality - Essay Example It is expected that, between 2015 and 2021, the aged people will be more than the population of children below fifteen years. Increase of aged population will have a number of challenges, which the Canadian government articulates on swiftly. Factors contributing to this population trend include decrease in birth rate for the last one decade and increase in life expectancy level. Effects of changing population in Canada Reduction of Labour Force Industries and other sectors of production depend heavily on labour force of young and energetic people. In Canada, as the population trends stands, there is an increase of the aged people who are not productive as compared to juniors. Reduction of the work force in industries will have tremendous consequences such as a decrease in production thus fall in profit. The overall countries economy will be affected as the tax levied from these industries is determined by the volume of production. Increased competition of skilled labour A lot of Cana dian’s population has attained the retirement age. There being no enough young people to fill the gap left by retiring people, this has led to rise in competition of skilled workers (Carstairs and Keon 73). ... As a result of this, many companies and industries are experiencing low and poor production growth rate. Increase of public health care spending Canadian population being dominated by the aged people has led to increase of the public health care spending. Aged people needs a close attention on health care matters as their bodies are generally weak and susceptible to illnesses. Health services and associated policies makers will need to come up with necessary measures so as to cope with these demands (Carstairs and Keon 34). Health sector have to identify key challenges facing the ageing people and formulate constructive and a lasting solution to them. The paramount way to have a lasting solution is by health sector involving the aged to identify what they want for their health care. In order to facilitate all this, government will therefore have to spend more to cater for aged health issues. Slower Population Growth According to researches, the fertility rate of human beings is high at young age and decreases significantly as one advances in age. Aged people being the majority in Canada, pose a serious decrease of population growth due to the fact that aged people are not fertile, hence they cannot reproduce. Slower population growth indicates that in the near future, the country will lack enough manpower to handle its various activities (Carstairs and Keon 13). Reduction of Growth Rate Productivity is measured on how much an individual can accomplish in a given duration of time. Therefore, productivity is an indispensable aspect of daily life of mankind as it determines their living standards. High productivity enhances good living standard whereas low productivity cause poor

Case Study Business Report (answering question) Essay

Case Study Business Report (answering question) - Essay Example The company’s capital is divided into units with definite values and each of these units is referred to as a share. The people who hold this shares are called the shareholders. The major traits of shares is that they are the capital units for a company and each of them has a face value that is clear-cut. Certificates are issued to their holders for indicating the shares they hold against their values. All shares have unique numbers and their values indicate the significance of an investor in a company along with the degree of their liability (Melicher & Norton, 2010). These shares can be transferred from one person to another. There are several types of shares that a company can issue and these are the equity and preference shares. The preference shareholders receive dividends at a fixed rate and also receive their capital in case the company is winding up. They are quite a safe investment since their holders receive dividends regularly. On the other hand, the holders of equit y shares receive their dividends only after the preference holders have been paid . They also do not receive dividend that is fixed. Their receiving of dividends depends on the profitability of the company. Their initial investments are only refunded once the preference share owners have been paid theirs (Droms & Wright, 2010). ... This implies that if the company makes losses the management has no obligation to pay the owners their dividends. However, shares have disadvantages to their owners since the owners of equity are only paid their dividends when there are profits. The prices of the equity shares are not constant and vary with the company’s profitability. The company could raise a lot of money in the process of raising shares and this results in the shares having low values. The holders of the equity shares experience high degrees of threats and only own the company by name. The company has the disadvantage in that it cannot trade on the equity shares. The swaying of the owners of equity when voting for leaders by the management can lead to conflicting interests between them (Droms & Wright, 2010). 2. Debentures This is the money that a company borrows for a long period of time and pledges to repay within a constant period. The companies issues certificates to the providers of this loans known as debentures. It is given under the ordinary seal of an organization. It can be described as an acknowledgment that is put in writing for the amounts borrowed. It provides the conditions and terms on the money borrowed, their interest rates, repayment periods along with the securities offered (Rundell, 2008). The debenture holders are considered as creditors to the organization and are repaid after a constant time period. Their owners do not have the rights of voting and these amounts are normally secured. There are two types of these debentures which are the redeemable and irredeemable debentures along with the convertible and nonconvertible debentures. The redeemable ones are only repaid upon maturity

Stargirl Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Stargirl - Essay Example Stargirl confronts usual generally accepted pattern of behavior and transforms casualty by her appearance, actions, words and overall with her behavior. He is a real identity but not just in a way that she doesn’t do what others do. Not, her originality is deeper because he see world around her in different light. She tries to spread her light on others and in some way it works. She is not an individual that borders from others but she is a kind person who takes kindness and positive approach everywhere she goes. I didn’t like Stargirl changing her mind in order to become more socially accepted though it is a necessary plot detail. I was relieved when she decided to change her mind be herself again. This reminded me that what we think about ourselves is more important then what others think because nobody can know us better then we ourselves. When people want to be like others they follow false aim because they don’t really know how others feel as they too adjust their lives. When everybody forgets about their identity reality becomes false and incorrect. The only way to really exist is to be yourself. That is the main idea that, I think, character of Stargirl represents. I liked the particular methods of Stargirl to be happy with her own image of herself despite foolish standards that are always meant to oppress and limit one’s original individuality. â€Å"At the same time, we held back. Because she was different. Different. We had no one to compare her to, no one to measure her against.†

Effect of Culture on Expatriates Work Performance in the Hospitality Research Paper

Effect of Culture on Expatriates Work Performance in the Hospitality Industry - Research Paper Example It is important to learn about the various cultures that are represented in the workplace and in the business environment before engaging in business in foreign countries as suggested by Cardy (2007). This is the case considering that it helps in reducing the risk of failure. Understanding other people’s and countries’ communication styles, social events, dress codes, greetings, and negotiation tactics are very important in fostering positive relationships with persons from foreign countries and cultures. In the hospitality industry like in any other economic sector, individuals and organizations are bound to encounter people from foreign environments. Foreigners come in the form of customers, suppliers and expatriates. Expatriates in the course of their work re expected to maintain high performance standards for the good of the companies for which they work and to warrant the high pay they receive. They are in effect expected to be role models and provide direction to local workers. As they work in foreign environments, expatriates encounter a number of challenges. One of the main challenges that they experience is dealing with people from various cultural backgrounds. In as much as they enjoy working in such environments, there is a possibility that the changes that they encounter and the unfamiliar environment may impact on their performance at work. Statement of the Problem In spite of the existence of literature related to the effects of cultural differences in the area of multicultural environments and work performance, very little study has been conducted with respect to the hotel industry. This is study is focused on finding out the effects of culture and cultural differences on expatriates’ work performance in the hospitality industry. Significance of the Study The results of this study will be very valuable to expatriates in their endeavor to succeed in the foreign environments in which they work. Based on the results of this stud y, management of hospitality industries and especially the human resource manager can come up with better ways ensuring that the expatriate fits in well in the company within the shortest duration and achieve high output as is always the desire of every business. Objectives Main Objective 1. To establish the effect of culture on expatriates’ work performance in the hospitality industry Specific objectives 1. To establish to the existence of expatriates in xxx city hotels and restaurants 2. To determine the challenges posed to expatriates at work as a result of cultural factors 3. To establish the performance of hotels and restaurants that are managed by expatriates 4. To establish the correlation between expatriate work performance and cultural differences with locals. Literature Review Expatriates and Work Performance An expatriate is an individual who resides in a foreign country and culture. However, in business terms, an expatriate is a professional sent by an organizatio n to work in a foreign country as opposed to staff who is locally employed. In many cases, expatriates are sent to work for subsidiaries of an organization or to work at it headquarters. Expatriates help businesses with a global presence to manage global structures and liaise with external partners and provide quality services to customers (Beaverstock, Derudder, Faulconbridge and Witlox (2009). According to Lee (2008), taking a foreign duty affects an individual’s professional and personal life. Such assignments subject expatriates to factors that prove stress such as ambiguity and uncertainty. Three main factors determine the success of expatriates in their work. These factors are communication ability, relation ability

Marketing Mix of Fuze Drinks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing Mix of Fuze Drinks - Essay Example Fuze Drinks sets to establish itself as a flavored beverage. The brand also aims to establish itself as a nutritional ingredient in the market. In Brazil the product should feature with lot more variety and it should try to introduce new flavor so that it may try to satisfy the wide taste and preference of the Brazilians. Generally the product is available in seven base color varieties and it is also available in five slenderize flavor varieties. (DBR staff writer) The product should aim to grab the attention of people of all generation. Generally in Brazil the demand for drinks and beverage is high and the product is expected to do a good amount of business if marketed properly. Place: The next element of the marketing mix is place. In order to make the product popular, the availability of the product should be made abundant. The product should feature in popular areas and in places where there is much more probability of the product to get sold. Efforts should be made so that abund ant quantity of the drink is available near schools, colleges, offices, shopping malls, entertainment parks, community halls. The product also needs to be available in local retail stores. Initially the product should be targeted to sell in the urban and the popular areas of Brazil and with increase in popularity, the product should be aimed to be introduced in the rural areas as well. ... Though the presence of intermediaries also demands a share of the profit but the mass sale of soft drinks does not harm the cause of overall profitability. Promotion: As Fuze Drink is a new product in the Brazilian market, effective and strong promotion is required to create awareness among the people regarding the launch of  the new drinks. The popular mode of promotion needs to be utilized to their full extent. Fuze Drinks have already established a good market in USA. The brand popularity in USA needs to be used in the Brazilian market to prove its stand among the other competitors. The mass promotion by a Brand ambassador is a common way to reach out to people. Extensive advertisement in the media needs to be done. As the product is new, banners and cutouts describing about the product should be made visible in important parts of the city. To provide a taste of the product, distribution of some free samples can also be a lucrative idea. Introductory offers and discounts should also be made to create interest among the general public. Promotion over the web space is also a must as it is the most popular source of media in the present generation.   Price: Setting up a comparative price range is crucial for the success of a product in is initial days. Often people have the perception that price determines the quality of a product. But as a new entrant in the market Fuze Drink should mark the price of its product in reach of average customers and also in parity with the price of other drinks available in the market. In The United States, Fuze Drink in 18 oz bottle is priced around $ 2 to $ 2.50.( Patrice)In Brazil the cost of .33 liter of coke and Pepsi ranges around

Stargirl Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Stargirl - Essay Example Stargirl confronts usual generally accepted pattern of behavior and transforms casualty by her appearance, actions, words and overall with her behavior. He is a real identity but not just in a way that she doesn’t do what others do. Not, her originality is deeper because he see world around her in different light. She tries to spread her light on others and in some way it works. She is not an individual that borders from others but she is a kind person who takes kindness and positive approach everywhere she goes. I didn’t like Stargirl changing her mind in order to become more socially accepted though it is a necessary plot detail. I was relieved when she decided to change her mind be herself again. This reminded me that what we think about ourselves is more important then what others think because nobody can know us better then we ourselves. When people want to be like others they follow false aim because they don’t really know how others feel as they too adjust their lives. When everybody forgets about their identity reality becomes false and incorrect. The only way to really exist is to be yourself. That is the main idea that, I think, character of Stargirl represents. I liked the particular methods of Stargirl to be happy with her own image of herself despite foolish standards that are always meant to oppress and limit one’s original individuality. â€Å"At the same time, we held back. Because she was different. Different. We had no one to compare her to, no one to measure her against.†

Marketing Mix of Fuze Drinks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing Mix of Fuze Drinks - Essay Example Fuze Drinks sets to establish itself as a flavored beverage. The brand also aims to establish itself as a nutritional ingredient in the market. In Brazil the product should feature with lot more variety and it should try to introduce new flavor so that it may try to satisfy the wide taste and preference of the Brazilians. Generally the product is available in seven base color varieties and it is also available in five slenderize flavor varieties. (DBR staff writer) The product should aim to grab the attention of people of all generation. Generally in Brazil the demand for drinks and beverage is high and the product is expected to do a good amount of business if marketed properly. Place: The next element of the marketing mix is place. In order to make the product popular, the availability of the product should be made abundant. The product should feature in popular areas and in places where there is much more probability of the product to get sold. Efforts should be made so that abund ant quantity of the drink is available near schools, colleges, offices, shopping malls, entertainment parks, community halls. The product also needs to be available in local retail stores. Initially the product should be targeted to sell in the urban and the popular areas of Brazil and with increase in popularity, the product should be aimed to be introduced in the rural areas as well. ... Though the presence of intermediaries also demands a share of the profit but the mass sale of soft drinks does not harm the cause of overall profitability. Promotion: As Fuze Drink is a new product in the Brazilian market, effective and strong promotion is required to create awareness among the people regarding the launch of  the new drinks. The popular mode of promotion needs to be utilized to their full extent. Fuze Drinks have already established a good market in USA. The brand popularity in USA needs to be used in the Brazilian market to prove its stand among the other competitors. The mass promotion by a Brand ambassador is a common way to reach out to people. Extensive advertisement in the media needs to be done. As the product is new, banners and cutouts describing about the product should be made visible in important parts of the city. To provide a taste of the product, distribution of some free samples can also be a lucrative idea. Introductory offers and discounts should also be made to create interest among the general public. Promotion over the web space is also a must as it is the most popular source of media in the present generation.   Price: Setting up a comparative price range is crucial for the success of a product in is initial days. Often people have the perception that price determines the quality of a product. But as a new entrant in the market Fuze Drink should mark the price of its product in reach of average customers and also in parity with the price of other drinks available in the market. In The United States, Fuze Drink in 18 oz bottle is priced around $ 2 to $ 2.50.( Patrice)In Brazil the cost of .33 liter of coke and Pepsi ranges around

Alternative Energy Essay Example for Free

Alternative Energy Essay Alternative Energy whether used for transportation or utilities such as generating electricity for home or business is a very significant subject going on right now because of the benefits it would provide for us, such as environmental, economic, job security and energy security. I believe alternative energy would be beneficial to our society, especially if it is used in transport; there is many other better, leaner and reusable energy sources out there, for example fuel for vehicles pollutes the air and yet can be changed by using a more natural source that doesnt create as much pollution if not any If we were to experiment more with the usage of natural elements, without mentioning that it would be cheaper for all of us in the long run. Evidence Despoiling nature to get at the tiny trickle of oil we have left wont make any significant difference in what we pay at the pump not now and not ever. And it wont make our country any less dependent on foreign fuel. Our thirst for oil is bad for national security, bad for our economy and bad for the environment, America needs to say no to pumping up Big Oils profits and yes to forging a new clean energy economy. -Build the Clean Energy Economy, www.nrdc.org ?(accessed Feb. 25, 2009). The nation is finally realizing that the solutions to these twin crises are linked. That is because nearly everything that is good for the environment and practically everything that is good in the fight against global warming is a job. We can power America through this recession by repowering America with clean energy. We can create millions of jobs that will make our people wealthier and the Earth healthier. (Jones, 2008) The U.S. renewable energy resource base is vast and practically untapped. Available wind energy resources in 12 Midwestern and Rocky Mountain states equal about 2.5 times the entire electricity production of the United States, Complete elimination of CO2 could occur as early as 2040. Elimination of nuclear power could also occur in that time frame. (Makhijani, 2007) Biofuels can provide a number of environmental advantages over conventional fossil fuels-most notably a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since the transportation sector accounts for about a third of total U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide (an abundant GHG), cleaner transp ortation fuels can play an important role in addressing climate change. -Environmental Benefits of Biofuels, www.doe.gov ?(accessed July 8, 2008) Solar power is a prime choice in developing an affordable and feasible global power source that can substitute fossil fuels in all the worlds climate zones. The solar radiation reaching the earths surface in one year provides more than 10,000 times the worlds yearly energy needs, with the right product, therefore offering customers the type of added value they are looking for, coupled with innovative marketing technologies such as solar electricity should be able to compete with grid power in industrialized countries.- Solar Generation: Solar Electricity for Over One Billion People and Two Million Jobs by 2020, www.epia.org, ?Sep. 2006. Counterarguments It is estimated that there is enough oil and natural gas offshore and in non-wilderness and non-park lands in the United States but currently ruled off-limits for production by the federal government to fuel 50 million cars and heat nearly 100 million homes for the next 25 years. -â€Å"PuttingAmericasEnergyResourcesto Work, www.exxonmobil.com,?June 2008. Taking into account the EIAs [US Energy Information Agency] projected increases in electricity demand, the renewable sector would need to grow 19% per year for 22 years consecutively to meet U.S. demand by the year 2030. Clearly, these targets are overly ambitious and impractical The government cannot create wealth or jobs; all it can do is take from Peter to pay Paul, opening up a job in green industry A by eliminating one in fossil fuel industry B. (Murphy, 2008) We want to be very clear: solar cells, wind turbines, and biomass-for-energy plantations can never replace even a small fraction of the highly reliable nuclear, fossil and hydroelectric power stations. Claims to the contrary are popular, but irresponsible. (Patzek, Pimentel, 2005) The use of corn for ethanol has led to major increases in the price of U.S. beef, chicken, pork, eggs, breads, cereals, and milk a boon to agribusiness and bane to consumers, as global population soars to 8 or 9 billion toward mid-century, and a s we burn more grain as fuel, shortages and production costs could cause grain prices to skyrocket, taking food from the mouths of the worlds poorest people. (Pimentel, 2008). The suns energy is too widely dispersed and the land area required to collect it too vast for solar to become a large-scale power source. The suns energy is too widely dispersed and the land area required to collect it too vast for solar to become a large-scale power source, he solar problem is that no matter how you design the system it will always be inefficient and capture only a small, uneconomical amount of solar energy. (Leher, 2005) We can come to a conclusion that there are many viable alternate sources of energy that we can and should use to supply our energy needs other than fossil fuels and coal, but if we really want to change the energy we use, we need to make a dramatic change. Even if at a first impression we might think it is more expensive to switch to Alternate energy for transport, imagine how it would be like to have cars that don’t need gas to run, in the long run it would be beneficial not only to our wallets but also to our environment, if we really want a change we should start investing in alternative energy now.

Examples Of Organization Activities Groupware Support Information Technology Essay

Examples Of Organization Activities Groupware Support Information Technology Essay With the changes of society and technologies, collaboration is becoming an increasingly integral part of the workplace environment. Three primary influencing factors have revolutionized the common workplace, of which perhaps the most prevalent being technology which has become imperative for being at the forefront of any market. As advancements have occurred in information and communication technologies the business environment has become more flexible, changing the way in which organizations operate. With the enhancements of technology it has become increasingly feasible for organizations to easily span across a global market, resulting in dispersion of organizational assets across a large geographical area. Social transformations such as an increase in the academic achievements of individuals have changed the depth of knowledge between peers allowing them to collaborate to achieve common goals within a working environment. The term Organization is broad and incorporates a collection of institutions ranging from government sectors through to universities. The way in which people operate within organizations has changed throughout recent decades due to the work that is required of them. With the advancements in technology, many tasks are easily achievable using computers and software packages, much of the trivial and time consuming tasks have been removed from the user workload and instead carried out via a machine. Workers within organizations have continued to change with the change in work with many people becoming knowledge workers, who supply their specialist know-how to contribute towards organizational goals. People within organizations are now often required to complete large activities with very specific goals. A growing trend of positions within these environments requires people to operate as a member within a team, to distribute complicated organizational goals. Working in these situations provides an increase in efficiency and productivity in carrying out organizational activities. There are many advantages to working within a team, one of these being teams have a collective knowledge much greater than that of an individual, allowing them to understand a problem by sharing knowledge. Team members will often have their own ideas they want to be included into a solution and so forth will be more so committed to the work. Whilst one individual may find it hard to see flaws within their own work, teams can often identify errors much faster, with a more objective standpoint. Creative solutions can be derived from a group with multiple viewpoints, often providing an abstract view of a problem. Within the business world, companies have been targeting growing markets, this has caused a dispersion in company assets. Activities require interactions from a range of assets including personal situated in different locations this is why technology has become fundamental to team collaborations within a business environment. Collaboration between workers has become more vital in completing organizational goals, technology and software developments have advanced supporting collaboration between individuals whom are not co-located. A type of software which has grown due to the requirement of organizations is groupware. Groupware, collaborative software or group support systems are all a type of software with the main objective to make the interaction between people that work together easier and helping them to become more effective and efficient.( Sarmento, Lousa, Machado,1999) The software is used to support groups of people engaged in a common task that provides an interface to a shared environment. (Borko Furht,2008) Groupware can take place between people whom are co-located or remotely segregated. It can either be synchronous where people are collaborating in real-time or asynchronous with communication at different times (not real-time). Many early groupware systems were brought to live to eliminate the need to be co-located. Groupware has now grown to a state where it is an industry of its own, with so many organizations using various types of collaborative software. Groupware has been around for many years, incorporating technologies such as email. More recently groupware is becoming associated with technologies that support collaboration and communication, with many software solutions providing support for communication, collaboration and cooperative work, for example LMS systems employed by many universities, to support student collaboration. Many factors have lead to the need of software solutions that promote collaboration between individuals. Group work is a regular experience for many people within an organization, in most organizations most complex decisions are made by a team. As this become more frequent the necessity to share documents and work together is central to success. As media becomes more available through IP (internet protocol) through factors such as faster networking connections, the range and quantity of data we can send has improved allowing for better groupware systems (such as video conferencing). Additional the rise of groupware has been influenced by the global spread of employees with 87 percent of employees around the world work[ing] in remote offices.(Turban, Leindner, Mclean, Wetherbe,2008) Individuals daily routines have become more dependent on electronic devices, keeping them in constant connection to e-mail collaborative calendars and other groupware system. Exposing individual to this te chnology makes it easier to introduce such software into their work life. The benefits of groupware have lead to huge numbers of organizations up taking e-collaboration, the telecommunication Industry (TIA)(Tiaonline.org) indicates that global revenues from collaboration will show a 66.5 percent compound annual growth reaching $11.4 billion in 2007 (Turban, Leindner, Mclean, Wetherbe,2008). One of the issues slowing the uptake of groupware is the range of requirements from the different users of collaborative software. Because cooperative work is carried out through such a huge number of industries the number of different activities is massive, often general solutions cannot provide the functionality needed so bespoke software is required. This factor has slowed the uptake of groupware in smaller organizations. Another issue with groupware is the integrity of data being operated upon. When cooperative working it is often the case that the users will be working on an artifact, with multiple users accessing and modifying the artifact it can often cause multiple different copies. Groupware systems tend to employ a centralized data store to attempt to reduce this occurring, including other techniques (e.g. locking the data until the modifications have been finalized). Authentication has also been an issue related with groupware systems as often organizational documents are sensitive. Classification and types of groupware Groupware is a term which incorporates a large quantity of different technologies involved with communication, collaboration and cooperative work. Because the term is so hard to define it has lead to many people being unsure of what constitutes as groupware. The best way to view them is to group them in a logical way, numerous different classification frameworks have been produced to describe characteristics of groupware. In this section I will try and describe some classification techniques to outline the various types of groupware which are available. The time/space matrix classification framework used to group types of groupware. This technique uses the location and the times in groupware to describe it. On the x-axis is the location, which describes if users are co-located or geographically divided. The y-axis on the other hand describes if the users interactions are synchronous (real-time) or asynchronous (not in real-time). Tools used which are synchronous and co-located tend not to be computerized, for instance a classroom. Although this framework does group collaborative tools it does have examples which can cause confusion, such as e-mail. Though it is classified as an asynchronous technology it can be used to send messages back and forth between users.   Network delays might not make it real-time interaction, but it is used for synchronous communication.(Brusic  ,2004) Other examples are present. The ambiguity present in this framework has caused others to be formed. The second framework this essay will introduce is the people/artefact framework. It is heavily based upon cooperative work. Cooperative work involves two or more participants using a shared artefact. (Brusic  ,2004) This framework identifies 3 main operations groupware can offer; Computer meditated communication, meeting and decision support systems and shared applications and artefacts. The first category computer-meditated communication describes technologies which support direct communication between users, allowing cooperate about their work. An example of this are e-mail, bulletin boards and video conferencing. To collaborate workers need to be able to gain an understanding of the task and generate ideas, this is the concept encapsulated by the second category meeting and decision support systems. Examples of meeting and decision support systems are; argumentation tools, services that offer shared drawing tools and brainstorming activities. The final category is shared applica tions and artefacts, this classification includes systems for sharing; computers, applications and documents. This classification often requires special collaborative aware software to be used, an example of these systems are shared editors, allowing multiple users to edit a document. The two classification frameworks discussed are not the only two available, another example is Esther Dysons model that focuses on the benefiting party of the groupware. Describing these frameworks makes it apparent that there are many various collaborative tools, the ideal solution would be one which includes all tools although we are still quite far from developing the grand groupware system that encompasses every type of communication, and we will probably never get there since the possibilities are constantly evolving with changes in both our patterns of social interaction and the technology we have available.(Anonymous,2010) Examples of organization activities groupware support Organisations are more than often using electronic systems to carry out a large magnitude of their internal and external processes. The adoption of e-enterprise has brought forward the need for collaboration between organisations to meet their goals and flourish in the current market. The increasing need for collaboration between non co-located organisations and individuals has caused the groupware market to expand and become a fundamental tool. Groupware has influenced the expansion of enterprises by improving the effectiveness of a range of tools such as the ability to communicate over long distances. I will now discuss the use of groupware and how it can be used to support organisations and their processes. Since the introduction of computers the ability to collect, analyse and share data has greatly increased in efficiency. Today many business and other organisations thrive upon the data they utilize. A key aspect of any organisation is the way in which data is managed and shared between different organisational resources, for example different tiers of staff. Groupware is enabling organisations to work effectively with the quantity of data they currently possess. The sharing of information internally and to external stakeholders has been benefitted by a variety of tools. Many industries rely on sharing information to external organisations and example where this can be seen is with supply and demand. Companies with a required demand need to communicate their requirements to the suppliers in order to meet the demands. An example industry where this is present is within supermarket chains. Asda a leading supermarket uses electronic data interchange systems to communicate to its supplier s with great effect, send[ing] real time data in multiple formats securely over the internet (Turban, Leindner, Mclean, Wetherbe,2008). Using its current stock levels to request necessary products. This software supports the collaboration between organisations improving efficiency. This groupware system offers many benefits over its manual equivalent (such as telephone ordering). Most of the system is automated removing the need for human resources, but it also often much more effective with a decrease in the time required, error rates (human error removed) and often cost. Information sharing has become a large section of groupware due to the increasing use of e-enterprise and need for multiple stakeholders to share information. It can often be seen internally in organisations with one example being the sharing of documents through systems such as email attachments and drop box systems. Knowledge creation tools are a collection of groupware tools that can be used to support the learning and sharing of knowledge throughout an organisation. Knowledge can be classified as tacit (Knowledge that is difficult to transfer by verbalising it or writing it down) or as explicit. Groupware systems support both through collaboration using a variety of structured and non-structured methods. Tools which offer this include; white-boarding, chat, discussion groups and other tools. Knowledge creation and sharing is important throughout organisations. The need of cooperation between geographically dispersed workgroups is a critical issue to global organizations: the best specialists to solve a problem do not usually work on the same floor. (Carvalho, Rodrigo Baroni de Ferreira, Marta Araujo Tavares, 2001). As this statement suggest groupware to help creation of knowledge is now fundamental because of the needs of organisations to span a much larger (often global) market. Closely coupled to knowledge creation tools are the groupware tool classified as knowledge management systems. The systems main objective is to manage the creation, capture, storage and dissemination of information.(Maier,2007) Because of the diversity of organizations many varying systems are currently available. Learning management systems such as Blackboard are ideal examples of groupware facilitating learning. Blackboard is a well known product used in over 2200 educational institutions, its primary goal is manage course content but also provides tools for learning and collaboration between users. Through my own experience of blackboard it vastly improves the ability to find relevant information to apply towards projects and examinations, using the online discussion boards it is possible to carry out peer to peer knowledge sharing to aid my personal development. Assessment and interactive learning content is another feature present helping to increase individuals knowledge throug hout universities. There are many other organizations using a variety of software packages. Lotus notes (IBM) is an example of collaborative software which incorporates knowledge management, this system is typically used throughout businesses and offers a range of collaborative tools such as email and calendaring. A collaborative project management tool is an application that facilitates a project throughout its lifecycle. Many groupware tools can be used to support a range of projects. Projects have a much higher rate of success if they are managed effectively. The ability for multiple team members to carry out work on a project from different geographical locations is greatly improved with the use of collaborative project management tools. As the internet has become a more powerful resource it has lead to the growth of tools such as sub-versioning. Throughout the software industry it is often feasible for programmers to operate from different locations all carrying out modifications on a globally stored project. Collaborative project management tools do bring issue. When projects are carried out by non co-located groups they often work on the same data this can lead to data inconsistency throughout a project. Data inconsistency can often lead to inaccuracy and loss of integrity through information. Groupware commonly uses the approach of having a central single data store. This can still lead to loss of integrity with multiple people modifying the same information. Techniques such as locking can be applied and is used in packages such as repository programming where files are locked until they are updated by the person modifying them. This does remove the issue of data inconsistency but reduces productivity, communication is vital to avoid such issues. The future of Groupware All disciplines of technology continue to advance at incredible rates, I believe that groupware will become critical to large organisations. Enterprises are continuing to become more and more popular fulfilling a huge magnitude of services. As the rates of communication through computer continue to increase (i.e. internet speeds) the ability to collaborate with organisations in multiple countries using more personal media will become available. Furthermore the collaboration achievable will improve, bringing down the limitations of geographical dispersion and providing media much more similar to a face to face conversation. Large organisations such as Microsoft and IBM are continuing to focus development towards overall groupware solutions such as Lotus notes. As these organisations continue to develop reliable secure systems I believe the use of collaborative systems will grow throughout small to large work environments. The term groupware is hard to quantify, including small systems such as e-mail through to large software packages, I believe solutions that incorporate a framework and many tools will become more readily available. These sophisticated solutions will offer flexibility so that the processes they operate and projects they manage can change and still be supported, in the same way which humans are flexible to change. With flexibility will need to come scalability of a system, organisations are constantly changing to stay relevant with in their market, groupware will need to be able to support the need for growth. Organisations often consist of technically skilled IT employees capable of managing the internal and external systems but workers do not always have strong technical abilities. If groupware is to become a necessity for all organisations, the technical skills needed to work with the software will need to be basic, this is something I believe will become more present within current tools. Todays world is becoming heavily encircled around mobile devices with millions of people using smart phones and other hand held devices to access the Internet and carry out many daily activities. With the movement away from desk workers to people whom travel in their daily work life the demand for groupware systems that can be supported through a mobile platform to allow communication and collaboration whilst on the move. Groupware tools such as email can already be accessed via mobile device but I believe more multifunctional solutions such as lotus notes will become more available via mobile devices. As with the move to mobile platforms cross platform will also be needed. I believe that this will be accomplished with an increase in web-based solutions running on hosted systems similar to groupware such as Google groups. The inevitable move towards cloud computing will continue to bring an increase in web-based tools with less need for local storage and an increase in hosted data wa rehouses. Groupware will continue to grow but this brings the cost needed to secure systems. Large organisations with top-secret information or organisation secret information will no doubt like the rest of the Internet become a victim to cyber-crime. If security is not kept at the forefront of developers minds when producing groupware tools it could become an easy target for cyber criminals exploiting the software for their own benefit. Tools like Sms and E-mail have already fallen victim with numerous scandals, the increase of overall groupware systems which incorporate the majority of business processes will become a target, an example being the attack of a payroll system. Conclusion Groupware as discussed within this essay is hard to describe with a broad range of technologies being incorporated under the term. Although groupware is hard to define the software tend to have common goals such as improved communication. The majority of collaborative tools can be described as one of the following four; Knowledge management tools, Knowledge creation tools, Information sharing tools and collaborative project management tools. Throughout the essay I have identified some techniques used to classify different groupware tools, in my opinion I believe for an organisation to take full advantage of computer systems a range of tools should be used. In an environment where learning is expected a range of tools would be beneficial because of the way in which people learn differently. The goal for all types of groupware is to improve collaboration and increase organisational efficiency. The growth of e-enterprises has increased the need for groupware systems. 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