Climate Change Is A Growing Concern - 1890 Words

Climate change is a growing concern in today’s world. We often hear about worldwide temperature rises, and how they are caused by pollution. We are warned about some of the potentially catastrophic consequences of rising temperatures in the future. However, climate change has already begun to occur. (NASA, â€Å"Climate Change Effects: The consequences of Climate Change†). Therefore, there is significantly more talk about solutions to climate change. These solutions will reduce the causes of climate change, and also prevent any future damage or destruction caused by climate change. However, we must first understand how climate change is caused, and how it affects the Earth, in order to see how these solutions will help solve it. The primary cause of climate change is the human expansion of the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural occurrence, which NASA defines as â€Å"the warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from space† (NASA). During the greenhouse effect, heat from the sun passes through the atmosphere, which is made up of various gases. When the heat from the sun reaches the surface, some of it radiates away from Earth, back into space. However, some of the gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, absorb this heat, preventing it from escaping (World Meteorological Organization). The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth at a habitable temperature. The World Meteorological Organization, or WMO, states that the greenhouse effect andShow MoreRelatedGrowing energy demands, rising energy costs, and increasing concern about global climate change900 Words   |  4 Pages Growing energy demands, rising energy costs, and increasing concern about global climate change have sparked strong interest in utilizing alternative energy technologies, such as nuclear power, hydrogen energy, biofuels, and renewable energy. Unlike renewable energy, some alternative energy technologies are not mature enough to be used as a main energy source (biofuels and hydrogen energy). Although some alternative energy, e.g. nuclear power, can reduce energy shortage, they are not environmentallyRead MoreEnvironmental Issue Of Environmental Issues1746 Words   |  7 PagesJennifer Manfredi INRI 1015 4/18/15 Environmental Issues One of the greatest things which is being talked about presently is the growing concerns of scientists, environmentalists, and people of this planet when it comes to environmental issues. Environmental issues is something that is discussed frequently in the news, in politics, and in classrooms around the world. More and more we are becoming informed and aware of the current and ever facing environmental crises that are taking place aroundRead MoreThroughout The Past Century, China Has Powered Through1283 Words   |  6 Pagesdevelopment challenge: climate change. Current and past trends suggest that China will treat this problem as it has the other issues, ignoring damage to public welfare while maintaining an obsessive fixation on projecting an image of modernity. The one potential saving grace would be a shift in global attitudes about modernity; if the world begins to consider environmentally sustainable development as a necessary condition to modernity, China will have to consi der environmental concerns in order to maintainRead MoreGlobal Warming And Climate Change979 Words   |  4 PagesWarming Threats For various reasons I believe that global warming and climate change issues are perhaps the greatest threats to our planet. Greenhouse gases are accumulating in Earth s atmosphere as a result of human activities, causing surface air temperatures and subsurface ocean temperatures to rise. Some people may disagree thinking global warming is a natural cycle. However, a common misunderstanding of the climate change equilibrium is the earth doesn’t just warm up as a result of a naturalRead MorePopulation Dynamics and Its Effects on Climate Change Policy1306 Words   |  5 Pageseffects of climate change policy Population growth and its effects on climate change have been hotly debated in recent years by scientists and politicians alike. The Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC has sparked great interest and concern over climate change and how it affects countries differently. The concept of environmental justice has focused on climate change’s unbalanced effects on developing countries, whose populations are more vulnerable to climate change. With rapidly growing populationsRead MoreThe Impact of International Tourism on Global Environmental Change1429 Words   |  6 Pagessustainability is growing. Technology and regulations are developed in order to promote this issue and prevent further exploitation that could cause damages. This essay discusses the impact that international tourism has on the environment and its impact in the next 10 years. The subjects in this discussion will be climate change and natural resource depletion as an impact from rapidly growing tourism industry. Environmental Change Environmental change can be defined as changes in the physical andRead MoreThe Policy Process I : Background Briefing Essay1680 Words   |  7 PagesThe Policy Process I: Background Briefing The Effects of Climate Change †¢ Climate change has become a major challenging sustainable development issue of the twenty first century. It poses a significant and growing threat to human and public wellbeing, threatening food, water, health and national security. (Barrie Steffen, 2015, p. 2) †¢ Addressing the issue of climate change is more than the Artic ice and biodiversity. It is becoming increasingly clear that action on our emissions now may shapeRead MoreThe World Is Becoming A Dangerous Place1375 Words   |  6 PagesChristiana Figueres has dedicated her life to reducing the production of greenhouse gases. Climate change is happening everyday in front of our eyes, but you can not see it or realize it. Christiana Figueres, the women faced with saving the world from climate change, has made the greatest impact on climate change issues since the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Summit. When Christiana Figueres was a little girl growing up in Costa Rica, she fell in love with the environment. She was raised in a very politicalRead MoreGlobal Environmental Issues1118 Words   |  5 PagesEnvironmental issues are a major problem in our world, and all people need to recognize the need for our social obligations. The effect of humans on our planet has increased significantly over the years. Not only is the population constantly growing, there is â€Å"new technical power to dig deeper, cut faster, build larger, and traverse more quickly great distances in automobiles, trucks, and planes† (Brown, 2001). Severe environmental issues have appeared throughout the world as a result. It isRead MoreEssay on Global Warming is Causing Climate Change535 Words   |  3 Pagesnaturally occurring gases along with human made hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs), per fluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) are collectively known as greenhouse gases. This essay will expl ain why global warming is fast becoming a cause for concern and why preventative measures are being taken. Global warming is caused by many things but the most common way is electrical pollution. While greenhouse gases occur naturally and keep the planet warm enough to sustain life, the excess gases produced

Feminism Is A Political, Cultural, Or Economic Movement

Feminism has been around since the early 1900s, but the longer it stays around the less needed it’s become (â€Å"History and Theory of Feminism†). What is feminism though? â€Å"Feminism is a political, cultural, or economic movement aimed at establishing equal rights and legal protection for women (â€Å"History and Theory of Feminism†).† But, people in this day and age are more interested in equal rights for all genders, not just for women. People believe that feminism is over and done because feminists have accomplished all of their first, second, and third wave goals. Therefore, we don’t need feminism. Some people on the other hand, think people do need feminism. They believe that women are not treated fairly and aren’t discriminated. They ask questions like, â€Å"Why hasn’t the Bill of Rights been passed yet? Why are there still unfair pay wages in workplaces? Why are women looked at as if women are weak if women wear ‘g irly’ clothes?† In 2014, women who had full time jobs were only paid 79 percent of what men are paid, which is a 21 percent gap. The gap has narrowed quite a bit since the 1970s due to better education and to men’s pay rising (Hill). Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wrote in her book called We Should All Be Feminist, â€Å"I knew that because I was female, I would automatically have to prove my worth. And I was worried that if I looked too feminine, I would not be taken seriously. I really wanted to wear my shiny lip gloss and my girly skirt, but I decided not to. I wore a veryShow MoreRelatedFeminism : A Social, Economic, And Social Equality Of The Sexes1465 Words   |  6 PagesFeminism. This seemingly harmless word can ruin or heighten a person’s reputation, it can give someone new views on the world, it can destroy relationships, it can build new ones; this single word can change lives. Most people categorize â€Å"feminism† as a code for women that tells them to hate men, not shave, burn bras, be vegan, and if there is any time left over maybe, just maybe, to fight for women’s rights. Now, there are definitely feminists that fulfill this stereotype but the vast majority ofRead MoreFeminism And The Reality Behind Feminism Essay913 Words   |  4 Pagessocial, political, and economic rights. Ironically the respondents agree with what feminism stands for. The confusion is the result of several negative connotations associated with the term. Such associations led to believe that feminists are â€Å"man-hating,† resulting in the comparison of the derogatory term â€Å"feminazi† first used by Rush Limbaugh. The discrepancy between the stereotypical view of feminism and the reality behind feminism is due to the different and specific form of feminism: RadicalRead MoreFeminism And The United States1540 Words   |  7 Pages Feminism in the United States â€Å"I think it is right that I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decisions that will affect my life. I think it is right that socially, I am afforded the same respect as men,† stated by the U.N Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson, a strong feminist activist. In society today, women need feminism in orderRead MoreThe Issue For A Homosexual African American Woman1072 Words   |  5 Pagesdiscover how feminism relates to intersectionality, and specifically look into how Muslim women are effected. The term ‘intersectionality’ is actually derived from feminist scholars. The term was coined by Kimberlà © Crenshaw in 1989. Traditionally intersectionality has been used to examine race, class, and gender. In order to broaden the studies of intersectionality, the approach now also includes factors such as sexuality, religion, age, and ethnicity. Feminism is defined as a political movement that seeksRead MoreSocial Construction And Its Impact On Society Essay1578 Words   |  7 Pagescharacterized as nurturing, passive, delicate and dependent. Moreover, on economic grounds, the systems affect both men and female in a positive and negative way. The fact that men’s characteristics are socially valued in a society women have limited opportunities in the economy to obtain good paying jobs comparatively in men, as a result of their characteristic not being adequate enough to obtain jobs and positions in political, governmental, engineering fields. Hence, culturally, because of the wordsRead MoreFeminism : A Feminist Perspective1505 Words   |  7 PagesDate Feminism is a movement that is targeted towards a common goal which is, achieving equal rights for women in each sector; cultural, economic, social and personal. Its main aim is to seek to establish equal opportunities for women in education and employment. A feminist advocate is in charge of supporting the rights of women and advocating for equality. The feminist movement on the other hand campaign for women rights and protect girls and women from being mistreated (Adel 56). Feminism beganRead MoreFeminism : Women s Role1541 Words   |  7 Pages Feminism has had a tremendous result on women’s roles in society and in their everyday life. After a while, women got sick of living a strict lifestyle. They became tired of staying caged in their houses, cooking, and cleaning, and not being able to do what they truly wanted and so desired. So, they decided that they wanted this no more and needed to do something to put a stop to this and make change. What they really wanted was equality between men and women and wanted the same opportunities thatRead MoreThe Political And Cultural Challenges That Feminists Have Contested Over Time Essay1635 Words   |  7 Pages The feminist movement refers to a chain of crusades for economic, political, social and cultural fairness for women. Feminist scholars have segregated the history of feminism into three waves; first, second and third. The first wave concentrated on women’s suffrage, the second wave focused on political and cultural disparities and the third wave analysed the definitions of femininity which takes a broad view of white upper class women. This essay will compare and contrast these waves examining theRead MoreLiberal Feminists Vs Liberal Feminism992 Words   |  4 Pagesprofessional and political arenas (Freidman et al., 20111, p. 6). As far as equality in the social arena, liberal feminists are not generally concerned with traditional gender stereotypes and sexism within present society (Freidman et al., 20111, p. 6). In contemporary Australia, women have the right to vote, to study what they choose, to run for political office or apply for any job, to divorce, and to use birth control and have an abortion. Liberal feminists see their movement as relatively successfulRead MoreFeminist Theory1248 Words   |  5 PagesFeminism refers to political, cultural, and economic movements aimed at establishing greater rights, legal protection for women, and or womens liberation. It includes some of the sociological theories and philosophies concerned with issues of gender difference. Nancy Cott defines feminism as the belief in the importance of gender equality, invalidating the idea of gender hierarchy as a socially constructed concept. Feminism has earned itself a bad reputation, but it never undermined gender differences

Antimicrobial Assay Worksheet Free Essays

University of Phoenix Material Antimicrobial Assay Worksheet Review the image and refer to Ch. 26 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms to answer the following questions. [pic] Adapted from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, by Islands in the Sea, 2002. We will write a custom essay sample on Antimicrobial Assay Worksheet or any similar topic only for you Order Now Answer the following in 100 to 200 words each: 1. What does this picture represent? To what is the area around the disks proportional? This picture represents an antimicrobial agent susceptibility assay by using the disc diffusion technique. The test measures the antimicrobial activity, by determining the smallest amount of agent necessary to inhibit the growth of a specific test organism, this value is the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The MIC expresses the lowest concentration of agent that completely inhibits the growth of the test organism (Madigan, Martinko, Stahl,   Clark, 2012). The areas around the disks are the zone of inhibition, which are â€Å"proportional to the amount of antimicrobial agent added to the disc, the solubility of the agent, the diffusion coefficient, and the overall effectiveness of the agent† (Madigan, Martinko, Stahl,   Clark, 2012, p. 763). 2. Which letter disk has the least potent antibiotic? Why? Which has the most? How do you know? Letter F disc has the least potent antibiotic because the zone of inhibition is not present with indicates that the antimicrobial agent is not an affective inhibitor of the test organism. Letter D disc has the greatest potent antibiotic because the agent is quite an affective inhibitor of the test organism. This agent creates a proportionally large zone of inhibition, which is greater than other test agents are. 3. Refer to Figure 26. 10 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms. What has happened in the minimum inhibitory concentration tube? Approximately, what is the bacterial concentration in that tube? In the minimum inhibitory concentration tube, the agent inhibits the growth of the test organism. This level of inhibition varies with certain factors to include the incubation conditions, culture medium, test organism, incubation time, and composition of the culture (Madigan, Martinko, Stahl,   Clark, 2012). The bacterial concentration is approximately the same in the tube that contains the minimum inhibitory concentration level of antimicrobial agent because the agent inhibits the growth of the test organism. Reference Madigan, M. T. , Martinko, J. M. , Stahl, D. A. , Clark, D. P. (2012). Brock biology of microorganisms (13th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. How to cite Antimicrobial Assay Worksheet, Essay examples

Analysing The Organisational Structure Of Ikea Business Essay Example For Students

Analysing The Organisational Structure Of Ikea Business Essay Ingvar Kamprad, the laminitis of IKEA, as a kid, started a profitable concern selling lucifers to neighbors on his bike. In 1943, at merely 17 utilizing money he received as a gift from his male parent for making good in school he formed IKEA ( ICMR, 2005 ) which is an acronym made up of his initials and the first letters of Elmtaryd and Agunnaryd, the farm and small town in Sweden where he grew up. In 1947, furniture was introduced for the first clip in IKEA s merchandise line in the signifier of armchairs. Local craftsmen made the furniture utilizing wood from a nearby wood. IKEA s furniture became really popular and the line was extended to include more merchandises. Its interesting at this point in the companies history because Kamprad was based in a really hapless country of Sweden, and because of this, the people were of course economical and extremely resourceful, in other words they had to maximize and be imaginative with the limited resources available to them. The writer be lieves that this is the scene and basis for all of IKEA s subsequent success. IKEA s vision was To make a better mundane life for the many people. ( entrepreneurs, 2010 ) Harmonizing to Ingvar Kamprad, the laminitis of Ikea ; To plan a desk which may be $ 1,000 is easy for a furniture interior decorator, but to plan a functional and good desk which shall be $ 50 can merely be done by the really best. Expensive solutions to all sorts of jobs are frequently marks of averageness. ( Chandler, 1993 ) Ikea s success is based on the comparatively simple thought of maintaining the cost between makers and clients down. Costss are kept under control get downing at the design degree of the value-added concatenation. Following on from this the civilization of the company emphasizes efficiency and low cost, which can non be achieved at the disbursal of quality or service. Bureaucracy is fought at all degrees in the organisation. Kamprad believes that simpleness and common sense should qualify planning and strategic way ( C.A.Bartlett, 1993 ) He insisted that his colleagues ( IKEA s name for employees ) merely winging economic system category and remain at economical hotels and he employed immature executives and sponsored university plans to animate entrepreneurship into the organisation. Despite his huge wealth it is reported he used to merely drive an eleven-year-old modest Volvo. By 1951, furniture gross revenues dominated his gross revenues stock list and he decided to specialise entirely in low priced furniture. The writer recognises here that he is playing to his market strengths and once more this is a farther basis of his subsequent success. In the same twelvemonth, the first IKEA furniture catalogue was published. IKEA opened its first furniture salesroom in 1953, which allowed clients to look into the quality and utilize the points they were purchasing. The writer recognises that any company that is prepared to let clients to utilize its merchandises before purchasing them will probably guarantee that the quality of the merchandise is if anything well above its public-service corporation specification. Peoples besides like to manage and see a possible merchandise before purchase, which is portion of the ground, that ecommerce will ever take on limited success. Today IKEA is really a in private held company owned by Stichting INGKA Foundation, a non-profit registered in Leiden in the Netherlands that is controlled by the Kamprad s three boies. The Dutch foundation is deserving US $ 36 billion in 2006. IKEA Group with its central offices in Denmark, is a transnational operator of a concatenation of shops for place trappings and furniture. It is the universe s largest furniture retail merchant with a repute for low cost, manner and design. IKEA s one-year place trappings gross revenues are 20 billion euros with more than 260 IKEA Group shops in 25 states ( Ohlsson, 2010 ) . Definition of an administration -a stable formal construction that takes resources from the environment and processes them to bring forth end products ( hub, 2010 ) . Figure 1 A basic diagram of a companies organizational procedure with two manner information exchange between input and end product. AÂ ©J.Winehouse An administration can be said to be a formal construction with a criterion operating process, political relations and civilization where information is exchanged between inputs and end products. Environmental factors affect their end products -these possibly resources, authorities, rivals, fiscal, institutional civilization, engineering . Impact of information systems is seen in footings of a microeconomic theoretical account, dealing cost theoretical account, bureau theory and behavioural theory. AÂ ©J.Winehouse Figure 2. A determination diamond-like a diamond, there are multiple aspects interceding a company determination -all involve information processing Organisational model The job is that in complex concern organisations SBU s tend to plan their information direction needs harmonizing to their best involvements instead than to the involvement of the endeavor as a whole. This is termed the silo affect . To last in an every more competitory environment, direction must be strong plenty to guarantee that their scheme is implemented in the executing of cross-functional concern procedures and that information can be managed and shared across spacial, functional, geographic and segmental boundaries. Stakeholder s involvements e.g.are frequently ignored at the disbursal of damaging other parts of the supply concatenation, and the concatenation weakens. This possibly for several grounds, peculiarly because corporations are frequently intimidated by the idea of sharing competitory information with their providers. Their information security installations frequently prohibits providers from deriving advantage by keep backing from them cardinal information e.g. f abrication procedures can profit from efficient production through accessing a real-time demand system. Companies hence face a dilemma-do they portion information to the extent that it allows their possible rivals entree to their market information or do they with-hold information and go less competitory. In the terminal and on balance, a closeted attitude becomes self-defeating and exposes them to the hazard of a more aggressive rival. Ikea does non really manufacture merchandises, nevertheless it plays a really big design and advanced function in their production. By outsourcing fabricating they can retain a competitory advantage -if one company fails to supply merchandise as specified they will happen another company that can and they do non endure from set-up costs and finally ROI costs. IKEA has about 1,220 providers from 55 different states split more or less equally between Europe and Asia, the top five of which are China 20 % , Poland 18 % , Italy 8 % , Germany 6 % and Sweden 5 % . The company holds 3.5m stock maintain units, with 10000 different merchandise types amongst them, 10 % of which are new every twelvemonth. One can instantly see the chief jobs associating to information direction for IKEA. None more so than with a company whose scheme demands supply from a worldwide web and bringing to a world-wide client base. One can easy understand that where there is a disparate group of providers, co-ordination between assorted provider and DC is critical. A scope of kitchen merchandises e.g.may be produced by different makers who have different supply times, fabricating ability, geographical location, bringing times etc. On one manus one does non desire idle stock list stock as this costs money, on the other one wants to guarantee a changeless supply which can ru n into fluctuations in demand-otherwise clients will go defeated and will buy elsewhere. In add-on client demand may change between geographical location e.g. a state possibly has chiefly metropolis based shops where there would of course be higher demand e.g. for infinite economy furniture which may be manufacturered in a state round the other side of the universe. Ikea faces immense logistical jobs, peculiarly as their ethos is to provide medium scope quality merchandise at low monetary value. Supply planning is cardinal to this scheme. One needs in this state of affairs to calculate across the whole company and to organize its distribution Centres into groups and keep one batch of a float of stock for a figure of DCs. The capacity and geographical location of the CDC s become important to the companies strategic planning. Clearly a high capacity geographically distant CDC or a low capacity near CDC have redundancy issues because of the volume of merchandise they hold and there im pact on bringing clip. Effect of Hot and Cold Weather on Construction Labour Productivity EssayAs the company has such a huge scope of stock there is besides a inclination to be production-oriented , instead than client focused which has made its supply concatenation more push than pull which of course creates a supply-demand instability . The Supply Chain Council is an independent group of international supply concatenation industry executives and experts who developed the Supply Chain Operations Reference ( SCOR ) Model over a ten-year period utilizing in-depth industry research and analysis. The theoretical accounts nevertheless are frequently based on prognosiss and on theories, which are exact in them egos, but whose consequences possibly incorrect. The ground is that they require great measures of informations that are difficult to garner and hold to be estimated and computations frequently have to be carried out for full batches. One such illustration is the Wilson expression. ( System, 2010 ) In the Wilson expression administrative re-ordering costs are assumed to be based on a repositing cost per stock maintaining unit and a erstwhile cost every clip an order is placed. The expression is described to happen an optimum balance between the two costs to minimise the entire cost, which is known as the economic ord er measure ( EOQ ) . Production measure can be estimated where ingestion is known. There are several premises that need to be made such as demand is uninterrupted and similar, lead clip is changeless, storage and admin. costs are inactive and that measure order does non vary monetary value costs. The job with the formula apart from these premises is that goods managing is ignored which is frequently a considerable cost. Executive Level Management by Aims Ikea uses Opportunity Analyzer, which makes usage of the Supply Chain Operations Reference ( SCOR ) Model. Best patterns and cardinal public presentation indexs are embedded in Opportunity Analyzer Management. Opportunity Analyzer recognizes of import cardinal public presentation indexs ( KPIs ) e.g. bringing public presentation. While MIS systems are highly utile in bring forthing statistical studies and informations analysis they can besides be of usage as a Management by Objectives ( MBO ) tool. Definition: An MBO is a direction procedure by which directors and subsidiaries agree upon a series of aims for the subsidiary to try to accomplish within a set clip frame ( Morris, 2010 ) . Aims are set utilizing the SMART ratio: that is, aims should be Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Realistic and Time-Specific. The success of any MBO nonsubjective depends upon the uninterrupted trailing of advancement. In tracking this public presentation it can be highly utile to do usage of an MIS system. Since all SMART aims are by definition measurable they can be tracked through the coevals of direction studies to be analysed by decision-makers. SCOR SCOR ( The Supply Chain Operations Reference theoretical account ( SCORAÂ ® ) is the merchandise of the Supply Chain Council, Inc. ( SCC ) ) considers direction procedures and planning. Ikea has such a big scope of merchandises that one has to be able to benchmark supply ironss against merchandises in order to outdo assess the most profitable points. SCOR takes merchandise and cross mentions them separately against client sub-type so groups similar supply concatenation features ( J.Francis, 2010 ) . It so applies public presentation matrices-those of legerity, reactivity, cost, assets and dependability and scores each group of supply ironss consequently making a ranking of supply ironss. The advantages are obvious in that the more efficient supply ironss can be more to a great extent relied upon, to make net income, the weaker 1s losing out from future trust. However, the disadvantage is that supply ironss may cut across market sections and uniting groups by supply concatenation eff iciency instead than by market section it may destruct market uniformity. AÂ ©J.Winehouse Figure 4. SCOR theoretical account takes similar supply ironss X and ranks supply ironss for merchandise s 1 and 3 harmonizing to their tonss The executive squad can choose a relevant KPI for the peculiar mark country. Today, companies connect into webs or ironss, increasing the flow rate throughout the supply concatenation to fulfill an of all time more demanding client. Increased power is given over to the seller to maintain stock at the coveted degree. ( JDA, 2009 ) The demand supply concatenation package must besides be able to supply cardinal prosodies in countries where demand exceeds supply and available capacity. This will better order fill rates and web use and will liberate working capital tied to uneffective stock list. However, understanding the supply demand concatenation in its practical executing is non all that is required. The merchandise, must besides aline with its fiscal rating in an incorporate concern program. It must be able to place any public presentation concerns and spreads at the lowest practical degree across the strategic/business programs. The package must go a forecasting tool and be able to execute a what if scenario for direction to do best estimation anticipation on future capacity demands. It must be able to associate premises, hazards and chances to specific hierarchy degrees in the S A ; OP program. These are determination support systems. Like all good ground forces scheme there must be a backu p program when all goes incorrect with practical and well-worked options e.g. it s no good holding a back up generator if its non decently serviced on a regular basis. The information tool must besides be able to track alterations over clip and transport out real-time reappraisal analysis of supply and high spot countries where stock list places violate pre-defined tolerances. It must besides be able to foreground critical resource restraints related to stuff, labor and other capacity variables. Clearly there is a place that optimises resources, distribution, transit, stock stock list, production and stuffs ( Anonymous, 2005 ) . AÂ © J.Winehouse Figure 5: Information base on ballss from provider s worldwide web to run into distributer opposition, finally downstream information flows widely. . Distributive information is held up because of a loss of control- providers are fickle and consumer s demands are unpredictable and this sum of information is focused through a narrow web hindering flow. Recommendations One has to see information transportation in its scene within the company and against other factors such as selling, financials etc. IKEA is doubtless a extremely successful planetary house. Like all houses they must guarantee uninterrupted competitory advantage. In information transportation footings they have jobs associating to the fact that their providers are multiple and client demand can change and is difficult to command. An information concatenation is merely every bit strong as its weakest nexus. IKEA has extremely efficient DC s and an first-class design Centre, first-class HR policies, but their failing in footings of information transportation lies in their nexus to providers. Information is held up and resisted at the distribution phase { Fig.5 ] because providers are non unvarying and demand is unsure. It may be better for them to see horizontal back integrating and get down to move as providers to guarantee control and consistent information flow-all the manner from m ill to client. The disadvantage of this policy lies non in information flow but in set up costs and ROI. They will doubtless sometime shortly saturate their planetary market and farther market enlargement may non be possible. They must look toward enlargement elsewhere either by analogues related market considerations e.g. place or commercial trappings design or by backward horizontal integrating. Both would be ideal marks for incorporate information transportation supplying the company with interactive information value and finally increasing value in the information concatenation. Drumhead Analyzing IKEA s information direction has lead the writer to get down to understand the furnishings of successful information transportation. Their beginning where needs must trip the flourishing of invention and entrapreneurialship which continues to this twenty-four hours. Their Hour policy back uping workers as household, was old ages in front of even academic theoreticians. The proprietor recognised that one must play merchandise to market strength and conditions through changeless feedback consciousness. Quality and the uninterrupted monitoring of efficient procedure to cut down cost have ever played a big function in IKEA s success.

Research Proposal Strategic Hrm free essay sample

â€Å"Perspectives on Human resource strategy: A key role contributing to organization performance in Cambodian Context† By Chit Uys Stevexo July 21, 2011 The strategic management of an organizations human resource has been recognized as one of the keys to business success. This particular strategy generally involved the optimization of the employees potentials mainly through training and performance assessment. This organizational strategy has been integrated in several businesses mainly to improve profitability, establish stronger customer relations as well as achieve considerable business expansion.Strategic human resource management has indeed been applied to fulfill various important business goals and plans. Both national and international companies have been developing and applying various means on how to strategically manage one of their essential assets. Cambodia is a developing country in ASEAN. Many efforts have been tried to integrate this country into global market, such as government policies to become member of ASEANA and its Free Trade Area and to become member of World Trade Organization. We will write a custom essay sample on Research Proposal: Strategic Hrm or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Local companies have been able to expand successfully in different sectors through their dedication to quality production as well as effective management and marketing practices. In order to progress further, companies still aim to continue on producing quality brands and products, meeting the needs of its shareholders and operating towards optimum performance. Cambodian companies realize that their achievement to operate both local and global is attributable to its workforce.Thus, those companies have been employing different strategies in order to strategically improve its human resources towards continuous local and global success. Companies are increasingly facing tough competition as most countries becoming member of economic integration, such as World Trade Organization, ASEAN Free Trade Area, American Free Trade Area, and the European Union. The economic integration enables firms to expand their operation to abroad which is a threat to local companies. To survive, local companies strive through ways based on the nature of their specific industry.One of the ways that most companies in the world used which contribute to the success is selecting appropriate strategy fitting their environment and deploying its functional strategies that support business and corporate strategy. The most important thing that managers need to take into consideration is the scanning of environment to identify changes that may affect their businesses and choose a strategy in response to the change of the environment. To implement selected business strategy, manager of each function within a firm must carefully consider its functional strategy that support for the achievement of business strategy.By doing well on each function, they can gain and maintain business competitive position in their marketplace. Strategic management consists of the analysis, decisions, and actions an organization undertakes in order to create and sustain competitive advantages (De ss, Lumpkin Taylor 2005). Thomas and David (2002) stated that Strategic management is that set of managerial decisions and actions that determines the long-run performance of a corporation. It includes environmental scanning (both internal and external), strategic formulation, strategic implementation, and evaluation and control.Strategic management involves setting of organizational directions (vision and mission), external and internal environmental scanning, setting strategic goals, selecting appropriate strategy, implementing strategy, and evaluating and controlling. According Thomas and David (2002), company must scan the external environment to identify possible opportunities and threats and its internal environment for strengths and weaknesses before it begins to formulate strategy. Environmental scanning is the monitoring, evaluating, and disseminating of information from external and internal environment to key people within the corporation.Strategy formulation is often referred to as strategic planning or long-range planning and is concerned with developing a corporation’s mission, objectives, strategies, and policies. It begins with situation analysis : the process of finding a strategic fit between external opportunities and internal strengths while working around external threats and internal Weaknesses. This analysis results in the identification of a corporation’s distinctive competencies and the identification of opportunities that the firm is not currently able to take advantage of due to a lack of appropriate resources (Thomas David 2002). A good business strategy, one which is likely to succeed, is informed by people factors. One of the driving factors behind the evaluation and reporting of human capital data is the need for better information to feed into the business strategy formulation process (CIPD, 2011). In order to have an effective competitive strategy, the company must have one or more competitive advantage. Competitive advantage can take many forms. It can be technology, product features, brand name and the like. One of the keys to build competitive advantage in today competitive world and most companies admire is human resource management.To manage human resource that build competitive advantage only is aligned to company strategy as strategy is selected based on the environment and trend. Hence, to achieve selected strategy, human resource of that company must have necessary skills, knowledge and ability supporting the achievement of strategic goals and business strategy. In today world, human resource management plays important role in activating business strategy into action through the development of human resource strategy.When a business strategy is selected, human resource management plays important role in translating selected business strategy in knowledge, skills, and behavior requirements for implementing the selected strategy. Human resource management then considers what practices and policies that support the acquisition of needed knowledge, skills, behavior needed. Failure to do good work on this part, is one reason for business failure because ones can implement a strategy only they have the right human resource, that have the right knowledge, skills, and behavior that support its selected strategy.In addition, human resource management is now consider ed to play important role in strategic formulation. Top management scans environment to determine strategic factors affecting company and intend to select a strategy that is best suited to the environment. Human resource part provides information on human resource availability with required skills, knowledge, and behavior for implementing the selected strategy. Without input from human resource part, top management may not know whether its selected strategy is fitted to its available resource.Human resource management is part of key function that enables selected business strategy if it does well on this part. More companies are increasingly building their competitive advantage through their human resource management. To build unique human resource assets, human resource manager needs to understand their corporate strategy and business strategy and turns those strategies into human resource management strategy enabling corporate and business strategies. People are now the value asset in majority of organization.The knowledge, skills and abilities have to be deployed and used to the maximum effect if the organization is to create value for their customers. The intangible value of an organization which lies in the people it employs is gaining recognition by investors, and it is generally now accepted that this concept has implications for long-term sustained performance of organizations. CIPD (2011) stressed that it is too simplistic to say that strategic human resource management stems from the business strategy. The two must be mutually informative.The way in which people are managed, motivated and deployed, and the availability of skills and knowledge will shape the business strategy. It is now more common to find business strategies which are inextricably linked with and incorporated into strategic HRM, defining the management of all resources within the organization. Therefore, individual HR strategies are shaped by the business strategy. So if the business strategy is about improving customer service or differentiating products from their competitors, this may be translated into training plans or performance improvement plans. Translating business strategy into human resource strategy is the most important step of strategic human resource management. Companies need resource, human resource, matching its strategy to implement the selected business strategy. The process of translating business strategy into human resource strategies is the key in identifying what skills, knowledge, and ability for implementation of business strategy. When skills, knowledge and ability are identified, company can build its competitive advantage by focusing on its human resource training and development to acquire those skills, knowledge, and ability matching business strategy.Therefore, the process of translating business strategy into human resource strategy is important and is one of the best ways to build core competencies and competitive advantage. Sinha (2011) stated that strategic human resource management can be defined as the linking of human resources with strategic goals and objectives in order to improve business p erformance and develop organizational culture that foster innovation, flexibility and competitive advantage.In an organization, SHRM means accepting and involving the HR function as a strategic partner in the formulation and implementation of the companys strategies through HR activities such as recruiting, selecting, training and rewarding personnel. Strategic human resource management can be regarded as a general approach to the strategic management of human resources in accordance with the intentions of the organization on the future direction it wants to take.It is concerned with longer-term people issues and macro-concerns about structure, quality, culture, values, commitment and matching resources to future need (CIPD, 2011). By defining and understanding the business strategy of an organization, human resource strategy can be set through the identification of knowledge, skills and ability needed to activate business strategy. Therefore, translating business strategy into human resource strategy is the core to successful implementation of business strategy. References and bibliography: 1. CIPD, strategic human resource management, URL:

Making Spanish Nouns and Adjectives Plural

Making Spanish Nouns and Adjectives Plural If you know how to make nouns plural in English, youre close to knowing how to do so in Spanish. And once you know how to make Spanish nouns plural, you can simply follow the same rules for adjectives. Key Takeaways: Spanish Plurals The rules for making nouns plural in Spanish are similar to those of English, but Spanish has fewer exceptions.Nearly all nouns are made plural by adding s or es. The same rules are followed for adjectives.Sometimes it is necessary to add or delete an accent on the final vowel of a singular word when making it plural. The basic principle is the same: In Spanish, plurals end with the letter s, as is usually the case in English. Spanish plurals usually have an unaccented vowel preceding the s, as is often the case in English. The Basic Rule In fact, if you can remember that the Spanish plural is formed by making sure the plural word ends with s preceded by an unaccented vowel, usually e, youve taken care of nearly all of what youll have to learn. Most of whats left is learning the few exceptions as well as the spelling changes needed to make the written form of the language conform to what is spoken. The basic rule is this: If a word ends in anything other than an s preceded by an unstressed vowel, add either s or es to the end of the word so that it does. In some cases, a spelling change is needed to maintain the sound that would be needed to follow this rule. Heres how the rule is applied in various cases: Words Ending in an Unstressed Vowel When the word ends in a vowel without an accent, simply add the letter s. el libro, the book; los libros, the booksel gemelo, the twin; los gemelos, the twinsel pato, the duck; los patos, the ducks Nouns Ending in a Stressed Vowel A few nouns have a single syllable ending in a vowel or have multiple syllables and end in an accented vowel. In standard or formal writing, simply add the letters es. el tisà º, the tissue, los tisà ºes, the tissuesel hindà º, the Hindu, los hindà ºes, the Hindusel yo, the id; los yoes, the ids In everyday speech, however, it is common for such words to be made plural simply by adding s. Thus it would not be uncommon to hear someone talk about hindà ºs. Words Ending in a Consonant As is common in English, nouns ending in a consonant are made plural by adding es. el escultor; the sculptor; los escultores, the sculptorsla sociedad, the society; las sociedades, the societiesel azul, the blue one; los azules, the blue onesel mes, the month; los meses, the months Y is treated as a consonant for this rule: la ley, the law; las leyes, the laws. Words Ending in S Preceded by an Unstressed Vowel The plural form is the same as the singular form for nouns ending in an unstressed vowel followed by s. el lunes, Monday; los lunes, Mondaysel rompecabezas, the puzzle; los rompecabezas, the puzzlesla crisis, the crisis; las crisis, the crises The Exceptions Exceptions to the above rules are few. Here are the most common ones: Words Ending in É Words ending in a stressed e or à © simply need an s at the end: el cafà ©, the coffeehouse; los cafà ©s, the coffeehousesla fe, the faith; las fes, the faiths Foreign Words Some foreign words maintain the pluralization rules of the originating language. It is also very common to simply add an s to make plural words foreign regardless of what the originating language does. los jeans, the jeansel camping, the campground; los campings, campgroundsel curriculum vitae, the rà ©sumà ©; los curricula vitae, the rà ©sumà ©sel spam, a spam email or article; los spams, spam emails or articles Specific Exceptions A few words simply dont follow the rules. el pap, the father; los paps, the fathersla mam, the mother, las mams, the mothersel sof, the couch, los sofs, the couches Orthographic Changes Changes in either spelling or accents are needed sometimes due to the phonetic nature of the Spanish language. The rules above still apply - you just need to make sure a plural word is spelled the way it is pronounced, or that it is spelled according to Spanish convention. Here are the orthographic changes sometimes required: Nouns Ending in Z The z changes to c when followed by es: el pez, the fish; los peces, the fishes;el juez, the judge; los jueces, the judges Nouns Ending in an Accented vowel followed by S or N The written accent isnt needed in pluralizing a noun ending in a vowel followed by s or n. el interà ©s, the interest; los intereses, the interestsel francà ©s, the Frenchman, los franceses, the Frenchmenel avià ³n, the airplane; los aviones, the airplanes Nouns Ending in N in an Unstressed Syllable: But an accent is needed when a noun ending in an unstressed vowel and n is made plural: el examen, the exam; los exmenes, the examsel crimen, the crime; los crà ­menes, the crimes

A World War One Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A World War One - Essay Example of World War I based mostly upon the details that bordered its onset and subsidence while Zinn communicates an idea on how World War I can be considered as ‘health of state’ and, through Tindall and Shi, one may be drawn to comprehend that World War I or the Great World War which broke out in Europe, engaging the U.S. in 1914, deserved to be identified a crisis that had caused the American nation to shift in character towards international relations. Naturally, these differing perspectives bear impact on our understanding of the American history during World War I in the manner our thoughts and judgments of the war are shaped by often partial views which the historians inevitably attach with their findings. According to Johnson, â€Å"Between 1859 and 1914, America increased its output of manufactured goods, in value, no less than eighteen times, and by 1919, boosted by World War I, thirty-three times† (Johnson 352). This statement exhibits an approach of signifying World War I by way of illustrating what America had in yield before and after the war, in view of the nation’s struggle with its commercial phase of growth. As Johnson accounted for technology in various forms, specifically the invention of the barbed wire by the farmers J. Glidden and J. Haish as well as the establishment of machineries in place of direct manual labor along with the production of power via abundant supply of energy from water, steam, and electricity, one rather imagines a more industrial than political scenario bordering the confines of World War I. Prior to the Great War, Johnson notes the occurrence of ‘Progressivism’ at the turn of the century where the ‘Progressivesâ₠¬â„¢ of the middle class rose in hostile protest against the big capitalists of the era whereas, by the end of the war, blacks in considerable number carried on their lifelong cause of fighting for freedom from slavery and slave trade. It figures herein that Johnson’s attempt of portraying World War I

Famous African American of the 20th Century Research Paper

Famous African American of the 20th Century - Research Paper Example In 1964, he became the youngest person who was given the Nobel Peace Prize for his endless efforts to stop racial discrimination and racial segregation. Slavery exists in the world since centuries. It started in America in 1600s with the African Slave Trade when the Africans were transported from the west coast of Africa to the Americas and were sold to slave traders. These slave traders kept them in horrible conditions and were made to do labor intensive work on coffee, tobacco, tea, sugar plantations. They were beaten, lashed, starved and deprived with even basic necessities of life such as food and shelter. The Bible also permitted slavery as well as the early laws of Babylon which stated that a man can own another man like he owns an animal. In other parts of the world the slaves could belong to any race. However, in America the slaves were blacks. The divide between the blacks and white continued to mature and lead to severe riots, protests, and eventually a civil war. Martin Lu ther King rose in 1955 when he was appointed as minister in Montgomery. His tough believes in achieving civil rights and non violence movements also established him as an opponent to the American participation in the war in Vietnam. He recognized that the finest approach to unshackle African American and to give them their rights could be achieved through non violent protests and demonstrations. Several of his beautiful quotations are examples of his support for non violent protests; â€Å"At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.† He believed that any kind of violent act from the civil rights workers will show the way to the segregationists for opposing actions which will cause grievance and death for his supporters. Through non violent protests his movement gained recognition and many associates and opened up the way for the passing of Civil Rights Bill in 1964-1965. Moreover, King was determined to spread his message to everyone and gain support from all corners regardless of class and race differences. He wanted the white moderate to awake from their deep sleep of negligence of moral and political values. Also he wanted them to appreciate the fact that desegregation will lead to elimination of social and legal prohibitions. He was also dismayed by the indifferent attitude of the moral people towards this discrimination, because of which people with sick intentions were making progress. His â€Å"Letter from the Birmingham Jail† is an essay which clarifies and gives details of the motives behind the non violent civil disobedience movement and also explains the methods used for this mass movement. King was a man who contributed immensely towards shaping and influencing the lives of Americans during the 1950s and 1960s. In this period of time, Americans did not have the courage to stand up for their rights, project their demands and views and accepted whatever was given to them. Martin Luther King was the beam of light that sho wed them the path to freedom and individuality. For example in 1955 after the Montgomery civil rights movement had started an activist Rosa Parks refused to abide by the law for segregation in public buses. A bus boycott was initiated and

The Influence of Martin Luther King on the Church Essay

The Influence of Martin Luther King on the Church - Essay Example Throughout his life, this small little church in Atlanta remained dear to King. It had been the center point of the family for so many years. When Michael was six, his father had his own and Michael's name changed to Martin in honor of Martin Luther, the founder of the Lutheran Church. King and his siblings grew up in a deeply seated religious family, and from his own words written in an essay prepared while in seminary school, it is obvious the importance of God and family to King. "It is quite easy for me to think of a God of love mainly because I grew up in a family where love was central and where lovely relationships were ever present." (Martin, Gale, 1999) Â  During his teenage years, prior to attending Morehouse, King had a difficult period in his spiritual life. His grandmother died during a church program at Ebenezer and King, although he was supposed to be in attendance that dad, had instead gone to watch a parade. This guilt and questioning stayed with him for several years, and upon entering Morehouse King was certain he would not enter this ministry as had his father and grandfather before him. That all changed during his junior year at school. King took a Bible class and met "Dr. Benjamin Mays, a scholar whose manner and bearing convinced him that a religious career could be intellectually satisfying as well." (The Life, Seattle, n.d.) King renewed his faith at that time and decided to attend seminary school upon graduation. "In the fall of his senior year, he told his father of his decision. King Jr. preached his trial sermon at Ebenezer with great success. On February 25, 1948, he was ordained and became associate pastor at Ebenezer." (Martin, Gale, 1999) . Â  In 1954 King was named Minister at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery Alabama after finishing seminary school. While a pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, the civil rights movement was burgeoning. A local group of civil right activists planned to start a bus strike in Montgomery in protest of the prejudicial treatment of Blacks while using the public transportation system. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white passenger and was arrested. The Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) was created and a bright, young, articulate Pastor was named as its president. His name was Martin Luther King, Jr. Â  

Leadership In Context And The Saf Leadership Doctrine Management Essay

Leadership In Context And The Saf Leadership Doctrine Management Essay Leadership have been described as the process of influence others, perhaps true to say that leadership have become feature of all culture throughout history. It has certainly been an essential quality in all cultures that have survived and flourished. The objective of this essay is to explain the understanding of leadership in the context of SAF, the SAF leadership competency model and Framework Behaviour / Competency / Skill approaches. It will then answered on the ideas or issues to which there are two things to be examined over the concept or theory and followed by the reflection from lesson 1 to 5. What Is Leadership What leadership means to me and why it matters in Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF)? Leadership is a responsibility to lead a team or organisation in order to carry out the mission or complete the task effectively. As an officer in the armed forces, I must be able to inspire the people by showing my character, values of existing fields and possess good communication. This ability has been cultivated since the beginning when I joined the organisation. In Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), the context is referred to leader and manager. The two approaches are different, where a leader can be described as a person who shows the way, urges and goals, and manager is a person who oversees, supervises, guides and administers  [2]  . Therefore to be effective in what we do we must have both skills. As a leader must have vision, being able to communicate that vision and convince our people to follow and to take willingly. In addition to that, the core values explain how we as a leaders and managers must act as a role models for our subordinates to follow. It describes how we must behave in order to motivate and guide those for whom we are responsible in RBAF. The SAF Leadership Doctrine (Framework Competency Model) What is remarkable in the SAF Leadership framework is the order of two main forms, namely in the form of triangle and circle. SAF has developed extensive and heading towards the direction of the third Generation SAF. In the second form of the framework explains the pattern of leadership for the desired direction. The uniqueness of this framework gives pictorial understanding the meaning and thought leadership in the two forms of order. Each form has a framework as a distinctive feature descriptions are summarized as follows: In a circle each leader must emphasize affect people with a good understanding of the mission and objectives, operating environment and the desired results. Triangle provides a framework to determine the need for leaders to effective leadership in the SAF. Benefits of this framework create awareness in performing their duties and responsibilities and know where the weaknesses that needs to be improved. For understanding the context of leadership, the triangle shape consists of four domains which are values, competencies, styles and self. The form of the circle can identify the contextual through three domains, namely the mission and objectives, operating environment and desired outcomes  [3]  . This framework is not only expanding the list of ingredients for effective leadership, but also emphasized the unique importance. This context called the SAF Leadership 24-7 as shown in Figure 1  [4]  . Every building blocks affect a leader and moving journey through the contacts contained in a circle. Form of this framework can be used to service Tri and also to the inferior and middle managers. Contextual insight 3 domains have relationship with manifestation of leadership in the SAF. If either one of the domain is failed, then overall will be unsuccessful. Figure 1. SAF Leadership Framework 24-7 Behavioural / Competency / Skill Approaches to Leadership The SAF Leadership Competency Model consists of five competency domains and 14 skills are common to the SAF  [5]  . In the skill domains are divided into 3 levels of leadership of different Behaviours; Direct, Organizational and strategic. The style approach emphasises the behaviour of the leaders. Style approach is different from trait and skills approaches because it focuses on what leaders do rather than are. There are two primary behaviours which are task behaviours and relationship behaviours. The task behaviours facilitate goal accomplishment or reach the objectives. Relationship behaviours help subordinates feel comfortable with themselves, with each other and the situation. The central focus is how leaders combined these two behaviours. Blake Mouton developed a model that described leadership behaviours on a managerial or leadership grid. The basic tenet is that based on concern for production and concern for people, the leadership style will fall into one of the 4 quadr ants  [6]  . By understanding the behaviour that lead style can be seen how you play the role as a leader. The main focus is what leaders do and how they act. As shown in Figure 2, the managerial behaviour is the preferred style area to operate which is both concern for people and results, and it also depend the area of environment you operate. However, this style is soft, but production will run smoothly. The behaviour approach required a great depth of understanding to study linkage to leadership. Figure 2. The Leadership Grid  [7]   What are the difference concepts between leadership and management? The terms leadership and management are distinguish differently by various people. The biggest difference between managers and leaders is the way they inspire the people who work or follow them. Back to the definition, leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal, whereas management is to exercise managerial, administrative and supervisory direction of a group or organization  [8]  . Leadership and management share many similarities. Both leadership and management involve influence, working with people, and working with effective goal management. However, the fields of leadership and management can also be considered very different. To distinguish between leadership and management, a comparison between leadership and management activities is shown in Figure 3. An individual can be a great leader, a great manager, or both, but each area requires the mastery of slightly different skills and competencies. LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT KEY THEORISTS Seeking order and stability Seeking adaptive and constructive change Kotter (1990) Do the right things Do things right Bennis Nanus (1985) Multidirectional relationship Develop mutual purpose Unidirectional relationship Coordinating activities Rost (1991) Source: Northouse, 2007, p. 9-10 Figure 3. Comparison Function of Leadership and Management Although there is a clear distinction between management and leadership, two roles are overlapping. Take for example, Ship CO lead the command of the ship for patrol with his crews. When CO takes charge on planning and controlling, he is involved in management. When CO became manager in influencing the ships crew to achieve their task, he is involved in leadership. Both processes affect the ships crew to achieve the task. Overall, this is depends on the tasking given where the CO can take more leadership and less management or vice-versa. Do I want more leadership/management oriented responsibilities? Again taking an example as Ship CO where his leadership may vary depending on his task and works with his crew. His management function will demand more as to look after the men including the ship so ship organisation will run efficiently. As shown in Figure 3 above, management is about seeking order and stability; leadership is about seeking adaptive and constructive  [9]  . When there is more leadership responsibilities, it required time and concentration of effort for Ship CO that will affect changes on his crew. My strength and weakness By understanding the leadership in context, more in-depth thought to show that there are weaknesses in my area of leadership. In lesson 1 to 5, can be make a distinction whether my leadership style and leadership effectiveness for this has been achieved or need to be developed. As shown in the diagram on Figure 1 above, the leadership competency framework model, generally through this form of triangle and circle guidance can establish from one of 4 building blocks. The understanding of military leadership and the difference between management, leadership and command give an overview and their relationship to my reflection. During this course, the main focus is to look and think into my Personal Mastery and Self. On top of that, the 5 competency domains and 14 skill domains can be taken as education knowledge. The MBTI tool is described about the preferences to distinguish my type of personality whether the function of judging (thinking and feeling) and perceiving functions (sensing Intuition). My profile obtained was based on ENTJ (Direct Decide), strength of character that helped me through character Extraversion and Thinking. However, to assist on my weakness parts, I need to look into Introversion which several of this type should appreciate deep thinking methodology and understanding the logic. Meanwhile, IDAP methods provide important feedback to guide me towards achieving the desired direction. From short to long term goal that measure my success. Strength and weakness of the evidence provided will develop and improve my weakness area with the help of coaching method. Interviews were conducted with the Directing Staff to evaluate my IDAP. To achieve my goal is to do a reflection on my strength and weakness and taking the feedback positively. Conclusion The essay has explained on my understanding on leadership in context and the important of it in relation to RBAF. The SAF Leadership Framework competency which has a unique to SAF and the Behavioural / Competency / Skill approaches to leadership give more thought on style approach and competency domain which is common to SAF. To elaborate further, it discussed the difference between leadership and management and their responsibilities. As a manager and a leader both roles are significant by having their style approach towards the task. Overall my reflection on the lesson 1 5, has significantly open my awareness especially the tools (MBTI and IDAP) which will further improve my leadership knowledge during this course.

Contrasting Romance Novels and Pornography: Male and Female Preference

Contrasting Romance Novels and Pornography: Male and Female Preferences I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance novel, not for school, and certainly not for my own enjoyment. Although I’m not much into pornography either, I get much more excited looking at visual images of attractive women than if I were simply reading about them. Growing up, I remember the opposite to be true for my older sister, who often had romance novels lying around in her room. The contrasts between romance novels and pornography underscore how different female and male erotic fantasies are. These differences reflect human evolutionary history and the disparate sexual selection pressures women and men experience. According to our course handbook and as evidenced throughout history, men have been larger, and thus, the hunters. The role of women has been that of the gatherer, and also the rearing of offspring. To aid men during hunts for food, natural selection has led males to develop enhanced spatial and visual skills, to better coordinate their attacks. Females instead, have developed better verbal and language skills for communication. Since men have adapted to become more responsive to visual stimuli, male sexual fantasies have become dominated by visual imagery, while female sexual fantasies place emphasis on the personal characteristics of the partner and the emotional context of the encounter. The pornography industry has changed little since Victorian times, it is almost exclusively aimed at males (heterosexual and homosexual); it is overwhelmingly visual; involves many different youthful and attractive partners, and provides instant sexual gratification without the need for emotional commitment. On the other hand, romance novels ... ...ductive success (Galanti 2003). Mass-market pornography aimed at men, and romance novels for women feed off the basic desires of each sex. Variety, and young, visually attractive women are what men wish for, while women enjoy the romance and emotional involvement of intimate relationships. These preferences are fundamental in their sexual behavior, and have evolved throughout history. Works Cited Galanti, G. (2003). Evolutionary Perspective on Sex and Gender, Basic Concepts. CSULA. Kastleman, Mark. (2003). How internet pornographers market to women vs men. http://www.1stopwebprotect.com/webprotect_articles/men_women.html Salmon, Catherine. (2003). Warrior Lovers: Erotic fiction, evolution and female sexuality. London: Yale University Press. Symons, Donald. (1979). The Evolution of Human Sexuality. New York: Oxford University Press.

An important event that changed my life

There are many changes that can happen in a person’ s life. Some changes are very tiny and would not affect your life very much. However, other events could be very important and could change a person’ s whole life, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing someone special. The important event that changed my life is coming to the United States to study. When I first arrived in this country, I realized that a tremendous transformation would happen in my life both physically and mentally. After spending more than two months in the United States, I firmly believe that moving to the United States is a beneficial change for me. This change provides me a chance to lead a healthy lifestyle as well as a new way of thinking that are significant for me.It is essential to have this change as it offers me a healthy lifestyle. Before coming to the United States, I used to stay up late at night to study and wake up early in the morning. This was a hazard to my health that co uld cause me to get sick easily. When I decided to come to America, I made up my mind and determined to keep a healthy routine. For example, I enjoy the American-style meal which includes having a fresh salad instead of cooked vegetables. This method of cooking vegetables helps me absorb more vitamins from them. As a result, I can feel that I am becoming healthier and healthier. 3Additionally, this important change enables me to think differently and internationally. This is my first time living in a North-American country. Hence, I have a brand new opportunity to experience a new culture. Because I live in a multicultural society, living in Los Angeles has expanded my horizon on a lot of things – lifestyle, eating habits, and respectful greeting manners. By knowing more about different cultures, I have become more considerate and understanding of various habits as well as behaviors from different races. Consequently, I have changed into someone who has a new way of seeing di stinct issues happening around me.To sum up, mov ing to the United States was an important change in my life because of giving me the chance to have a healthy lifestyle and a new way of thinking. I have changed my eating and sleeping habits in a good way. Meanwhile, I have become more understanding of different cultures. Thus, this change is very important and beneficial for me An Important Event that Changed my Life There are many changes that can happen in a person’ s life. Some changes are very tiny and would not affect your life very much. However, other events could be very important and could change a person’ s whole life, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing someone special. The important event that changed my life is coming to the United States to study. When I first arrived in this country, I realized that a tremendous transformation would happen in my life both physically and mentally. After spending more than two months in the United States, I firmly believe that moving to the United States is a beneficial change for me. This change provides me a chance to lead a healthy lifestyle as well as a new way of thinking that are significant for me.It is essential to have this change as it offers me a healthy lifestyle. Before coming to the United States, I used to stay up late at night to study and wake up early in the morning. This was a hazard to my health that co uld cause me to get sick easily. When I decided to come to America, I made up my mind and determined to keep a healthy routine. For example, I enjoy the American-style meal which includes having a fresh salad instead of cooked vegetables. This method of cooking vegetables helps me absorb more vitamins from them. As a result, I can feel that I am becoming healthier and healthier.Additionally, this important change enables me to think differently and internationally. This is my first time living in a North-American country. Hence, I have a brand new opportunity to experience a new culture. Because I live in a multicultural society, living in Los Angeles has expanded my horizon on a lot of things – lifestyle, eating habits, and respectful greeting manners. By knowing more about different cultures, I have become more considerate and understanding of various habits as well as behaviors from different races. Consequently, I have changed into someone who has a new way of seeing dist inct issues happening around me.To sum up, mov ing to the United States was an important change in my life because of giving me the chance to have a healthy lifestyle and a new way of thinking. I have changed my eating and sleeping habits in a good way. Meanwhile, I have become more understanding of different cultures. Thus, this change is very important and beneficial for me.

What I will accomplish in This Course

In this semester I would like to improve and develop my English writing and reading skills thru English 122. English 122 is not only just a requirement for transferring to four-year institution, but also a benefit for my whole life. My ultimate goal is going to medical school in order to become a doctor in the United States, I believe what I am learning in English 122 will make a significant contribution to my career Writing is not just simply communicating ideas or expressing thoughts on paper; writing skill is essential because a person’s intelligence and personality can be seen and judged thru the paper he or she writes. Most importantly, good writing skill is essential to job interview. It is not avoidable that all the occupations need good writing to connect to employers and clients. If there is any misunderstanding between either clients or employers due to poor writing, it’s possible to loose jobs or contracts. As an international student, I never took neither English 116 nor English 118 during any semester in order to take English 122. In fact, the high school I graduated from had already prepared me to be eligible to take college level English class. One of the best parts of what I had learned in US high school is acknowledging grammar structure. When every time I take a look on my paper over and over, I can always tell where my grammar errors are and make corrections. For me personally, grammar is just made of a series of rules that I can easily memorize and go easy on it. On the other hand, I clearly feel myself lack of words through my essays, even though I am able to interpret things in simple ways. However, there is a big difference between college and high school writing and I believe that college level writing requires more sophisticated process and technique. If my essay is lack of words, specifically vocabulary and transition, the whole paper may not be interpreted that well. Another weakness I am very concerning is that I am not good at reasoning, a good paper must need to persuade readers to totally agree with my point of view. And I know my own explanation is not good enough to support my ideas. Applying to writing skills to real life, for instance, to medical school, neither scientific journals nor lab report can be presented verbally, both types of document must be written in sophisticate language. To let my professors and readers easily understand what I am trying to interpret, I definitely need a strong writing structure built up. And college level writing will build me the fundamental part in order to prepare for further education even job applications. Although I am in science major, I don’t want to think nor write as a scientist. Everything is not always static, so is the language. There might be a certain discipline in my paper but what I really want to learn from Mr. Leal is to think more critically, not simply just analyzing ideas of article, but also be able to stand on the other side to question the author.

Free Essays on The Purpose Of Irony

In Daphne duMaurier’s Rebecca, the protagonist and narrator, Mrs. de Winter, strives to claim her proper role at Manderly and in her marriage as she deals with the inhibitions placed on her by her false image of Rebecca, Mrs. Danvers adoration of Rebecca, and Maxim’s reluctance to discuss his late wife, Rebecca. When reading the novel Rebecca, one must ask what the purpose of using irony in is. The role of irony in a novel is one that is used quite often as a literary technique. Generally speaking irony is used to prove a point or to give a different perspective on things or an unsuspecting ending. When the new Mrs. de Winter is arriving at Manderly for the first time, she instantly loses any poise that she gained during her first seven weeks of marriage and honeymooning with Maxim. Daphne duMaurier describes Mrs. de Winter’s fears through her thoughts as she and Maxim are driving to Manderly and getting closer by the minute. â€Å"Any measure of self-possession I had gained hitherto†¦ was like a rag now, fluttering before the wind†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (duMaurier, 62). Mrs. de Winter is feeling like her old-self again, and in this case it is not a desired happening. As she and Maxim draw nearer to Manderly her anxiety and anticipation rise, almost to the point where it is unbearable. Her fears are heightened when Maxim drives up in front of Manderly’s entrance and Mrs. de Winter can see through the window that the hall is full of people all waiting to meet her and determine how she measures up to Maxim’s late wife Rebecca. The first woman Mrs. de Winter is introduced to inside the estate is Mrs. Danvers. The narrator’s first impression of this woman is that she is cold, distant, and in fact quite lifeless. Mrs. de Winter very quickly feels the judging eyes of this unusual woman once she is properly introduced. Before the narrator’s encounter with Mrs. Danvers, Maxim informs her that Mrs. Danvers would take care of running ... Free Essays on The Purpose Of Irony Free Essays on The Purpose Of Irony In Daphne duMaurier’s Rebecca, the protagonist and narrator, Mrs. de Winter, strives to claim her proper role at Manderly and in her marriage as she deals with the inhibitions placed on her by her false image of Rebecca, Mrs. Danvers adoration of Rebecca, and Maxim’s reluctance to discuss his late wife, Rebecca. When reading the novel Rebecca, one must ask what the purpose of using irony in is. The role of irony in a novel is one that is used quite often as a literary technique. Generally speaking irony is used to prove a point or to give a different perspective on things or an unsuspecting ending. When the new Mrs. de Winter is arriving at Manderly for the first time, she instantly loses any poise that she gained during her first seven weeks of marriage and honeymooning with Maxim. Daphne duMaurier describes Mrs. de Winter’s fears through her thoughts as she and Maxim are driving to Manderly and getting closer by the minute. â€Å"Any measure of self-possession I had gained hitherto†¦ was like a rag now, fluttering before the wind†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (duMaurier, 62). Mrs. de Winter is feeling like her old-self again, and in this case it is not a desired happening. As she and Maxim draw nearer to Manderly her anxiety and anticipation rise, almost to the point where it is unbearable. Her fears are heightened when Maxim drives up in front of Manderly’s entrance and Mrs. de Winter can see through the window that the hall is full of people all waiting to meet her and determine how she measures up to Maxim’s late wife Rebecca. The first woman Mrs. de Winter is introduced to inside the estate is Mrs. Danvers. The narrator’s first impression of this woman is that she is cold, distant, and in fact quite lifeless. Mrs. de Winter very quickly feels the judging eyes of this unusual woman once she is properly introduced. Before the narrator’s encounter with Mrs. Danvers, Maxim informs her that Mrs. Danvers would take care of running ...

Analysis of a publicly-traded company Research Paper

Analysis of a publicly-traded company - Research Paper Example The company is a publicly traded company trading in the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SBUX. The common stocks of Starbucks Cafe were trading at a price of $52.96 as of December 10, 2012 (Yahoo, 2012). The market capitalization of Starbucks Cafe is $39.38 billion. The firm uses a holistic approach towards the sourcing of its coffee. Starbucks Cafe sources its coffee through fair trade coffee. Fair trade coffee guarantees the farmers a price of at least $1.26 per pound. Other benefits that farmers receive in a fair trade coffee arrangement are technology transfer and financing of crops. Customers are more likely to support companies that source coffee using fair trade coffee practices due to the green movement and the tendency of customers of buying from companies that act in a socially responsible manner. The market share of Starbucks in the U.S is 33% of the coffee market (O’Farrell, 2012). During the recession the business of Starbucks declined because the demand f or gourmet coffee is price sensitive. Buying coffee from Starbucks Cafe is considered a luxury by a lot of American buyers. During harsh economic times people tend to be more price conscious. The store has 192,866 employees and 39.66% of its workforce works outside the United States (Cnn, 2012). The employees of the firm are referred too as baristas. The firm believes in the value of diversity in the workplace. Diversity is valued by the managerial staff of the company. The equation that defines diversity at Starbucks Cafe is: Diversity = Inclusion + Equity + Accessibility (Starbucks, 2012). The use of diversity can enhance the creativity of the employees and foster an environment in which innovation is a critical component of the success of the enterprise. The customer service of the company has helped the firm differentiate itself from the competition. Starbucks Cafe offers free services to its customers including Wi-Fi internet accessibility. The firm generates an alternate reven ue stream through the sale of iTunes. The firm believes a lot in the value of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The CRS program of the firm is comprehensive due to the genuine effort the firm places in helping the community and other stakeholder groups. Starbucks Cafe was named one of the world’s most ethical companies in 2012 for the six year in a row. The firm certifies 75% of all new stores under the LEEDÂ ® green building standard. The firm minimizes the use of water and energy at its stores to save resources and protect the environment. About half of the firm’s company owned store are powered by renewable energy. The communities in which Starbucks operates are an important stakeholder group for the organization. The firm donated 441,000 community service hours during 2011 (Starbucks, 2012). During fiscal year 2011 Starbucks Cafe generated sales of $11,700 million. The sales of the company increase by 9.27%. The net income of the firm in 2011 was $1,246 milli on. In the last two years the company’s net income increased by 219%. A firm’s net margin measures the absolute profitability of the company. The desirable outcome is to have a high net margin. During 2011 the net margin of Starbucks Cafe was 10.65%. The net margin of the company is much higher than the industry average of 3.8% (Dnb, 2012). The earnings per share and cash dividend per share of the company were $1.66 and $0.56 respectively. The liquidity of the firm is an important aspect of the business that managers must consider. A

Analytical essay on debate and conflict between federalists and anti

Analytical on debate and conflict between federalists and anti federalists - Essay Example Those opposed to the constitution, the Anti-Federalists which included John Hancock, Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams, also wrote a series of arguments now known as the Anti-Federalist papers. They feared the potential powers of centralized federal government dominating the will of the states. The Federalists gave assurances that this was not their intention; that they were not trying to create a tyrannical governing system much like the one in Britain which the colonies had just fought a war to escape. This is how the Bill of Rights was formed. It was a compromise forged between the two conflicting viewpoints. The terms describing these differing opinions is somewhat misleading. Federalists are better defined as Nationalists because they supported a powerful federal government. The Anti-Federalists could be more accurately described as federalists because they preferred the government be a federation of autonomous states. This discussion examines the perspective of both Federalists an d Anti-Federalists, how they reached a compromise after two years of heated debate and the reasons why one was ultimately the better choice. The Federalist Papers conveyed the shortcomings of the loosely confederated union between the states that existed at the time and the benefits of unifying the states into an effective central government. The Federalists, being wealthy land and business owners, believed that a strong centralized federal government operated by learned, influential persons would encourage commerce which was to their own and the country’s benefit. In the second of the Federalist Papers, John Jay enumerated this motive first over all other reasons to unite the states by enacting a constitution. â€Å"It has until lately been a received and uncontradicted opinion that the prosperity of the people of America depended on their continuing firmly united, and the wishes, prayers, and efforts of our best and wisest citizens have been constantly

How to Build a New World Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How to Build a New World - Assignment Example b. Individualism: is a phenomenon that encourages freedom, though at the cost of ties of the family, together with social cohesion. This act usually stresses the initiative of certain individual. In the context, it is worth to note that Klein explains that there is need to embrace freedom, even if it will be at the expensive of certain individuals or firms. c. Socialism: on the other hand, socialism entails a collective ownership. Klein brings out this point clearly by affirming that everyone has a collective responsibility in ensuring the best is achieved for the benefit of the whole family. d. Capitalism: this is a political and economic system where private owners, all in the name of gaining profits, usually control a country’s industry and trade. According to Klein, she points that Harper, forms a figure that represents someone who is Capitalist. According to her, social communities have a difficult in organizing because the secret behind how the organization lost its control is not vivid. Second, those who were supposed to defend the whole community are fighting to gain personal benefit. And third, lack schools; have also participated in this, since people do not have knowledge concerning their rights. 4. Klein claims society needs to "invest in education---education about the ideological and structural reasons why we have ended up where we are." What structures does she refer to? How might education reveal these structures so that, as Klein continues to say, a new world stands on a solid foundation? She refers to the structure of governance, where it favors leaders only. She admits that coalitions being in a top-down agreement will not in any way benefit the whole society. The change should emerge from down to top, with all members engaging in the change. According to the passage, I think that Kleins’ tone is sympathy. Here, she is sympathizing with what is going on, for example she says â€Å"We need you to be our fixed

An Evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence Essay Example for Free

An Evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence Essay 1. Introduction The research project includes the complete lifespan of the work from the rationale to the conclusion. I examine the reasons for conducting the research, how the Company might benefit from the experience and how trainers may reflect and add to their toolbox of skills and knowledge. The project also considers the background to the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and how this came to AEGON UK Services, what role Workplace Training Services had to play and what part of strategy ECDL was designed to meet. The main body of the project, the research itself, sets out to consider a range of questions related to the evaluation of ECDL within a financial services setting which I believe is a valuable piece of research that is not presently widely available. The research considers the practical implications of the work and the justifications for following the particular actions undertaken. The conclusion draws the project together and provides answers to the questions considered above. Does ECDL add value within the business, have learners acquired new skills, what of the present learning methods and how might these be designed to suit the needs of future learners? I support my research findings with the results of my data collection exercises together with statistics relating to ECDL including its recent use outside of Europe. Finally, I present the detail of material used whilst working on the project as Reference and Bibliography. 2 Rationale AEGON UK Services (UKS) is the closed book arm or Third Party Administration (TPA) operation for AEGON UK one of the worlds top ten financial services companies. As a TPA no new business comes into the organisation and particularly in the present economic climate control of costs and expenses becomes paramount. It is not an overstatement to consider that the continuing well being of the UKS site in Lytham rests with its highly competitive nature. When one considers that the average cost of one staff member in Lytham is à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½40,00 pa whilst the equivalent outlay at the AEGON UK Head Office in Edinburgh is almost double at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½65,000 pa, financial evidence becomes clear particularly with close to 900 staff at the Lytham site. There are many reasons for this divergence in costs, not all of which may be directly influenced by the Company but it is this difference which remains key to the health of the AEGON UK Services operation. It is against this background that the research into the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is set, one of the organisation obtaining maximum value for each pound of spend. As Managing Director, David Barker, said at the 2002 Business Plan launch to staff, Through the professionalism, skill and commitment of its staff AEGON UK Services has a key part to play in the growth and development of the UK operation. It is my responsibility, as Training Manager for UKS, to provide learning opportunities, develop staff and upgrade their knowledge and skills to meet the challenges set by the Managing Director and the Board of AEGON UK. After all, a shortage of skills could threaten the livelihood of the operation. Fingold and Soskice (1989:22) who created the notion of a low skills/low quality equilibrium argued that the majority of enterprises staffed by poorly trained managers and workers produce low quality goods and services. Their view was that Britain would not be able to keep pace with changing economic conditions. A decade on and still the need for the training and development of our staff in relation to the growth of our business remains. As David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Education Employment, sets out the challenge ahead for us all when speaking at the National Training Awards ceremony in December 2000. The key message today is that there is a real economic need for people to upgrade skills throughout life. We need to help everyone fulfil their potential and respond to the changing world economy. (People Management, Vol 6, No 25). The task facing us in the UKS Training team is to meet the Secretary of States challenge and drive the business forward at the same time whilst maintaining a tight rein on expenditure. In the summer of 2001 our Union Representative introduced me to Workplace Training Services and this partnership with a local education provider soon bore fruit. A key strategic challenge for AEGON UK in 2002 was the introduction of a Common Operating Environment (COE) between its various UK operations; the most visible aspect of the COE would be the launch of Microsoft Office 2000 in the various sites. Significantly, as AEGON UK Services previously used Microsoft there were no plans to create a formal training plan for the business, rather than relying our awareness of existing applications. The Manager, Dedicated Delivery, of Workplace Training Services (an arm of Preston College), Cyril Wheat, offered the use of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as part of our solution to the need for staff learning and development in Office 2000. The seven-module ECDL programme is based upon the Microsoft Office 2000 applications and included learning on our key workplace needs, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Over 50 staff started the ECDL qualification in September 2001 and to-date over 150 have either achieved the award or are working towards it. Further developments of our work with the College have been the provision of additional learning and development for staff, in particular the provision of Learndirect facilities and the healthy learning partnership that has grown between an employer, union and education institution. To support the development of this significant partnership Workplace Training Services offered AEGON UK Services 100 free places on the ECDL programme in 2002. Although we have seen a large number of staff following the ECDL programme, myself included, AEGON UK Services has never conducted any formal evaluation of the learning programme. Whilst I have learned new skills and am able to access more difficult applications, has the Company benefited from the ECDL partnership, have the staff developed new skills and how might the programme best be carried forward? This is the rationale for the following research which is designed for the benefit, primarily, of the Company but also for the staff, College and as a valid piece of research. 3. Background Congratulations Sara Lundstedt! But why is this the Swedish environmental co-ordinator so significant to the history of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Well, Sara became the one millionth student to complete the programme, as reported in the June 2001 edition of IT Training (P7). What is ECDL and where did it come from? In 1994 the concept originated in Finland where the Finnish Information Process Association introduced the Computer Driving Licence. Shortly after, the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) established the User Skills Task Force in 1995. The Task Force, supported by funding from the European Commission, was to examine how to raise IT skill levels in European industry. The Task Force identified the potential of the Finnish Licence and investigated the feasibility of adopting it and making it into a qualification for the whole of Europe. CEPIS actively encourages IT literacy and promotes acceptance of professional standards for ICT professionals throughout Europe. Pilot tests were carried out during 1995 and early 1996 resulting in the launch of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in August 1996, initially in Sweden and then throughout Europe. The ECDL Foundation was formed in 1997 to administer the ECDL programme on a not-for-profit basis and to promote, develop and certify computer skills and IT knowledge. According to its official website, the business of the ECDL Foundation is To disseminate, promote and evolve ECDL as a globally accepted IT skills certification programme that prepares all people for participation in the Information Society. On the surface, this has been successful; in 1999 the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) was created as the standard qualification for non-European countries. The syllabus is identical to that of ECDL and was initially taken up by Australia, Canada, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Since then, more countries have joined the ICDL programme, ranging from Greece in 2000 to most recently, Malaysia. According to The Electric Paper Company Limited (http://www.electricpaper.ie/products/ecdl.asp) to-date, over 1.75 million people are registered on an ECDL/ICDL programme. This number is growing daily. There are tens of thousands of accredited test centres worldwide enabling people to take their tests an attain certificates. So, seven module appears to be working as students are assessed against the following competencies: basic concepts of IT, using a computer and managing files, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation and information and communication. The ECDL Foundation points out that the programme is now used in over 60 countries and IT Training announced in its October 2002 edition that the number of students enrolled topped the half-million mark. The British Computer Society (BCS) also reports that it is issuing 1,000 ECDL certificates every day. One of the first organisations in the public sector to move towards qualifying the computer skills of its staff is the NHS which recognised the increasing role that computer skills had to play in the public health sector. The significance of the ECDL decision is reflected in the fact that it was announced by Health Secretary, Lord Hunt. He said, New technology investments to support staff to plan, deliver and review health care will not be successful unless more priority is given to ensuring that all staff have a basic level of IT skills. There is a great deal of published support for the ECDL programme and I have included highlights from two successful ventures. The House of Commons became the first Parliament in the world to offer staff training in IT skills, aimed at MPs assistants and constituency workers. Dr. Matthew Donaghy, Industry and Parliament Trust ADAPT Project Manager, said, Our objective, and indeed an important part of securing funding for the project, was to increase the employability of staff outside the Parliamentary sector. ECDL gives staff an extra qualification showing their competence with IT in the office, but also allows flexibility in training for the qualification so that it does not interfere with major projects they may be working on. Donaghy continued, An extra benefit of the course has been the increased level of teamwork between MPs assistants. Staff are increasingly sharing tips on office practices, which will mean a more professional MPs service all round. The Bank of England is also enabling its staff to take the ECDL programme via personal or on-line training. Bank Deputy Governor, Mervyn King, who has successfully completed the qualification said, Across the Bank, the ECDL will enable people to achieve a wide range of essential skills in IT, on which they can build in the future. I am convinced that it is an ideal way for my colleagues to improve and consolidate their knowledge, to build confidence and to improve both productivity and decision making. ECDL appears therefore to have positive support, endorsed by Peter Bayley, Director of ECDL at the British Computer Society, who confirms that, Since the UK launch there has been a growing demand for information about ECDL users from both the Further Education and Corporate sectors in order to measure profiles, motivation, satisfaction and likely interest in our newly launched ECDL Advanced qualification. Apart from a gratifying 95 per cent satisfaction rating, almost two thirds of those polled chose ECDL because of its broad recognition as a computer skills qualification. In addition, 97% said they would recommend ECDL to family, friends and colleagues and 87% were interested in an ECDL Advanced qualification. Despite the fact that there is a great deal of published evidential support for ECDL, there remains little evidence within AEGON UK Services that the programme has been and remains successful. To date, we have tended to take the view that people pass, therefore it works! But does it? As Reay (1994:23) points out, evaluation can enable you to do better in the future. This is not to say that youve been failing in the past; but good trainers realize there is always room for improvement. It is against this background, of a developing IT culture within Europe and latterly the rest of the world, that the research with AEGON UK Services is set. Will the experiences outlined above be matched within the Company? 4. Research Most people associate the word research with activities which are substantially removed from day-to-day life and which are pursued by outstandingly gifted persons with an unusual level of commitment, suggested Howard and Sharp (1983:6). However, Denscombe (1998:1) takes an alternative approach when opening his piece of work some 15 years later, Social research is no longer the concern of the small elite of professionals and full-time researchers. It has become the concern of a far greater number of people who are faced with the prospect of undertaking small-scale research projects as part of an academic course or their professional development. In my case, the piece of research was to be carried out over a 3 month period by the Training Manager of a large organisation with very ordinary skills and an extremely heavy workload! Payton (1979:4) identified research as the process of looking for a specific answer in an organised objective reliable way and it is this search for answers that has driven me to tackle the challenge of evaluating the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in AEGON UK Services. Considering what questions to ask, Black suggests (1993:24/25), may prove a significant challenge in itself, The most difficult part of starting a research project is often that of identifying the best question to ask, one that is meaningful, whose answer contributes to the discipline, and whose resulting research can be carried out within the resources available. When considering the questions to answer from the piece of research I was conscious of two things set down by Managing Director, David Barker: a) what would add value to the business supporting AEGON UK Services as a key part of the AEGON UK operation and b) provide learning opportunities to develop staff and upgrade their knowledge and skills? The se factors contributed directly to my questions: How has ECDL added value in AEGON UK Services? How have the learners acquired new skills to help them do their jobs? Has the method of learning for ECDL proved effective? What is the most effective way for any further learners to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve ECDL? Blaxter et al (1997:58) identified 2 different methods for designing and doing a research project, their research families of qualitative and quantitative methods. To Burns (2000:3), the quantitative approach is viewed as scientific and in his opinion, has been the conventional approach to research in all areas of investigation. The methods and purposes of scientific inquiry have been moulded by countless generations of scientists Burns (2000:9) outlines the strength of the quantitative approach as being its precision and control, together with a deductive approach and the use of quantitative data (which) permits statistical analysis. Denscombe (1998:177) supports Burns standpoint by adding that, The use of quantitative data in social research has its attractions. For one thing, it carries with it an aura of scientific respectability. Because it uses numbers and can present findings in the form of graphs and tables, it conveys a sense of solid, objective research. However, an alternative view also exists and caution is stressed by Silverman (2000:6) when pointing out that the hard data on social structures which quantitative researchers claim to provide can turn out to be a mirage. Caution was necessary for me when considering the effect of ECDL upon an individuals ability to do their job more effectively, as Cicourel (1964) points to defects with quantitative research, it may be useful but it also may conceal as well as reveal social processes. On the other hand, qualitative research is an umbrella term that covers a variety of styles of social research, drawing on a variety of disciplines. Tesch (1990) identified 26 distinct kinds of social research which can fall under the term qualitative and no doubt, in time, that list will grow. However, Denscombe (1998:207) does see some common elements which begin to give some sense, as he sees it, to qualitative research, a concern with meanings and the way people understand things and a concern with patterns of behaviour. Cohen and Mannion (1998:8) go a stage further and view qualitative research as a search for understanding in which the principal concern is with the way in which the individual creates, modifies and interprets the world in which he or she finds himself or herself. Researchers who adopted this qualitative approach, responsive to individual perceptions, were felt by Bell (1999:7) to seek insights rather than statistical analysis. A positive aspect of qualitative research, according to Miles and Huberman (1984:10), is that they focus on naturally occurring, ordinary events in natural settings, so that we have a strong handle on what real life is like. The approach to this research project was on a qualitative basis and whilst there is a range of disadvantages to this method, including, as identified by Anderson (1990) the ability to collect a large number of replies, allow for easy collation and cheap and readily available, Anderson did identify advantages with a qualitative approach. Significantly, when gathering data and information Anderson held that a qualitative approach enables the researcher to really understand another person, and qualitative research tends to focus on learners, central to the research project, and their views of the world. My own research project mirrors a number of Andersons findings; focusing on the learners and managers and their views, attitudes and feelings is key to my work and as such does not lend itself naturally to a quantitative or scientific basis. However, in Denscombes opinion (1998: 173), the two approaches are not mutually exclusive, the distinction between the two is over-simplified and relates to the treatment of the data. As Strauss (1987: 2) argues, the genuinely useful distinction is in how data are treated analytically. Denscombes (1998:173) view then is that a distinction between qualitative and quantitative research is far from watertight. To some extent, the research design depends on what Barnes (1992:114) highlights as either a deductive or inductive approach to the project, with action research a key method of the latter. Barnes takes the view that when using action research, the outcomesare generally increased knowledge, understanding and improved practice. The implication from this is that action research has a relevance for what I will be undertaking and indeed Blaxter et al (1997:64) confirm this by pointing out that it is well suited to the needs of people conducting research in their own workplaces, and who have a focus on improving aspects of their own and their colleagues practices. Cohen and Mannion (1998:186) also focus their thoughts on this work-related aspect of action research by suggesting that it is situational it is concerned with diagnosing a problem in a specific context and attempting to solve it in that context. Although action research as a basis suits the needs of my project as shown above, there are a number of criticisms about the method, often reflecting Cohen and Mannions (1998:193) comments that it is not scientific, its sample is restricted and unrepresentativeits findings are restricted to the environment in which the research is carried out. I accept the above but am satisfied that although my findings may be restricted to the environment, they are after all intended for use solely within AEGON UK Services, any wider usage will be a bonus. Research data was accumulated by the use of questionnaires completed by learners, interviews with senior managers and Preston College staff, and focus groups conducted with groups of learners. This common multi-method approach is referred to as triangulation, as originally identified by the works of Elliott and Adelman (1976), and has been defined in Open University course 811 Study Guide (1988:54) as cross-checking the existence of certain phenomena and the veracity of individual accounts by gathering data from a number of informants and a number of sources and subsequently comparing and contrasting one account with another in order to produce as full and balanced a study as possible. The use of triangulation goes some way to meeting the need for this piece of research to be both reliable and valid. Bryman (1989:55) outlines reliability as something which refers to the consistency of a measure. Blaxter et al (1997:200) summarise the issue of reliability in simple terms as considering whether you have carried it out in such a way that, if another researcher were to look into the same questions in the same setting, they would come up with essentially the same results . Validity is identified in a similar tone by the same authors, to do with whether your methods, approaches and techniques actually relate to, or measure, the issues you have been exploring. Triangulation is particularly important to me because it increases the strength and validity of my work. The use of questionnaires is outlined by Denscombe (1998:88) who suggests that they are at their most productive when: used with large numbers, straightforward information required, the social climate is open, standardised, time allows for delays, resources allow for the costs and when the respondents can be expected to be able to read and understand the questions. However, my own piece of research is much smaller with fewer in the sample, straightforward questions on information that is current, all of which adds to the simplicity of this process. However, there is a range of issues when using questionnaires with Bell (1999:75) suggesting that It is harder to produce a really good questionnaire than might be imagined. McKernan (2000:125) endorses that view and warns that amongst the disadvantages are the amount of time taken compiling successful questions and low response rates. Nevertheless, the use of questionnaires provides direct access to the learners and adds balance to the interviews with my colleagues and members of Workplace Training Services. Given that my questionnaire is straightforward with simple questions I am satisfied that this is a particularly useful method of gathering my research data. Further weight is given to this argument by Burns (2000:581) who supports me by adding such strengths as cost, each respondent receives same set of questions, errors in collation of responses reduced, respondents free to reply at own pace/time, fear and embarrassment avoided, may guarantee confidentiality. Burns also highlights a number of potential concerns with the use of questionnaires including a poor response rate when compared to interviews, the potential for bias due to poor returns and badly prepared questionnaires. I acknowledge Burns concerns and test my questionnaire on a small pilot group of learners, drawn at random, to assess its ease of use; 2 questions are reworded to reflect the comments of this group. Given the small number of staff to have completed the ECDL programme I issue the questionnaire to all 45 which also supports the validity of my research and reduces the potential for any bias due to the choice of my sample. I am conscious that, as Cohen et al (2000:245) put it, the questionnaire will always be an intrusion into the life of the respondent, be it in terms of time taken to complete the questionnaireor the possible invasion of privacy. As a result of this, great care is taken over the questions posed, the amount of content and the manner in which this is issued to learners. To keep the questionnaire simple I want to largely use closed questions and this method is supported by Wilson and McLean (1994:21) who confirm that these are simple to completeand do not discriminate unduly on the basis of how articulate the respondents are. However, to ensure that peoples views are gathered I aim to allow respondents a small degree of space for their own thoughts to be considered which mirrors the views of Oppenheim (1992:115) when considering the use of closed questions: they do not enable respondents to add any remarks, qualifications and explanations to the categories, and there is a risk that the categories might not be exhaustive and that there might be bias in them. A blank questionnaire is included as Appendix B. It is the need to gather personal views and opinions that prompts me to include interviews with senior managers, and focus groups amongst learners. As Denscombe (1998) points out, questionnaires are at their best with large numbers; I am dealing with 6 senior managers and am mindful that the culture of my own organisation is such that as Training Manager it is politic for me to see the senior managers rather than issue them with a questionnaire. As McKernan (2000:128) claims, Interviewing is a social survey skill which can be taught. I am satisfied that my role in designing and delivering Interviewing Skills training courses for 5 years to the same group of managers enables me to carry out this process! There are a number of identified advantages in using interview techniques for gathering my research data and these include, Burns (2000:582/3) who is an exponent of its flexibility, the interviewer has the opportunity to observe the subject and the total situation in which they are responding which according to Burns should produce higher response rates and if properly conducted should yield response rates of at least 80-85%. Cohen et al (2000:268) provides further thoughts and considerations on interviews, when outlining the need for trust to exist, suggesting that there should be a relationship between the interviewer and interviewee that transcended the research, that promoted a bond of friendship, a feeling of togetherness and joint pursuit of a common mission rising above personal egos. Once again, my relationship with the senior managers is such that I am confident that I have this level of trust in place already to enable a smooth process to occur. In addition, greater credibility is given to me conducting these interviews, as Kane (1997:68) asserts, the closer the interviewer is to the respondent in class, sex, age and interests, the greater chance the interviewer has of being successful. When considering the strengths and weaknesses of different types of interviews I endorse the comments of Patton (1980:206) who sets out the interview guide approach, which mirrors my requirements. The topic and issues to be covered are specified in advance, thus the outline increases the comprehensiveness of the data and makes data collection somewhat systematic for each respondent. I recognise that there is a risk of omitting important or salient points and that I must pay particular attention to maintaining focus on the key issues, in this case whether the managers consider that the ECDL programme has benefited the business. Consideration however must be given to the school of thought that exists regarding problems with the interview as a method for gathering my research data. Mason (1997:42) suggests that good qualitative interviewing is hard, creative work. It is a much more complex and exhausting task to plan and carry out than, for example, to develop and use a structured questionnaire for asking a set of predetermined questions. Tuckman (1972) set out a number of problems with the interview as a technique for gathering data, including the fact that a competent interviewer is required (which may involve payment), a limited number of respondents can be reached and the reliability is quite limited. Whilst acknowledging these concerns, as I have set out my competency earlier, I require interviews with a controlled group of 6 individuals only and have a great degree of confidence in the reliability of my data. Not to mention that this interviewer requires no additional payment for the work. My final information gathering technique is the focus group which Kreuger (1988:27) highlights as typically having 5 characteristics, a) people who, b) posses certain characteristics, c) provide data, d) of a qualitative nature, e) in a focussed discussion. Cohen et al (2000:288) support my use of the focus group by suggesting that they might be useful to triangulate with more traditional forms of interviewing, questionnaires, observation etc. Although observation is not necessary or appropriate for my research, Cohen et al do concur with my use of the interview and questionnaire. According to the December 2002 issue of Croners A-Z Briefing (12/02:2), the main advantage of a focus group lies in its ability to collect subjective judgments where several, individual, judgments are better than just one. By using a focus group the researcher can see how and why individual judgments are supported . This aspect of the focus group is particularly useful to me as it enables a group of learners to come together and share their experiences of the ECDL programme including highs and lows. It allows me the opportunity to facilitate discussion on the optimum way forward for AEGON UK Services and for future learners. Croner goes on to add that, they perform a useful function when evaluating various aspects of training and development, particularly when qualitative measurements are required and where it is deemed necessary to ascertain any unexpected outcomes or applications which have arisen as a result of such provision. Morgan (1988:43) cautions on the size of focus groups, suggesting between four and twelve whilst Croner takes a similar stance, between 6 and 12 Both of the above agree on the need for careful consideration with sampling, in this case with the focus group, as Croner puts it (P3), all those involved do need to be representative of the total population under consideration. I have already decided to use all of my Award-holders as I have 3 months in which to carry out the research and have a small group, as Bell (1999:83) suggests, The number of subjects in your investigation will necessarily depend on the amount of time you have. However, the question of the size of the sample and how it is selected is an issue. Cohen and Mannion (1998:87) put forward a range of sampling tools including probability and non-probability, random and stratified samples whilst Bryman (1989:107) argues the case for a representative sample using a type of probability sample. To ensure that each of my ECDL Award-holders has an equal probability of inclusion in the sample used for the focus groups, names are drawn at random from an Excel spreadsheet. Kerlinger (1986:45), identifies randomness thus, it means that there is no known law, capable of being expressed in language, that correctly explains or describes events and their outcomes. Kerlinger (1986:44) goes on to provide further evidence that my sampling approach is correct, random sampling is that method of drawing a portion (sample) of a population so that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Taking into account the thoughts of both Morgan and Croner above, I facilitate 2 focus groups of 8 members each. There are some difficulties in using focus groups and some of these are identified by Krueger (1988:46/7) who outlines the following: less control of the group as opposed to individuals, difficulties in analysing data, lack of interview skills, varying group dynamics, assembling groups and creating a supportive environment. I acknowledge Kruegers observations and take extra care when running the focus groups although I must stress that my background is as a skilled interviewer and I am able to create a stable, supportive environment for the attendees who have attended similar workshops and courses in the past, often facilitated by me. Any research project is likely to raise ethical issues. This is particularly so if it involves people directly, but may also be the case even if you conduct your research entirely on documentary evidence, Blaxter et al (1997:146). Clearly, it is wrong for me to assume that, given my position as Training Manager, there is no issue with ethics, people know me and are happy to open up and provide me with valuable and valid information. Bell (1999:52) warns, People will be doing you a favour if they agree to help, and they will need to know exactly what they will be asked to do, how much time they will be expected to give and what use will be made of the information they provide. The view is endorsed by McKernan (2000:241), who adds that, It is crucial for all participants to know what their rights are in research of any kind. As such, I take great care when contacting my ECDL learners to alert them to my research and the need for their valuable input to further the learning partnership within AEGON UK Services. Particular attention is paid to the senior managers who give me some of their valuable time for 1:1 interviews and each of them is contacted personally by telephone to discuss the needs and requirements of the research and agree suitable times for the interviews. Hopkins (2000:221/2) identifies a range of principles that I must observe in the commitment to my research including, observing protocol, involving participants, reporting on progress, maintaining confidentiality and obtaining authority before using quotations. Particular care was observed when considering the use of quotations from our external partner, Workplace Training Services, and I arranged a special meeting with Cyril Wheat to discuss the learning partnership and seek his agreement to the use of specific quotations, included in the Conclusions to this research. As Burns (2000:22/3) summarises, All in all it looks fairly difficult to conduct much research without running into ethical arguments. Burns comments alert me to the need to take nothing for granted in view of my special position with the learners, Ethical problems are likely to occur in social science research since human subjects are involved. Researchers must be aware of ethical considerations involved in voluntary and non-voluntary participation, deception, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, the right to discontinue, and obligations of the experimenter. It is this special position, that of someone who has worked very closely with most of the ECDL learners, that Sellitz et al (1962:583) might have been thinking of then they attested, interviewers are human beings and not machines and their manner may have an effect on respondents. Many factors can influence responses one way or another, for instance Borg (1981:87) highlights a few of the problems that can occur, eagerness of the respondents to please the interviewer, a vague antagonism or the tendency of the interviewer to seek out the answers that his preconceived notions .These factors are called response effect by survey researchers. ECDL learners know me well and are aware of my enthusiasm for the learning partnership and our work with the ECDL programme. Might this naturally influence their responses to questionnaires, focus group or, even senior managers, interview questions? However, Bell (1999:139) offers words of wisdom, just as the aspiring researcher wilts under the strains of potential bias, by pointing out that it is easier to acknowledge the fact that bias can creep in than to eliminate it altogether. This is a key consideration for my research as I am very keen for it to succeed being the instigator of the learning partnership with Workplace Training Services and the person responsible for the ECDL programme. A further area for my research to draw upon is the Training teams entry for the 2002 National Training Awards. The entry was based upon the teams work with the ECDL programme in AEGON UK Services and I refer to the comments of the judges in the Data Analysis and Conclusions. 5. Analysis of Data My research amongst European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) award-holders in particular highlights the very positive aspects of the programme and it is encouraging to learn that all questioned feel that the programme has benefited them, personally and professionally. Significantly, the great majority of learners also felt able to now support colleagues with IT-related enquiries, a factor that reflects our status as an Investor In People; staff are keen to share knowledge with each other in a positive manner. Being able to solve problems, increasing ones confidence, developing trouble-shooting skills and appropriately staff trained in new technology are benefits to the company, as viewed by the learners. Although it is not the intention in my research to provide statistical analysis, rather to draw conclusions from learners responses, the feedback from learners does represent universal support for developing skills to enhance the business. Learners feel more competent to do their work, have a more confident approach and have developed skills to enable new work to be handled also converting manual tasks to a PC-based system. I am able to speak from personal experience and, as a result of taking the ECDL programme, I can now use Excel with some success. Whilst it is very difficult to make any claims with the research I am confident that the programme has made a significant difference. Prior to starting the ECDL programme I was unable to use Excel despite having access to the program, after completing the Excel module I am now able to design spreadsheets for use in the Training team. There is evidence of other organisations introducing a successful ECDL programme and the following case study extracts are from the ECDLs own website, www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case. Mike Sampson, Human Resources Director at Royal Liver Assurance, commented: We are delighted that the ECDL pilot scheme has proved to be so successful and now intend to run ECDL again with further members of staff. It is important that our employees are given the opportunity to refresh and improve upon their IT skills, which ultimately reflects a great benefit to Royal Liver and ensures the companys values and good standing are continually maintained. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/royal) Even in the world of IT itself, ECDL is viewed as a positive addition to the learning curriculum, Les Williamson, Resources Servicing Manager, IBM, added, We realised fairly quickly that this certification would be beneficial across the site. Not many people can claim proficiency in all the IT productivity tools that we could be using everyday. This is a qualification that demonstrates just that. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/ibm) 90% of learners feel that they are now more confident when using a PC (66% of the remaining 10% already did so) which is an endorsement of our decision to offer the programme and a statistic from a similar exercise conducted amongst award-holders at Manchester NHS Health Authority in 2002 found that ECDL qualified staff are proven to save an average of 38 minutes per day. Staff within AEGON UK Services also highlighted the speed at which they are now able to process IT-related work as a benefit to the Company. Feedback from the learners in the questionnaires suggested that, whilst staff were achieving success using the CD ROM made available by Workplace Training Services, there was less than total satisfaction. Accordingly, amongst the questions I posed at the focus groups was What method of learning would you recommend for future ECDL students? Although only a small percentage of respondents to the questionnaire felt that the quality of learning materials was less than good during the focus groups, the mood was very different and people had the opportunity to express their views in more detail. It became apparent that the majority of the attendees of twelve felt that the CD ROM was difficult to work with, either because of their own IT situation out of the office, some did not have a PC at home, or more commonly because of the great amount of detail included. Their preferred learning method was to use paper-based material although some members of the focus groups felt that the CD ROM was ideal. Comments were also made that it was often difficult to obtain 1:1 support as members of the Training team were often involved in other projects and, in truth, were never seen as providing close support for learners. Learners comments were referred to Cyril Wheat who visited the site and spoke with groups of the learners; as a result, directly, of the feedback provided to Cyril his Workplace Training Services team started to provide future learning support material in two forms, paper-based for the majority, CD ROM where preferred. In addition, another change in policy as a result of feedback, with the introduction of a dedicated resource from the College, someone who would be guaranteed to be on the Lytham site once a week for personal tutorials. Most surprising amongst the findings was the feedback from the senior managers. Whilst the Managing Director has given the partnership with Workplace Training Services his blessing and has in fact recently enrolled on the ECDL programme, the same positive views are not held by the management team. I conducted the interviews and was surprised by the little knowledge that the managers had of the programme, one actually admitted that he had no awareness that any of his staff are taking an award. Whilst the general view amongst the managers was that any learning which develops the staff to enhance the business, must be a good thing, only one member of the team was more positive. One manager had experienced the ECDL programme personally, achieved the award, and spoke highly of the benefits to AEGON UK Services in supporting the implementation of COE. More work remains to be done with the management team for the future of the programme. 6. Conclusions The comments of learners who have achieved their European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) are extremely encouraging from a purely personal point of view, the initial thoughts are that my efforts in bringing the ECDL programme to AEGON UK Services staff has paid off. But that cursory observation is not sufficient to merit the programme a success. When we set off on the ECDL programme there was a clear business need to be met, successfully implementing the Common Operating Environment (COE) and the transfer to Microsoft Office 2000. What must not be overlooked was that the business was not using any formal training strategy to meet the requirements generated by the COE and I was confident that ECDL could provide many of the training needs. Although I am not able to provide any hard quantitative data I have feedback from learners and managers which supports the use of the programme. As one manager put it, Having achieved the ECDL I can vouch for the skills and knowledge acquired. Members of my team have demonstrated the benefits of the learning through the enhanced use of different programs. The data provides evidence of ECDL supporting the implementation of COE in the business. New skills have been acquired by learners, many of whom are now looking for further opportunities, whilst at the same time encouraging colleagues to enrol on the programme. There are numerous examples quoted of staff who are now able to access different programs, use PowerPoint, Access or in my case, get to grips with Excel for the first time. Our relationship with Workplace Training Services has developed, from the first tentative enquiries regarding the use of ECDL, the Colleges first learning partnership in the North West to one of collaboration on other projects; as I close this research we are discussing certificated learning to meet behavioural competencies. Cyril Wheat, Manager Dedicated Delivery, is proud of his organisations role with the business and speaks highly of our work, with the commitment of an employer who is providing resources is very important. The need for such support is echoed by Tim Rush of Islington Council who adds, We have been lucky here in Islington, Members of the Council and senior management have been fully supportive. Gaining support at that level is essential to any successful implementation. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/islington). Cyrils teams commitment to us now includes the use of 10 PCs, available for any form of learning, and a dedicated resource on-site for work with the ECDL programme. Significantly, the learning has largely taken place at no cost to the business and during 2002 over 100 learners were enrolled with Workplace Training Services for free and we have ascertained that open learning with the ECDL programme may yet prove to be extremely cost effective to the business. We have 150 staff achieved or working towards the award with 100 more to follow during the course of this year an costs incurred to-date are a little over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3,000 which is approximately à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½12 per learner. Given that this learning ultimately accredits staff members with a universally accepted IT qualification and attendance on external learning is in my experience over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½100 per day then I believe that this equates to value for money learning. Our work with the fledgling ECDL programme in employer-related learning has highlighted new areas for study. As demonstrated earlier, learners had difficulties with the Computer Based Training and the CD ROM was not viewed as user-friendly; as a result, their feedback has been taken into account and staff enrolling more recently have had access to paper-based support material with CR ROMs available where required. The judges at the 2002 National Training Awards were impressed by your decision to encourage your employees to undertake the ECDL qualification and drew upon a number of other positive aspects although they highlighted a number of important issues for the team to consider. As I point out above, there are limitations with my research and issues to consider for the coming months, as the judges point out in their feedback, it is still quite early in the process of introducing the Common Operating Environment and they have suggested that we re-enter at a later date. I am also conscious that the research has been carried out by someone with a clearly vested interest in its success, the training of staff in the business is after all my responsibility, and that this may have clouded the findings. I acknowledge this limitation and make efforts to minimise the effects of this bias. My ultimate findings are also effected by yet more bias; the results are based upon my work with learners at AEGON UK Services in a supportive environment where facilities are made available to them and they do not have to pay any fees. I make no claims about applying my results to a wider audience whether in another industry or with the public at large. However, the final thought lies with Andrew Mayo, writing in the January 2003 edition of Training Journal, who holds out, So here is the challenge for 2003. Will you be able to say, at the end of the year, where and how learning interventions made a difference to the achievements of the organisation(s) you work with . From the feedback received from learners and indeed Workplace Training Services staff I am confident that the ECDL programme has already made an impact on AEGON UK Services although greater communication is required with senior managers based upon their own feedback. Furthermore, as the judges of the National Training Awards indicate, there is yet more to come as our learning partnership matures and more staff set out on the road to success through the challenge of ECDL. Project Proposal DHL0730 Empirical Study AEGON UK Services in partnership with Workplace Training Services, an arm of Preston College, started to offer the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) to staff in September 2001. The ECDL programme based it is upon Microsoft Office 2000 applications was seen as an ideal complement to the Common Operating Environment (COE) to be launched in 2002. At the same time the launch of ECDL provided further evidence of the Company facilitating learning and development opportunities for its staff. Under COE the whole of AEGON UK would operate with Microsoft Office 2000 whilst over 90% of staff were familiar with the 1997 version or earlier. To-date over 150 staff have started or finished the ECDL programme yet no evaluation of the success or otherwise of ECDL within AEGON UK Services has ever been carried out. Title of Research An evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as used by AEGON UK Services. Brief Description The ECDL was launched to develop the skills of European citizens and to enable them to become proficient in PC skills. The use of ECDL within AEGON UK Services was designed to provide staff with the skills necessary to deal effectively with the Common Operating Environment (COE), in effect Microsoft Office 2000.