Competition in International Markets Theories and Concepts

Competition in International Markets Theories and Concepts FIRMS, NOT INDIVIDUAL NATIONS COMPETE IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS Competition has always been central to the agenda of firms. It has become one of the enduring themes of our times and the rising intensity of competition has continued until this day thereby spreading to more and more countries. As a result of globalisation, most industries with the topics of international business and competitive advantage have received much attention from business executives, public policy makers and scholars in recent years. This; in conjunction with the rise of global competitors has helped to explain why a countrys competitive advantage can be determined by the strength of its business firms. This has resulted in numerous rankings, where industries and firms are compared on a global scale to see which are the most competitive. Most firms prefer to compete in the business environment so that it will help determine the competitive advantage of the country in which they operate. A firms ability to deliver the same benefits as competitors but at a lower cost or deli ver benefits that exceed those of competing products, then such a firm is said to possess a competitive advantage over its rivals. Todays development in communication, information technology and transportation technology have enabled firms to market their products and services beyond national borders. This level of involvement has contributed to the concept of firms marketing their products in international markets. Analysis Global competitiveness occur at the cross roads between international economics and strategic management. Wassily Leontief (1998) was one of the scholars to add an empirical element to the theoretical realm of international trade with his popular paradox of the Heckscher-Ohlin (1919) theory. Later, management scholars (Buckley Casson, 1998, Tsang 1999) adopted the concept of competing globally in their research. Hamel and Prahalad (1994) later reinforced the concepts of core competencies, industry level analysis and competing for the future. After much research by these scholars, most would agree that global competitiveness in the aggregate for a nation is not equivalent to global competitiveness at the individual firm level. Corden (1994) states that there are three major areas of national competitiveness: sectoral or industry competitiveness, cost competitiveness and productivity. Many of Porters (1990) ideas were shared by earlier scholars. Vernon (1966) attributed national compe titiveness to a nations technology and capabilities, which are similar to Porters advanced factors. With Hymers (1976) idea that firms have specific competitive advantages that allow them to overcome the liability of foreignness is similar to Porters concept of firm-specific advantages that lead to global competitiveness. Caves (1982) discussed the practice of firms transferring knowledge gained in one country to another because of global competition is by utilizing the right mix of factors of production would lead to probable success. According to Papanastassou Pearce (1999), Porters diamond is one of the few models in international business research that illustrates what comprises national competitiveness within a given industry. Thus Porter tried to analyse why some nations succeed and others fail in international competition. He tries to solve this problem using the four determinants of national competitive advantage. The Determinants of National Competitive Advantage Michael Porter, in his book ‘The Competitive Advantage of Nations has introduced a model that helped to determine a nations international competitive advantage. This model of determining factors of national competitive advantage is known as Porters Diamond. Porter distinguishes four determinants; Demand Conditions, Factor Endowments, Related and Supporting Industries and Firm Strategy, Structure and Rivalry. Demand conditions describe the size and affluence of the domestic market. These are important because they play a role home demand plays in upgrading competitive advantage and serves as the primary source of competition for firms in a given industry. A similar example can be found in the wireless telephone equipment industry, where sophiscated and demanding local customers in Scandinavia helped push Nokia of Finland and Ericsson of Sweden to invest in cellular phone technology long before demand for cellular phones took off in other developed nations. Factor endowments include any factors of production that a firm uses in its business to maintain economic competitiveness. Thus, the natural resources which include land, labor, capital and also naturally occurring raw materials. Other factors of production can include manmade structures that facilitate commerce, including communication infrastructure, sophiscated and skilled labor, research facilities and technological know-how. An obvious example of this phenomenon is Japan, a country that lacks arable land and mineral deposits and yet through investment has built a substantial endowment of advanced factors. Related and supporting industries are the third attribute of national competitive advantage. These are beneficial to MNEs because it provides them with low-cost inputs and supply them with information regarding industry environmental changes thereby helping them achieve a strong competitive position internationally. For example, Swedish strengths in fabricated steel products have drawn on strengths in Swedens specialty steel industry. Similarly, Switzerlands success in pharmaceuticals is closely related to its previous international success in the technologically related dye industry. Firm strategy, structure and rivalry are also important in ensuring national competitiveness. Strategy refers to several key strategic factors that characterize a firm thus, actions firms utilize to achieve both long-range and short-range goals. This is important because it helps the firm to utilize the best actions with which to compete and the market it wants to compete in. Structure refers to the industry composition, thus, the degree to which an industry is concentrated or dispersed, competitive or monopolistic, global or domestic. Rivalry indicates both the number of players and the level of competition among firms in an industry. Greater rivalry in an industry would lead a firm to higher levels of competitiveness visa vis its rivals. Rivalry is thought to be the most comprehensive of the three factors, as it often indicates the underlying strategy and structure of the competitors. This is more evident in Japan, where Japanese auto-makers have become competitive in the world mar ket and has taken over major US and European auto producers. Some of the Challenges Faced By MNEs A multinational enterprise (MNE) is an enterprise that manages production or delivers services in more than one country. There are some challenges faced by MNEs that transact business in international markets which can hinder its competitiveness hence its controversies and these are as follows; Market imperfections It may seem strange that a corporation has decided to do business in a different country, where it doesnt know the laws, local customs or business practices of such a country is likely to face some challenges that can reduce the managers ability to forecast business conditions. The additional costs caused by the entrance in foreign markets are of less interest for the local enterprise. Firms can also in their own market be isolated from competition by transportation costs and other tariff and non-tariff barriers which can force them to competition and will reduce their profits. The firms can maximize their joint income by merger or acquisition which will lower the competition in the shared market. This could also be the case if there are few substitutes or limited licenses in a foreign market. Tax competition Countries and sometimes subnational regions compete against one another for the establishment of MNC facilities, subsequent tax revenue, employment, and economic activity. To compete, countries and regional political districts must offer incentives to MNCs such as tax breaks, pledges of governmental assistance or improved infrastructure. When these incentives fail they are liable to face challenges which limit their chance of becoming more attractive to foreign investment. However, some scholars have argued that multinationals are engaged in a race to the top. While multinationals certainly regard a low tax burden or low labor costs as an element of comparative advantage, there is no evidence to suggest that MNCs deliberately avail themselves of tax environmental regulation or poor labour standards. Political instability Many multinational Enterprises face the challenge of political instability when doing business in international markets. This kind of problem mostly occurs when there is an absence of a reliable government authority. When this happens, it adds to business costs, increase risks of doing business and sometimes reduces managers ability to forecast business trends. Political instability is also associated with corruption and weak legal frameworks that discourage foreign investments. Market withdrawal The size of multinationals can have a significant impact on government policy, primarily through the threat of market withdrawal. For example, in an effort to reduce health care costs, some countries have tried to force pharmaceutical companies to license their patented drugs to local competitors for a very low fee, thereby artificially lowering the price. When faced with that threat, multinational pharmaceutical firms have simply withdrawn from the market, which often leads to limited availability of advanced drugs. Countries that have been the most successful in this type of confrontation with multinational corporations are large countries such as United States and Brazil, which have viable indigenous market competitors. Lobbying Multinational corporate lobbying is directed at a range of business concerns, from tariff structures to environmental regulations. Companies that have invested heavily in pollution control mechanisms may lobby for very tough environmental standards in an effort to force non-compliant competitors into a weaker position. Corporations lobby tariffs to restrict competition of foreign industries. For every tariff category that one multinational wants to have reduced, there is another multinational that wants the tariff raised. Even within the U.S. auto industry, the fraction of a companys imported components will vary, so some firms favor tighter import restrictions, while others favor looser ones. This is very serious and is very hard and takes a lot of work for the owner. Conclusion The discussion so far, points out that, the degree to which a nation is likely to achieve international success in a certain industry is a function of the combined impact of factor endowments, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and domestic rivalry. It is very obvious that these determinants are interrelated. Each is influenced by the others and in turn, influences the others. The presence of all these four components is usually required for this diamond to boost competitive performance although there are exceptions. Porter also points out that government can influence each of the four components of the diamond either positively or negatively. Factor endowments can be affected by subsidies, policies toward capital markets, policies toward education and others. Domestic demand can also be shaped through local product standards or regulations that mandate buyer needs. Government policy can also influence supporting and related industries through regulation and influe nce firm rivalry through such devices as capital market regulation, tax policy and antitrust laws. Countries should therefore be exporting products from those industries where all four components of the diamond are favourable, than importing in those areas where the components are not favourable in order to achieve competitive advantage. References Buckley, P. Casson, M. (1998). Models of the multinational enterprise. Journal of International Business Studies, 29(1), 21-44. Caves, R. (1982). Multinational enterprise and economic analysis. Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press. Corden, W. (1994). Economic policy, exchange rates and the international system. Oxford University Press. Hamel, G. Prahalad, C. (1994). Competing for the future. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. Hymer, S. (1976). The international operations of national firms: A study of direct foreign investment. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. Leontief, W. (1999). Domestic production and foreign trade: The American capital position re-examined. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 97, 331-349. Papanastassou, M. Pearce, R. (1999). Multinationals, technology and national competitiveness. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Porter, M. (1990). The competitive advantage of nations. New York: The Free Press. Tsang, D. (1999). National culture and national competitiveness: A study of the microcomputer component industry. Advances in Competitiveness Research, 7(1), 1-20. Vernon, R. (1966, May). International investments and international trade in the product life cycle. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 190-207. Bibliography Daniels, J., Radebaugh, L., Sullivan, D. (2007). International Business: environment and operations, 11th edition. Prentice Hall. Joshi, Rakesh Mohan, (2009) International Business, Oxford University Press. Roger Sugden (2000). The nature of the transnational firm. Routledge. Travis, T. (2007). Doing Business Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Going Global. Hoboken: John WileySons. Hill, W.L. (2001) International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace, McGraw-Hill. Veiyath, R. Zahra, S. (2000). Competitiveness in the 21st century: Reflections on the growing debate about globalization. Advances in Competitiveness Research, 8(1), 14-27. Bresman, H., Birkinshaw, J. Nobel, R. (1999). Knowledge transfer in international acquisitions. Journal of International Business Studies.

Presenting for Success Quotes

â€Å"Life’s like a movie, write your own ending Keep believing, keep pretending We’ve done just what we’ve set out to do Thanks to the lovers, the dreamers, and you. † – Kermit the frog â€Å"There are two types of people – those who come into a room and say, ‘Well, here I am! ’ and those who come in and say, ‘Ah, there you are. ’† – Frederick Collin â€Å"The greatest power ever bestowed upon mankind is the power of choice. Choose to persist without exception. Hold fast to your dreams and stay the course, even in the face of exhaustion, rejection, and uncertainty. † – Andy Andrews Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. † -Mark Twain â€Å"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, n either does bathing.That's why we recommend it daily! † – Zig Ziglar â€Å"A positive attitude won’t help you do anything, but it will help you do everything better than negative thinking. † – Zig Ziglar â€Å"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. – Aristotle â€Å"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. † – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe â€Å"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face†¦ You must do the thing you think you cannot do. † – Eleanor Roosevelt Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Calvin Coolidge May we never let the things we can’t have, or don’t have, or shouldn’t have, spoil our enjoyment of the things we do have and can have. As we value our happiness, let us not forget it, for one of the greatest lessons in life is learning to be happy without the things we cannot or should not have. – Richard L. Evans Did you ever see an unhappy horse? Did you ever see bird that had the blues? One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses. – Dale CarnegieWhen one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us. – Helen Keller There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice. You can decide which type of person you want to be. I have always chosen to be in the first group. – Mary Kay Ash I think there is something, more important than believing: Action! The world is full of dreamers, there aren't enough who will move ahead and begin to take concrete steps to actualize their vision. W. Clement Stone What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it. – Alexander Graham Bell A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done. – Vince Lombardi You've got o sing like you don't need the money, love like you'll never get hurt. You've got to dance like no one is watching. It's gotta come from the heart, if you want it to work. – Susannah Clark Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exac tly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein. – H. Jackson Brown If you want to get somewhere you have to know where you want to go and how to get there. Then never, never, never give up. – Norman Vincent PealeFor many people, an excuse is better than an achievement because an achievement, no matter how great, leaves you having to prove yourself again in the future but an excuse can last for life. – Eric Hoffer If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity, it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye, and say, â€Å"I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me. – Ann Landers Crystallize your goals. Make a plan for achieving them and set yourself a deadline.Then, with supreme confidence, determination and dis regard for obstacles and other people's criticisms, carry out your plan. – Paul Meyer Goals help focus you on areas in both your personal and professional life that are important and meaningful, rather than being guided by what other people want you to be, do, or accomplish. – Catherine Pulsifer Success is waking up in the morning, whoever you are, wherever you are, however old or young, and bounding out of bed because there's something out there you love to do, that you believe in, that you're good at — something that's bigger than you are, and you can hardly wait to get at it again today. Whit Hobbs Somehow I can't believe that there are any heights that can't be scaled by someone who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret – curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence. When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable. – Walt Disney I believe l ife is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life's greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve. This level of resolve can move mountains, but it must be constant and consistent. – Tony Robbins

Website Project Fantasy - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 12 Words: 3454 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? Chapter 1. Introduction Project Overview Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Website Project Fantasy" essay for you Create order Last year a project was completed for Mr. Starkey (hereinafter referred to as Client) to design a family website. The website was centered on a fantasy football league created for family and friends from around the world. Many other features were involved in the creation of this website including games, events, family news and many more. With all these and an advanced fantasy football competition, more than just a website site was created. In fact a quote from the Client stated The website has brought everyone together into a kind of Family Intranet or in other words, a Virtual Community has been created (Starkey A.J. 2006). Chapter 2. Design Project Aims With the success of the project, the Client has asked for improvements to be made to the fantasy football feature of the website. For next seasons competition the Client would like the entrants to be able to register on-line. The Clients reasons for this are numerous:- To aid in the ease of entering the competition To save on postage for managers in different countries To have one official route for applications, instead of entries coming in from different ways and therefore getting lost and misled To allow alterations to be made by the entrant without contacting the Client To improve the quality of the website and to continuously bring the website forward with new and innovative ideas Project Objectives To fulfil this project and create the on-line fantasy football application I will have to meet several objectives. 1.To enable the entrant to:- Create a user name and password Log in with correct details View fantasy football rules Scroll through the players in different classes i.e. defence, midfield and forwards Pick and list their selected team Process their chosen team E-mail their application to the relevant address Error messages to be given in these circumstances:- Wrong log-in details are supplied Selected team breaks any fantasy football rules Follow the CSS guidelines set in the website structure, and to consider all HCI aspects throughout the design and implementation. To have the new system installed by 11Dec 2006. Project Considerations During all aspects of designing and building this feature the following considerations will be taken into account:- Superstructure Graphics Colour Content Readability Page Layout Links Project Methodology There were several possible methodologies to help with this project. The ones considered were:- 5 STEPS (Steps to Ensure Project Success) where it helps an individual deliver the project on time within budget. The focus is on developing a realistic schedule for a project and then managing it. AIS (Administrative Information System) which uses 7 structured components. PRINCE (Projects IN Controlled Environments) this was produced by the Central Computing and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) for the development and implementation of IS/IT projects. WebE Process WebApps are often delivered incrementally. That is, framework activities will occur repeatedly as each increment is engineered and delivered (Pressman RS 2005, p 507). Using the WebE Process represents an incremental design structure. The project is split up into increments to be tried and tested individually. This process model is adaptable to fit most tasks or implements. The one I have decided to go with is a methodology called PROMPT (Project Resource Organisation Management Planning Techniques) which although is the predecessor to PRINCE, it is the methodology more suited to my project than the others. PROMPT was designed in an attempt to set down guidelines for a computer project to avoid serious over-running of time limits, which I feel is vital in this project to keep me from falling behind. Even though the WebE process is specifically designed for web applications our project is not incremental. The stage flow guidelines are as follows:- Feasibility Study to determine whether the project should be done/can be done/will work if it is done. Initial stage where the project organisation is set up. Specification Stage in which the user specification was detailed. Design Stage where the logical and from this the physical design of the computer system was designed in detail. Development Stage the system is built and tested. Installation stage the user accepts a working system. Operation Stage when the system is tuned for the work in hand. Interface designs The overall design of the interface has to run along the same lines as the original website, while the log-in and selection pages can follow different routes. There are several different ways of approaching the interface. One option is a simple one click system where you click on a player and it appears in your team. Another option, and the one which will be applied to the feature, is a drag and drop system. Both options are simple for the users to work but the drag and drop system brings little extra to the process. It doesnt have to be just the name that is dragged it can be an icon. This will create a real manager feel to the program. Fig 2 shows an example of this drag and drop procedure. The icon being a players face. User Case The two use case diagrams show how the system will function. Diagram 1 shows how the Entrant will create his account, while Diagram 2 shows what option will be available to the registered manager. Storyboard Storyboarding not only improves your site navigation system but also helps design your website properly. Interface html/css design and layouts The majority of the pages in this section of the website will follow the same guidelines, with the slight exception of the team selection, seen below. Database Design There are several pieces of information required on each player for the database. Each subject data needs to be sorted properly to aid in the running of the database. Normalisation is part of successful database design. Without normalisation, database systems can be inaccurate, slow and inefficient and they might not produce the data you expect (databasedev.co.uk). To enable us to follow the normalisation rules to need to find a piece of information that uniquely identifies that player. As team name, player name player position etc can quite easily be duplicate a player ID has been created for each player. The creation of this ID will be automatically created by the database software (mysql) so does not need to be of a concern. The information held an each player are as follows: Field Example ID 1001 Team Name Arsenal Position Goalkeeper Player Name Lehmann Cost 7.5m Further developments The program has been designed so that any future enhancements that are required can be easily implemented. The program is reusable for the fantasy football competition every year. All that needs to be changed each year is the player information. As the database doesnt carry very much data there is plenty of room for extensions or other ideas and new innovations. The program can in future be used for any other fantasy games the client has in mind for future events. Reflection I found that the project, although not impossible to complete in the time limit, the ideas I had to solve the project objectives were over ambitious. The reasons for this soon became clear: My knowledge of PHP was not satisfactory at the start of the project to complete my ambitious objectives. The plan to keep to the main website theme, instead of aiding in the building of the fantasy football section made the project harder to complete. This was that I could not express myself for this project and therefore were limited in the way I could develop it. Considering this, the objectives and aims did not change as I feel that I still completed them moderately. The problem was that the php was very basic in the whole. Although this doesnt help with the time limit available, I can still improve this in the future as I improve my php knowledge. A good example of this is the team selection process. Diagram 6 shows one example of how I would have liked it to have been done. Chapter 3. Project Tracking Project Risks Due to the small size of this project, the risks are few, although I have included a few extra. These need to be considered even though the probability is very low, as they applied to the original project and so also concern the current one. Risk Identity Risk Probability Risk Impact Assessment of risk Risk mitigation management 1. Budget Unlikely Important Domain and monthly web server costs exceed expectations keep within budget where possible 2. Schedule Possible Important Mismanagement of workload Keep with schedule planed in the Gantt chart 3. Design Unlikely Marginal Unable to design to specification and considerations Research thoroughly and seek aid if required 4. Implementation Possible Marginal Software and hardware problems Prepare for this by having a second pc and alternative software available 5. Personnel Unlikely Serious Illness to myself that halts the procedure Seek extensions if required Reflection Project Risks As already reflected on earlier, concerning the objectives that were unfulfilled this also comes under the project risk category. The risk identity here was schedule. Risk Identity Risk Probability Risk Impact Assessment of risk Risk mitigation management 2. Schedule Possible Important Mismanagement of workload Keep with schedule planed in the Gantt chart Here although it says that the assessment of the risk is Mismanagement of workload I would be inclined to say that it was Misinterpretation of expectations Project Methodology The Project Proposal stated that the methodology WebE was going to be used. This was changed when it became clear that that Methodology wasnt completely suited for this project. The WebE is used for incremental applications, while the PROMPT although outdated was more suited this time. Chapter 4. Testing Software testing is fundamentally concerned with demonstrating that observed (actual) program behaviour corresponds with specified (expected) program behaviour (Jorgensen. P. 2002). What this means is that you build your test conditions to match what the expected outcomes of the software are. The best way of doing is to split your software into manageable sections. This is called Unit testing. This does not cover all the testing required, as our software needs to meet accessibility requirements and also pass a validation test. For all these and more we need to decide on a test strategy. Test Strategy The test strategy will include four different types of testing as described below. Sight testing This test will be used throughout the development and implementation of the website, and will be ongoing over short periods. This will spot simple errors before they become bigger. Usability testing This will be used to test every aspect of the website as defined in the website considerations. The tests and results can be seen in the Test plan. The website will then be put through the W3c Mark-up Validation Service test. Accessibility testing Accessibility testing involves measuring the ease with which users with special needs can complete common tasks on your website. The tests and results can be seen in the Test plan. Acceptance testing The Client will then be involved and asked to test all the features of the website to ensure that everything is designed to the clients expectations. This testing may result in further refinements. Usability Testing Using the list from the project consideration, we will test the web site thoroughly. These tests will be completed using different computers, browsers and internet speeds. Below is the test plan, which gives a table of the tests that were carried out, their expected results and their actual results. Test Plan Test No. Test Expected Results Actual Results Superstructure: 1 Is the site layout easy to understand? Yes Yes 2 Is the navigation around the site easy Yes Yes 3 Is the loading time quick and efficient Yes Yes 4 Is the site accessible to users with inferior hardware Yes Yes 5 Is the site accessible to users with inferior software Yes Yes 6 is the site accessible for short-sighted people Yes Yes Graphics: 7 Are they clear and attractive Yes Yes 8 Are they necessary Yes Yes 9 Do they contribute or just a distraction Contribute Contribute 10 Will they unjustifiable add to excessive loading time No Yes 11 Consider alternatives for people with lower spec browsers and software Yes Yes Colour: 12 Is there an attractive mix of colours Yes Yes 13 Do they add to the appearance of the site Yes Yes 14 Do the colours follow web standards Yes Yes 15 Have I considered colour blindness Yes Yes, See Accessibility test. Content: 16 Is the content interesting and of use to the user Yes Yes 17 Is the spelling correct Yes Yes 18 Is interaction possible Yes Yes Readability: 19 Are the pages readable Yes Yes 20 Does the site load correctly using different browsers Yes No! See note 102 Page Layout: 21 Is each page in the site consistent Yes No! See note 101 22 Use of Cascading style sheets Yes Yes Links: 23 Are the links easy to spot Yes Yes 24 Do they work correctly Yes Yes 25 If they follow the links can they return easily Yes Yes 26 Is there a site map, breadcrumbs or similar Yes, example Yes, Site map Program: Registration 27 Accept names and username Yes Yes 28 Accept Correct E-mail Yes Yes 29 Incorrect E-mail Error Error 30 Passwords Encrypt Yes Yes 31 Passwords dont match Error Error 32 Clear details button works Yes Yes 33 Database saves correct data Yes Yes Program: Log-in 34 Correct log-in details Opens managers page Opens managers page 35 Incorrect log-in details Error No! See note 103 36 Correct Admin details Opens Admin Page Opens Admin Page 37 Incorrect Admin details Warning Warning Program: Enter players 38 Show list of choices Yes Yes 39 Accept correct choice Yes Yes 40 Enter Team Return to Log-in Return to Log-in Program: Admin 41 Insert new details Accept and save to database Accepted and saved to database 42 Return button Opens Log-in page Opens Log-in page Program: show details 43 Press View Table Shows Latest Table Latest Table is shown 44 Press View Team Shows Users team Users team is shown 45 Press View Guestbook Opens guestbook See note 104 46 Press logout Returns to the home page Returns to the home page Note 101: The pages that show the team selection and the football tables etc. are not consistent with all pages as yet. The reason being is that they are just using trail data until the beginning of the season, once the correct player data been released then the pages will follow the required standard. Note 102: The site was originally tested on Internet Explorer 5/6. Fire fox 1.0.7 and Opera 8.5. While each of these browsers displayed the site accurately there was the exception of a few minor errors fixed during the sight test. The real problem started when I updated to the latest Internet Explorer version 7 (IE7). Here the home pages heading were moved. This problem was overcome without disrupting the view in the other browsers that were previously perfect. Without being sure if its IE7s fault or my own page design, the problem in the home page was that IE7 browser would not except a heading value I had entered, I arrived at this answer by pure trail and error, but once changed it solved the problem first time. Note 103: The error comes up but there was no link button to take the user back to the Log-in page. Instead of taking the user away a statement appears stating that wrong details were inputted and clears the details ready for a retry. Note 104: The guestbook is not fully operational at the moment, but the shell has been put in to show the users that the feature will be available once the new season starts. Accessibility Testing For this test, we used two website tests. Firstly was the Website Accessibility Initiative (WAI). This involves a full checklist of over 60 tests to check for your sites accessibility. The second is a colour-blindness test from a company called Vischeck. Vischeck take your webpage and show you how it would look to a person with colour-blindness Fig 3 shows this. While the outcome is not perfect, the picture in the top right is not seen, everything else including the text is seen correctly. As this picture is only temporary tests will be made on any future pictures uploaded onto the site. Acceptance Testing The Acceptance tests After all the other tests had been done the acceptance testing took place. Here the client went through the whole site to check for errors and suitability. Whilst this test was a success at the clients home address, there was a problem when he accessed the website at work. The problem here was that the headings in the home page did not show in Edwardian script. The browser here used was Internet Explorer Version 6.0.2800.1106co. While this was confusing the problem was not a major one, also, I had not come across this problem before other then in testing and certainly not with any of the other browsers I have tested the site with. Therefore, the decision was made to see if any of the users had similar problems until any alterations were made. Reflection After researching web application testing in different areas, it became clear that most testing is done in different ways, by using testing tools or even specialised test software. Having mostly in the past used test strategies from P M Heathcotes Tackling computer Projects I have adapted that with what I had learnt from others theories that I had researched. As with one tutorial I found, How to Unit Test the User Interface of Web Applications (Dudziak 2005) hes actually testing a significantly bigger project. There is, however several similarities which can be taken and used in other simpler web applications. The entire test plan is made up of several different ones to satisfy this projects needs. Finally with the software not to go on-line until the summer when the new season starts, the tests can only be done on what is available. Therefore further testing (Unit and Acceptance) will be carried out once the project has finally been completed. In the usability testing the W3c Mark-up Validation Service test came up withseveral errors one of which was the heading Family Ties. This was adding to excessive download time according to the test. The answer here was to make the heading into a image. Chapter 5. Clarity of Documentation References Accessibility checklist. https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/full-checklist.html Allen, G 2006, Project management methodologies 23 Nov 2006, https://www.tech.port.ac.uk/staffweb/allang/pm-mthds.htm Colour-blindness testing https://www.vischeck.com/vischeck/vischeckURL.php Database solutions and downloads for Microsoft access, https://www.databasedev.co.uk/design_basics.html Dudziak, T 2005, How to unit test the user interface of web applications 23 Dec 2006, https://www.openqa.org/floyd/HowToUnitTestTheUserInterfaceOfWebApplications.pdf Heathcote, PM 1997, Tackling Computer Projects 2nd Ed p3-19, Hillman, [GB] Jorgensen. P, Software Testing A Craftsmans Approach, CRC Press. 2 ed. 2002. Khor, S, Software Testing Methods, Strategies and issues, https://www.cs.concordia.ca/~comp691l/TestingFinal_Susan.pdf Pressman, RS 2005, Software engineering: A practitioners approach, Sixth edition, McGraw-Hill, [New York]. Starkey, AJ 2006, Family Ties a personal website for family and friends 20 May 2006, www.anthonystarkey.co.uk. Bibliography Acquired Knowledge systems Inc, Celestial Graphics, Website design. https://www.aksi.net/website-design-tutorial2.htm Allen, G 2006, Project management methodologies 23 Nov 2006, https://www.tech.port.ac.uk/staffweb/allang/pm-mthds.htm Bradley, A 2006, PHP Log-in Script 12 Oct 2006, https://php.about.com/od/finishedphp1/ss/php_login_code.htm Crooks, G. (2006). Team of the week. Available: https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/spl/hi/football/squad_selector/team_of_the_week/html/ss_team.stm. Last accessed 21 Oct 2006. Devshed forums, 2001-2007, Creating a Simple Threaded Discussion Forum 2 Nov 2006, https://www.devshed.com/c/a/PHP/Creating-a-Simple-Threaded-Discussion-Forum/ Desilva, J 2003, The learning journey, accessed 13 Nov 2006 https://www.desilva.biz/php/ HTML writing aids and examples. https://www.re-vision.com/webwork/index.html Keynote Netmechanic on-line HTML help.https://www.netmechanic.com/ Kreps, D. (2005) Web Design, content and Usability, University of Salford, Salford. Mirror.co.uk (2005). You the manager2006, https://www.youthemanager.co.uk/CleverTV/tmg/themirror/clienthome.do?competitionId=15693 NFLuk.com. (2004). Fantasy /football 2006. Available: https://www.nfluk.com/games/fantasy-football/index.aspx. PhP Mysql Tutorial, 2004-2007, accessed OCT/Nov 2006, https://www.php-mysql-tutorial.com/index.php Stafford careers, Aims and Objectives, https://learning.staffs.ac.uk/careers/careersweb/cplanning/nsaimsobjs3.html Starkey, A. 2005 , Family Ties a personal website for family and friends Aug 2005, www.anthonystarkey.co.uk The ultimate HTML resource. https://www.htmlgoodies.com/beyond/javascript/article.php/3471341 Valade, J 2002, PHP MYSQL for Dummies (2nd Edition) Wiley , [New York] W3 schools on-line web tutorials. https://www.w3schools.com/default.asp

Makabuhay Plant Extract - 4237 Words

A STUDY ON THE IN VITRO ANTIMITOTIC ACTIVITY OF TINOSPORA RUMPHII BOERL (MAKABUHAY) STEM EXTRACT ON A549 NON-SMALL LUNG CANCER CELL LINE WITH NORMAL SALINE SOLUTION AS NEGATIVE CONTROL AND VINCRISTINE AS POSITIVE CONTROL. Group 09 PBL 1 - Research Donaldo, Manuel Emerson S., MD MSc. Butad, Mark Dave Isidore Estranero, Maria Fatima Lauro, Kathrina Joy Manago, Marika Zaphia Sala, Mikee Beneve Sy, Florge Francis Urtal, Sundyne SY 2012 – 2013 CHAPTER I Introduction Background of the study According to statistics gathered by the World Health Organization, 7.6 million people worldwide died from cancer in the year 2008, accounting to 13% of all deaths. Cancer is the third leading cause of morbidity and†¦show more content†¦It does not only raise health related concerns but also financial problems especially on treatment related expenses. The effort to make new discoveries related cancer treatment caused the inception of this study. This study will hopefully provide new information on the effect of Makabuhay (Tinospora rumphii boerl) plant to cancer and if proven to have a significant effect, this can be a breakthrough for an affordable and accessible treatment for cancer. Conceptual Framework CHAPTER II Review of Related Literature Tinospora rumphii boerl is a specie of Tinospora collectively known locally as Makabuhay Plant.It is a member of the Menispermaceae family of angiosperms. It is a vine reaching a height of four to ten meters. The stems are up to one centimeter thick and fleshy, with scattered protuberances. The leaves are thin sheets that are heart-shaped, six to twelve centimeters in length and seven to twelve centimeters in width, with pointed and truncate base, smooth and shiny. Its flowers only have three petals. The plant is known for its bitter nature, and the fruits of this plant are held in clusters, which can be as long as two centimeters. This plant may be propagated by planting its stem, which contains a bitter sap. It can be found in most forests all over the Philippines and it grows in tropical areas. Only the leaves and the stems of the plant have been utilized as herbal remedies for various ailments. For the stems, both the dried

Essay on The Duality of Light and Matter - 1203 Words

In school you learned about the atom as though the electrons were particles. But what if you were taught wrong? What if matter is in reality a wave? This is the question raised by Lois de Broglie and is the focus of this essay. First we will cover the difference between particles and waves. Then we will cover the origin of this debate, the duality of light and the double slit experiment. Then we will look at the man behind this unorthodox idea, what his scientific background is and his reasons for suggesting this unorthodox idea. Finally we will examine the data behind this experiment and see if it stands up or not. What are the main differences behind a wave and the particle? A particle has locality, this means it can be in only one†¦show more content†¦In the photoelectric effect light was transmitted onto a metal surface, with certain conditions the light could knock off electrons, its behavior could only be explained by considering light as a particle aka a photon. In Co mpton scattering the radiation of high frequency waves off of electrons could only be explained by considering the radiation in terms of quantified particles. So is light a wave or a particle? Throughout the years the debate has gone back and forth and back and forth. In the 19th century Leon Foucault Established that light moves slower in water than in air which is in favor of wave theory in the same century Maxwell proved that light was an electromagnetic wave. But in the 20th century Max Planck discovers that light is quantified and not continuous and Albert Einstein reestablishes particle theory with his mathematical proof of the photoelectric effect. Interestingly a good example of the ongoing struggle is the fact that J. J. Thompson got the Nobel Prize in 1906 for proving that electrons were particles, but his son received the prize in 1937 for proving electrons to be waves. Of course if scientists were questioning the properties of light why not matter as well? Enter in our m ain character Prince Louis-Victor de Broglie. Prince Louis-Victor de Broglie was born in Dieppe on the fifteenth of August in the year 1892. He graduated from the Lycà ©e Janson of Sailly inShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Louis De Broglie865 Words   |  4 Pagesexperiments like the Photoelectric effect, light behaves like a particle. In diffraction experiments, light is shown to behave like waves. This phenomena can be explained with de Broglie’s wave-particle duality theory. An experiment that can characterize whether an object has properties like a wave or particle is called the two-slit experiment. This was utilized while testing a few of Louis de Broglie’s hypothesizes. The experiment consists of â€Å"a point source of light [that] illuminates two narrow adjacentRead MoreDuality Exists in Many Literature Books967 Words   |  4 Pages â€Å"One thing you learn when you’ve lived as long as I have - people aren’t all good, and people aren’t all bad. We move in and out of darkness and light all of our lives.† This quote, spoken by Neal Shusterman, is exemplified so much throughout daily life. Whether the difference between the dark and light be good and evil or simply private and public, it’s inevitable to have two sides as a human being. Also, in the works of fiction Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, Of Mice and MenRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Great Gatsby 1533 Words   |  7 PagesA Mirage in a Desert: The Duality of Dreams in The Great Gatsby Dreamers are those who dedicate themselves to bringing the world in their minds into reality, unwilling to accept compromise. Dreams are the realities that everyone holds in their minds giving their lives meaning and direction, but what happens when a dreamer dreams a dream far too grand for reality? Scott F. Fitzgerald critically examines the duality of dreams in The Great Gatsby, a story about a young gentleman trying to achieveRead MoreThroughout most famous Greek literature, a great hero usually saves the day. In the story of900 Words   |  4 PagesRex is the focal point for the whole play. Almost every aspect of the play builds up and foreshadows Oedipus’ fall from power, and entry into pain. Sophocles in his tragedy Oedipus Rex creates a mood of dramatic irony using the dualities of sight and blindness, and light and darkness. This dramatic irony highlights Oedipus’ hamartia and in doing so Sophocles enhances his message that arrogance and is wrong. In order to understand much of the foreshadowing in the play, should keep in mind who theRead MoreTheme Of Innocence And Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1054 Words   |  5 Pages Duality Songs of Innocence Songs of Experience, by Blake, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Stevenson, are two stories, which present a case of duality. At the beginning of each of these novels, the author presents two different extremes: Blake presents innocence and experience and Stevenson presents good and evil. In both of these novels, as the story progresses, their two extremes struggle to coexist and one ultimately dominates over the other. Both Songs of Innocence Songs of Experience andRead MoreQuantum Mechanics And Its Effect On An Extremely Small Level959 Words   |  4 PagesMegan Griffin Quantum Mechanics Quantum mechanics is an account of how things rendition on an extremely small level. â€Å"Protons, Neutrons, and electrons are not balls of matter, but more like little concentrations of energy. According to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, if we look at or measure the position of an electron, then other crucial information about it is lost. Also, at the moment we observe it, it basically gives that electron a position and identity in the realm of the natural†Read MoreThe s Equations Of The Universe1401 Words   |  6 Pagesequations to describe gravity and the way nature is, he has not figured out how it really works. Einstein noticed this, and learned that space, gravity, and time work together like a Spiral Wishing Well. He says that space is flat with no matter, but when there is matter, like the earth, the fabric of space warps and curves. One must imagine the hole of the Spiral Wishing Well as the earth and the penny rotating around it is like the moon to se e how space warps and how the medium that affects gravityRead MoreExperimental Confirmation : Physics Of Quantum Mechanics1046 Words   |  5 Pages2.4.1 Experimental confirmation Matter waves were first tentatively affirmed to happen in the Davisson-Germer test for electrons, and the de Broglie theory has been affirmed for other rudimentary particles. Moreover, nonpartisan particles and even atoms have been indicated to be wave-like. (A) Electrons In 1927 at Bell Labs,Clinton Davisson and Lester Germer let go moderate moving electrons at a crystalline nickel target. The precise reliance of the reflected electron force was measured, andRead MoreThes Equations Of The Universe1749 Words   |  7 Pagesequations to describe gravity and the way nature is, he has not figured out how it really works. Einstein noticed this, and learned that space, gravity, and time work together like a Spiral Wishing Well. He says that space is flat with no matter, but when there is matter, like the earth, the fabric of space warps and curves. One must imagine the hole of the Spiral Wishing Well as the earth and the penny rotating around it is like the moon to see how space warps and how the medium that affects gravityRead MoreAnalysis Of Katherine Mansfield s The Doll s House 1645 Words   |  7 PagesMansfield’s manipulation of the relationships among certain characters such as the inferior lower class Kelveys and the superior higher class Burnells she is able to convey the hardships of class struggle and also demonstrate the human nature of duality and false appearances as well as convey the innocence and pure heart of children. The story brings to topic the issues of class consciousness which has wreaked havoc in the social setting, so much so that children are prevented from communicating

Maple Lodge Farms Free Essays

string(173) " latest acquisition of plants in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, in addition to Ontario, is testament to their desire to infiltrate a broader market across provincial lines\." Studying the Relevance of Larry Greiner’s Developmental Phases to the Future Stability of Maple Lodge Farms Maple Lodge Farms, a family-owned business awarded the prestige of being one of Canada’s 50 best managed companies, has attained success by employing a number of strategic organizational practices. Since the inception of Maple Lodge Farms, the founders’ commitment to providing various Canadian households with the highest quality chicken products has allowed it to become one of Canada’s leading poultry companies. Initially, the business owners’ main priority was to launch Maple Lodge Farms as a highly recognizable brand capable of sustaining a loyal customer base. We will write a custom essay sample on Maple Lodge Farms or any similar topic only for you Order Now This goal was largely achieved through a variety of measures the founders implemented throughout the organization’s existence. Recently, a few of the methods used to promote Maple Lodge Farms consist of using an integrated organizational structure, ensuring the safety of the products through technological innovations and limiting the company’s environmental imprint on society. In this research paper, I intend to analyze the current transitional stage of Maple Lodge Farms in Larry Greiner’s terms, evaluate the success of the organization’s human resources strategy – relating it to Larry Greiner’s developmental phases – and offer potential suggestions to boost its future growth. For the purpose of this analysis, a discussion of Larry Greiner’s article, Evolution and Revolution as Organizations Grow: A company’s past has clues for management, is necessary to provide insight into the growth phase Maple Lodge Farms is now in. Larry Greiner, a professor at the Harvard Business School, believes the natural progression of a company from its initial stages to a more sophisticated business model is a consequence of its organizational structure. In other words, an organization’s current managerial framework influences its upcoming management decisions – hence the title of Greiner’s paper. He states that the future health of a business is dependent upon the way it is managed – i. e. its management style – in addition to how it reacts to challenges presented to the established managerial setup. Companies fail to see that many clues to their future success lie within their own organizations and their evolving states of development. Moreover, the inability of management to understand its organization development problems can result in a company becoming â€Å"frozen† in its present stage of evolution or, ultimately, in failure, regardless of market opportunities† (Gre iner, 1998). Moreover, Greiner contends that a business undergoes five known developmental phases – each characterized by both an evolutionary and revolutionary stage. â€Å"1. The term evolution is used to describe prolonged periods of growth where no major upheaval occurs in organization practices. 2. The term revolution is used to describe those periods of substantial turmoil in organization life. As a company progresses through developmental phases, each evolutionary period creates its own revolution† (Greiner, 1998). Therefore, a specific growth period is defined by a particular management style and a management crisis which results directly from it – i. e. the evolutionary and revolutionary aspects of each transitional phase respectively. Furthermore, the age and size of the organization, in addition to the growth rate of the industry, all play roles in the construction of a progression model that accurately describes a business. Greiner’s assumptions are relevant to Maple Lodge Farms because not only do they enable an understanding of the organization’s present state of development, but they also offer implications for the future stability of the business – essentially by indicating which management style a company should adopt as it grows and changes. Before I investigate the effectiveness of Maple Lodge Farms’ business plan – specifically its human resources approach – and forecast its growth capabilities, I must first identify the organization’s present developmental state. According to Greiner’s descriptions of the various stages a company undergoes, the history of Maple Lodge Farms shows that it is currently in the third phase of growth – specifically, the evolutionary part known as the delegation stage. The next era of growth evolves from the successful application of a decentralized organization structure. It exhibits these primary characteristics: 1. Much greater responsibility is given to the managers of plants and market territories. 2. Management often concentrates on making new acquisitions which can be lined up beside other decentralized units. 3. Communication from the top is infrequent, usually by correspondence, telephone, or brief visits to field locations† (Greiner, 1998). The owners’ dedication to providing superior customer service has guided every facet of the way their business has been managed. In pursuit of this goal, the company has successfully implemented a decentralized management structure. â€Å"We are there every step of the way – we have established a unique integrated development team that includes senior representation from Sales, Marketing, Research and Development, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain to ensure superior quality and customer-focused service† (â€Å"Maple lodge farms†, 2011). This structural framework reflects Greiner’s organizational aspect of the delegation stage, as it offers managers greater responsibility in supervising the operations of their plants – fundamentally affording them the freedom to manage these plants as they see fit, with limited corporate intervention. The other traits Greiner prescribes to the delegation stage – besides the organizational arrangement –, confirms the notion that Maple Lodge Farms is in fact in this transitional phase. The delegation stage proves useful for gaining expansion through heightened motivation at lower levels. Decentralized managers with greater authority and incentive are able to penetrate larger markets, respond faster to customers, and develop new products† (Greiner, 1998). The organization’s foray into Halal poultry – especially with the prosperous Zabiha Halal line – not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the company’s branding system, bu t also that Maple Lodge Farms wants to breach the substantial Muslim market and thus attract a more ethnically diverse consumer base. Moreover, the organization’s successful promotions of its newer items – such as the pre-cooked refrigerated foods, the chicken bacon and other innovative manufactured products –, suggests that Maple Lodge Farms is attempting to cater to different preferences; the firm does this to capture a larger market segment, beyond what they have attained so far. Furthermore, the company’s latest acquisition of plants in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, in addition to Ontario, is testament to their desire to infiltrate a broader market across provincial lines. You read "Maple Lodge Farms" in category "Essay examples" This action implies that Maple Lodge Farms is not only expanding its product lines to suit differentiated customer tastes, but also enlarging the organization nationwide – a claim supported by its recent obtainment of plants in New Brunswick, as well as Ontario, and its intention of partnering with Nova Scotia and P. E. I. growers to build primary operations in Berwick, Nova Scotia (â€Å"Grand river foods,† 2011). Since the characteristics that Maple Lodge Farms possesses are outlined in Greiner’s delegation stage, it thereby affirms that the organization is currently in this part of its evolution. Although Maple Lodge Farms appears to be doing well in the delegation stage of Greiner’s model, I believe that the organization may be on the verge of entering the revolutionary component of the third growth phase – referred to as the control crisis. Essentially, this situation arises as a product of the management style introduced in the delegation stage – involving market expansion, decentralized organizational structure, delegative managerial style and so on. Moreover, the control crisis occurs when â€Å"top executives sense that they are losing control over a highly diversified field operation. Autonomous field managers prefer to run their own shows without coordinating plans, money, technology, and manpower with the rest of the organization† (Greiner, 1998). Though this scenario may not be representative of the company quite yet, Greiner insinuates that at the end of an evolutionary period, all companies must enter a revolutionary period; it is merely the path that all organizations must follow in their progression models. Therefore, it is more than likely that Maple Lodge Farms may soon be in a crisis control situation, as its lengthy evolutionary stage is poised to end. The firm should understand the pending reality of a control crisis and be willing to make changes regarding the managerial framework, so as to preserve the health of the company. In 2010, Maple Lodge Farms was given the honor of being named one of fifty organizations in Canada that earned the Best Managed Company award. The CEO of Maple Lodge Farms, Michael Burrows, attributes this success to the customer-oriented method the company whole-heartedly embraces. At Maple Lodge Farms, we speak with our customers on an ongoing basis to gain their insights and to identify the most significant opportunities that move us closer to realizing their success†¦Our sales team is actively engaged with our customers and in the marketplace as often as possible in order to remain abreast of new opportunities and challenges†Ã‚  (â€Å"Maple l odge farms,† 2011). Maple Lodge Farms has nurtured this customer service focus through the use of effective human resources management, which prioritizes the recruitment and training of individuals able to meet inflexible customer demands. Consider the organization’s venture into the untapped Halal foods market. The company’s interest in realizing potential gains from Muslim buyers compelled Maple Lodge Farms to first launch its Halal product line in the 1990s – which has since been perfected over the organization’s existence. In adherence with strict Islamic procedures, the company employs several Muslim individuals to handle the slaughter of its chickens. â€Å"We have a team of several Muslim Blessers and a dedicated Muslim Product Manager†¦under oath to perform the duties assigned to them with honesty and integrity. ISNA’s Halal auditor visits our plant on daily basis to ensure the Halal process is followed with consistency† (â€Å"Maple lodge farms†). Consequently, in order to meet the stringent requirements of the Muslim community, Maple Lodge Farms has recruited and/or trained personnel in a highly specified manner, so as to satisfy their particular consumer needs. Additionally, the human resources department of Maple Lodge Farms encourages management leaders to continuously undergo training programs in order to keep abreast of new managerial techniques. This increases the efficiency of how all the plants of the firm are run. Moreover, the company has regular employee performance appraisals in order to ensure the quality of services offered to consumers. Therefore, the organization’s emphasis on fostering an organizational culture premised upon customer satisfaction – achieved partly through human resources policies concerning recruitment and training – has allowed the company to achieve recognition for its entrepreneurial strides. The workplace diversity amongst employees of Maple Lodge Farms – ensuing from the diversification of the firm’s product lines to accommodate Halal consumers – necessitates a form of diversity management and the implementation of employee diversity programs by the human resources department. Diversity management’s initiative is not simply to advocate tolerance; more significantly, its purpose is to combine the different perspectives of a multicultural organization’s staff and use them to improve the firm’s performance. My research indicates that while Maple Lodge Farms may have a rudimentary diversity management system in place, its human resources team should consider taking full advantage of the company’s diverse employee population. This involves: top management commitment, diversity training programs, inclusive/representative communications, activities celebrating diversity, support groups/mentor programs, diversity audits and management accountability. I believe establishing a comprehensive diversity management system will allow Maple Lodge Farms to become not only an inclusive firm but one that is more effective from a business standpoint. My analysis of Maple Lodge Farms shows that it has tremendous potential to grow as an organization. Firstly, the managerial team should consider altering its delegative style of management to one that involves coordination techniques. Since Maple Lodge Farms seems to be on the outset of a revolutionary period in Greiner’s growth model, a change in how the company manages itself is necessary. Those companies that move ahead find a new solution in the use of special coordination techniques† (Greiner, 1998). Establishing these modifications in the organizational structure and in the general way the firm is managed, will enable Maple Lodge Farms to progress into the coordination stage – the next phase of Greiner’s growth model – and maintain the company’s ste ady evolution. â€Å"All of these new coordination systems prove useful in achieving growth through more efficient allocation of a company’s limited resources. They prompt field managers to look beyond the needs of their local units†¦they learn to justify their actions more carefully to a â€Å"watchdog† audience at headquarters† (Greiner, 1998). Furthermore, the aforementioned diversity management system is another change Maple Lodge Farms should make, as it will move the organization in a new direction – wherein the marketing strategy will be more wide-ranging and cognizant of the immense diversity in customer tastes. From a human resources perspective, Maple Lodge Farms has succeeded in aspects other companies have failed in; they have created an organizational culture that whole-heartedly advocates superior customer service policies. This is evidenced by the human resources policies emphasizing the recruitment and training of qualified individuals, who are able to meet the organization’s standards of customer service. The distinction of being one of Canada’s fifty best managed companies validates the human resources measures Maple Lodge Farms has undertaken to provide first-class products and the best customer service. If the firm were to establish a strategic plan to implement a coordination management style and a diversity management system, then Maple Lodge Farms would experience no difficulties in continuing its success as a company in the future. Works Cited 1. Grand river foods fresh poultry processing division sold to maple lodge farms. (2011, November 21). Canadian Poultry Magazine, Retrieved from http://www. canadianpoultrymag. com 2. Greiner, L. E. (1998). Evolution and revolution as organizations grow. Harvard Business Review, (Reprint 98308), 4-11. Retrieved from http://www. gertjanschop. com 3. Maple lodge farms amongst best managed companies. (2011, February 23). Brampton Guardian. Retrieved from http://www. bramptonguardian. com 4. Maple lodge farms ltd. : Zabiha halal. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www. zabihahalal. com How to cite Maple Lodge Farms, Essay examples

Person Specification for the Role of HR Administrator

Question: Describe about the Job Description and Person Specification for the role of HR administrator? Answer: Introduction As a line manager, I have to look through certain approaches while recruiting the staffs for my organization. The organization mainly looks after the operation part of London Underground Project. Under this project the organization mainly looks after the running of the trains, keeping the tube secure and safe, controlling the centers and stations and collecting and keeping the fare revenues safe. So a line manager of this company I need to recruit few staffs in the organization because there are three vacancies in the organization i.e. in the project section and in the human resource section. The post which is vacant in the project section is for the post of the driver in a tube and the other two vacancies is for the admin post in the human resource section (Foss and Rodgers, 2011). For recruiting the staffs certain job description and person specification need to be done for these specified posts- For the position of the tube driver the required job description and person specification needed is The role of the tube driver will be to operate the tube and making the passengers reach to their destinations safely and also on right time. For this role there is no specification of academic qualification. The person has to follow few important responsibilities that are- He has to communicate with the passengers clearly and directly through wireless media. If any incident occurs he has assist there. Have to provide outstanding care to the customers. Need to adopt flexible work time. Have to deal with any situations. Need to carry tool kits for solving basic faults. The person needs to have great communication skills both written and verbal besides great interpersonal skills. All the time he needs to be focused on the customers and also need to be capable of working individually and also in a team. Under pressure he should not panic and loose his focus and can also change rules at any point of time whenever needed (Savaneviciene and Stankeviciute, 2012). Few important things the person need to possess a valid full ongoing driving license of UK and he possesses that from the last three years with maximum three penalty points. The person should not have any case of drink and drug addiction (Kuvaas, Dysvik and Buch, 2014). All employees should have a relation of honesty and friendliness among each other and they are easily available when there is necessary of dealing with the public or passengers. The driver needs to report daily to the driver manger (Scott-Lennon and Hannaway, 2010). Job Description and Person Specification for the role of HR administrator- Working in railway as an HR administrator is a tough job. The person has to fully ensure that smooth working is going on in all sectors of the organizations. The person has be fully responsible about providing a good HR service at every step. His duty will mainly include that he is keeping a track on the vacancy system though their system of web recruitment and also managing the recruitment and selection area till they are issuing the contract papers to the new employees. As a HR admin they also have to ensure that the employees are maintaining the standards of the organization and providing a good work to the organization (Gollan, 2012). As a HR admin the main duty will be to provide full support from the time of recruitment and selection till the employees are joining. There work includes from advertising the vacancies then selecting the potential applicants. As an administrator his role will also to go through the pay roll section. He will also have to ensure about the safety of their staff and also about the policy and guidelines of the organization (De Winne et al., 2013). When an applicant is applying for a job, then the admin has to response him/her that whether they are for the job role or not. If they are fit then at what time there will be recruitment in the organization and will also have to inform that when there will be any vacancy according to his profile then he will be informed. As an administrator he should keep an eye that all the policies and guidelines and being followed by the employees or not. If not then certain action will be taken against that person. When a recruitment and selection process i s going on than the admin has to ensure that a best candidate is going through the recruitment and selection process which will help the organization. After selection of the candidate then he is offered with the offer letter and contract papers if that person is been outsourced (Townsend and Russell, 2013). The HR admin should provide with all support and news whenever it is required and will benefit the organization. The admin should ensure that there is a smooth relation between the employee and the organization. The admin should update the social sites with the information related to the organization and also keep the social media updated with the marketing ideas of the organization. The HR need to be deal with memos, letters and routines daily. The databases are maintained and updated daily or not this information also have to be with the admin. As an HR, he/she should keep all the confidential news related to the organization. If any mishap happens then the HR team sits with th e legal team along with the higher authorities for the solution. The HR admin need to report daily to the HR manger of the organization (Gupta, n.d.) Stages of Recruitment and Selection Recruitment is done by identifying the need of employee for an organization for which applications has already started arriving. Selection is done by choosing the right candidate for that specific job. At first an advertisement will be published and it will be posted everywhere like social sites, newspaper, notice boards etc. After seeing the advertisement when people will be applying for the post with their CV. Seeing those CVs the potential applicants will be chosen with the help of Human Resource team the potential applicants will be informed by calling them up and also informing them through their email-id that those people has been chosen for the first selection and recruitment procedure (Ericsson and Augustinsson, 2015). The potential applicants for the post of tube driver will be asked to come on such and such date with their important documents. The applicants need to bring their qualification certificates, driving license details and also his medical details (Hassan et al., 2015). Job Analysis For the post of HR admin the applicants should be at least a holder of MBA degree. So the person needs to bring all the documents of his academic qualification along with other testimonials (Sparrow, 2013). The role of a line manager is to work with work group till the higher position of the management. A line manager has to supervise the work of a new employee or a team. The line manager has to directly report to the higher management about the performance and safety of the employees. Involvement as a Line Manager to the selection process As a line manager my contribution for the selection and recruitment process should be by selecting the best candidate for the organization. I have to look whether the candidate, who is applying for the posts of both driver and HR administrator, is fit for the job or not. They will be able to serve for the company or not (Gilbert, De Winne and Sels, 2011). As a line manager in the section of Human Resource in this locomotive industry, I have to look after all the details taking place in the organization starting from recruiting the employee till the operating of the tube whether they are working on time or not and making the passengers reach to their destinations safely on time or not. The main work in the HR section is the recruitment and selection, so the line manager has to look through that also. For recruiting the employees for the job then as a line manger I have sit as one of the panel members for the interview and have to select a best candidate for the required vacancy. As a line manager I have to supervise the work of the new employees and also supervise the teams who are working under me. I have to directly report the higher authority about the working process of both the new employees and also about the old employees who are working under me. I have to make sure that there is no conflict between the new employees and the ol d employees and they all are working as a team member and providing the organization with their good work and best results. As a line manager I also have to make sure that there is conflict between the new employees and the organization. As the working procedure of a HR line manager and the HR manager is almost same so it had to be kept in mind for both the parties are not conflicting with each other about whose idea is the best. As a manger we have to keep in mind that we are proving the company with best results for better output (Teague and Roche, 2011). Legal and Ethical Issues For the post of tube driver the legal, ethical and regulatory rules are accepted are- The person should have a three years daily running driving license. The person should not have any legal case against him. He should not have case of killing people while driving.. He should not have any case of drink and drive. There should not have any case of drug addiction. Should have a valid address proof. For the post of HR administrator the legal, ethical and regulatory rules are accepted are- The person should not have any case in the police station. He/she should have a valid address proof so that is case of emergency the family members of that person can be contacted. Should not have any major illness which may affect his work as well as the organization. These legal and ethical issues are applied for these posts because the organization does not want any employees who have any illegal past. For the post of the driver they are applying so many rules and regulations because the organization does not want their passengers to be any unsafe hand. As this is a locomotive industry so the main priority of this industry is the safety of the passengers. So if any driver has any criminal record of drinking and driving or any drug addiction then while driving the tube he may be drunk or his addiction an arise then during that time there will be question about the safety of the passengers. About the valid address proof if there is any emergency and the person is on holiday then he can be informed if his phone is off or there can be also the case of any emergency with the particular person then the family members of the concerned person can be informed immediately(Kuvaas, Dysvik and Buch, 2014). The rules for the HR admin because none of the company will want an employee who has a criminal record and working in a reputed organization because no one will be eager to work with a firm whose employee has a criminal background (Javaherdashti, 2003). Stages and Purpose of Performance Management Figure 1- Performance Management Cycle In the performance management lifecycle the performance of a employee is calculated that how well the employee is performing in his job whether there is a gap or not. If there is a gap in the performance then by what ways the employee can overcome those gaps? The performance gap can overcome by planning like how to increase the performance level then the review will be done that whether progress is happening or not and then evaluating is done on the performance to see that whether the gap has been overcome or not. Benchmarking HR Performance Figure-2 - Benchmarking HR Performance As the performances of the employees are measured through the performance cycle like that the performance of the HR is also measured. The HR performance is benchmarked by their high performance level and low performance level. In high performance level it is seen that what the HR has achieved and in low performance level it is seen that where they are lacking and how they can improve their performance. 360 Degree Feedback Figure 3- 360 Degree Feedback An employee can calculate his performance level by himself also. The employee can overcome their performance level by taking feedbacks from his peer group, subordinates and managers. By taking suggestions from them an employee can increase their performance level. Conclusion In a nutshell it can be said that as a line manager of an organization in the HR section has to keep our eye open so that the work is done properly and also in a smooth way without any conflict. While recruiting a new employee many things have to be kept in mind because the organization has many expectations from that new employee. As a line manager of HR, I have to look after each and every detail from recruiting to operations of the tube that they are working on time or not. Line manager has a huge duty of supervising the works of the employees and also have to keep all the details of the organization. Line manager is link between the lower level employees and the higher level management authorities (Ryu and Kim, 2013). References De Winne, S., Delmotte, J., Gilbert, C and Sels, L (2013) Comparing and explaining HR department effectiveness assessments: evidence from line managers and trade union representativesThe International Journal of Human Resource Management, 24(8), pp.1708-1735 Ericsson, U. and Augustinsson, S. (2015). The role of first line managers in healthcare organisations - a qualitative study on the work life experience of ward managersJournal of Research in Nursing Foss, K. and Rodgers, W (2011) Enhancing Information Usefulness by Line Managers' Involvement in Cross-Unit Activities.Organization Studies, 32(5), pp.683-703 Gilbert, C., De Winne, S. and Sels, L (2011) The influence of line managers and HR department on employees' affective commitmentThe International Journal of Human Resource Management, 22(8), pp.1618-1637 Gollan, P. (2012). HR on the line: human resource managers' contribution to organisational value and workplace performance.Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 50(3), pp.288-307 Gupta, S (n.d.). HR Profession: A Prospect Role of Line Managers.SSRN Journal Hassan, M., Abu Mansor, N., Wan Abdul Rahman, W. and Yuskelana, B. (2015). Do line managers have linking pin in HR roles?.Intangible Capital, 11(1) Javaherdashti, R. (2003). Corrosion Management: A Guide For Industry Managers.Corrosion Reviews, 21(4). Kuvaas, B., Dysvik, A. and Buch, R. (2014) Antecedents and Employee Outcomes of Line Managers' Perceptions of Enabling HR PracticesJournal of Management Studies, 51(6), pp.845-868 Kuvaas, B., Dysvik, A. and Buch, R. (2014) Antecedents and Employee Outcomes of Line Managers' Perceptions of Enabling HR PracticesJournal of Management Studies, 51(6), pp.845-868 Ryu, S. and Kim, S. (2013). First-Line Managers' HR Involvement and HR Effectiveness: The Case of South Korea.Human Resource Management, 52(6), pp.947-966 Savaneviciene, A and Stankeviciute, Z (2012) HRM and Performance Linkage: The Role Of Line Managersecoman, 17(1) Scott-Lennon, F and Hannaway, C (2010)HR for Line Managers - Best Practice Dublin: Management Briefs Sparrow, J (2013) The five key roles of managers: how HR can build engagement that lasts.Strategic HR Review, 12(2), pp.83-88 Teague, P. and Roche, W (2011) Line managers and the management of workplace conflict: evidence from Ireland.Human Resource Management Journal, 22(3), pp.235-251 Townsend, K. and Russell, B (2013) Investigating the nuances of change in front-line managers' work.Labour Industry: a journal of the social and economic relations of work, 23(2), pp.168-181.