Performance Management Analysis

Introduction In the recent past, there has been a shifting paradigm from Taylor’s model of organizational management to more productive methods of production. The new methods aim at increasing production through efficient management of human and capital resources. A number of scholars have conducted extensive research to establish the effects of various managerial techniques on the performance of employees.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Performance Management Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Some researchers note that task formulation is the most notable aspect of management, whereas others observe that the availability of human resources is the crucial factor that influences the performance of the management team. However, scholars concur that three factors are essential as far as the best managerial practices are concerned. One of the factors is production management while the other is the or ganization of work. In addition, the relationship between various groups in the organization influences the performance of employees. Scholars agree that a new model of management should be applied in case the organization is to achieve high results. The new model must incorporate the tenets of neo-liberalism into its productivity structures. Currently, scholars focus on exploring the new management dynamics that relate to post-Ford model of production. Scholars in the UK and the US perceive that the model should be adopted in order to enhance productivity in organizations. However, changing the work structure has micro and macro implications. Scholars of political economy and ethnographic sociology have posted their findings on the topic given its importance in the performance of organizations. This paper reviews a number of articles in order to shed some light on the topic. Views of Various Scholars on Post-Ford Production Model As earlier noted, scholars have posted various views regarding the management models in the current managerial systems. Their views can be categorized into a number of models. Under high performance work systems model, scholars such as Danford and Thompson have contributed enormously in enriching the topic. Handel and Gittleman are some of the scholars who have contributed to the development of high-performance work practices model. Ashton and Sung have conducted extensive research to establish the influence of high-performance work on organizations.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A number of scholars have also discussed the issue of high involvement in detail. Some have talked about high involvement work systems while others stick to high involvement work practices. Harmon is one such scholar who talks about high involvement work systems while Fuertes and Sanchez capitalize their study on high involvement practices. The is sue of high involvement management is also of importance to scholars. Forth and Millward are some of the scholars who analyze the relationship between high involvement practices and the management strategies. Scholars such as Brown and Reich have postulated their findings regarding the relationship between high performance and employment systems. High commitment management is another model employed in analyzing the performance of employees. Baird, Whitefield, and Poole are some of the scholars who have posted their findings on commitment management model. Danford (2004) notes that the idea of high performance work systems is a mechanistic model that does not take into account the demands of human beings. He conducted a study on JetCo manufacturing company and came up with a number of suggestions. The company had a number of efficient practices at the start, but ended up with practices that were unpleasant to the workforce. The company had prolific initiatives aimed at improving the quality of production. The introduction of team leaders created tension among employees, which lowered the firm’s productivity. Employees perceived that their views were not given serious attention. On his part, Thompson (2003) notes that a significant factor regarding high performance work systems is reciprocity. In this regard, employers have a responsibility of ensuring that they develop trust and commitment towards employees. Therefore, the employer is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the employee is provided with adequate training and efficient reward system. However, Thomson admits that employers in the neo-liberal economy are unable to fulfill the wishes of employees due to the challenges posed by the economy. On high performance work practices, Handel and Gittleman (2004) criticize the model by observing that it does not create a working relationship between workers and employers. The model is only known to increase wages. Therefore, the new model of h igh performance management is simply aimed at benefitting an individual, but does not increase productivity in the organization.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Performance Management Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ashton and Sung (2002) assert that it is proven scientifically that a strong relationship between human resource practices and improved performance exist. In particular, the relationship is strong in matters related to profitability and productivity. Therefore, the two scholars suggest that performance practices are closely related to the skills acquired by the employee. The relationship serves to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization. However, the scholars caution that the model is only applicable to certain industries. This means that the model does not solve managerial problems in all scenarios. Harmon (2003) conducted a research to explore the efficiency of th e American health care sector. In the study, a conclusion was drawn suggesting that a relationship between high performance management and employee efficiency existed. The study can be interpreted to mean that high involvement work systems are related to financial aspects. Fuertes and Sanchez (2003) extend the works of Harmon by observing that some factors motivate employers to adopt certain models. Employers calculate the benefits of the model before adopting it. Employers might prefer using less costly strategies, as opposed to using strategies that would drain their resources. Employers do not prefer some of the practices, such as rewarding employees with financial benefits because they eat up their profits. Employers prefer using non-financial rewards to appreciate their employees, such as awarding a promotion. Forth and Millward (2004) assert that high performance management is a concept that cannot be neglected given its effectiveness and influence on the performance of the or ganization. They further observe that all management practices are related to the high performance management model in one way or the other. Forth and Millward note that the high performance management model might be interrupted by deregulation of financial markets. Organizations in the modern financial markets go through a number of challenges that make it hard for employers to implement high performance management models.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Competition in the market is stiff implying that employers are concerned with sustaining market competition, not enhancing structural organization of firms. Brown and Reich (1999) conducted a study on one of the Australian manufacturing companies. The company formulated a number of strategies aimed at improving the performance of the organization. The firm emphasized on team building, development of staff, and training. The firm adjusted its policies that focused on Taylor’s model to reflect modern managerial practices. Efficient planning and role allocation were some of the new strategies employed by the firm. The new tactics improved the performance of the organization in a number of ways. Whitefield and Poole (1997) observe that high commitment management is a highly sensitive issue. Therefore, it must be handled carefully. The main concern of employers is to increase production and organize work. The scholars note that before talking about performance management, the caus es of perennial problems in the organization must be handled. The above scholars suggest that organizations utilize their competitive advantages in the market to formulate innovative practices. The researchers conclude that implementation of high performance managerial practices generate new techniques that improve the performance of the organization. High performance management strategies are extremely costly, but their outcomes are productive. In this regard, they observe that high performance management models must produce high results for them to be maintained. In a study conducted in Europe, it was established that organizations with comprehensive new work practices tended to have high training needs. Regarding high commitment management, Baird (2002) notes that all stakeholders in the organization must be consulted before formulating any policy. Through consultative forum, the organization utilizes its resources in the most cost effective way. Moreover, embracing dialogue help s the firm in achieving its competitive advantage in the market. The role of professionals in the organization is to ensure social bonding and commitment to the new techniques of production. Conclusions Model managerial theories suggest that the work place is the main learning institution that enhances the capacity of employees. Older models suggest that employees are expected to join organizations when they are already equipped with adequate knowledge from colleges and universities. Things have since changed in the modern society. For instance, the works of modern scholars suggest that teamwork is one of the most crucial aspects of management. Employees are expected to be given chances to explore their potentials in the organization. This implies that employers are expected to allow some flexibility that permits sovereignty. References Ashton, D., Sung, J. (2002). Supporting Workplace Learning for High Performance Working. Geneva: International Labor Office. Baird, M. (2002). Chan ges, Dangers, Choice and Voice: Understanding What High Commitment Management Means for Employees and Unions. The Journal of Industrial Relations, 44(3), 359-375. Brown, C., Reich, M. (1997). Micro-Macro Linkages in High Performance Employment Systems. Organizational Studies, 18(5), 765-781. Danford, A. (2004). High Performance Work Systems and Workplace Partnership: A Case Study of Aerospace Workers. New Technology, Work and Employment, 19(1), 14-29. Forth, J., Millward, N. (2004). High-Involvement Management and Pay in Britain’, Industrial Relations, 43(1), 98-119. Fuertes, M., Sanchez, F. (2003). High-Involvement Practices in Human Resource Management: Concept and Factors that Motivate their Adoption. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 14(4), 511-529. Handel, J., Gittleman, M. (2004). Is There a Wage Pay-off to Innovative Work Practices? Industrial Relations, 43(1), 67-97. Harmon, J., (2003). Effects of High-Involvement Work Systems on Employee Satisfa ction and Service Costs in Veteran Healthcare. Journal of Health Management, 48(16), 393-418. Thompson, P. (2003). Disconnected Capitalism: Or Why Employers Cannot Keep Their Side of the Bargain. Work Employment and Society, 17(2), 359-378. Whitefield, K., Poole, M. (1997). Organizing Employment for High Performance: Theories, Evidence, and Policy. Organization Studies, 18(5), 745-764. This report on Performance Management Analysis was written and submitted by user Kimber A. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Successful Self-Pub Authors and Their First Books

Successful Self-Pub Authors and Their First Books 4 Successful Self-Published Authors Their Surprising Beginnings So what do a Martian, a BDSM obsessed CEO, a Harvard professor suffering from Alzheimer’s, and a subterranean city have in common?If you guessed that they’re all characters from originally self-published books, you’d be... correct.Today, these titles and characters are famous worldwide, and their authors are some of the most successful in the world. Their backstories are worth re-visiting, as these authors all come from a range of backgrounds. In fact, the only thing they share is a desire to write- and the decision to self-publish. After achieving so much success through the self-publishing model, is it any wonder that Howey is now a champion of all indie authors? "Self-publishing is the future," Howey wrote in an op-ed for Salon, "And it's great for writers.†Were any of these stories new to you? Share your favorite self-published author’s backstory in the comments below! Surprise us.

The Matrix Trilogy by Wachowski Brothers Movie Review

The Matrix Trilogy by Wachowski Brothers - Movie Review Example Alexandra Lazar states that the idea of â€Å"formlessness of chaos† can be found in: â€Å"Chinese and the Babylonian creation stories† (Lazar, 2004). She illustrates that â€Å"the dragon represents the principle of order, which emerges from chaos. In Babylonian myth, the Goddess Tiamat together with other early gods embodied the various faces of chaos† (Lazar, 2004). In general, every universal religion has such binary oppositions: good-evil, chaos-order, hell-paradise, etc. Probably, the fact that Matrix is based on binary opposition helps to explain why it is so successful in our society. Everything around us is based on this concept: love-hate; truth-lie, etc. On the other hand, the Matrix retrieved great knowledge which most of people fail to see. We live in a structured world, which becomes a Matrix for us, and we unable to change it (or at least see â€Å"the reality†). The structure of state, government, bureaucratic system creates a Matrix like its movie prototype. â€Å"The Matrix trilogy† is so popular because our generation feels like robots or machines who â€Å"conquered† by bureaucratic system of the world order and â€Å"in order to break free from this ominous and quantifying 'real' we would need to ask further questions about defining links that 'divide and conquer† (Lazar, 2004). In the article, Lazar underlines that: â€Å"power in itself is deceptive as it is based on a paradox: it allows the taste of truth/knowledge but causes its own end (and arguably the end of truth/knowledge)† (Lazar, 2004). This philosophical idea can be found in stoicism, and corresponds with the notion of â€Å"aporia† and dialectical exercise. For instance, â€Å"in â€Å"Parmenides† the aporia means the form that the sensible and intelligible worlds are incorrigibly separated and also are not separated, in that each side has the other in it† (Doull, n.d.). This idea runs through the Matrix trying to uncover the truth of reality, but the heroes rewrite this knowledge showing that 'there is no spoon†, so what? Again, the views are faced with the binary opposition which creates â€Å"quasi-myth† of reality.  

Topical Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Topical - Research Paper Example Food security involves a situation whereby all human beings have physical and economic access to enough, safe and nutritious food that can meet their dietary needs and food preference for an active and healthy life. Decision makers, policy makers as well as concerned members of the public have widely discussed issues on how much food the world is growing or is able to grow and whether the production of food involves sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, they have also been discussing how food is distributed at the global, regional, national, and household levels. All these concerns have been crucial in achieving concerted efforts and the international commitment of organizations concerned with world food production such as food and agricultural organization (FAO) (Nicholson, 2009, p14). Emerging acknowledgement of other food problems has placed the concerns of the food system in a much broader context. The concerns include human health closely tied to food safety and the growing cases of nutrition related illnesses such as heart diseases; the commercialization and industrialization of food and agriculture; the emergence of advanced technologies with eminent positive and negative economic and environmental impacts; the emergence of transnational organizations in international food markets; rising concentration in food production, processing, and retail and armed conflicts (McMicheal, 1994, p20). There are environmental challenges facing the global food system. These challenges include climate change, the extortion of natural resources, salinity, increased amount of pesticides, GMO concerns, and biodiversity challenged closely linked to monocropping. Each of these challenges does not cross modern borders, hence making the study of the food system itself a valuable and important experience (McMicheal, 1994, p20). The food challenges being experienced in the world now are both diverse and complex.

Chinese media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Chinese media - Essay Example The same could be said of China, a country in which activism is viewed as illegal and an act against the values shared by the government. However, the presence and availability of media activism has increased the country’s ability to take part in activism. With a massive population, media activism in China has provided a platform for communication for many people gagged from taking part in conventional activism processes (Wallis 410). Specifically, people in China have been cited as one of the greatest consumers of media activism in a country where freedom is not viewed as a democratic right. Media activism in China may be defined from two contrasting perspectives. There is the government and society definition of media activism. For the Chinese government, media activism is only legal where the users use the available technologies in communication to cite the positive features of the government. For instance, media houses in China are licensed to provide information as specified by the government. This form of media activism does not allow for criticism of highlighting of the errors by the governing body. The definition also covers providing information on the acts of the government depicting change, control, superiority and just (Yang 54). The social definition of media activism in China is the completely opposite of the stated definition. The definition mainly focuses on highlighting the need of change. Considering that the conventional media in China has no power to provide voice to the citizens, other media sources are relied upon to voice the frustrations on the government. Media activism from the people is defined as act by which the society is provided with an opportunity to challenge the existing non-democratic rule of law. China is highly defined by a rule of law inconsiderate of the rights of people. Problems in the nation can only be headlined

Is Crime and Punishment a Realist Novel?

Is Crime and Punishment a Realist Novel? This essay will explore how the novel Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky does not adhere to the realism conventions we have come to know; it will explore the way in which the text is not realist because of Dostoevskys use of phycological realism, commonly referred to as fantastic realism whilst still employing some realist tropes. Firstly, to argue that the text is not a realist text, realism must be defined. There is a distinction between a realist novel and other literary works, realist writing is a representation of reality thus, it can never give the reader a type of true reality that is associated with life. The OED definition of realism defines it as the presentation of things in a way that is accurate and true to life.[1] However, Catherine Belsey states that a realist text positions itself between the facts and a type of illusion through a representation of a simulated reality which could be possible but not real[2], Realism imposes limitations on the text therefore Dostoevsky wanted to move away from such limitations imposed by classical realism. In a letter written to Strakhov, Dostoevsky explains that he has his own ideas that are shown throughout his works, he declares I have my own idea about art, and it is this: What most people regard as fantastic and lacking in universality, / hold to be the in most essence of truth.[3] One of his ideas that he employs is Fantastic realism which moves away from traditional conventions with emphasis on the characters rather than the narrator. Fantastic (or transcendental) realism varies from classic realism because Dostoevsky explores the significance of reality and dreams, it focuses on penetrations into the deepest realities of the human soul.[4]   Dostoevsky first experienced the fantastic when he had the vision of the Neva [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] a silent and frozen world glittering magically in the last rays of the sun[5]. Prior to this, he pictured himself as living in an imaginary and exotic world of Schiller and Hoffman[6] but the dream of Neva changed his view on the real world, it suddenly became fantastic and memorable to him referring to the world as a literary daydream. In the text, it is referred to as Little Neva. Dostoevskys realism explores reality to its utmost extreme that would not be utilized in a classic realist novel. Dreams are scattered thro ughout Crime and Punishment. Raskolnikov has about the horse being whipped and abused. Secondly, Dostoevsky was influenced by Freuds theory of dreams when writing such passages in his works, In Freuds study he realised that the unconscious often expresses itself in the form of dreams[7], he has a dream that drives him into action and [illuminates], in striking fashion, the unconscious forces at work within him[8]. The dream portrays his plan to murder the pawnbroker, he associates himself with the tavern owner Mikolka, and it is with this that Raskolnikovs anger is shown in the dream; The experience confirms that he does wish to carry out the heinous act however he tries to desperately convince himself that he will not act upon the motivations to no avail God! He exclaimed is it possible, is it possible, that I really shall take an axe and strike her on the head[9]. After the dream, he goes on to commit the crime which shows the unconscious influencing his decisions; the protagonists conscious and unconscious tears Raskolnikov thoughts into contrasting positions. Raskolnikov is not the only character to experience such dreams and reality in the text, Marmaladov experiences a different reality when he passes out from his alcoholism, this is where the fantastic is found. Svidrigailov also experiences a dream, he finds a young girl aged five crying, he proceeds to carry her to his bedroom and lays her on his bed, an impudent invitation gleamed from that unchildlike face; it was corruption, it was the face of a courtesan[10] Svidrigailov wakes up and heads to the Little Neva, he tells a Guard he is going to America and [pulls] the trigger[11] The dream is the moment that the characters mind is explored, The little girls innocence is taken away by the image of the courtesan representing the characters sins. In the dream, he also meets a fourteen-year-old girl that committed suicide; this young girl could be Svidrigailov himself because he commits suicide not long after the experience. Dreams are not the only device to show the fantastic in the text, Crime and Punishment goes beyond character dialogues and appears to enter the characters minds, the events as they happen are shown through the main protagonist Raskolnikov, the characters that are introduced to the reader appear to be different aspects of his personality. There are many evident doubles in the text that reflect the main characters alter ego, even when the character themselves are not there in the scene they show varied aspects of his personality, however, the characters that double Raskolnikov are themselves complex., having full developed personalities. Bakhtins theory of the dialogues between the characters exhibit this. Dostoevsky realises Bakhtins theory because the greatest of all contrapuntists genuinely surrenders to his characters and allows them to speak in ways other than his own.[12] The characters that he creates in his novels are polemicized with, learned from; attempts are made to develop their views into finished systems.[13]   The characters are their own authors of their ideas, allowing them to break away from the usual use of the narrator, Characters that are presented in this way have multiple viewpoints that are equal in importance to that of a narrator on their own. The main protagonist appears to be in conflict that concerns his conscience and his unconscious throughout the text. To show this, Dostoevsky created the characters Sonya and Svidrigailov. Sonya represents the kindness that Raskolnikov occasionally shows, this is depicted through his charitable acts and kind gestures towards others. Sonya becomes a prostitute to support her family through hardships whilst her father Marmaladov cannot control his alcoholism, she goes to great lengths to be kind to others whilst managing to maintain her innocence.   On the other hand, Svidrigailov opposes this kindness, he represents the will and power of Raskolnikov; he is the extraordinary aspect, the characters dislike one another showing their opposing aspects of his personality. The charitable acts that he carries out, he later comes to regret. This duality is confirmed by Dmitri Prokofichs description of Raskolnikov he is moody, melancholy, proud and haughty, [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] He is kind a nd generous. He goes on to say Really, it is as if he had two separate personalities, each dominating him alternately.[14] Overall, although Crime and Punishment make use of some realist tropes it is not a realist text because of the use of fantastic realism. The minds of the characters and their relationship with the protagonist take emphasis in the novel, through the dreams that the characters experience the reader can see aspects of characters that one would not see in a traditional realist novel. The characters develop and display aspects of the main protagonist, in doing this in his novels such as the text discussed, Dostoevsky created a fundamentally new novelistic genre.[15] [1] Maurice Waite (ed.), Realism, Oxford English Dictionary (London: Oxford University Press, 2012). [2] Catherine Belsey, Critical Practice, Second Edition, (London: Routledge, 2002). [3] Marlene Chambers, Some Notes on The Aesthetics of Dostoevsky, Comparative Literature, 13.2 (1961), 114-122 . [4] Ilya Vinitsky, Where Bobok Is Buried: The Theosophical Roots of Dostoevskis Fantastic Realism, Slavic Review, 65.03 (2006), 523-543 . [5] Joseph Frank, Dostoevskys Discovery Of Fantastic Realism, Russian Review, 27.3 (1968), 286 . [6] Joseph Frank, Dostoevskys Discovery Of Fantastic Realism [7] Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan Strangers to Ourselves: Psychoanalysis Julie Rivkin, Michael Ryan: Literary Theory: An Anthology, Second Edition (Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2004) pp. 389- 396 (p.390) [8] Louis Breger, Dostoevsky: The Author as Psychoanalyst (Somerset, N.J.: Transaction; London: Eurospan [distributor], 2008). pp. 28-29 [9] Fyodor Dostoevsky, George Gibian (ed.), Crime and Punishment, p. 51 [10] Fyodor Dostoevsky, George Gibian (ed.), Crime and Punishment, p. 431 [11] Fyodor Dostoevsky, George Gibian (ed.), Crime and Punishment, p. 433 [12] Mikhail Bakhtin, Problems of Dostoevskys Poetics, ed. and trans. Caryl Emerson; intro. Wayne C. Booth (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1984). P xxii [13] Mikhail Bakhtin, Problems of Dostoevskys Poetics, p. 5 [14] Fyodor Dostoevsky, George Gibian (ed.), Crime and Punishment, p. 182 [15] Mikhail Bakhtin, Problems of Dostoevskys Poetics, p. 7 Trends of the Coffee Sector in Ethiopia | Research Proposal Trends of the Coffee Sector in Ethiopia | Research Proposal Coffee is the most important commercial crop-plant and favorite drink in the world. Next to oil, coffee is the second important and valued global commodity. It is estimated that around 20 million coffee producing households worldwide and nearly 100 million persons used coffee as a means of income for their living. The export value of the crop is enormous (US $15.4 billion in 2009/10). The genus Coffea seeds are used to make coffee from a roasted form and changed into cup for drink through a complex process (Davis et. al., 2011). Nowadays, studies indicated that over hundred coffee species exist. Out of these, the three coffee types, i.e., Coffee Robusta, Coffee Arabica and Coffee Liberica have economic significance. The first two types are traded in the world market. Coffee Arabica has an important part in some tropical countries economy. This type of coffee is cultivated in several places of the tropics, contributing for 80 percent of coffee market worldwide. It plays a substantial part in employment and income generation for developing countries like Latin America, Africa and Asia (Girma et al., 2008). Ethiopia is the home and basis of inherent resources and coffee Arabica diversities. The South and Southwestern parts of the country’s humid high rain forests were believed to be the original place of Coffee Arabica. Like many developing nations, the country relies greatly on export of key agricultural products in which coffee is the major and significant crop (Behailu et. al., 2007). Ethiopia was the 6th biggest coffee producer in the world and first in Africa, producing 273400 metric tons in 2008. During the same year, the country exported 179283 tons of coffee to the world market with a value of about US$562 million. This accounts 66% of the total produced coffee that is exported and 50% of the total worth of agricultural goods traded. 34% of the total produced coffee was locally consumed (FAOSTAT, 2009). Currently, Ethiopia contributes 3.6 percent of the total value and 3 percent of the total quantity of coffee traded to the global market, which leads the country to be the 10th largest exporter of coffee in the world and the first exporter in Africa. 40% of the total coffee production of Ethiopia is exported, which earns 33% of the overall value of agricultural goods exported and 24% of the whole export value of the country (Ministry of Trade, 2013). Over one-third of the population living in the rural areas and over 15 million populations sustain their livelihoods and participated in coffee production. There are around one million coffee growers in the country (Aklilu and Ludi, 2010). Coffee has been an important commodity which has got greater attention by the government of Ethiopia. It is the first cash crop that the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX) started trading operations in April 2008 in order to advance coffee markets in the country. High costs and high risks of transaction were the features of agricultural markets in Ethiopia before 2008, with only one third of the production reaching the market. Besides, smallholder farmers have little information about the market which limits them to sell their final products at the nearby market, deal with good prices as well as minimizing their market risk (ECX, 2008). Sale of agricultural products and earning income is the primary objective of farmers. As a result, production resource allocation decision is affected by various factors such as price and level of output. Measures to increase production are incomplete without steps to increase market supply. The cash needed to purchase production inputs depends on the income earned from the sale of farm products (Bekabil, 2004). Smallholder farmers are the main producers of coffee by contributing 95 percent of the total coffee output in the country (ODI, 2009). The coffee growers in Ethiopia integrate coffee production into their strategic family livelihoods by cultivating food related crops for home consumption. Small scale coffee farmers do not have the chance to sell their products at competitive prices in the remote areas of the country (ODI, 2009). According to Aklilu and Ludi (2010), farmers faced different challenges even if the coffee marketing arranged by the government. They pointed out insufficient regulation of coffee price by the government where suppliers and collectors fixed their own price which is generally lower than the market price as stated by the government. Thus, such coffee market incompetence chiefly affect the income of coffee farmers and discourage them in the process of coffee production and marketing which lead to a significantly decreases in the country’s foreign exchange. This suggests that it is very critical to study and monitor systematically the production and marketing systems in all coffee growing areas of the country for the sake of planning and designing suitable research and development interventions that are applicable to the specific systems. Objectives of the Study The general objective of the study is to analyze the trends of coffee sector in Ethiopia in general and generate baseline information on production and marketing systems of the selected study are in particular by concentrating on parameters like production, marketing, institutional and organizational support and challenges and opportunities. Specific Objectives The specific objectives of the study are: To assess the production system and performance of coffee in the study area, To assess the market information and related socio-economic situation of the study area, To identify the major challenges and opportunities related to coffee production and marketing in the study area and Based on the findings of the research, forward viable recommendations. Significance of the Study The result of the study is helpful for the coffee growers and traders in the study area in planning and for development planners and policy makers in drafting policies for coffee production and marketing. Moreover, potential investors in coffee bean marketing in the study area can utilize the information in order to understand the market structure, price and profitability of the business. It will be an added value to the knowledge base on the production and marketing of coffee and a stepping stone and foundation for future research studies and researchers in this particular subject in the region. Finally, practitioners and academicians are expected to benefit from the findings of this research. Scope and Limitations of the Study The study is based on one-year data on coffee production and marketing in the study area. It also focuses on dry processed coffee bean as it accounts for the lion’s share in type of coffee exported by Ethiopia. In addition, the spatial coverage of the research work is one district (woreda) within a major coffee growing region in Ethiopia. Moreover, the study was constrained by the lack of vital data from most coffee traders in the study area. Organization of the Paper This thesis paper is comprised of five main chapters. The first chapter presents the introduction part. The second chapter contains review of related literatures. Chapter three presents material and methods used in the study including description of the study area. Chapter four presents the main findings of the research work. The last chapter summarizes the results, draws conclusion and offers recommendations. References and appendices will be next to the closing chapter.

Decision Making Model Essay -- essays research papers

Decision Making Model Abstract   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Decision making models can be very effective in problem solving. Scheduling is a big problem at Direct HomeHealth Care and a solution needed to be found. Scheduling software which can be very expensive was the only conclusion that could be reached. With much thought and analysis a resolution was reached with critical thought and a decision making model from the Small Business Development Center. Decision making models can be very helpful in analyzing a problem and setting up a step by step process to evaluate and come to a favorable conclusion. Recently there has been a problem at my agency with scheduling and the difficulty the on call schedulers have with toting around several very large scheduling books. The Small Business Development Center has a decision making model to assist with problem solving and I have chosen their web sight to aid with this problem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first step in this decision making model is to recognize a problem exist and set a solution objective. Direct HomeHealth Care’s everyday business is making sure patients are scheduled properly and taken care of by nursing assistants. There are approximately 250 patients and 250 nursing assistants. Scheduling books are used to keep track of every patient and every nursing assistant that is scheduled to see that patient. The patient books are divided up by payer source, for example, Medicaid, Social Services or private pay patients. The nursing books are categori...

Topshop Singapore

It has about 300 tortes in the United Kingdom and over 100 international stores worldwide including Singapore. It launched in 1964 and is considered the first fast fashion brand in the history of fashion. The goal is to produce catwalk trends as fast and cheap as possible. In this report, our group conducted a survey about Tops to find out its target market and the perspective of these target market towards the brand. We basically asked people around school and friends around Singapore to answer this survey. We were able to asked 74 people in total to share their perception towards the brand plus basic information about them.We will be explaining the results in different segments and some findings about the brand. Consumer Demographics Tops appeals to students and professionals which can range from 16-30 years old. The line mainly focuses on women who are not yet married with the income range of SAG 12,000 to 62,000 per year. Target audience is young fashion-conscious ladies on a bud get (Perez, 2013). It can also target older group ranging from 31 to early ass since Tops targets women who cannot be defined by her age but instead her attitude (Perez, 2013). Consumer Chirography's Tops targets women who are addicted to fashion.According to Perez (2013), Tops targets two segments from the 8 segments of Val's II, which are achievers and experiences. Experiences spends a big amount of their income on fashion, entertainment and social life. They like looking good and having nice possessions. While achievers on the other hand are active on purchasing. They like showing their shows why they like shopping with their friends rather than their families. Regular consumers of Tops often aims to have a unique style which are influenced by trends and the current weather. They often go to Tops to seek for the latest rends so they can be ahead of the game.Some of them may not only have the love for fashion but also for music, film and food too. They love to shop for the latest fashion trends almost every month and opt for the unique not a specific style. Consumer Perception of Brand According to the survey that we did recently about Tops, Singapore residences are aware of the brand and most of them have bought something from Tops, although not a lot of them remains as a regular consumer of the brand due to some circumstances. Though, they still find Tops affordable and stylish, most of them onto consider it as their go-to brand when shopping for clothing.They're somehow in between depending on the products available up for grabs. It is considered as an affordable luxury brand and a major trendsetter for the fashion world. Page 10 Competitors Since Tops is a fast fashion brand, it has many competitors like Forever 21, H, Berserk, Starvations, Ezra and many other more. These competitors offer almost the same thing from price, place, and promotion. These brands gives consumers more range of products which they often compare and can steal customers from Tops. Singapore residences often shops more in Forever 21 and H since They offer almost the same thing so consumer tend to go for the cheaper. Although, some consumer still sticks with Tops when they opt for the latest forward- thinking trends while some who wants more ranges shops in both. Other brands such as Marc by Marc Jacobs and Juicy Couture can still be a competitor of Tops even though they are breech brands since it gives consumers more options. Customers' Opinion of the Marketing Mix Base on their ratings, Tiptop's store locations here in Singapore are placed on the eight area where shoppers usually demand for it.The variety of products that they offer are still satisfying for consumers and the quality of the products still remains remarkable. Although, customer are often not that satisfied with the services Tops offers in their stores and its merchandising. Also, the price of the products they sell are still a bit high considering that their mainline is affordable fashion for y oung women. They are not doing a very good Job on their promotions as well here in Singapore since not everyone knows about the promotions they do, like their latest collaboration with Car Delivering.The promotion of the brand here in Singapore is not as wide as their promotions in the USA or other countries. Tops consumers enjoy both in-store and online privileges. Page 1 1 Conclusion Many fast fashion brands are in competition with Tops, and this is a big threat for the brand. Although, Tops is still unique and is still growing as time passes by, status. However, the only draw back within the brand is its failure to provide prices that accommodate their large student market (Miraculous, 2009). As for recommendations, Tops should lower their prices to earn more customer so that hey would go back.

Hosting a Book Launch Party on Facebook

Hosting a Book Launch Party on Facebook Whether or not you’re a Facebook fan, hosting an online launch party for your just-published book can gather readers and sell books.   Real-world book launches are useful for getting the word out about your print book via press releases to newspapers, but sometimes the response in terms of actual attendees leaves something to be desired. For a Facebook launch party, attendance is only limited Before you sign on to Facebook to create the event, you’ll need to design a header for the event page, the same size as your Facebook header (or get a design friend to put it together).   As in all design, colorful and eye-catching will draw the most interest.   Make sure the header gives all necessary info about the event in one glance (i.e., include the words â€Å"Book Launch†). Next, log on to your Facebook page and click on â€Å"Create an Event† on the right side of the page.   Upload your cover photo, choose the date, and fill in the rest of the fields.   One to two hours is a good amount of time- it takes a while for people to read and comment, and you don’t want to tire your fingers too much (once it DOES get going, you may be typing constantly).   When you’re done, click â€Å"Publish.† Post an opening comment to explain the event, and click on â€Å"Share† to invite your friends.   You can also add the event to your news feed.   You’re ready to go!   If there will be some time passing between the setup and the event, check the page regularly for questions (â€Å"How does this work?† comes fairly frequently). Now for an important tip:   Before the party starts, gather some snippets of information- short excerpts, a bit about why you wrote the book, the cover graphic, table of contents, a short

Jomon Culture Hunter Gatherers of Japan

Jomon Culture Hunter Gatherers of Japan Jomon is the name of the early Holocene period hunter-gatherers of Japan, beginning about 14,000 B.C.E. and ending about 1000 B.C.E. in southwestern Japan and 500 C.E. in northeastern Japan. The Jomon made stone and bone tools, and pottery beginning at a few sites as early as 15,500 years ago. The word Jomon means cord pattern, and it refers to the cord-marked impressions seen on Jomon pottery. Jomon Chronology Incipient Jomon (14,000–8000 B.C.E.) (Fukui Cave, Odai Yamamoto I)Initial Jomon (8000–4800 B.C.E.) (Natsushima)Early Jomon (ca 4800–3000 B.C.E.) (Hamanasuno, Tochibara Rockshelter, Sannai Maruyama, Torihama Shell Mound)Middle Jomon (ca 3000–2000 B.C.E.) (Sannai Maruyama, Usujiri)Late Jomon (ca. 2000–1000 B.C.E.) (Hamanaka 2)Final (1000–100 B.C.E.) (Kamegaoka)Epi-Jomon (100 B.C.E.–500 C.E.) (Sapporo Eki Kita-Guchi) The Early and Middle Jomon lived in hamlets or villages of semi-subterranean pit houses, excavated up to about one meter into the earth. By the late Jomon period and perhaps as a response to climate change and a lowering of sea levels, the Jomon moved into fewer villages sited mainly on the coastlines and there relied increasingly on river and ocean fishing, and shellfish. The Jomon diet was based on a mixed economy of hunting, gathering, and fishing, with some evidence for gardens with millet, and possibly gourd, buckwheat, and azuki bean. Jomon Pottery The earliest pottery forms of the Jomon were low-fired, round and pointed-based forms, created during the Initial period. Flat-based pottery characterized the Early Jomon period. Cylindrical pots are characteristic of northeastern Japan, and similar styles are known from mainland China, which may or may not suggest direct contact. By the Middle Jomon period, a variety of jars, bowls, and other vessels were in use. The Jomon have been the focus of much debate concerning the invention of pottery. Scholars today debate whether pottery was a local invention or diffused from the mainland; by 12,000 B.C.E. low-fired pottery was in use throughout East Asia. Fukui Cave has radiocarbon dates ca. 15,800–14,200 calibrated years BP on associated charcoal, but Xianrendong Cave in mainland China so far holds the oldest pottery vessels discovered on the planet, by perhaps a thousand years or so. Other sites such as Odai Yamomoto in Aomori prefecture have been found to date the same period as Fukui Cave, or somewhat older. Jomon Burials and Earthworks Jomon earthworks are noted by end of the Late Jomon period, consisting of stone circles around cemetery plots, such as at Ohyo. Circular spaces with earthen walls up to several meters high and up to 10 meters (30.5 feet) thick at the base were built at several sites such as Chitose. These burials were often layered with red ochre and were accompanied by polished stone staffs which may represent rank. By the Late Jomon period, evidence for ritual activities is noted at sites by elaborate grave goods such as masks with goggle eyes and anthropomorphic figurines accompanying burials placed in ceramic pots. By the Final period, farming of barley, wheat, millet, and hemp developed, and the Jomon lifestyle diminished all over the region by 500 C.E. Scholars debate whether the Jomon were related to the modern Ainu hunter-gatherers of Japan. Genetic studies suggest that they are likely biologically related to the Jomon, but the Jomon culture is not expressed within modern Ainu practices. The known archaeological correlate of the Ainu is called the Satsumon culture, who are believed to have displaced the epi-Jomon about 500 C.E.; Satsumon may be a descendant of the Jomon rather than a replacement. Important Sites Sannai Maruyama, Fukui Cave, Usujiri, Chitose, Ohyu, Kamegaoka, Natsushima, Hamanasuno, Ocharasenai. Sources Craig OE, Saul H, Lucquin A, Nishida Y, Tache K, Clarke L, Thompson AH, Altoft DT, Uchiyama J, Ajimoto M et al. 2013. Earliest evidence for the use of pottery. Nature 496(7445):351-354.Crawford GW. 2011. Advances in Understanding Early Agriculture in Japan. Current Anthropology 52(S4):S331-S345.Crema ER, and Nishino M. 2012. Spatio-temporal distributions of Middle to Late Jomon pithouses in Oyumino, Chiba (Japan). Journal of Open Archaeology Data 1(2).Ikeya N. 2017. Group migration and cultural change following the Akahoya volcanic ashfall: Identifying the pottery production centers at the beginning of the Early Jomon period of Japan. Quaternary International 442(Part B):23-32.Moriya T. 2015. A Study of the Utilization of Wood to Build Pit Dwellings from the Epi-Jomon Culture to the Satsumon Culture in Hokkaido Region, Japan. Journal of the Graduate School of Letters 10:71-85.Nakazawa Y. 2016. The significance of obsidian hydration dating in assessing the integrity of Holocene midden , Hokkaido, northern Japan. Quaternary International 397:474-483.

Current Topics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Current Topics - Research Paper Example There is good and there is bad in the proposals and of course hte mining industry is fighting the whole thing. With that in mind, this paper will look at three of the proposals and compare them to the design principles that are to include fairness. The principles that will be used here are simplicity, equity of fairness, and efficiency. The simplicity of this program is excellent. It is clear and easy to understand both for those that are young and just beginning to plan their retirement and those that have been saving for awhile. The catch up issue for older Australians may be a little more difficult than the rest as even though it does give a good opportunity for catch up, understanding how they might do that is difficult. They may need some advice on the best way to manage that in such a way that it is to their advantage then and now. At the same time, it seems very equitable. It would have been very easy to change the rule now and not go back and help those approaching retirement. That would have caused a very unequitable situation for the elderly Australian's now. For example the new guarantee has been extended to workers aged 70 to 75 so they can be on an equal footing with the younger workers (futuretax.gov). It also allows for changes to key amounts when there have been breaks in working throughout a career. Efficiency by the definition given appears to be well distributed. The funds that are put away from this process will go to build infrastructure and increase jobs for the young who will continue to work toward funding the process. This seems to be a very effective and quite efficient way of doing this. However, it works very much like the social security system in the United States (sociealsecurity.gov) which over the years has become a disaster and that may warn that this needs to be watched closely. In the U.S. social security monies were paid in for retirement and used for other things and now with a large retirement about to happen, there is no money. There is also going to be a smaller group of people to fund it over the next few years so there is every possibility that the system will collapse and many will be left without any retirement. Cutting the Company Tax This proposal is intended to use funds from the mining industry to reduce the overall tax that companies in Australia are presently paying. By doing this, it is meant to make Australia more competitive and increase jobs in this country. The plan is easy to understand and is written in such a way that we can all understand it. Attracting industry to Australia is important in keeping the economy healthy. This move will also make the Australian dollar stronger which in the world economy today is very important. This is definitively a proposal that is fair to everyone. In fact it affects everyone in the country in one way of another. The mining industry which is doing very well now will contribute funding to the treasury which allows them to reduce taxes on industry in general which then encourages more industry to come here. That industry, of course, increases jobs which then increases the tax base again. It will move Australia from 22nd to 17th among other countries of the same

The Significance of Credible Evidence to the Administration of Justice Essay

The Significance of Credible Evidence to the Administration of Justice - Essay Example There are several arguments that support evidence law; such as the amelioration of insidious suspicion of juries; to promote legal or social issues associated with litigation; to enhance substantive policies disparate to the trial; to establish conditions to obtain the most credible facts in court; and to organize the extent and period of trials. This paper explores the different types and the significance of credible evidence for the administration of justice. Admissibility of evidence Evidence manifests in four main forms: demonstrated evidence; documented evidence; real evidence and testimonial evidence. Whereas some policies regulating evidence are applicable to all four categories, others pertain to less than three or less. It is notable that all of these categories of proof must be permissible, though, prior to being considered as investigative of a matter in a court case. Essentially, if proof is to be considered admissible in court, it has to be pertinent, material, and knowl edgeable. To be seen relevant, evidence must have a number of reasonable inclinations to assist prove, or refute some reality. It should not build certainty to the fact, but to some extent, it must be inclined toward the increment or lower the possibility of a number of facts. Once evidence meets the standard measures, the judge or jury, charged with the duty of establishing facts will decide the suitable weight to offer a given piece of proof. An appropriate piece of proof is considered credible if it is tabled to verify a reality that is being argued in a legal proceeding. Credible proof is that fact that accords with particular conventional notions of consistency. Courts are slowly reducing the competency policies guiding evidence by enabling to be looked upon depending on the burden of proof (Gazzaniga [2011] 304 SA 54). Significance of real evidence Real evidence is imperative. Its subsistence or features are believed to be pertinent and subject to a matter before the court. It is normally an issue that was expressly involved in an occurrence in the trial, such as an exhibit of murder, the individual property of an aggrieved party, or an item like a hat or bangle belonging to a criminal suspect. The relevance of the material must be observed in trial before it can be admissible, by a judge. The procedure, in which a lawyer establishes these fundamentals and any extra structures that may be useful, is referred to as laying a foundation for a case (Wang [2008] 5 US-China Law Review 50). Generally, the weight and content of real evidence must be guaranteed. An attorney sets up the evidence's credibility by demonstrating that it actually is what it should look like, failure to which it may be deemed by the court. Corroborating evidence is referred to as authentication. Demonstrative Evidence Although, evidence is believed to be demonstrative if it carries the testimony of a live witness, it is deemed permissible when it comparatively and precisely mirrors the witness's account and is otherwise admissible. Demonstrative evidence includes items such as maps, images of a scene where crime is committed, diagrams and graphs that show incriminating or exonerating particulars (Kennedy, & Wlnn, [2011] 16 DLR 209; Timothy [2008] 72 FB 87; Pardo [2006] 33 AJCL 301). Documentary Evidence Evidence captured in or recorded on retrievable mediums can be an aspect of real proof. For instance, an