An essay about a social world

An essay about a social network Faceable is one of the most important social network today, and one of the most popular sites from the internet. Social network sites (Sons) were always popular and people seemed to be attracted by the idea of creating a profile where they can put information about them and keep in contact with their friends, or even look for dates, jobs and many others. But with Faceable, the idea of a social network site became much more important, because it grew so big that it became a link that people accessed every day, and in a way or another, it is an important thing in many people lives.It all started with the young Mark Seersucker and his college roommates. In the beginning it was called Faces, which was comparable to Hot or Not, a website where Harvard's students could vote between two pictures Of girls from college, deciding which one was hotter. The site was created with the help of hacking, and this was the reason why it was shut down. After this failure, Mark tried a new site that was called tablecloth. Mom, but he was caused of stealing the idea from three Harvard seniors, Cameron Winkles, Divvy Narrated and Tyler Winkles, who asked him to help them create Harmoniousness's com that was based on a similar idea as Faceable. This led to a lawsuit that became huge and created a lot of problems with time. But still, nothing stopped the growing of Faceable. Soon, it was opened to other big colleges and even then it was easily noticeable that the site had something extremely addictive. In 2005, Mark launched a high-school version of Faceable and soon after that the membership was expanded to employees of several companies.Faceable was officially opened to everyone of age 13 and older with a valid email address. The value of the site constantly grew and most of the important companies wanted a share of it. The number of people that had a Faceable profile increased shockingly. If in august 2008 there were 100 million users, and this year i n September there were 800 million, a number that is actually almost unbelievable. It even seems that this website can easily become the most important â€Å"list' of people in the world, a huge contact book of almost everybody that lives in civilization.One of the most important things that Faceable did, was the fact that they asked their users to use their real name, and for the internet that was a big deal. Before Faceable, most people that accessed the World Wide Web were anonymous, and many of them enjoyed it. People could say anything and be anyone on the internet, and even if it was fun and interesting to be whoever you wanted online, in many ways it was dangerous. It is not healthy, especially for children to be able to be and say anything on the internet, because in a way or another it can bring out the worst in them and not only.Faceable changed that, not completely but it made a pretty big impact. The fact that it expanded all over the internet at the point that you can connect to Faceable from most besides, made the internet a little more real, the anonymity not being such a big problem anymore. One of the questions that is on everybody mind is why and how is Faceable so popular and successful? When there were many other Sons that had almost the same idea before it and weren't as close as huge. Sons are popular for a number of reasons and one of the most important one and actually the main one is the human need to socialize. people love to know things about each other, love to â€Å"stalk† their acquaintances, to look at pictures with them, to see what they like, where hey were what they did and in the same time they love to show other people things about themselves. People are so addicted to watching other people that they wake up looking at profiles of persons that they don't even know. They actually tend to use social networks to show who they are, but mostly the social profiles cannot really be trusted, because they don't usually define a person.People put on their profiles what they want others to think about them, they choose the pictures that they want to show and so and, in the end, creating maybe a different virtual person. O, we can Say that Sons are popular because Of the need Of humans to gossip about relationships and the need to know everything about everybody. But why Faceable is so popular? Probably because it's very easy to use, it's accessible to everybody and it's very simple. Everything is clear and it has all the necessary things that a Sons has, and even more.After it became popular, the reason why everybody created a profile was because all of their friends had one too. Faceable without people you know on it would be very boring, because that's the main reason why we use it. Its not a dating site, ND it's not a site where you go to meet new people, its a site were you go see your existing ones and connect with them. It's very useful because it's a great way to always keep in contact with people you know, even from the past. Another thing about Faceable†¦ Well, Faceable took stalking to a completely another lever.If you don't have good intentions and you are searching on Faceable†¦ For example rapist or thieves, they are in the perfect place, just like a little kid in a pool of candy. If you are a regular F-casebook user or an addicted one which is worse, they know were you are, where you are going to events for example), what places do you like, who are your friends, when you are out of country and many more. All of this makes it easier for thieves, who can rob your home because they now you are not there and for creeps and rapist that can find you easily.No more old school stalking behind a wheel, now it's behind a monitor. Faceable changes the way we socialize in a radical way. Before, when you met somebody you had to talk with that person for hours to know things about him/her, like what kind of movies does that person like, what sports he/her practice, who ar e their friends, ex legislations and so on, but now, they are at a click away, all this information. Now, most people when they meet somebody new, go after and check their profile and in a way or another think that they already know that person.I think this is not a good think, it influences alarm it makes face to face communication not so important anymore and supports the concerning problem of young people that have a problem of communicating â€Å"live?', as in they are so used to typing and not talking that they find the second one as natural as the first. Yes, it's the need to socialize, to communicate, to show strictures of us, to see pictures of others, to let everybody know what are you listening to, what are you doing at the moment, the need to see how many people like that you are in a certain place, or that you are eating soup.Like most things in life, it's good, but not in a excessive way. As anything that people like, at some point it creates addiction. The question is , is Faceable a real addiction danger? A lot of people check their Faceable dozens of times a day and stay for hours and hours just checking profiles, posting things on their wall, looking at pictures and so on. I don't say that having a Faceable ND spending some time on it it's bad, but losing hours and hours of your life just studying what other people do its actually bad. But honestly, I don't think it's actually dangerous.In life, anything can be addictive, and accusing something Of being entertaining enough to become addictive its stupid and unnecessary. It's the people who are the problem, when they feel the need to spend so much time on Faceable, not Passbook's. As a conclusion, we can ask many questions. Why is Faceable so popular after all? Is Faceable a good thing? Does the internet becoming a concerning important part in our life? There are a lot of answers, but we have to admit that today, we can't imagine a life without the internet and without social networks and this is a reality we have to accept.It's an amazing thing what we can do today with all the technology and with everything that we can do online, the thing is that we don't have to let it lose control. I think that with us spending so much time on the internet, we leave a lot of information about us there that can be easily traceable. Is that dangerous? It could be, but after all, how much is safe to share on Faceable? There are a lot of questions that we want to find answers o, and with time, we will find them. Faceable, from my point of view, it's a good thing.

Weekly accomplishment report in tourism department

Tourism Management-III Marketing Section Weekly Accomplishment Report Date: April 16, 2013- Tuesday Name of Company: Tourism Assigned: On this day there were many clients went to our office to inquire regarding on tarpaulin. More so, I was able to learn how to use fax machine. Date: April 17, 2013- Wednesday On this day I was assigned to make photocopies of important filed documents. And the rest of the day I learned to answer and transfer phone calls properly. Date: April 18, 2013- Thursday For this day I was assigned to answer and transfer phone calls for the whole ay.Date: April 19, 2013- Friday On this day I was assigned to answer phone calls and receive Inquiries from clients the whole morning. In the afternoon, Kohl and I together with our supervisor went to Treetop Adventure wherein we experienced their superman ride, treetop and parachute fall. And also were went to JEST camp to see their mini zoo, nonsectarian, and bird sanctuary. Date: April 20, 2013- Saturday For this day I was assigned to answer phones calls. And we talked Mr†¦ De about Tourism in the Philippines. He also gave us knowledge about his tour guiding quenches and how to be effective outrider.Fay Ann B. Toleration (Trainee) Julius M. Macaw (JOT Supervisor) XEBEC Date: April 22, 2013- Monday For this day I did most office works and should be our last day at Marketing Section. Date: April 23, 2013- Tuesday On this day, I was assigned to answer phone calls and Ms. Esther asked me to make photocopies an important filed documents. Date: April 24, 2013- Wednesday On this day we moved on to XEBEC headed by Ms. Niacin Orzo, but before that we started oriented by Mr†¦ Sham Malawi about tour guiding and how to be effective tour guide.He discussed everything we need to know about Cubic Bay Freeport Zone. Date: April 25, 2013- Thursday For this day Mr†¦ Sham continued tackled about Cubic Bay Freeport Zone and he gave us a short quiz. He also discussed us about the Mayhap Host. Date: Ap ril 26, 2013- Friday My task for this day was to answer phone calls and to make photocopies an important files given by our supervisor. By the afternoon, Mr†¦ Sham told us that were assigned at Travelers Hotel for tomorrow. Date: April 27, 2013- Saturday On this day we were duty at Travelers Hotel as Information assistance for theTriathlon Championship 2013. Ms. Nadia Linda DC. Roll Date: April 30, 2013- Tuesday We have a seminar together with different department of SABA employees about â€Å"Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette† social graces and how to eat in a fine dining restaurant and the guest speaker was MR†¦ Leo Prostate. Mr.. Leo is a very good speaker we learned a lot from him and we thankful because we have been given an opportunity to be part in that seminar. Date:May 1, 2013- Wednesday It was Labor Day but we still choose to get in the office to lessen our training hours.We were assigned to answered phone calls and inquiries for the whole day. Date: May 2 , 2013- Thursday On this day, I was assigned to answer phone calls and Ms. Esther asked me to type and prints an important documents. Date: May 3, 2013- Friday On this day, I was assigned to answer phone calls and helped in office works. Adman Date: May 6, 2013- Monday For this day we were assigned to duty at Painkilling Forest Trails, we went to Pastoral with Kayak Anthony and we took almost 2 hours Just to get there. He told us different medicinal plants found on a Jungle and I learned a lot from him.Date: May 7, 2013- Tuesday Our 2nd day at Painkilling Forest Trails. Kayak Samson taught us how to make fire using a bamboo and they also made us spoon and fork, drinking glass using a bamboo. Date: May 8, 2013- Wednesday My Last Day at XEBEC and I was assigned in Adman together with ate Charlene and Dizzied. We were assigned to answer phone calls and to make photocopies an important files given by our supervisor. Date: May 9, 2013- Thursday On this day, I was assigned to answer phone calls and Ms. Mona asked me to make photocopies an important filed documents. Date: Malay, 2013- FridayWe have a seminar at Harbor Point about Personal Development and Cervical Cancer and also we tackled there about the art of SHARP and the guest speaker was Ms. Beagle Arenas. She is very good speaker and I learned a lot from her. Date: Mall 1, 2013- Saturday Ms. Del Deal Cruz Date: May 13, 2013- Monday Election Day!!! Date: May 14, 2013- Tuesday We were preparing for our mock tour with Sir Errol. He discussed everything we need to know about Cubic Bay Freeport Zone. Date: May 15, 2013- Wednesday We were continued to tackled about SIBS with Daddy Sham and he encourage us o study and to research more about Cubic Bay.Date: May 16, 2013-Thursday For this day I was assigned to answer phone calls and we Joined to the route of Mr†¦ Gadding outside the office. Date: May 17, 2013-Friday For this day, it was my first time to Join in a sit-in tour with Kayak Bryan I saw his techniques a nd how he speak in front of tourist. He's a very good outrider and I learned a lot from him. Date: May 18, 2013-Saturday Date: May 20, 2013- Monday practiced us on how to deliver and conduct a tour properly. Date: May 21, 2013- Tuesday On this day was our Mock Tour.It was successful although I've got really nervous because I wasn't familiarized those areas we scrolls. Date: May 22, 2013- Wednesday We have our evaluation meeting w/ Mr†¦ Role Vulgar. And we move to reservation section. Later on, Ms. Theresa asked me to encode the monthly income of Cubic Gym facility. Date: May 23, 2013- Thursday I was assigned to answer phone calls and Ms. Elaine asked me to checked the daily and weekly income and also Ms. Magma asked me to logged and to make photocopies an important files. Date: May 24, 2013- Friday I was assigned to answer phone calls and inquiries for the whole day.

Analysis Of Ancient Egyptian History History Essay

Analysis Of Ancient Egyptian History History Essay Ancient Egypt was known as the’Cradle of Civilization’. Egyptian civilization is a gift of the Nile River that flows from the northern part of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. The river nile was the longest river that located in the Northern Africa. According to historian, Egypt was the second and the oldest civilization in the world that was formed about 3000 B.C.E. The Egypt remains a very interesting history in terms of culture, religion, agriculture, powerful government, their economy, construction of buildings like the pyramids and so forth. Historically, Egypt is an old civilization that ruled by the 30 dynasty of pharaohs in 3100 B.C.E and 332 B.C.E , which it has been divided into the three most major time periods in Egypt, those kingdoms were; the Old kingdom, Middle kingdom and New kingdom. The history of timeline of Ancient Egypt Historians also have divided the time period of ancient Egyptian history to some of the period. The following periods were: Prehist oric ( – 3100 BCE), Early Dynastic Period ( 3000 – 2686), Old Kingdom ( 3000 – 2890), First Intermediate Period (2181 -2055), Middle Kingdom (2055-1650), Second Intermediate Period (1650-1550), New Kingdom (1550 – 1069), Third Intermediate Period (1069 – 664) and Late Period (664 – 332) Pharaoh The King of Egypt was called as Pharaoh, which in other words, â€Å"greatest house†. Pharaoh had absolute power over Egypt and is fully entitled. In the reign of the pharaoh, the Egyptians believed in the existence of God, where the pharaoh considered as god. Pharaoh is not only a political leader that was exalted by the society of Egypt, but he is also regarded as a religious leader as well. Social Organization Position of women Women have a unique status in the Egyptian civilization as it has its own rights. Women role is very important ancient Egypt as the wife and mother, and also its position has been considered precious. In the royal fam ily, the ancient Egyptian women not only became the wife of a pharaoh, or a god, but will become the mother of the pharaoh. Pharaoh could have more than one wife. Religion and beliefs of ancient Egypt Ancient Egyptian civilization is known as a religious center, as evidenced by the discovery of monuments and temples of the religious nature of ancient Egyptian society and beliefs. The Egyptian believed that the world was dominated by many gods to determine life and death of a life, which was also called as trust in polytheism. Each of the Egyptian god often associated with the natural elements such as Re (sun god), Ra-Atum (God’s Heaven) and Amun (Wind God). The Egytian worship the ‘spirit’ where it is believed to help them obtaining the benefits and avoid misfortune or natural disaster. For instance, the Egyptian society worships ‘plant spirit’ to get a good crop. Pharaoh was deemed to be the descendants of God, and because of these, Pharaoh regarded as the great god and has the right to do anything for the Egyptian society. Ancient Egyptian society believes that there is life after death. For them, the person who died will live again in the hereafter. Thus, they preserve bodies (mummification) and build a huge pyramid to keep the mummy of the pharaoh. Pyramid is considered as a meditative spirit, used to store treasures, such as the property of the pharaoh. Food and furniture are also stored in the pyramids because they believed that by doing so the spirit will live in the hereafter.ListenRead phoneticallyListen

Risk Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Risk Management - Case Study Example Risk management is the practice of managing the resources of the operation in such a way as to maintain an acceptable level of risk. This in turn should generate a corresponding level of return that will allow the goals of the operation and management to be achieved. The use of time, financial and other resources to effectively manage the risks so that goals can be achieved is the risk management. Risk management comprises of risk assessment and risk control. Assessing Risk is identifying and analyzing risk. Controlling Risk is taking steps to reduce risk, provide contingency, monitor improvements. Risk Management is important for ensuring that a computer project isn't scuppered, preventing accidental loss or disclosure of information, avoiding computer fraud, hacking, ensuring the smooth running of an information system and maintaining your career prospects. Sources of Risk: There are five main sources of risk in an operation: production risk, marketing risk, financial risk, legal risk and human resource risks. Production risks include yield and quality variability. Marketing risks include changes in the price and external conditions. Financial risks include variability in debt, equity capital and ability to meet cash demands. Legal risks include responsibilities for contracts, statutory compliance, tort liability and business structure. Human Resource risks include people management and estate transfer. Types of Risk: There are two types of risk that affect the volume of investment. The first is the entrepreneur's or borrower's risk which arises out of doubts in his own mind as to the probability of his actually earning the prospective yield for which he hopes. This is a real social cost, though susceptible to diminution by averaging as well as by an increased accuracy of foresight. If a man is venturing his own money, this is the only risk which is relevant. But when a system of borrowing and lending exists, which means the ranting of loans with a margin of real or personal security, a second type of risk is relevant which we may call the lender's risk. This may be due either to moral hazard, i.e. voluntary default or other means of escape, possibly lawful, from the fulfillment of the obligation or to the possible insufficiency of the margin of security, i.e. involuntary default due to the disappointment of expectation. This is a pure addition to the cost of investment which would not exist if the borrower and lender was the same person. Moreover, it involves in part a duplication of a proportion of the entrepreneur's risk, which is added twice to the pure rate of interest to give the minimum prospective yield which will induce the investment. For if a venture is a risky one, the borrower will require a wider margin between his expectation of yield and the rate of interest at which he will think it worth his while to borrow; whilst the very same reason will lead the lender to require a wider margin between what he charges and the pure rate of interest in order to induce him to lend (except where the borrower is so strong and wealthy that he is in a position to offer an exceptional margin of security). During a boom the popular estimation of the magnitude of both these risks, both borrower's risk and lender's risk, is apt to become unusually and imprudently low.From

Discussion Board 8, Chapter 10 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion Board 8, Chapter 10 - Essay Example But our group leaders had a tendency to challenge our abilities. They would often ask us how we knew something was too complex without even trying to accomplish the instructions for the experiment. Our leader chose to validate our concerns by understanding our point of view and then negotiated with us regarding how we could complete the chosen experiment. That is how we would find ourselves working out the â€Å"complex† instructions and actually getting the work done. Then we would find out that it was never too â€Å"complex† at all. Then there was the time when I was part of the school dance committee. Our theme was 80s retro. The cost of our decorations were beginning to skyrocket and our class president would often remind us that our budget was running low. Luckily, we were a highly creative bunch in the group who knew that just because something was expensive, that did not mean we could not have it. Rather, it just meant that we would have to improvise instead, and improvise we did. By getting everyone involved in finding a solution to the problem, the result was a highly cooperative group that managed to pull off a school dance that looked expensive on a shoestring

Students interest in a career as a civil engineer for the Kentucky Essay

Students interest in a career as a civil engineer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Essay Example The skills acquired are relevant to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet since they deal with projects that rely on vast knowledge in physical sciences and mathematics. I am a female, and have obtained an ACI Certification. I feel I have what it takes to become a member of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. However, my certificate will be expiring after five years, meaning that I will be able to offer quality and certified services for the next five years. I am open-minded, and like learning new skills. I am committed in playing an important role in key debates that pertains sustainability, climate change as well as energy efficiency. While I was studying, I often attended seminars and workshops, as well as attachments with leading organizations, which enabled me to solve work related problems. Thus, I understand that civil engineering works need attention and teamwork. While studying mathematics in school, I enjoyed problem solving, which is another desired quality for civil engineers. I am now looking for an opportunity to advance my career, and I am quite sure that Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has all what I

Technology effects on children Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Technology effects on children - Research Paper Example f the social media, which includes twitter and Face book have a negative impact on children, because they play a role in making them to waste time, and it also enables them to engage in unnecessary social interactions†. This is basically because it makes them vulnerable to criminals and pedophiles that are using the internet for purposes of taking advantage of them. However, it is important to assert that technological innovations are not used for purposes of social interactions, but it can also be used in the school environment, and educating children. For instance, the use of power point illustrations is an efficient and effective method of teaching children various concepts within the classroom set up. This paper focuses on the impact of technology on children who are between the ages of 9 to 12 years, and the ones who reside in United States. 2. Napoli (2011, p. 66) examines this debate and he asserts that, â€Å"There are people who support, and those who area against the use of technology in schools, and by children, and hence it is a controversial topic†. Those that claim that technology has a negative effect on children’s development and growth base their arguments on a number of findings, for example, anti-social behavior among children, poor anger management, health issues such as diabetes caused by obesity due to the over use of technology (Adamy &Milman, 2009). However, the opposing side bases its evidence on early knowledge development in children especially in technological fields, better coordination and quick reception and response which are better developed in children exposed to technology. Moreover, the use of technology offers children with hand dexterity, quick reasoning and critical thinking. It’s still obvious that people haven’t reached a consensus over this issue, and the society seems greatly divided over it. Philosophers have argued over the years and competed with each other in trying to establish the real position of the

Foreign Direct Investment in India and Indonesia Assignment

Foreign Direct Investment in India and Indonesia - Assignment Example   All the same, this attracted the attention of Global bond investors willing to evaluate and venture in either or both of countries’ economies (a favor that both needs); however, currently, most of the investors refrain from doing any investments with Indonesia and opt for India due to its constant growth. There are different perspectives of foreign direct investment across different countries around the world, depending on how much they contribute to the international economy and the various markets. India and Indonesia have developed over the years, generally Asia as a whole, but since challenges began affecting their economy, countries in other parts of the globe are keen on the investments they make. Currently, almost everyone is opting for India, not Indonesia, which is understandable, especially if the argument based on dissimilarities in the distribution of production influences and their comparative values. It is a competition between India and Indonesia since both of their markets are in critical situations, following the possible downfall of Asia’s economy, the main reason why parties are still questioning the idea of vetting for India. Evidently, both countries are developed, but today, there are minor differences between Modi and Widodo in terms foreign direct investment inflows and outflows. One thing is for sure, they are not constant. In fact, the only difference is that India’s bonds went up by 0.6%, on the other hand, Indonesia’s bonds might not have gone up by the nation’s economy developed, even more than most people expected. However, different countries have the dissimilar perception on matters and there is no positive way to justify why most of the investors are focusing on India; typically, India has its economic  blemishes.  

Islamic Terrorism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Islamic Terrorism - Research Paper Example But the attacks reveal more hatred for Western culture and intolerance towards other religion than any such religious preaching. Moreover misinterpretations of Islam, particularly the word jihad have been the root cause of terrorism. The Islamic terrorists and extremists have preached false religious beliefs to capture young minds. This has been proved by the review of literature of other research works as well as appropriate findings and analysis. The intensity of terrorism has risen to such a level that it has become a global issue. The Western countries like United States have been the major victims of such attacks. Thousands of people lost their lives in the 9/11 terror attacks. The killers have been Islamic terrorist who have made it a religious issue. They follow militant Islam which has a lot of deviations from the original teachings of Islam. Islam has assumed a violent image due to such terrorists which is not really the case. Clearly the Islamic terrorists have vastly misin terpreted the religion contributing towards its violent image (Emerson). Islam has always taught maintenance of peace. But some unscrupulous religious fanatics have been molding the religion as to their desire and giving lessons of violence to millions of Muslims. That is why it has been seen that Islamic nations do not give freedom of religion to its people (Richardson, Foreword). Even if the violenc

Business Plan and Business Planning Process Essay

Business Plan and Business Planning Process - Essay Example In this write-up, Stutley’s assertion that â€Å"The chief executive of the business or business unit should take overall responsibility for the plan, but the best business plans are developed by the whole†¦.for an enterprise-wide plan, all departments†¦should contribute to the planning process and the final documentation† (2007, 17) shall be linked to how an all-inclusive policy in the construction of a business plan can lead to successes for companies. Difference between business plan and business planning process Ward (2000) explains that â€Å"a business plan is a document that summarizes the operational and financial objectives of a business and contains the detailed plans and budgets showing how the objectives are to be realized.† Giving a closely related definition, Berry (2011) explains that â€Å"a business plan is any plan that works for a business to look ahead, allocates resources, focus on key points, and prepare for problems and opportunities.† On the other hand, Gleeson (2011) posits that â€Å"the business plan process is simply the steps you go through and actions you take when producing a business plan.† From these definitions, the differences that can be drawn between a business plan and the business planning process are that whereas a business plan is a document, the business planning process is an action. Again, whereas a business plan is an end product, the business planning process is a means to an end and is actually the means that results in a busine ss plan. To this effect, it can be said that an effect business planning process leads to a workable and effective business plan.

Trends and Challenges in Human Resource Management Essay Example for Free

Trends and Challenges in Human Resource Management Essay a.Discuss how a complete performance management system differs from the use of annual performance appraisals. The performance management cycle begins with objective setting where the appraisee ought to be oriented about performance expectations for the given performance period. Throughout the period, performance is measured officially through the performance appraisal exercise, where the appraiser is given the chance to give performance feedback through an interview. The performance management system subsumes the performance appraisal process, and is meaningfully linked to rewards based on outcomes or results. Following all these, modifications are implemented to objectives and activities, including the drafting of an individual development plan for closing competency gaps (Clarke, Rogers, Miklos, 1996). The following section describes the different types of performance appraisal systems, which, as emphasized, is only one part of the performance management cycle. The following discusssion is being made to reiterate the idea that performance appraisal is but one part of performance management. Trait-focused appraisal systems. A trait-focused system concentrates on employees’ attributes such as their dependability, assertiveness, and friendliness. Though commonly used, trait focused performance appraisal instruments are not a good idea because they provide poor feedback and thus will not result in employee development and growth (Kingstrom Bass, 1981). For example, in a performance review meeting in which the supervisor tells an employee that she received low ratings on responsibility and friendliness, the employee is likely to become defensive. Furthermore, the employee will want specific examples the supervisor may not have available (Kingstrom Bass, 1981). Behaviour-focused performance appraisal systems. Behaviour-focused instruments focus on what an employee does. Instead of rating them on personal traits, a behaviour-focused instrument would rate him or her on specific behaviours. For example, in the case of a bank teller, some behaviours that may be rated on are as follows: â€Å"Knows customers’ names†, and â€Å"Thanks customer after each transaction.† The obvious advantage to a behaviour-focused system is the amount of specific feedback that can be given to each employee. Further, the focus on behaviour rather than traits does not only reduce employee defensiveness but reduces legal problems (Kingstrom Bass, 1981). From a legal perspective, courts are more interested in the due process afforded by a performance appraisal system that in its technical aspects. After reviewing 295 circuit court decision regarding performance appraisal, Werner Bolino (1997) concluded that performance appraisal systems are most likely to survive a legal challenge if they are based on job analysis, if raters receive training and written instructions, if employees are allowed to review results, and if ratings from multiple raters are consistent. Following the performance appraisal process is performance feedback. In organizational parlance, this is frequently referred to as performance discussions. Perhaps the most important use of performance evaluation data is to provide feedback to the employee and assess his or her strengths and weaknesses so that further training can be implemented. Although this feedback and training should be an ongoing process, the semi-annual evaluation might be the best time to formally discuss employee performance. Furthermore, holding a formal review interview places the organization on better legal ground in the event of a lawsuit (Field Holley, 1982). Normally, in most organizations a supervisor spends a few minutes with employees every six months to tell them about the scores they received during the most recent performance evaluation period. This process is probably the norm because most managers do not like to judge others; because of this dislike, they try to complete the evaluation process as quickly as possible (Field Holley, 1982).   Furthermore, seldom does evaluating employees benefit the supervisor. The best scenario is to hear no complaints, and the worst scenario is a lawsuit. In fact, one study demonstrated that dissatisfaction and a decrease in organizational commitment occurs even when an employee receives an evaluation that is â€Å"satisfactory† but not outstanding (Pearce Porter, 1986). Finally, in the â€Å"tell and sell† approach to performance appraisal interviews, a supervisor â€Å"tells† an employee everything she has done poorly and then â€Å"sells† her on the ways in which she can improve. This method, however, accomplishes little. There are certain techniques that will make the performance appraisal interview more effective, and these are discussed in the following sections. Both the supervisor and the employee must have time to prepare for the review interview. Both should be allowed at least 1 hour to prepare before an interview and at least 1 hour before the interview itself (Pearce Porter, 1986). The interview location should be a neutral place that ensures privacy and allows the supervisor and the employee to face one another without a desk between them as a communication barrier (Rhoads, 1997). Performance appraisal review interviews should be scheduled at least once every 6 months for most employees and more often for new employees. Review interviews are commonly scheduled 6 months after an employee begins working for the organization. It is important to note that while formal performance review interviews occur only twice a year, informal â€Å"progress checks† should be held throughout the year to provide feedback (Rhoads, 1997). While preparing for the interview, the supervisor should review the ratings she has assigned to the employee and the reasons for those ratings. This step is important because the quality of feedback given to employees will affect their satisfaction with the entire performance appraisal process (King, 1984). Meanwhile the employee should rate her own performance, using the same format as the supervisor. The employee also should write down specific reasons and examples that support the ratings she gives herself (King, 1984). At the outset of the interview, the supervisor should communicate the following: 1) the role of the performance appraisal – that making decisions about salary increases and terminations is not its sole purpose; 2) how the performance appraisal was conducted; and 3) how the evaluation process was accomplished. It is advisable that the supervisor also communicate her own feelings about the performance appraisal process (Kelly, 1984). The review process is probably best begun with the employee communicating her own ratings and her justification for those ratings. Research indicates that employees who are actively involved in the interview from the start will be more satisfied with the results. The supervisor then communicates his ratings and his reasons for them (King, 1984). At the conclusion of the interview, goals should be mutually set for future performance and behaviour, and both supervisor and employee should understand how these goals are met (Cederbloom, 1982). In summary, a performance management system encompasses the phases of performance planning, performance monitoring, performance feedback, and performance development. In performance planning, the goal of the superior is to ensure that all objectives, key performance indicators, and even resources for performance delivery are clear and understood. In performance monitoring, the supervisor aims to keep track of whether the employee is delivering in accordance with expectations. This is done through communication and progress tracking. The performance appraisal exercise is only one practice subsumed in this whole system, particularly under performance feedback giving. Finally, in the performance development phase, performance gaps are addressed through coaching, classsroom training, and other individual development initiatives. b.Discuss the advantages of managing turnover in organizations. Turnover has been linked with affective and continuance commitment. Each of the three distinct dimensions to organizational commitment: affective, continuance and normative commitment are defined (Meyer and Allen, 1997). 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Affective commitment – means an employee’s personal attachment and identification to the organization.   This results in a strong belief in an acceptance of the organization’s goals and values.   â€Å"Employees with a strong affective commitment continue employment with the organization because they want to do so† (Parà © and Tremblay, 2000, p. 5) 2)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Continuance commitment – is a tendency to engage in consistent lines of activity based on the individual’s recognition of the â€Å"costs† associated with discontinuing the activity.  Ã‚   â€Å"Employees whose primary link to the organization is based on continuance commitment remain because they need to do so.† (Parà © and Tremblay, 2000, p. 5) 3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Normative commitment – provides that employees exhibit behaviours solely because they believe it is the right and moral thing to do. â€Å"Employees with a high level of normative commitment feel that they ought to remain with the organization.† (Parà © and Tremblay, 2000, p. 5) In their findings, Parà © and Tremblay provide that affective commitment and continuance commitment are negatively related to turnover intentions (Parà © and Tremblay, 2000, p. 6).   In addition to these two distinct types of commitment affecting turnover intention, their studies also points to the factor they call Organizational Citizenship Behaviour or OCB.   OCB is considered as a key element in organizational effectiveness.   OCB is defined as â€Å"an employee’s willingness to go above and beyond the prescribed roles which they have been assigned† (Parà © and Tremblay, 2000, p. 6, quoting from Organ 1990). Based on Parà © and Tremblay’s findings, the stronger the citizenship behaviour, the more likely they are to stay in their company.   In effect, those with high turnover intentions are not as committed as those who intend to stay long with the company. The Job Characteristics Model of Hackman and Oldham (1980) show that the job characteristics of skill variety, task identity, task significance, task autonomy, and feedback   are likewise linked to management of turnover. The five core job characteristics are in continuous interaction with individual differences that evoke three critical psychological states in an employee.   These three states are: 1) when the job is structured by skill variety, task identity and task significance this could lead employees to experience meaningfulness in their work. 2) The second state, task autonomy, which leads to feelings of responsibility for the outcomes of work. 3) The third and last state is feedback, which leads employees towards knowledge of the results of their work (Douthit 2000; Huber 2000). These three critical psychological states lead to a set of affective and personal outcomes:   high internal work motivation, high growth satisfaction, high general satisfaction, high work effectiveness, and low rate of absenteeism (Mohamed 2004; Donovan and Radosevich, 1998). These affective and personal outcomes are the results of en employee’s job characteristics.   They are defined as follows: High internal work motivation – this is the degree to which an employee is willing to work and to consider the organizational objectives as part of his or her own goals (Mohamed, 2004). High growth satisfaction – this is the achievement of the employee in overcoming challenges, succeeding and growing (Steers Black, 1994) High general satisfaction – this the feeling derived from the overall satisfaction with the work itself. â€Å"This type of satisfaction is reflected mainly in decreased rates of absenteeism among employees† (Steers Black, 1994). High work effectiveness – this refers to both the quality and quantity aspects of work performance (Hackman Oldham, 1980). Low rate of absenteeism. In other words, in managing retention and in effect managing these characteristics of the job, the organization shall have more motivated, more satisfied, more effective employees (Hackman Oldham, 1980). c.Examine contemporary safety and health management issues in the workplace. Workplace Safety: Information (2007) defines workplace safety as an environment encompassing all the factors that may have impact on the welfare of the employees in terms of safety working conditions and the health of laborers. Aspects that are given priorities are the hazards found in the surroundings, workplace areas, conditions and workplace process flowcharts. Other issues among employees regarding grooming, drug and alcohol abuse, absenteeism, horseplay and tardiness, violence and work output submissions are also covered. If there is one organization monitoring the activities of the safety in the workplace, it is the Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA). OSHA is focusing on three goals as its cornerstones in regulating safety practices in organizations. First, it improves the safety and health of the workers, from the top management to the bottom, to make sure that there would be less accidents, hazards, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities that will occur in the companies. Second, it operates by making changes in the workplace culture to heighten the awareness of both the employer and its workers in committing its involvement in the health and safety of the company populace. Third, it assures the security of public confidence in maintaining the delivery of OSHA’s programs and services. Looking at the federal guidelines, OSHA’s proposed programs are less tough and are user-friendly for different companies (Guastello, 1993). However, a common query among organizations is that the benefits of behaviour modification programs, such as incentives may not have lasting effects or may diminish over time (Guastello, 1993). Many agree that safety programs using incentives can be found in an existing and well-rounded comprehensive safety program. Based on OSHA, there are four elements of an effective safety and health program such as management commitment and employee involvement; worksite analysis; hazard prevention and control; and safety and health training. In all these elements of incentive programs employees’ participation can be recognised.   First, a number of employees can be heads of safety committees, worksite analyses, accident investigations and safety suggestions. Second, by assigning among them a supervisor hazard prevention and control may be strengthened since peers will follow anti-hazard rules in their workspace.Third, employees can be seen in the active attendance and participation in safety meetings through quizzes, interactive role-playing and roundtable discussions. Giving the employees the chance to participate and be recognised in effective safety programs, they would feel that it is a privilege to be part of the core group of safety culture in the family. At the same time the myriad of manuals and guidelines provided discussing safety workplace incentives will still be very useful in keeping the employees aware of the controls and measures that the company is undertaking for the welfare of the workers in general (Walker, 2007). Reduction in the number of accidents has been shown to be possible with the strict implementation of workplace behaviour modifications (Lund Aaro, 2004). Using safety incentives is just one of the ends to the ways of improving population’s safety behaviours. By introducing a safety culture scheme in the organization, individual and group motivational factors for safe behaviour, risk justification, and optimism in workplace are deemed to show great improvement (Williamson et al., 1997). In one way or another, these factors are crucial and are influenced by the reward system such as incentives by recognising the individuals who are putting their best efforts to their work and doing their jobs in a safe manner. Safety incentive programs generally have two categories: (1) injury/illness-based incentive programs and (2) behaviour-based incentive programs (Hinze, 2002). Injury/illness-based incentive programs are based on the number of times that an illness or injury is incurred and such occurrence will be the criterion in rewarding workers and crew members. The programs go along with the assumption that: (1) facilities and equipment used are in good condition and do not cause any accidents; (2) employees are given proper training and work knowledge in administering the use of office equipment; and (3) accidents are usually the results of worker’s negligence or compromise on safety (Smith, 1997). Meanwhile, behaviour-based incentive programs observe the workers in such a way that their attitude towards work is assessed. Previous studies have identified the means of measuring worker’s behaviour as a means for recognising safety performance (Duff et al., 1993). Examples of activities of behaviour that can be rewarded are active participation in safety meetings and training sessions, ability to give sound suggestions about the improvement of safety in the jobsite, proper use of personal equipment and other behaviour avoiding accidents (Geller, 1996). d.Also, include a discussion of future trends and challenges in HR management. Since the theories, approaches and practices for Human Resource Management can be traced back to Frederick Taylor’s Scientific Management, trends can be expected. Some of the recent trends that are being observed are moonlighting, human resource outsourcing, and two of Charles Handy’s organizational models – Shamrock and Federal, respectively. Moonlighting is when an employee holds dual or multiple jobs at the same time. Many employees become moonlighters if they salary they get from their primary job is not enough. Moonlighting has its advantages too. It can reduce the rate of turnovers in industries where work is routinary and it can also be a means for a company to retain their employees. The downside of moonlighting is that the company risks losing confidential information to competitors. It can also lead to absenteeism due to exhaustion and burnout from both jobs (Tett Meyer, 1993). Outsourcing is one of the latest additions to the trends in human resource management. An organization seeks out sub contractual employees for either product design or manufacturing from a third-party organization at a lower cost. Outsourcing is good for small to medium-sized organizations that are growth oriented since it can provide the owners free time to focus on developing strategies to gain competitive edge (Ulrich, 1997). It can also help transform the business by increasing the flexibility of the organization to meet the changing conditions, demands for products and services and technologies. It also makes the experts available for you. By outsourcing experts, you are able to improve your risk management and control over the business. Your credibility can also be improved since you do have the best in the field working for you. You also gain a network by associating your organization to the provider. Charles Handy’s organizational models are being practiced by enterprises depending on the nature of their industry (Armstrong, 2003). With these models, organizations can be flexible with their organizational structure in order to ensure their competitive edge. The Shamrock model or clover model consist of three main levels that represent a different type of organizational objectives: the core, the contractual fringe, and the flexible workforce. The core is basically the thinking part of the model. They are the ones that possess the most knowledge about the field and are the most paid. The contractual fringe is the part of the model that provides materials and service inputs to the core. The flexible workforce is responsible for the workload itself. Though these three workforces or parts need to be managed separately and differently, the organization has three different parts with varying responsibilities and expectations and yet work to achieve the same goal. In the Federal model, power is distributed and it is about building high commitment, professional organizations. The federal is a bit complex. It is decentralized but at the same time centralized when the situations calls for it. It is a system of small core organizations with much focused core competencies sustained by many resources available to them. It is also believed that in order to improve productivity a strong social agreement between the organization and the union and a good social welfare system is a must. Although more and more trends come to pass to keep up with the changes, more and more conflicting issues arise too. Selecting who to hire is becoming a more complex task. Training and developments are hard to keep up with since more technological improvements are made and competition is getting stiffer by the minute. Maintaining current employees is proving to be one of the top human resource managers’ problems, since more organizations try to outdo each other in regards to the compensation and benefits they offer to their would-be and existing employees. Diversity within the workplace is posing to be a relevant issue for the human resource department (Chen, 2007). Motivation and loyalty of employees is a perennial contemporary issue for the human resource manager. Mergers, acquisition, turnovers, and consolidation happen more often, and throughout all these, strategic human resource management is necessary to ensure continued delivery of objectives amidst turbulent change. References Armstrong, M. (2003). A handbook of human resource management practice. London: Kogan Page. Cederbloom, D. (1982). The performance appraisal interview: A review, implications, and suggestions. Academy of Management Review, 7, 219-227. Chen, A. (2007). The challenges of human resource management. Retrieved April 9, 2008 from http://ezinearticles.com. Clarke, D., Rogers, V. Miklos, S. (1996). Upward appraisal: Does it make a difference? Paper presented at the 11th annual meeting of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, St. Louis, MO. Donovan, J.J. Radosevich, D. (1998). The moderating role of goal commitment on the goal difficulty–performance relationship: a meta-analytic review and critical re-analysis. Journal of applied psychology, 83, 308–15. Douthit, M.W., (2000). Job satisfaction returns to human and social capital. Journal of behavioral and applied management, 2000, 1(1), 67. Duff, A. R., Robertson, I. T., Cooper, M. D., Phillips, R. and United Kingdom Health Safety Executive (HSE). (1993). Improving safety on construction sites by changing personnel behaviour (HSE Contract Research Report No.51/ 1993). Field, H. S., Holley, W. H. (1982). The relationship of performance appraisal system characteristics to verdicts in selected employment discrimination cases. Academy of Management Journal, 25, 392-406. Geller, E. (1996). The psychology of safety: How to improve behaviours and attitudes on the job, Pennsylvania: Chilton Book Company. Guastello, S. (1993). Do we really know how well our occupational accident programs work? Safety Science, 16, 445-463. Hackman, J.R. Oldham, G.R. (1980). Work design. Reading, Massachusetts, Addison–Wesley, 1980, 114–21. Hinze, J. (2002). Safety incentives: Do they reduce injuries? Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction, 7(2), 81-84. Kelly, C. M. (1984). Reasonable performance appraisals. Training: Development, 38(1), 79-82. King, P. (1984). Performance planning and appraisal. New York: McGraw-Hill. Kingstrom, P.O., Bass, A. R. (1981). A critical analysis of studies comparing behaviourally anchored rating scales (BARS) and other rating formats. Personnel Psychology, 34, 263-289. Lund, J. Aaro, L. (2004). Accident prevention: Presentation of a model placing emphasis on human, structural, and cultural factors. Safety Science, 42, 271–324. Meyer, J.P.    Allen, N.J. (1997). Commitment in the workplace. Sage Publications. Mohamed, A.H. (2004, May) Using the job characteristics model to compare patient care assignment methods of nurses, 10(3), 389-405. Parà ©, G. and Tremblay, M. (2000).   The measurement and antecedents of turnover intentions among IT professionals.   Scientific Series.   Ciprano.   September 2000. Pearce, J. L., Porter, L. W. (1986). Employee responses to formal performance appraisal feedback. Journal of Applied Psychology, 71, 211-218. Rhoads, C. (1997). A year-round schedule said to take sting out of performance reviews. American Banker, 162(28), 6. Smith, T.A. (1997) What’s wrong with safety incentives? Professional Safety, May, 44. Steers, R.M. Black, J.C. (1994). Organizational behavior, 5th ed. New York, Harper Collins. Tett, R. P., Meyer, J.P. (1993). Job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover: Path analyses based on meta analytic findings. Personel Psychology, 46, 259-293. Ulrich, D. (1997). Human resource champions: The next agenda for adding value and delivering results. Boston, Mass.:Harvard Business School Press. Walker, J. (2007). ABCs of safety incentives: Positive consequences to behaviour. Facility Safety Management. Retrieved April 10, 2008 from http:// www.fsmmag.com/Articles/2005/12/ABCs%20of%20Safety%20Incentives%20Positive%20Consequences%20to%20Behaviour.htm. Werner, J. M., Bolino, M. C. (1997). Explaining U.S. Courts of Appeals decisions involving performance appraisal: Accuracy, fairness, and validation. Personnel Psychology, 50(1), 1-24. Williamson, A., Feyer, A., Cairns, D. Biancotti, D. (1997). The development of a measure of safety climate: The role of safety perceptions and attitudes. Safety Science, 25(1-3), 15-27. Workplace Safety: Information. (2007). Workplace safety: Information and much more from Answers.com. Retrieved April 11, 2008 from http://www.answers.com/topic/workplace-safety?cat=biz-fin.

A Gllance At Information And Communication Technology Essay Example for Free

A Gllance At Information And Communication Technology Essay Information and communication technology (ICT) has become an important tool in all aspects of life. With the development of technology, the introduction of ICT as a tool has essentially brought tremendous revolution to the practices and procedures of nearly all forms of endeavor within business and governance during the past decades. Consequently, the importance of ICT project management cannot be overemphasized since it is the catalyst for successfully carrying out the ICT project. A critical research on the factors influencing the performance of ICT has been conducted as well as the introduction of different evaluation models or frameworks, which are used determine if an ICT project is successfully implemented. The last but not the least, a conclusion and a recommendation are given to prove that the potential values and benefits will be brought by elaborately analyzing those related factors before implementation and regularly evaluation on the ICT project. Table of content Introduction Recently, the role of Information and communication technology (ICT) has become more and more important in any forms of organizations and businesses. According to Daniels (2002) ICT has evolved to be one of the basic tool but pervasive among the public within such a short time. Besides, understanding the operational mechanism of ICT and mastering the fundamental skills and concepts of ICT are regarded as the basic knowledge that people now should equip with. However, it seems that many people have the wrong perceptions of what ICTs are; it’s commonly that ICTs generally be referred to ‘computers and computing related activities’ before the definition of ICT officially clarified by a United Nations report (1999). Also, according to UNESCO ICT could be understood in the way that which is the combination of ‘Informatics technology’ with other related technology, such as communication technology in particular. In other words, ICT is a more extended than information technology (IT), ICT not only emphasizes the technology itself, but also highlights the unified communications and the integration of telecommunications, computers; furthermore, by using these products such as the enterprise software, middleware, storage, and audio-visual systems, users will be able to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. Now, we can find the radio broadcasts, audio conferencing, teleconferencing, email, interactive voice response system, audiocassettes and CD ROMs etc., are vari ous kinds of ICT products available, and those ICT products have been used for different purposes in our daily life, work environment, or common business practices. There are more and more people become aware of the benefits and efficiency brought by the ICT. With that in mind, people are starting paying more attentions on the ICT management issues, such as how to better manage ICT projects, what are those key factors determining the performance of ICT project, or how to adequately evaluate the performance of ICT project. Discussion Just as the other project management is, there are various success/failure factors related to the ICT project management. Here we discuss the roles of attitudes and the alignment between ICT and business, which are regarded as two of the most important key factors in ICT project management. A corresponding literature review is also preformed in order to better understand the background. The Roles of Attitudes Based on recent researches on the acceptance and use of ICT project, and related ICT design and development, ICT only brings values to the organization if it is accepted, applied and widely applied by those targeted users. From one of the research (Zhang, P. 2007), the author mentioned two different theories, which the inconformity between these two theories lays in the concepts behind and effects behavioral intention. The theories mentioned are Attitude toward ICT as an object (ATO) and Attitude toward using ICT as a behavior (ATB). By definition, ATO is â€Å"a psychological tendency that is expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favor or disfavor† (Eagly et al. 1998) or, as a combination of evaluative judgments about an object (Crites et al. 1994), while ATB is defined as â€Å"an individual’s positive or negative feelings (evaluative affect) about performing the target behavior.† (Fishbein et al. 1975) And the conceptual confusions whether attitudes play important role in the context of ICT project acceptance and use has been clarified, and there is an interesting evidence showing that the roles of attitudes can change as the users’ use of the ICT increases. The Alignment between business and ICT The literature related to the information and communication technology (ICT) demonstrated that alignment between ICT and business will influence the business performance and effectiveness of the organization in a positive way. (Cumps, B., Viaene, S., Dedene, G., Vandenbulcke, J 2006) Furthermore, the alignment of business and ICT of an organization is one of the fundamental sustainable factors, which can also be an advantage for an organization. In that case, the organizations should consider establishing specific ICT management routines in order to obtain better alignment performance scores. Since the role of ICT cannot be underestimated, more and more people want to know whether the ICT really brings values, whether the ICT substantially improved the efficiency, or whether the ICT works as expected. Based on the research, there are several more comprehensive ICT management capability maturity framework developed, such as the ICT management capability maturity framework and ICT Per formance Reference Model. The differences between these two frameworks or models are the focus and the content. ICT management capability maturity framework The framework is a ‘spider diagram’, which includes seven indicators: ICT Applications, Business-ICT relationship, ICT strategy alignment, ICT user profile, ICT managerial paradigm, ICT governance and ICT organization. Before applying the ICT management capability maturity framework, the users should firstly define the critical processes of their ICT management for each indicator. For each indicator, there are specific process-orientated evaluation standards, and the users should make judgments for each standard to see whether it fits to the organization’s characters, needs, and specific industry. For each applied standard, there are different dimensionalities to assess the maturity of capability. The key function of this framework is to be used as an evaluating tool and a improvement roadmaps that can point out directions for the senior management on ICT and business management in strategies planning in order to sustainably improve, develop, and manage the ICT capability in support of optimized business value delivery. From this capability maturity framework, we can clearly see the ICT management capability maturity of an organization as well as its improvement footprint. At the same time, with the use of such framework, the organization can be evaluated on its overall ICT management capability, the comparison analysis between different organizations can be conducted, and even the industrial benchmark can als o be made to see the ranking of the organization in the certain industry. ICT Performance Reference Model ICT Performance Reference Model is a model using the reference model principles in the area of ICT management. For better understanding of the meaning of reference model, here the definition of the reference model that â€Å"Reference model contains relevant structures and relationships among the model elements (process structures, levels, document structures) and also the predefined knowledge (best practice examples) already included in these structures.† is used. ICT Performance Reference Model combines the strengths of mathematical and data modeling techniques for its structure and knowledge management principles for its content; namely, it represents the best practices and knowledge in the formalized model structure, and therefore allows easier knowledge replication. The framework of ICT Performance Reference Model includes ICT Management Process, ICT Performance management Methodologies, ICT Performance Measurement Processes, ICT Performance Measures and ICT Performance m anagement Tools and Applications. The performance of ICT project is then be evaluated through these dimensions. With the implication of ICT Performance Reference Model, it would be easier to address ICT management related issues including application functionality overlap, technology and knowledge heterogeneity, and constantly changing business pressures. Conclusion From the discussion part, we can see that there are different success/failure factors relate to the Information and Communication Technology project management. Each factor cannot be left out from consideration whenever applying an ICT project, namely, the importance of each factor cannot be overestimated, or there would possibly result in an unpleasant outcome. On the other hand, it is also necessary to have the ICT project to be reviewed, or assessed the related management capability maturity periodically. With the regular evaluation, the organization will have better understanding about the current state of the implementation of ICT project, the acceptance level of related personnel, the operation results compared to expected results, and the continuing alignment with organization’s strategies. Recommendations As we all know that the management of ICT in the enterprise has been increasing in importance and nowadays it is one of the critical success factors of any type of business. In order to ensure sustainable growing of an organization, the use of ICT cannot be avoidable. After the careful research, I recommend the organization should look into every success/failure factors corresponding with the ICT project before implementation, which will largely reduce the risk of carrying out a project and ending in nothing. At the same time, with careful elaboration on each success/failure factors, the organization will have better understanding of its status quo, its strengths and weakness, which can be a great headstone for the design and implementation of the ICT project. In addition to the prior-art research, the ongoing assessment is also important for an ICT project management. In that case, the organization should choose adequate evaluation model or framework with some customized changes in order to fit into the needs of the organization. By doing the regular inspection, the organization can notice the wrong behavior in time and make certain modifications accordingly. Without such safeguard monitor mechanism, it may be too late when the organization realizes the mistakes happening. References Becker, J., Knackstedt, R., Pà ¶ppelbuß, D. W. I. J. (2009). Developing maturity models for IT management. Business Information Systems Engineering, 1(3), 213-222. Cumps, B., Viaene, S., Dedene, G., Vandenbulcke, J. (2006, January). An empirical study on business/ICT alignment in European organisations. InSystem Sciences, 2006. HICSS06. Proceedings of the 39th Annual Hawaii International Conference on (Vol. 8, pp. 195a-195a). IEEE. Donnellan, B., Sheridan, C., Curry, E. (2011). A capability maturity framework for sustainable information and communication technology. IT professional, 13(1), 33-40. Novotnà ½, O. (2009). ICT performance reference model in the context of corporate performance management systems. IDIMT-2009 System and Humans–A complex Relationship. Linz: Trauner Verlag Universitat, 13-16. Silvius, A. G. (2009, April). Business and IT Alignment: What We Know and What We Dont Know. In Information Management and Engineering, 2009. ICIME09. International Conference on (pp. 558-563). IEEE. Zhang, P., Aikman, S. (2007). Attitudes in ICT acceptance and use. In Human-Computer Interaction. Interaction Design and Usability (pp. 1021-1030). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Managing Of The Activities To Achieve Results Commerce Essay

Managing Of The Activities To Achieve Results Commerce Essay The challenge facing business and society in the 21st century is how to use resources more efficiently. Every business large or small needs to consider carefully: how to reduce its use of energy How to minimize waste. The central economic problem is how to match finite resources with unlimited wants. With the demand for resources rising as the world economy grows this is becoming more of a challenge. Leading global companies like Anglo American strive to find new solutions to this problem every day. Anglo American is one of the worlds largest mining companies. Its portfolio of mining businesses spans precious metals and minerals in which it is a global leader in platinum and diamonds, base metals (copper and nickel) and bulk commodities (iron ore, metallurgical coal and thermal coal). The companys mining operations and extensive pipeline of growth projects are located in southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America and Asia. The purpose of the organization is set out in a mission statement. To be the leading global mining company through the operational excellence of world class assets in the most attractive commodities and a resolute commitment to safe and sustainable mining. In 2008 there was a downturn in world economic activity. This resulted from a loss of confidence in the world financial system. The downturn led to a steep fall in commodity prices such as coal, copper and platinum. By late 2009 these prices started to rise again as demand for commodities increased. Sustainability Although mining companies are affected by changes in economic activity, mining is a long-term investment business. Firms like Anglo American have to take a long term view of the business. This involves extracting commodities in a sustainable way over a long period of time. The company focuses on those commodities in which it has a favorable position. It concentrates on larger mines where extraction will be possible for many years into the future. It also looks at mining projects where costs can be kept to a minimum but where there are opportunities to expand operations. There are several issues of sustainability facing Anglo American. Key ones are: securing energy supplies, such as electricity and resources including water, for the future Managing emissions to minimize harm. Anglo American uses large quantities of energy in its operations. It also generates the potential for energy, e.g. by producing coal to generate power stations. A key aim of the company therefore is to do more with less. It must achieve maximum efficiency with minimum waste. Anglo American believes that by operating in innovative and socially responsible ways it can do things better than its rivals. Doing things better in business is referred to as competitive advantage. Social responsibilities are those duties to all the stakeholders of a business, not just the shareholders. Embedded within social responsibility is the concept of sustainable development. Sustainable development involves using resources so that: resources are available to meet the needs of people now resources can be available to future generations The needs of the natural environment are respected. Mission statement of the Anglo American Chairmans Fund To be the leading corporate donor in South Africa, through growing an informed understanding of the countrys developmental challenges, to apply the resources at its disposal to maximum effect in supporting and adding value to practical interventions, creating new opportunity and addressing urgent social needs. Corporate social investment (CSI) is an integral part of Anglo American South Africas business. It strives to strengthen the economy and better the lives of disadvantaged communities through projects that lead to infrastructural development, enhanced health and education, improved quality of life and a balanced ecosystem. The Anglo American Chairmans Fund supports projects throughout South Africa and these are grouped in a programmatic approach to ensure higher impact for beneficiaries and optimal use of resources. TASK 2 OPERATIONAL PLANS Aims and objectives Businesses need to have clear aims to work towards. Aims are the long term intentions of a business. They provide a focus for its activities. Anglo Americans aims are clearly set out in its mission. The aims involve a triple bottom line. Anglo Americans triple bottom line measures its economic, social and environmental performance. Anglo American seeks to balance the triple bottom line across all its activities projects and operations. This would translate into: making a profit for shareholders providing returns to society by providing jobs or showing responsibility in international, national and local communities Minimizing any negative effects on the natural environment. Every business needs to break down its broad aims into more specific objectives. Objectives are the medium-term stepping stones that help a business achieve its aims. For Anglo American, these include: SMART objectives Businesses need to set out their objectives in ways that are clear and easy to measure. Using SMART objectives makes it easy to assess whether targets have been met. Specific relating to clearly identifiable targets, for example, to be the partner of choice for governments. Measurable set out in ways that can be measured. Examples include cost reductions, waste reductions or energy efficiency targets. Achievable objectives should not involve unrealistic targets. They should not be set too low either. Anglo American believes that making cost savings of $1 billion by 2011 is an ambitious yet achievable target. Relevant the objectives should relate to key business or corporate aims. For Anglo American this means using resources more sustainably. Time-framed giving a clear deadline or end point by which the objective needs to have been achieved. TASK 3 QUALITY SYSTEM A number of factors affect the research and development process. Cost is perhaps the most influential factor. Research does not come cheaply; introducing new technologies is expensive. Investment may be needed for a long time before introduction. It is important that there is a return on investment from the new products or processes once they are launched in order to justify the expenditure on research and development. Changing technologies are another influence upon product or process development. They provide Anglo American with a different way of meeting the needs of its customers. Changing technologies also have a long-term influence upon planning. Such developments may lead to new processes and the sharing of technologies through technology transfer across the Group. For example, the design and development of a new electro-hydraulic rig has reduced the time needed to drill mine shafts. New developments in conserving and recycling water have made it possible for Anglo American to mine in arid regions of Africa and Australia. It is also important that primary sector organizations develop their businesses responsibly. Anglo Americans business depends on it extracting raw materials from the earth. Anglo American takes a clear and positive approach to corporate social responsibility. Sustainable development is built into all its policies, strategies and business practices. For example, the company has developed a Socio Economic Assessment Toolbox. This set of procedures, advice and rules helps to ensure a responsible approach to operating in communities. Every decision is assessed for its economic, social and environmental impacts. This ensures that natural resources will continue to be available for future generations. TASK 4 MANAGE HEALTH AND SAFETY Aims and objectives set out the ends that firms are seeking to achieve. A strategy is the medium- to long-term plan by which the aims and objectives are met. Anglo Americans strategy is to create ways of working within the company that focus on sustainable development and balancing the triple bottom line. Values Anglo American has six guiding values. The values help to create a culture focusing on sustainability. The culture of an organization is the typical pattern of behaviours and beliefs held by its members. The culture affects the attitudes, management styles and decisions made by the staff. An important way in which a firm can shape this culture is by setting out a values statement. This clarifies what the organization believes in. For example, the safety of people is a core value of Anglo American. The goal is that of causing zero harm. Everyone in the organization understands the importance of working to reduce energy use and waste creation. Strategic programs In addition, Anglo American has a range of strategic programs designed to develop innovative ways to use new technology. The result is reduced energy use and fewer emissions. Some of the programmers are specific to a particular site. Others work across the organization. Examples of these strategic programs include: Investing in carbon capture technology. Coal fired power stations generate carbon dioxide emissions. New technology can be used to capture this carbon before release into the atmosphere. It can then be stored safely, e.g. underground. Investing in alternative energy such as wind power. Creating plans and actions for recycling water. Centralizing the global supply chain. This can cut down journey times and distances that materials travel. Anglo Americans strategy is to protect the environment and minimize the impact of its operations. Anglo American also aims to make a sustainable and positive difference to community development. This involves acting with integrity to build respectful relationship within the societies in which it works. Task 5: IMPROVE ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE Anglo American is a multinational organization with a high profile in the primary extractive sector. Because many new mineral deposits are to be found in developing countries, some of which have weak governance, Anglo American recognizes that it must be rigorous in observing local laws, even if they are not always enforced. It has a significant role in supporting good governance initiatives and boosting the opportunities available to the communities associated with its mines. Anglo American is a global leader in commodities which consumers value such as platinum and diamonds. As a world leading mining company, it yields good returns for shareholders. However, it recognizes that it has a range of other stakeholders. Employees need good working conditions and fair rewards; local communities require an investment in safe practices that are sensitive to local needs. Behaving in a socially responsible way is therefore crucial to Anglo Americans aims. This is why its values are so important. Placing an emphasis on safety through the goal of zero harm can help Anglo American to win the confidence of many of its stakeholder groups. Concentrating on minimizing environmental impact also signals a respect for nature and local populations. Through its aims and objectives and in its values and strategic actions, Anglo American is able to demonstrate a commitment to optimizing energy use and minimizing waste production. It aims to create a mindset throughout the company that focuses on sustainable practice. This will win the support of governments, employees, local communities and other stakeholders.

Analysis of J Sainsbury’s Essay -- essays research papers

Analysis of J Sainsbury’s Unit 1- Business at work Businesses exist to produce goods and services. If someone is thinking of starting up their own business or becoming part of an existing business, they would have to have the knowledge of what makes business work successfully and know how to how to apply that knowledge in the particular area of business. For this unit I will be entering and exploring the world of business. For this unit I will encounter and evaluate information provided by certain businesses and actually gather my own information from at least one business. The business I have chosen to study is J Sainsbury’s. There are many types businesses in this world; these include Sole trader, Plc, Ltd, Partnership, Co-op and franchise. These types of businesses are all different from each other. Some of them need just one owner, some have hundreds. Sole Trader A sole trader is a one man business. There is just one manager. Although they are the sole manager and owner they can employ staff to work for them. They can employ as many as they want to work for them. A sole trader is self employed, this means they work for themselves, they employed themselves, they for nobody. Sole traders trade with others. They may trade expertise, an example of this would be a business consultant taking on a big job and needing an extra hand just for that job, so this person may employ a person with the expertise he/she needs. Because a sole trader is the sole owner he/she keeps all the profits, unless he/she has any employees. The owner of the business makes all the decisions, he/she will not have anyone telling them what to do. When one wants to set up a sole trader business it is relatively easy. There is little paper work involved bec... ...nagement practices which result in measurable continous quality improvement. It is this ongoing procceess of quality improvement. It is this ongoing process of quality improvement which contribute to changes in production. Advantages Prevents errors Prevents poor quality products Features of TQM: Quality Chains Company policy and accountability Control Monitering the process. Monitering the process. Quality Certification This is where the item being sold has been given a kite mark from the british standards institite for being at a certain standard of quality. Advantages: Marketing necessity Saving in cost Fewer problems and complaints Reduction of waste in internal process Disadvantages: Costly Lots of processes to go through Takes time Many take time to produced new products Lots of paperwork   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Comparing Mesopotamia and Egypt Essay -- Papers History Compare Contra

Comparing Mesopotamia and Egypt Before the beginning of history, people from across the land gradually developed numerous cultures, each unique in some ways while the same time having features in common. Mesopotamia and Egypt are important to the history of the world because of religious, social, political and economic development. Mesopotamia was the first civilization, which was around 3000 B.C., and all other countries evolved from it. Mesopotamia emerged from the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The soil was rich and agriculture was plentiful. The Semitic nomads occupied the land around Akkad. The Sumerians established the city-states. Villages became urban centers. Because of the formation of the city-states everything flourished. However, Mesopotamian agriculture lacked stones; therefore mud brick became their major building block. Their diet consisted of fish from the rivers. The rivers were flooded frequently destroyed the cities. Mesopotamians made their living from crops and pottery. Mesopotamian society was stratified into classes and social differences. It was composed of nobles, free clients of the nobility, commoners and slaves. Slave women participated in the textile industry. Free women did exist, however, men dominated the women in Mesopotamia. The nobles consisted of the king, his family, the chief priests, and high palace officials. The king was a war leader elected by the citizens. He established an army and led it into battle. Kingship was hereditary. Commoners were free citizens. The school system of the Sumerians set the educational standards for Mesopotamia culture and other cultures to follow. Their studies included mathematics, botany and linguistics. Some students tha... ...rule of Amenemhet. He was responsible for rebuilding democracy, staff of scribes and administrations. He used propaganda literature to reinforce his position as king. The Egyptians pictured him as a good shepherd opposed to inaccessible god. Ammon was given prominise over other gods. His kingdom became extremely powerful. He established trades with foreign land and formed a standing Army and built forts on the southern frontier. The Second Intermediate Period lasted 150 years. Hyksos from Palestine invaded it. The New Kingdom begins when Hyksos are driven out of Palestine. The New Kingdom was the 18th Dynasty. Ahmose I take over. He reunified the country. Women played in an important role in the New Kingdom. Hatshepsut was a powerful female. She was the wife of Thutmose II and mother of Thutmose III. The wars were fought in horse drawn carriages.

Shakesperean Clothing Essay -- essays research papers

Have you ever looked at a picture of your parents when they were your age? Or maybe your grandparents from way back when? Well, judging by how much we laugh at their goofy clothes and ridiculous shoes, not to mention the hilarious hairstyles, styles have changed a lot. We?ve gone from high waists to low waists, baggy shirts to shirts that could fit your little sister, from bellbottoms to skin-tight jeans, and from voluminous hair to straight and silky locks. Yes, style can change a lot in a few decades and if you think that's a lot of change, try going back a few centuries, to the times of Shakespeare! Back then, the women wore a lot more clothes than we do, that?s for sure! The style included a chemise, stockings (hose), a corset or bodice, a hooped skirt called a Farthingale, a roll (rowle), a stomacher, a petticoat (or a few), a kirtle, and a forepart as underclothes. For over-clothes, they wore a gown, separate sleeves, a ruff, a cloak, shoes, and a hat. I never wear that many layers. Can you imagine how warm it would be in those clothes all day in the middle of July? As f...

Deaf Like Me Book Report Essay

This book was really interesting and touching. The parents of Lynn, the deaf little girl, were very strong parents and their struggle to be able to make their daughters life as normal as possible was hard for them since everywhere they went the answer the always got was, for Lynn to try to talk and be treated as a normal child. As parents, Louise and Tom did everything they were told and only hoped for the best and that one day their deaf child would be able to talk. Since the beginning when they found out their daughter was deaf they did all the research they could to try and be able to make life better for Lynn. Every doctor and specialist they saw always told me to treat her as a normal child, to talk to her, and to not use gestures or sign language. When Louise and Tom took Lynn to get tested at several different places they finally found that she was profoundly deaf. They got her a hearing aid to see if this would help her hear better but sadly it didn’t make a difference, Lynn still wasn’t able to hear anything. The things the doctors and specialist told them stuck in their heads; if she did gestures or used signs to communicate she would not have a normal life and be labeled as a deaf person. The way they described this made Louise and Tom think that if their daughter didn’t learn how to speak or read lips she would have a miserable life. They didn’t want Lynn to suffer when she got older they wanted her to grow up like any other child and be able to communicate with others and talk. Lynn wasn’t retarded or handicapped, she was just deaf but because of the information they got it seemed like she was and that was what they didn’t want her to be labeled as. When they heard about Star King Exceptional School, which was a school for deaf children, they wanted to see if this was a good place for Lynn to attend. This school was an oral school only and kids there were thought how to read lips and learn how to talk. Since they had heard a lot of good things about this school and the way it was described to them they thought this would be the perfect place for Lynn to learn how to talk. Lynn attended here but throughout the whole time she was there she only made a little progress. With practicing at home and at school Louise and Tom knew that she  would eventually learn how to talk because she made small progress and was slowly learning. Like I mentioned the information they were told repeatedly was only half the truth. When they met Barbara Simmons at the meeting they had at the school their lives would finally become less stressful. She thought sign language was a good way to communicate with deaf children and by them learning sign language it would make their lives easier. She introduced them to Jim and Alice Hudson, a deaf couple, and they talked to them about how sign language would help Lynn to do better in life and how in reality she would probably not be able to talk and read lips perfectly. After talking to them and reading the articles they had gave them Louise and Tom were willing to try it and take the chance. Using sign language was a success and they were able to communicate with Lynn very fast and within a week they were able to understand each other. This was a way faster progress than before. They finally decided to use sign language and Lynn’s progress got better and better and sign language because their new second language. While reading the book I learned a lot and it made me think and wonder why they would put young children through so much struggle just because they don’t want them to use sign language. Every time I came across the comments they made about her not being a â€Å"normal child† if she didn’t learn how to speak really upset me because just because she was deaf it didn’t mean she wasn’t going to be able to do things like everyone else. It’s sad how they were never able to communicate with her and the way the struggle could have been avoided. Lynn was a bright child she learned how to read lips very quickly so I’m pretty sure if she had started to learn sign language when she was two-years old she would have picked it up quickly too. Several incidents that happened in the story were very interesting like when Lynn was able to say â€Å"Blue† after touching her father’s chest and then hers. This I didn’t even know it was going to work but it did. When Mr. Hughes went up to talk at the meeting and was saying nothing but negative stuff about sign language it bothered me because he should want to try something that was better for his son and for him. Also when Tom was in the room with Sandra, Mike, Jim and Alice and they were signing he felt like he was the odd ball because he couldn’t understand sign language. When they realized how hard it was for them to try and understand what they were signing to each other, and thought about how hard it must have been for Lynn to try and understand them. In the end I’m glad that Louise and Tom decided to use sign language with Lynn because it made their lives so much easier and they were finally able to understand her and communicate with her without any problems.

Poverty and Income Inequality in South Korea Essay

s unwraphbound Korea is counted among the worlds leading economies alongside giants such as United States and Germ each (Wiseman & Nishiwaki, 2006). Before the financial crisis bam Asia in 1997, confederation Korea was among the fastest ripening economies of the world with a Gross internal Product (gross domestic product) growth rate stup hold arseous 5 per centum (Kakwani, Khandker, & Son). Kwack & Lee (2007) proclaim that in go d admit dissimilitude had been reduced crosswise the plain before the financial crisis. Moreover, in the midst of the age 1965 and 2005, income inequality had not significantly change magnitude. completely the same(p), amid the eld 1998 and 2005, in the south Korea see a hook in income inequality seeing that the Asiatic financial crisis was immense in its scope (Kwack & Lee, p. 20). Also, betwixt the classs 1990 and 1997, the per centumage of in the south Korean muckle classified as woeful had steady decreased from 39. 6 mapping to 8. 6 part (Kakwani, Khandker, & Son). conspiracy Korea was coming to be known as an frugality with comparatively equal distri plainlyion of income and with full c at a timern (Kakwani, Khandker, & Son). muchover, the Asian financial crisis naturally change magnitude the number of pathetic stack in the acres.In fact, the contri besidesion of misfortunate change magnitude to 19 share in 1998 it was 13. 4 percent a twelvemonth later onward (Kakwani, Khandker, & Son). fit in to a study conducted by Kakwani, Khandker, & Son, the pitiable of southwest Korea were disproportionately modify by the Asian financial crisis of 1997. til now though the southeastern Korean economy started to grow again immediately after the crisis, the benefits of growth did not reach the poor as they did the lavish. accordingly again, the authorities of mho Korea introduced new welfargon programs for the very poor during that duration.The poor batch of the acres did not benefit fr om these programs, however. It was entirely the very poor that were positively wedge (Kakwani, Khandker, & Son). What is more than, contrary to the reading of income inequality statistics as presented by Kwack & Lee, the planetary Monetary Fund has expressed spacious concern over this problem in southern Korea during the present era of globalisation ( broadening dissimilarity IMF Acknowledges Downsides of Globalization, 2007). A underwrite print in Korea Times in October 2007 readsMany southerly Koreans believe the kingdom has no other election nevertheless to pursue the international trend in a bid to survive fiercer aspiration with other countries. Policymakers atomic number 18 trying to contribute the local market wider to foreign products, man promoting sales of Korea, Inc. , under the spirit of sinlessr trade. They go all-out to attract foreign enthronization by setting up free economic zones and international business towns. aires be also expanding thei r overseas net campaigns for production, sales and coronation under the motto of globalization.In this regard, a new-fashioned IMF discover caught the attention of economic policymakers, company executives, citizens and anti-globalization activists. Last week, the international form published its semi one- family economic review, the introduction sparing Outlook, before the IMF and the realness believe meeting scheduled for Oct. 20-21. The IMF said in the insure that technology and foreign enthronement are making income inequality worse around the world. The review tries to figure out why income inequality has widened in both(prenominal) cryptical and poor countries in the historical two decades.It is the first time that the IMF has come up with such a report admitting to the negative effects of globalization. Over the past(a) two decades, income inequality has risen in most regions and countries, the report said. We can tick much from the report. We use up to admit that conspiracy Korea has experienced widening income inequality, especially hobby the Asian financial woes. The income brackets get to already been divided into 20 percent rich and 80 percent poor. That is the nations middle class has crumbled because the gap between the rich and poor widened.The 20-80 ratio is on the verge of moving to a 10-90 ratio, tho worsening the income gap. In addition, businesses fork up use non-regular doers and migrant laborers from foreign countries who suffer from menial paymentment, poor working conditions and other unlikeness. A law protecting non-regular workers took effect in July, but little progress has been do to guarantee their equal rights. Policymakers will hand over to take bolder measures to narrow income inequality and set about other negative effects of globalization. (Widening Inequality IMF Acknowledges Downsides of Globalization)It is oft say that globalization is accompanied by a widening gap between the commences and suck in-nots of the world. When a Korean farmer suddenly appeared during a meeting of introduction mint arrangement and committed suicide, the problems facing the global political scienceal economy were highlighted that, in fact, the interests of the poor moldiness be heeded, better than before. The farmer was wearing a shirt that read, WTO KILLS FARMERS (Cho, 2008, pp. x). after(prenominal) all, it is not uncommon for experts and non-experts alike to claim that the World Trade Organization does not work the interests of the rich and the poor equally.Nevertheless, in that respect is a recoil to how much the World Trade Organization can do for the poorest muckle of the world. It is, in fact, for the government of southmost Korea to deal greater responsibility for poor Koreans. According to some other news report published in siemens Korea in the year 2007, The wage difference of the lower 10 percent of earners versus upper 10 percent move up to a factor of 5. 4 in 2006 from 4. 8 in 2001, essence that engage for the top decile of earners were nearly five-and-a-half generation greater than those of the lowest decile of earners (A whole step at southwesterly Korean Society, 20 historic period after Democracy, 2007)It is for the southernmost Korean government not only to correct income scattering in the country but also to implement policies to end vilification as hygienic as discrimination of the poorest workers. Individual income in south-central Korea rose fivefold between the years 1987 and 2007. But, South Korea has not made progress to end income inequality. The Gini coefficient is typically the statistical measure of choice to assess income distribution. A Gini coefficient of zero indicates absolutely equal income distribution, while a coefficient of 1 indicates perfectly inequality.In 1987, the year that South Korea became a democratic country, its Gini coefficient was 0. 31. By the year 1997, South Koreas Gini coefficient ha d been reduced to 0. 28 as the country had made strides in reducing the gap between the shakes and the have-nots. But then the Asian financial crisis ensued. By 2006, South Koreas Gini coefficient was back to 0. 31. Although the coat of the economy had grown from $500 one thousand thousand to $800 billion, income distribution had been reduced between 1997 and 2006. Unsurprisingly, the poorest volume of South Korea are confronting discrimination and abuse.After all, the rich are getting richer at the expense of the poor. As a take of fact, exploitation of labor is reality in South Korea (A Look at South Korean Society, 20 old age after Democracy). Robert J. Barro, a prof of economics at Harvard University, explains that brisk standards across South Korea were raised with its dramatic rise in GDP. As examples, the infant deathrate rate fell from 8 percent to 0. 8 percent and life foretaste rose from 54 years to 73 years. Additionally, income distribution in South Korea has bee n more equitable as compared to the United States and Japan.When psyche income rose in South Korea, low-income groups were beneficiaries, too, and want was reduced (Barro, 2003). Then again, as we have already discussed, the Gini coefficient of South Korea in 2006 was the same as in 1987. This reveals that although the poor raft of South Korea have higher reinforcement now than before, the gap between the haves and the have-nots has not been narrowed. So, Professor Barro suggests that South Korea moldiness work on improving its education carcass. If the poor flock of South Korea have entryway to good quality education, it would be easier to emend income distribution.Moreover, the country needs to set up merged governance (Barro). These changes are sure to enhance working conditions and living standards of poor workers. Then again, South Korea may not be able to condescend half of its immemorial households living in a order of relative poverty with these improvements (K orea Highest in decrepit Poverty, 2008). In fact, the income of these households is lower than 50 percent of average household income in the country. Although South Korea has a pension shunning for the fourth-year, the percentage of the poor that may benefit from the scheme is small.Because the traditions of South Korea demanded of children to take care of their parents upon arrival adulthood, the country does not have a developed favorable insurance system for the elderly. What is more, South Korea is aging fast. At least(prenominal) 7 percent of its poor are over 65 today (Korea Highest in Elderly Poverty, 2008). At the same time as fond welfare programs remained underdeveloped, South Korea generated 3100 more people owning at least U. S. $1 million worth liquid state assets between the years 2000 and 2001 (Asian Millionaires A Tough Bunch, 2002).According to Australian Banking & Finance, among the thinks for this speedy production of millionaires is increasing income ine quality (Asian Millionaires A Tough Bunch, 2002). To put it another way, merged leaders are raising their organizational r regular(a)ues, thanks in part to globalization, even as the poorest workers of their organizations continue to be paid low remuneration. In the year 2007, South Korea experienced the widest gap between the haves and the have-nots since the Asian financial crisis.In fact, the yearbook income of 20 percent of South Koreans earning the highest incomes was 5. 44 times greater than the annual income of the 20 percent that earned the lowest incomes. In 2006, the rich were earning 5. 38 times more than those that earn the least (Income rupture at its Widest Point since 1999 pecuniary Crisis, 2008). Analyzing the statistics, The Hankyoreh reports that income and wage gaps between 20 percent of the highest earners and 20 percent of the lowest earners had actually widened by 7. 9 percent and 11. 7 percent on an individual basis between the years 2002 and 2007.What is more, statistics on income distribution in South Korea reveal that the richest people of the nation are earning more than the people of developed countries, while the poorest South Korean households have incomes that are equivalent to those of households in less developed countries. Even the World Bank has confirmed that poor South Koreans have the same living standards as those of the citizens of El Salvador or Gabon. Rich South Koreans, on the contrary, have the same living standards as in the altogether Zealanders and Australians (Income Gap at its Widest Point since 1999 fiscal Crisis).Professor Barros analysis of income disparity in South Korea must be considered incomplete for the reason that there is no decline in the loading of consumption on low-income households (Income Gap at its Widest Point since 1999 Financial Crisis). These households pay their cellular phone and Internet bills with double as much of their incomes as do rich households. Despite the fact that wage s have increased according to Barro income disparity continues to widen. Son Tae-jeong, one of the re lookupers at the LG Economic Research Institute in South Korea, stated that salaries increased between the years 2006 and 2007 to boot.However, the poorest workers do not seem to have availed the benefits of the rise in salaries across the country (Income Gap at its Widest Point since 1999 Financial Crisis). South Korea has introduced necessary legislations to strengthen its affable welfare programs. There are social protective covering schemes which are insurance establish and applicable only to certain occupational groups. These schemes cover pensions and healthcare among other things. The government of South Korea also offers subsidies for housing on a limited basis.But, most social security programs in the country only offer benefits related to earnings. Furthermore, these social security schemes are structured in a way that limits income redistribution from high-income to l ow-income groups (Social well-being in eastern Asia Low cosmos expenditure but Low Income Inequality, 2008). Even though there are organizations across the country that continue to retain their unproductive workers, there is no way for them to cure the plague of poverty afflicting the elderly poor of South Korea (Social Welfare in East Asia Low familiar Spending but Low Income Inequality).The poor elderly South Koreans cannot be financially support by their grown up kids because even though labor productiveness and GDP have risen together, real wages have lagged behind (Chung, 2007, p. 228). abject workers have low standards of living in any geek, seeing that corporate leaders must focus on raising their own living standards even if they offer support to unproductive workers. Of course, as Barro has stated, education and corporate governance may work wonders in eradicating the problem of poverty facing the worker and his or her elderly parents in South Korea.Uneducated peopl e usually have low living standards (Savada & Shaw, 1990). Moreover, in the workplaces of South Korea, these people are treated with stretch out contempt by university graduate managers (Savada & Shaw). change magnitude numbers of South Korean workers have migrated from agricultural farms to industrial establishments in recent years. Nevertheless, poverty has not been eradicated (Savada & Shaw). Rather, the differences between the haves and the have-nots have remained. The Asian financial crisis had negatively impacted both the rich and the poor of South Korea. But, as mentioned before, the poor were disproportionately affected.Poor South Koreans had to reduce their outlay by 9. 8 percent in the year 1998. The rich only reduced their spending by 0. 6 percent. Additionally, as briefly as the Korean economy was back on its growth track, the rich are known to have greatly increased their spending. In point of fact, the consumption of luxuriousness goods rose to the extent that sal es of golf game equipment were increased by 357. 6 percent between 1998 and 1999 (Yim, p. 32). The poor South Koreans, on the other hand, were left to their living standards resembling those of people in underdeveloped countries.Of a certainty, the government of South Korea must be formulating and implementing the kinds of policies compulsory to resolve these structural economic issues once and for all. The country possesses the capacity to grow beyond expectations. But, at the same time, income inequality and poverty create such a burden that a South Korean farmer came to commit suicide at a meeting of the World Trade Organization. The rich capitalists of South Korea pay low wages to workers who go on increasing their productivity nevertheless. Furthermore, poor, uneducated workers are abused and victimized in the South Korean workplace.By instituting good corporate governance programs, the government of South Korea may very well correct this problem. After all, it is because of the poor workers want to increase productivity that has made South Korea one of the most important economies in the world today. The country would not be able to sustain its economic define if it fails to heed its workers needs. References A Look at South Korean Society, 20 Years after Democracy. (2007, Jun 8). The Hankyoreh. Retrieved frustrate 20, 2009, from http// web. hani. co. kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/214664. html.Asian Millionaires A Tough Bunch. (2002, Oct 15). Australian Banking & Finance. Retrieved invalidate 20, 2009, from http//findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_hb4849/is_18_11/ai_n28954879. Barrow, R. J. (2003, Jun 9). South Korea How to Keep the Miracle Going. Business Week. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http// entanglement. businessweek. com/magazine/content/03_23/b3836031_mz007. htm. Cho, Y. (2008, Oct 10). democratic Democracy in the Global Public Sphere racing shell, Media Events, and the Body. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International C ommunication Association, Sheraton refreshful York, New York City, NY Online.Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//www. allacademic. com/one/www/www/index. php? cmd=www_search&offset=0&limit=5&multi_search_search_mode=publication&multi_search_publication_fulltext_mod=fulltext&textfield_submit=true&search_module=multi_search&search=Search&search_field=title_idx&fulltext_search=Participatory+Democracy+in+the+Global+Public+Sphere%3A+Scale%2C+Media+Events%2C+and+the+Body. Chung, Y. (2007). South Korea in the Fast path Economic Development and Capital Formation. New York Oxford University Press. Income Gap at its Widest Point since 1999 Financial Crisis.(2008, Feb 15). The Hankyoreh. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//english. hani. co. kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/269809. html. Kakwani, N. , Khandker, S. , & Son, H. H. Poverty equivalent Growth Rate With Applications to Korea and Thailand. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//siteresources. worldbank. org/INTPGI/Resources/13984_Hyun _Sons_paper_pro-poor-final. doc. Korea Highest in Elderly Poverty. (2008, Nov 8). The Korea Times. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//www. koreatimes. co. kr/www/news/nation/2008/11/113_34066. html. Kwack, S. Y. , & Lee, Y. S. (2007, fall 31).Income Distribution in Korea in historical and International Prospects. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//www. kdi. re. kr/kdi/report/report_read05. jsp? 1=1&pub_no=10341. Savada, A. M. , & Shaw, W. , eds. (1990). Social Classes in Contemporary Society. In South Korea A Country Study. Washington GPO Library of Congress. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//countrystudies. us80/south-korea/. Social Welfare in East Asia Low Public Spending but Low Income Inequality. (2008, Jul). shopping centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//sticerd. lse. ac.uk/dps/case/cb/CASEbrief7. pdf.Widening Inequality IMF Acknowledges Downsides of Globalization. (2007, Oct 19). The Korea Times. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//www. bilaterals. org/article. php3? id_article=10033. Wiseman, P. , & Nishiwaki, N. (2006, Jul 23). Income Inequality Shrinks Japans Middle Class. the States Today. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//www. usatoday. com/money/world/2006-07-23-japan-usat_x. htm. Yim, S. geographical Features of Social Polarization in Seoul, South Korea. Retrieved Mar 20, 2009, from http//www. lit. osaka-cu. ac. jp/geo/pdf/frombelow/0308_frombelow_yim. pdf.