Business Information Systems

Discussion All organizations deal with information from various sources such as; suppliers, customers, government, manufacturers, and others. They must be organized in such a way that they utilize this information to operate efficiently and effectively.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Business Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The role of information systems in organizations is to manage information, make effective and efficient decisions, and improve execution of organizational business processes. Information systems assists in improving business processes as they are used to increase efficiency of available processes and enable new processes capable of transforming the manner in which organizations conduct business (Rainer, 2009). This paper demonstrates understanding of information systems and how they contribute to forming competitive advantage in business. How Organizational Systems a re transforming Business and their Relationship with Globalization Information systems have transformed the world from an industrial society to a knowledge based economy. Managers today depend on information technology in running daily business operations and making strategic business decisions. As instruments of this information age, computers perform complex operations as well as daily tasks like word processing and creating spreadsheets. The speed of change has been accelerated since personal computers became a necessary feature in most computer desks; individual units became part of the networks, accompanied by more sophisticated enterprise wide networks (Laudon, 2009). Powerful desk computers enable most workforces to speed their daily work. Specialized super computer centers also enables workforce to tackle massive computational problems. Jobs or tasks that took years on a personal computer can be performed in just hours on a super computer. Businesses use super computers to i mprove inventory and production management and product design (Thierauf, 1999). Information systems have had immense impact in transforming global business. Through the internet, organizations get opportunities to collaborate on international scale. This is in addition to computers and internal networks owned by businesses. Managers in organizations are able to share information with many people worldwide as easily as with colleagues stationed at other floors in same building.Advertising Looking for term paper on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Today, the internet and the web are critical business tools that facilitate communication within organization as well as customers. The size of electronic trading blocs has improved business thus leading to expansion of global economy. Through advancement of information technology, global electronic trading has gone beyond internet retailing. Special websites suc h as e-market places facilitate electronic trade between businesses in specific industries. Why Information Systems are so Essential in Running and Managing Business Today Information systems are critical for running and managing businesses today. They are essential in the sense that they support the distribution, processing, management and evaluation of data and information. Today, information systems are traced everywhere. They impact every aspect of people’s lives. For instance, the emergence and growth of the internet as an international information resource for all businesses has meant that computers are not only the way we communicate at work, but also with our family, friends and society at large (Laudon, 2009). One of the essential recent transformations in the way businesses operate, is how much they depend on networked technology. It is commonplace now for businesses to have a website. Access of such website is through both wired and wireless networks. To access inf ormation, both customers and employees may use networked technologies such as personal computers, laptops, blackberries and mini notebooks. In today’s business environment, absence of online presence by an organization makes it difficult for it enjoys advantages of global opportunities available for business (Laudon, 2009). How Information systems Support Major Business Functions and how they affect Business careers Information systems assist organizations to support their business processes. As businesses involve varying business processes, they need varying levels of software and support. Business information systems are sometimes specific to an area or groups of individuals. At other instances, offer services to the organization as a whole. In a functional view, business information systems are described by their business function, such as; sales and marketing, finance and accounting, manufacturing and production, and human resource (Stair, 2011). Sales and marketing is a functional area that caters for selling business products or services. The marketing function is concerned with identifying new and existing clients for organizations products and services. It also assists determine client needs or wants. Primarily, the sales function concerned with contacting clients, selling their products or services, and taking orders. It also deals with follow ups of initial sales with appropriate support and guidance. Information systems in sales and marketing function creates strategic advantage for companies through; customer management systems, online website monitoring tools, and business analytical tools. These tools are essential for better understanding of customers (Laudon, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Business Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The finance and accounting function is responsible for management of organization’s financial asse ts and managing firm’s capitalization, such as; determining new assets in stocks, bonds or other forms of debt. The function also involves maintenance of organizational financial records, such as; invoices, payments, receipts, stocks and payroll. Information systems supports financial and accounting function through establishing, building and managing of strategic products and services such as; financial advising, wealth management, risk management systems, credit services, and online financial services (Laudon, 2009). Manufacturing and production function governs production of organization’s goods and services. It is concerned with planning, development and maintenance of production infrastructure. It also deals with identifying production goals, procurement of materials, equipment and labor scheduling, and making of final products. Information systems aid this function by developing manufacturing and production systems that assist organization to compete by; reducing supply chain costs, increasing quality and enabling the firm to design and introduce new products in the firm (Laudon, 2009). The human resource function deals with management of company’s workforce. The human resource information systems support activities such as employee records, payroll, and training and skill programs. Information systems support this function by providing information and communication capabilities that reduce the cost of managing employees; organizing jobs, and work assignments to reduce operational costs. This gives an organization a strategic edge (Laudon, 2009).. How a Four-Step Method for Business Problem-Solving Helps in Solving Information System Relations Problem The four-step method for business problem solving assists in solving information system relations problems; as it includes generation of new ideas using creative computer software. Solving information relations problem requires a process exhibited in the four step method for business pr oblem –solving. The four steps involved in this method include; generation, evaluation, validation and establishment of boundaries (Thierauf, 1999). Generation is the most significant step in problem search. It involves probing of potential problems that might have an impact to the organization. It assists search for future problems as well. Once the problems are identified and analyzed, it provides a need to evaluate the cause and effect relationships of each problem and its possible effects on the organization currently.Advertising Looking for term paper on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The evaluation step reviews the problem uncovered in the generation stage for managerial concern, aided by cost benefit analysis. It also uses creative computer software to generate new ways to evaluate future organizational problems. Validation step builds on evaluation of the problem. Actual problems are selected at this stage for managerial concern currently and in future. Validation for problem solving is generally supported by cost benefit analysis and related organization’s essential success factors if necessary. The fourth step involves establishment of boundaries. Completion of problem validation necessitates definition of each problem within its boundaries (Thierauf, 1999) Conclusion Information systems have transformed the globe from industrial society to an knowledge-based economy. Organizational managers today depend on information technology for everything from conducting daily business operations to executing strategic business decisions. As tools of this inform ation age, computers perform complex operations as well as daily tasks like word processing and creating spreadsheets. Through the use of information systems, for instance, orders can be placed by clients from their own homes, payment can be taken and suppliers can be notified about which products to produce and where to ship them. All this can be done online through the internet, thus, enhancing efficiency in existing process of placing order. Reference List Laudon, K., Laudon, J. (2009). Essentials of Management Information Systems. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Publishers. Rainer, R., Cegielsky, G. (2009). Introduction to Information Systems. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group. Stair, R., Reynolds, G. (2011). Principles of Information Systems. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Publishers. Thierauf, R. (1999). Knowledge Management Systems for Business. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group. This term paper on Business Information Systems was written and submitted by user Trevon Trujillo 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.

Research Paper no Plagiarism

Research Paper no Plagiarism Research Paper no Plagiarism Research Paper no Plagiarism The objective pursued by tutors who assign research paper writing is to make student think critically and express thoughts logically.   This objective is easy to set, however, is not so easy to achieve.   Here are some helpful research paper ideas. First, as trite as it may sound, you should not put off writing a research paper to the last day, hoping that five pages college research paper is half an hour of work.   It does not mean that you have to set aside all of your plans and start writing you English research paper right now.   At least an hour a day should be devoted to researching, planning, writing, formatting, and editing.   While being in a shower, for example, you may think about your research paper writing. When the time comes and you decide to start research paper writing, you already know what you should write and what type of information is necessary. Secondly, although research paper writing excludes plagiarism, it is impossible to write a research paper without consulting and citing numerous publications. Therefore, you have to start collecting material. If you have enough time, it is a good idea to devote some of it to information gathering. Thirdly, it is good to discuss research paper topic with someone. It would be really wonderful to discuss it with research paper adviser. Besides, research paper adviser will propose you something interesting and help you narrow the topic. Your research paper adviser might shed light on your own vision of the topic.   Moreover, while talking with some, you can show your own intensive work of thought. Fourthly, it would be a good idea to explore the characteristics of your muse. Inspiration is rather a capricious thing. So, when your head is full of thoughts, the muse breathes in the neck, it is time to start research paper writing. Research Paper Help Research paper writing is a student's reflection on the assigned problem (or the one that is of interest to the student).   Research paper topic should be relevant to the course and be of interest to readers. Therefore, while writing a research paper, you must present different points of view.   Your ultimate goal is to demonstrate the depth of research and thorough understanding of the topic. You are welcome to quote other authors, but moderately and by the occasion. Footnote should be made at the bottom of the page (the author of the book or article, publication date, page). In addition, you should include a full list of consulted and cited literature.   Bibliography list is the final page of your research paper writing. College research paper writing it is absolutely an independent work written in your own style and language. PLAGIARISM must be EXCLUDED! Moreover, the plagiarized text is always visible for experienced tutor.   Placing an order at you receive r esearch paper no plagiarism. It means that your research paper is written from scratch and all sources are fully referenced at the end of the paper and within it.

Impact of Thomas Jefferson on John Adams based on David McCullough's Essay

Impact of Thomas Jefferson on John Adams based on David McCullough's bioigraphy - Essay Example Both men reveal an ongoing influence upon the other. In the later years, the author hints of a vilification of Jefferson to Adams in the mind of the popular press, yet the text itself implies otherwise, describing situations with a latent sympathy to the old comrades. Specifically, this paper will examine several key comparisons of the text which impart a moral description of Adams through ertain excesses of Jefferson. Jefferson is first introduced at the gathering of the Second Continental Congress, an opportunity the author uses to make a physical comparison with Adams, for where Adams was "stout, Jefferson was lean Where Adams was bald, Jefferson had a full head of thick coppery hair" (111). McCullough lists a number of other comparisons, of which the two most important ones were Adams hailing from Massachusetts while Jefferson came from a financially well-off Virginian aristocracy, thus, while both were extremely practiced in law, "Jefferson had never relished the practice of law as Adams had, nor felt the financial need to keep at it." (114). Jefferson is portrayed as speaking very little at this Congress, being deferential to Adams in almost all matters, although the gentlemen in general held a mutual respect and admiration for the other. Jefferson's assignment to write the Declaration of Independence is addressed by both men many years later. Jefferson recalls that he was asked and agreed, Adams claims that Jefferson tried to pass the work onto him (Adams), but that Adams refused for three reasons: 1) because that a Virginian representative should be involved in the forefront of the endeavor, 2) Adams saw himself as obnoxious and unpopular (a self-deprecation otherwise non-existent) and Jefferson the opposite, and 3) that Jefferson was the better writer. Despite Adams and the rest of the drafting committee, making minor changes, Adams promoting the skill of Jefferson's writing has proven to be a boon to successive American generations. When Jefferson was chosen as an ambassador to France in 1782 and sent to join Adams and Benjamin Franklin, who were already posted in Paris, Adams lauds the selection, claiming no one else compares to Jefferson character "in point of power or virtues." (318). This warmth is wholly absent from an earlier letter Jefferson had sent to James Madison, saying Adams's "vanity is a lineament in his character (and) his want of taste I had observed" (318). Despite some waffling, however, Jefferson does admit to Adams's integrity and usefulness in the position. To be fair, Jefferson was just leaving an unwelcome stint as governor of Virginia, a tenure culminating in his narrow escape from British invasion. Perhaps his vehemence in describing Adams is therefore related to an attempt to inflate his own worthiness, a latent desperation to receive the posting himself. For upon his arrival in Paris, Jefferson resumed very close relations with the entire Adams family. McCullough does point out a dis tinct difference in lifestyle here, for Jefferson, rather than assuming the modest lifestyle of the Adamses and living on the outskirts of the city, instead takes an apartment in the heart of the city and goes on wild shopping sprees. He lives in such a constant state of

BMW Consumer Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

BMW Consumer Research - Essay Example Pg 1 - You say that your quotation in para 1 comes from BMW - where We need the publication details here. Has this first sentence come from the BMW web site If so, this should be referenced and critiqued - company web sites are not objective and valid sources of data this comes from BMW.com as stated in the reference page (BMW 2006). You are not 'supposed' to type a .com in a paragraph citation. BMW is listed in the reference page as BMW.com. That is why we have citation and then you look at the reference page. That is where this information is at. The scope of this research is to define factors that influence BMW's brand and image with an inference to create a program that increases customer value, satisfaction and loyalty towards the BMW brand and image. This will be done by examining the external environment in relation to Kotler and Keller's Marketing Management (2006), where: The societal marketing concept holds that the organization's task is to determine the needs, wants and interests of target markets and to deliver the desired satisfactions more effectively and efficiently than competitors in a way that preserves or enhances the consumer's and the society's well-being. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a met... This can be achieved by understanding the factors that influence consumer behavior and by building a trustful and committed reputation for BMW that is in alignment with consumer needs (Little and Marandi 2003). To create a program that will effectively increase consumer satisfaction, the research proposed is secondary literary research and the applications to BMW's environment. This will allow BMW to define potential consumer's perceptions and lifestyles and the manner in which these factors are affected by external engagement. This research will deal with the people who purchase from BMW as well as the external factors that effect their purchase behaviors. 1.3 Research Justification While the application of such things as internet and email based surveys are quite wide-spread and appropriate in most areas of marketing research, we can assume that implementing a research program based solely on the application of primary research and conclusions of statistical inferences will not allow for a subjective review and will only be based on the consumers collective responses to a question (Craig and Douglas 2000) This does two things, first it removes the possibility of consumer interpretations towards marketing research and secondly it is only representation of a single sample, in this case BMW's previous research has been gathered around the current customers, but not inherently dependant on cultural factors that engage or disengage a consumer behaviour in relationship to external forces. Pg 3 - how do you know that BMW currently has primary information on consumers Where did you get this from How can you state that BMW is lacking in subjective and theoretical resear ch If this is true, it needs substantiating:

Leadership Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Leadership - Research Paper Example art U.S., â€Å"should work with OUR Wal-Mart to improve jobs at our company so that we have an opportunity to join the middle class, strengthen our company’s bottom line and improve our nation’s economy† (Ausick, 2014, para 2). This paper discusses Wal-Mart’s problem in ethical leadership, and proposes and defends solution to this dilemma. The proposed solutions are ethically grounded and based on principles of social justice and quality of life. OUR Wal-Mart publicly specified three issues that the former Wal-Mart leader, Bill Simon, failed to address: weakening brand image, dropping sales, and low wages. The organization refers to a research by Demos-- a public policy research institute-- that reported a higher wage rate for full-time workers of retail corporations that hire thousands of employees could significantly improve the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of women and their families (Tepel, 2014). The worsening performance of Wal-Mart U.S. has also been observed by some professional groups, and they claimed that Simon’s use of smaller stores was not the appropriate solution. The organization also mentions a survey of consumers that reveals â€Å"Wal-Mart’s pay and treatment of workers are influencing shopping habits† (Reuters, 2014, para 2). The poll revealed that a quarter of the overall number of the company’s most loyal customers is disappointed by how Wal-Mart handles its emplo yees, and that they, consequently, avoid shopping at the stores (Reuters, 2014, para 2-3). Although Wal-Mart’s terrible business practices have been known for several years, workers were not inclined to protest against it; but OUR Wal-Mart changes it. Since these courageous employees are not unionized, they were risking their jobs by protesting. In 2012, Wal-Mart publicly announced $444 billion in profits. Robson Walton, the successor of Wal-Mart, received roughly $420 million in 2011, while the company’s employees receive a meager annual salary of $15,500

Ethical Issues Of Internet Privacy Media Essay

Ethical Issues Of Internet Privacy Media Essay Privacy is a status wherein an individual can work on his/her information in seclusion, resulting in a selective revelation of ones identity and information. Privacy can mean anonymity in case a person wants to remain unidentified. Privacy can also be related to the security aspect of an individual or information. The definitions of privacy can differ across individuals and cultures. The invasion of privacy can be avoided by the issue of privacy laws.  Ã‚  [1]   Internet, which hosts an enormous information base, has given rise to the concept of information privacy. The vast information on the Internet faces security needs. Unauthorized access to the information is undesirable. Data privacy refers to the association between the technology and the legal rights related to it. Whenever any information about a person or a persons data is stored, privacy needs arise. Internet privacy is the control one has over what information about oneself, the person wishes to disclose. Internet privacy refers to having control on the access to information over the internet.  [2]   Ethical Issues concerning social networking sites: facebook. Internet privacy comes on the scene when it comes to website users giving out their personal details on the Internet. There are several issues about whether third parties should be allowed to store or read emails without informed consent. One of the main privacy concerns is that the third parties should be allowed to track visitors on a website or not.   Facebook have very few ways to protect and restrict the outside developers of games, quizzes etc. from accessing users profile information.  [3]   The other important Internet privacy issue concerning facebook is whether it is okay with the usersas they allow it to gather personally identifiable information on them and then display in public or give their contact information to others. An article, intelligent life on the web posted at Buzzle.com identifies two schools of thoughts on these issues. One school of thought denies the existence of Internet privacy while the other advocates the necessity of the Internet privacy. Complete anonymity is not the intent of Internet privacy. It rather intends to achieve a controlled disclosure of ones personal information. Internet is a network of networks and when a person uses the Internet, he/she connects to it and is identified by an address. In technical terms this address is known as an IP address. For security reasons, a website may wish to track these addresses of its users. Websites may collect the non-personally identifiable information of their users.  [4]   Such information is the one, which in no way can be used to uniquely identify a person. The disclosure of these forms of information is acceptable. It is actually the means by which websites track the users Internet activities. There is a controversy going on the privacy issue concerning these social networking sites.there are users who are unaware that their profiles, documents, pictures,etc are being marketed by such sites.there are people who afre confused whether or not to give their contact information,upload their photos: whether facebook abides by its privacy policy and if it does then why is there an argument.social networking sites especially facebook has become a ground where the boundary line between private and public is becoming blurred.By hacking ones account and gaining access to all the information posted by one can be gained.This poses threat as well as fear for the users.Some people fear the fact that they have a visibility over the Internet for such reasons. Its clear that privacy issues are top of mind for Facebook, and yet we found serious privacy gaps in the way the site operates, says Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart in an article posted on office of the privacy commission of Canada website. The investigation, prompted by a complaint from the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, identified several areas where Facebook needs to better address privacy issues and bring its practices in line with Canadian privacy law. It directs attention to the problem that when the user deactivates his account from facebook.it does not delete it.the information is still contained on the page although it may not be visible to the user. A special issue of the Journal for Computer-Mediated Communications was dedicated to studies of social network sites.  [5]   it is need of the hour that these sites rise to action.facebook needs to define the trade-of demarcating line between whats public and whats private. Internet privacy is indeed important in case of the revelation of personally identifiable information on facebook. THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES: SNEAK PEEK. Social networking has always been exisiting.however, online social networking came to the surface in 1995 when the first social networking site was established.Ever since, the number has been increasing at a pace that is unimaginable. According to Wikipedia there are around 200 social networking sites in existence today.these sites offer different features and are of various types and dedicated to different groups like affinity groups, etc We can take a sneak peek into the future of social networking sites like facebook by looking at the pace at which facebook has been growing.initially, the social networking site which started off for the university students to interact with each other began to grow and today has a population that would form a number greater than that of india and china, says a BBC documentary Constant innovation is needed in every business.the social networking sites which are innovating,offering entertaining services to the users are the ones who have the users addicted to them. facebook is one of them. These social networking sites are forming a platform for marketing where the marketers can display their advertisements and help gain access to interested customer information to contact them. This allows them to do target marketing and is becoming a leading substitute to offline advertisement as it is cheaper and considered more effective However, there are others who say that this is not the case. Some analysts point to the fact that with an aging group of people using the social network technology and less young people wanting to make facebook pages (as well as pages on other networks) the fate of the social networking site is to fade away.the younger generation according to them is more directed towards offline world and offline social interaction. All of this concludes to the fact that the future of social networking is gloomy and grim because now it is not thought out to be as a cool place among younger groups. Still others see the future in social networking sites as something that depends on technology. If the technology used for the networks changes and becomes even more powerful and full featured, more young people will want to use the networks. This will increase the amount of people on the social sites, and increase revenue and customer base for those who own them. These people do not see the social networking craze as having peaked yet, because there is always the potential for better technology. However, whatever school of thought we consider and whatever imagination we hold at the back of our mind, we simply cannot deny the impact that these networking sites are having on our daily lives. Facebook is undergoing a huge period of growth. With more than 150,000 new users signing up daily, it is growing three times as fast as rival MySpace. Mac Zuckerberg in his interview to the TIMES magazine describes Facebook as a social utility rather than a social network? RECCOMMENDATIONS: No matter how successful a business gets, it needs to constantly change, innovate, bring in new stuff for its target users. The facebook webpage should be made more interactive. It should include features like: user friendly tools, details about the privacy to help the first users gain trust and confidence in it. It should include more content on the help tool like google does.this could help ease the users and they would begin using facebook as a search site instead of google The search tab should be made more usable by including more content to it It should focus more attention on the privacy policy.The information of a person should be strictly confidential to that person and that person alone unless he aims to make it private.it should not be marketed by giving it to other search softwares like google It should also ensure that developers can only access the user information actually required to run a specific application,e.g: games,quizzes,etc It must not also disclose information of the users who are only browing through the application and not actually using it Adding an additional feature like picture rating scale as used by major social networking sites can help it gain more attention of users.the users can rate the pictures.it can alsouse this feature to generate revenue In order to stand different from its competitors it should adopt easily accessible softwares that can help users build their own blogs on facebook Since many young users are into editing photos.it can capitalize on this interest by adding simple, light load and easy to use photo editors As soon as a person deactivates his account from a group, his information should be immediately removed from the page FEATURES The basic purpose of a soial networking site is to provide a platform where different people of same interest, gendre,affinity,culture, or at least having something in common can come together and share their views, ideas and in this way make new friends.This like that of all other social networking sites forms the core product for facebook. However in order to stand out different from the crowd such site must offer more than just the basic tools.these are the supplementary services and tools that augment the core product. The producers of facebook augment the core product by providing supplementary features, the most important of which include: Quizzes Music player Games Social interviews Games groups events Sales discussion boards Quizzes poker Social interview network directory favourites news storage News New events Poker Platform for Social interaction : coresales profiles friends network network directory favourites e-mail storage chat message boards groups discussion boards membership management tools TECHNOLOGY AND CHANGES: Facebook has started to make a series of evolutionary moves over the recent past times.technolofy keeps evolving since it is human need to see and experience change in its life. Facebook ,like most other social networking site has been free for its users.the revenue model is based on advertisements and the users are not charged for the service.however, it is expected that since facebook has built its large userbase, it might shift to a fee based model. But since most other sites and even its competitors like twitter,etc are not charging its users,this might pose a threat to its established user base and brand name. The source for this cannot be quoted since its a discussion that is surrounding and is circulating on the web. CHALLENGES Although facebook has a large population of users around the world, it is still facing challenges going global. Last year,  Facebook  sued German social network  StudiVZ  for violating copyright laws, mimicking its logo, features and service, according to German website,  The Local. The two companies are currently battling out of court, but will begin trial in July if an agreement isnt met. Also an investigation was carried out by Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart on ethical issues concerning facebook.the details of which are posted on office of the privacy commission of Canada website. The investigation, prompted by a complaint from the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, identified several areas where Facebook needs to better address privacy issues and bring its practices in line with Canadian privacy law The privacy issue concerning it has been brought to the surface and institutions are looking into this matter Facebook in reaction to it has although improved on its privacy policy but still it is claimed that the issue has not been fully resolved and it needs to further provide safety to the users. Apart from these legal and social challenges, facebook also has to deal with the challenge of competition.its direct competitors which include twitter,linkedin,etc are also rising above the surface with their increasing userbase and offering more services. In recent news reported in US magazine, Pakistan,published on April 30,2010 ,it is reported that twitter has announced a new service called promotd tweets which would allow businesses to buy keywords that would let them show advertising messages in search results,and will help turn the service intoa profitable business. This might be a major threat for facebook.the response for this can be taken by giving more opportunities to capitalize for the businesses so that it does not lose the base of users from business sector. Also, If the competitors offer more privacy or come up with some more innovative tools, itd be threatening for it. Face book must therefore constantly innovate to keep its users glued to its services. At the end of the day we all understand that no competitive advantage is sustainable. Anything can be imitated. so we cannot sit back and think of capitalizing on established user base and differentiated services for long. constant innovation and rapid response to change is the key to success for all businesses.

Substance Abuse in the Workplace Essay -- Illegal Drugs Alcohol Addict

Substance Abuse in the Workplace Substance abuse in the workplace is one of the top concerns in the United States today. â€Å"Studies show that 73 percent of drug users are employed, costing American businesses billions of dollars annually in lost production and staffing costs (Walsh).† â€Å"Due to higher employment rates and rising substance abuse, the chances that your organization employs one of these 8.1 million workers is greater today than it has been in the past several years (Walsh).† Studies also reveal that employees who abuse drugs have a tremendously harmful effect on the workplace. They are more likely to have extended absences from work, show up late, be involved in workplace accidents, and file workers compensation claims. Substance abuse includes anything from drug use, such as cocaine and heroin, to alcohol abuse. Before I start to discuss the various ways to get control of substance abuse I would like to give you a small background of the impact of substance abuse on the world today. The department of labor has gathered some of the following information and statistics to show the world how it is being affected: †¢Substance abuse in the workplace costs are estimated at $100 billion dollars annually. †¢Alcoholism causes 500 million lost work days each year. †¢Drug-using employees at GM average 40 days of sick leave each year compared to 4.5 days for non-users. †¢In Ohio substance abuse treatment has shown significant improvements: - 91% decrease in absenteeism. - 88% decrease in problems with supervisors. - 93% decrease in mistakes in work. - 97% decrease in on-the-job injuries. Page 2 As you can see substance abuse is a very ser... ... the warning signs and implement a policy to attack the problem. Most likely it is going on right under your nose and you do not even know it. Take the time to step back and help your employees, the people that really make a difference to your company. You never know it might save you money. Bibliography: Works Cited Campbell, Reginald L. Substance Abuse in the Workplace. New York: Mcgraw Hill, 1990. Harris, Michael. Human Resource Managment: A practical Approach. New York: Dryden Press, 1997. Largent, Richard J. Preventing Substance Abuse in the Workplace. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1996. Loomis, Loyd. Drug Testing: A Workplace Guide to Designing Practical Policies. Chicago: BNA Plus, 1990. Walsh, Michael J. Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace. New York: Target Investment Inc., 1996.

Modern Adaptation of Oedipus Rex (Scene)

Oedipus Rex Adaptation Original Scene: Laius meets the oracle and learns that his own son will kill him and marry his mother. Laius orders Jocasta to kill the baby. Jocasta hesitates and gives the baby to a servant so he could kill the baby. The servant leaves the baby to die in the sun. *A shepherd saves the baby and names him Oedipus. *optional to adapt Characters 1. King Laius / Lionel von Hudson – Jared Lionel von Hudson is a wealthy and powerful businessman. He comes from a line of elites and his family holds tremendous economic power in New York. . Queen Jocasta / Cassandra von Hudson – Ravina Cassandar von Hudson is the wife of Lionel von Hudson. She also comes from a long line of elites from the Hamptons. She is unwilling to kil her first born child. Sometimes, she’s also conceited and proud. 3. Oracle / Gypsy lady – Ratna A gypsy fortune teller who receives a vision and prophecy on the fate of the von Hudsons. Carries her fortune telling crystal w ith her. 4. Servant / Sherry the Attendant – Farah Sherry is the von Hudson’s attendant who act as both driver and personal bodyguard.A religious person but also fears her employers. She believes in fate. 5. * Corinthian Shepherd / Plumber – Jared A plumber who takes care of the sewer pipes. A person with a good heart. Setting: Modern day Upper East Side Manhattan, New York Scene 1 Setting: Outside Lionel’s office building Props: 2 chairs (car) and a â€Å"crystal† ball Lionel ask his driver to pull over at the office for a meeting. Lionel : Now, Sherry, the meeting will be till 2. I will be back at about 2:30. Sherry : Yes Mr. Lionel. I will be here. Have a good meeting Mr. Lionel, Mdm. Cassandra.Lionel and Cassandra exit the car and walk towards the office entrance when they were stopped by a gypsy lady with a crystal ball. Gypsy Lady : The couple there. Mr and Mrs von Hudson. [walks over to Lionel and Cassandra] Cassandra : Oh Lord woman. How do you know our names. But then again, we’re all over the news anyways. Gypsy Lady: I come with news, news you must hear, regarding your child and your fate. For I see your future. You are doomed Mr. von Hudson, doomed to death by the hands of your son. And you, Mrs. on Hudson, incest be upon you for when death befalls Mr. von Hudson, you will marry your child. Lionel: What nonsense. You foolish gypsy. Shut your mouth and stop this rubbish. I’m late for my meeting and you’ve just ruined my mood. Cassandra: I shall not believe in this nonsense either. Let’s go Lionel. Let’s leave this foolish lady. Lionel and Cassandra walks away. Gypsy Lady: [shouts] HEED MY WORDS VON HUDSON. FOR TRAGEDY WILL BEFALL YOU TONIGHT AND WE’LL SEE WHO THE FOOLISH ONE IS.Cassandra looks over her shoulder at the gypsy lady, a tinge of worry on her face. Scene 2 Setting: Elevator to the von Hudson’s penthouse. Props: none Lionel: What foolishness. That gypsy sur e knows how to get on my nerves. I’m still angry just thinking of her. Cassandra: Lionel dear, let’s not worry about her and open ourselves a bottle of champagne tonight. A fool will be a fool. DING! Elevator door opens. Lionel and Cassandra looks at their penthouse in horror and shock. Lionel : What in the world could have done this?! Look at our apartment.It’s trashed. Cassandra : Oh no. What if the Gypsy Lady was right? Lionel : SHERRY?! Sherry comes running in. Sherry : Yes, Mr. Lionel†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. [looks around in horror] I’ll get the maintenance to clear this up. Sherry runs out. Cassandra : Oh Lionel, what are we to do. She was right. Lionel : We have to save ourselves Cassandra. I will leave for a business trip tomorrow. When I’m back, I want the boy gone. Kill him before he kills us and land you in sin. Cassandra : But†¦ but he’s our flesh and blood. Lionel : It will be as I say. Scene 3Setting : Penthouse (clean again) Prop s: â€Å"baby† Cassandra : [on the phone] Sherry, could you come up here please. DING! Sherry : Yes, Mdm. Cassandra? Cassandra hands Sherry the baby. Cassandra : You have to do it Sherry. I can’t. Sherry: Do what madam? Cassandra : Kill him. Before he grows up and kill Lionel. Sherry : I†¦. I can’t†¦. Cassandra : You must. Cassandra covers her face and sobs. Scene 4 Setting: Sewers Props : â€Å"baby† Sherry : I’m sorry young master. What ordeal has come upon such a tiny soul. Oh God. Why?! I could not bring myself to do it.If it’s your fate to live, young master, then, may God send someone to save you. But if it’s your fate to die, let the crocodiles come to you first. Sherry leaves the baby on the ground and leaves. *optional Plumber walks in. Plumber: Now, where is that broken pipe? [hears baby’s cry, looks around and spots the baby] Oh dear god. Why? To an infant soul? [picks up baby] You poor thing. But I’ m too poor. I do hope that Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein would take him? They’ve been trying to have a child for ages. [looks at the baby, smiles] Hello there, Alfie.

Ellen Gates Starr Biography

Ellen Gates Starr Biography Ellen Starr was born in Illinois in 1859.  Her father encouraged her in thinking about democracy and social responsibility, and his sister, Ellen’s aunt Eliza Starr, encouraged her to pursue higher education.  There were few women’s colleges, especially in the Midwest; in 1877, Ellen Starr began her studies at Rockford Female Seminary with a curriculum equivalent to that of many men’s colleges. In her first year of study at Rockford Female Seminary, Ellen Starr met and became close friends with Jane Addams.  Ellen Starr left after a year, when her family could no longer afford to pay tuition.  She became a teacher in Mount Morris, Illinois, in 1878, and the following year at a girls’ school in Chicago.  She also read such authors as Charles Dickens and John Ruskin and began shaping her own ideas about labor and other social reforms, and, following her aunt’s lead, about art as well. Jane Addams Her friend, Jane Addams, meanwhile, graduated from Rockford Seminary in 1881, tried to attend a Woman’s Medical College, but left in ill health.  She toured Europe and lived for a while in Baltimore, all the while feeling restless and bored and wanting to apply her education.  She decided to return to Europe for another trip and invited her friend Ellen Starr to go with her. Hull House On that trip, Addams and Starr visited Toynbee Settlement Hall and London’s East End.  Jane had the vision of starting a similar settlement house in America and talked Starr into joining her.  They decided on Chicago, where Starr had been teaching and found an old mansion that had become used for storage, originally owned by the Hull family – thus, Hull House.  They took up residence on September 18, 1889, and began â€Å"settling† in with the neighbors, to experiment with how to best serve the people there, mostly poor and working-class families. Ellen Starr led reading groups and lectures, on the principle that education would help uplift the poor and those who worked at low wages. She taught labor reform ideas, but also literature and art. She organized art exhibits. In 1894, she founded the Chicago Public School Art Society to get art into public school classrooms.  She traveled to London to learn bookbinding, becoming an advocate for the handicrafts as a source of pride and meaning.  She tried to open a book bindery at Hull House, but it was one of the failed experiments. Labor Reform She also became more involved in labor issues in the area, involving immigrants, child labor and safety in the factories and sweatshops in the neighborhood. In 1896, Starr joined the garment workers’ strike in support of the workers. She was a founding member of the Chicago chapter of the Women’s Trade Union League (WTUL) in 1904.  In that organization, she, like many other educated women, worked in solidarity with the often-uneducated women factory workers, supporting their strikes, helping them file complaints, raising funds for food and milk, writing articles and otherwise publicizing their conditions to the wider world. In 1914, in a strike against Henrici Restaurant, Starr was among those arrested for disorderly conduct. She was charged with interfering with a police officer, who claimed she had used violence against him and â€Å"tried to frighten him† by telling him to â€Å"leave them girls be!†Ã‚  She, a frail woman of at best a hundred pounds, did not look to those in court like someone who could frighten a policeman from his duties, and she was acquitted. Socialism After 1916, Starr was less active in such confrontational situations. While Jane Addams generally did not get involved in partisan politics, Starr joined the Socialist Party in 1911 and was a candidate in the 19th ward for the alderman’s seat on the Socialist ticket.  As a woman and a Socialist, she did not expect to win but used her campaign to draw connections between her Christianity and Socialism and to advocate for more fair working conditions and treatment of all.  She was active with the Socialists until 1928. Religious Conversion Addams and Starr disagreed about religion, as Starr moved from her Unitarian roots in a spiritual journey that took her to conversion to Roman Catholicism in 1920. Later Life She withdrew from public view as her health grew poorer.  A spinal abscess led to surgery in 1929, and she was paralyzed after the operation.  Hull House was not equipped or staffed for the level of care that she needed, so she moved to the Convent of the Holy Child in Suffern, New York. She was able to read and paint and maintain a correspondence, remaining at the convent until her death in 1940. Ellen Gates Starr Facts Known for:  co-founder of Chicago’s Hull House, with Jane AddamsOccupation:  settlement house worker, teacher, reformerDates:  March 19, 1859 - 1940Also known as: Ellen StarrReligion: Unitarian, then Roman CatholicOrganizations:  Hull House, Women’s Trade Union LeagueEducation: Rockford Female Seminary Family Mother: Susan Gates ChildsFather: Caleb Allen Starr, farmer, businessman, active in the GrangeAunt: Eliza Allen Starr, art scholar

How Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Are Related

How Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Are Related Like many royal couples, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are distantly related through their royal ancestors. The practice of marrying within royal bloodlines has become less common as royaltys power is lessened. But so many in the royal family are related to each other, it would have been difficult for Princess Elizabeth to find an unrelated partner. Heres how Britains longest-reigning queen and her husband, Philip, are related. Did You Know? Elizabeth and Philip are third cousins through Queen Victoria and are also second cousins once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark. Background of the Royal Couple When Elizabeth and Philip were both born, it seemed unlikely that they would one day become the most prominent royal couple in modern history. Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, as Queen Elizabeth was named when she was born in London on April 21, 1926, was third in line for the throne behind both her father George VI and his older brother who would become Edward VIII. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark didnt even have a country to call home. He and the royal family of Greece were exiled from that nation shortly after his birth in Corfu on June 10, 1921. Elizabeth and Philip met several times as children. They became romantically involved as young adults while Philip was serving in the British Navy during World War II. The couple announced their engagement in June 1947, and Philip renounced his royal title, converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Anglicanism, and became a British citizen. He also changed his surname from Battenburg to Mountbatten, honoring his British heritage on his mothers side. Philip was granted the title of Duke of Edinburgh and the style of His Royal Highness on his marriage, by his new father-in-law, George VI. Queen Victoria Connection Elizabeth and Philip are third cousins through Queen Victoria of Britain, who ruled from 1837 to 1901; she was their great-great-grandmother. Philip is descended from Queen Victoria via maternal lines: Philips mother was Princess Alice of Battenburg (1885–1969), who was born at Windsor Castle. Princess Alices husband was Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark (1882–1944).Princess Alices mother was Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine (1863–1950). Princess Victoria was married to Prince Louis of Battenberg  (1854–1921).Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine was the daughter of Princess Alice of the United Kingdom (1843–1878).Princess Alices mother was Queen Victoria (1819–1901). She married  Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1819–1861) in 1840. Elizabeth is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria through paternal lines: Elizabeths father was  George VI  (1895–1952). He married  Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon  (1900–2002) in 1925.George VIs father was  George V  (1865–1936). He married Mary of Teck (1867–1953) in 1893, a German princess raised in England.George Vs father was  Edward VII  (1841–1910).  He married Alexandra of Denmark (1844–1925), a Danish princess.Edward VIIs mother was  Queen Victoria  (1819–1901). She married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1819–1861) in 1840. Connection Through King Christian IX of Denmark Elizabeth and Philip are also second cousins, once removed, through King Christian IX of Denmark, who ruled from 1863 to 1906. Prince Philips father is a descendant of Christian IX: Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark  was Philips father. He was married to Princess Alice of Battenburg, listed above.George  I of Greece (1845–1913) was Prince Andrews father. He married Olga Constantinova of Russia (1851–1926) in 1867.Christian IX of Denmark (1818–1906) was George Is father. He married Louise of Hesse-Kassel (1817–1898) in 1842. Queen Elizabeths father was also a descendant of Christian IX: George VI, Elizabeths father, was the son of George V.George Vs mother was Alexandra of Denmark.Alexandras father was Christian IX. Queen Elizabeths connection to Christian IX comes through her paternal grandfather, George V, whose mother was Alexandra of Denmark. Alexandras father was King Christian IX.   More Royal Relations Queen Victoria was related to her husband, Prince Albert, as first cousins and also third cousins once removed.  They had a fertile family tree, and many of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren married into other royal families of Europe. Britains King Henry VIII (1491–1547) was married six times. All six of his wives could claim descent through Henrys ancestor, Edward I (1239–1307). Two of his wives were royal, and the other four were from the English nobility. King Henry VIII is Elizabeth IIs first cousin, 14 times removed. In the Habsburg royal family, intermarriage among close relatives was very common.  Philip II of Spain  (1572–1598), for instance, was married four times; three of his wives were related closely to him by blood. The family tree of Sebastian of Portugal (1544–1578) illustrates how intermarried the Habsburgs were: he had only four great-grandparents instead of the usual eight. Manuel I of Portugal  (1469–1521) married women who were related to each other; their descendants then intermarried.

Management and Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Management and Business - Essay Example So the hue and cry by environmentalists to create such regulations does not seem too environment-friendly, after all [Bhagwati (2004), p.137]. The infant food manufacturers, of these Nestle was specifically targeted by social organizations, contributed to the death of infants from less developed countries (LDCs). They sold their products to people incapable of using them properly. The charges were that many third world nations have contaminated water supply and parents dilute the formula to stretch the supply. The defence by nestle stated that it has never advertised to substitute breast feeding with bottle feeding and that It had actually promoted formula as supplement to aid nutrition. Since mothers in poor nations have deficiencies or their work schedule does not permit them timely feeding. However, despite strong protests against the infant formula controversy, these multinationals are still strongly holding their place in LDCs [Auscampus (2009)]. When government reprimands a fac tory, through its regulations, for dumping hazardous waste into river or destroying environment by its activities, the company can obey the government by cleaning up environment or upgrading its processes. Alternatively it may move over to some other country, the LDC, for its operation. The LDC requires revenue generated by the company but does not use any high tech environment protection rules [VEXEN Crabtree (2006), pars. 2-3]. Are multinationals getting more powerful than state governments The answer could be obtained by evaluating the financial strength and extent of employment generated by these. If the revenue of General Motors and Ford put together, it would supersede the GDP for all of sub-Saharan Africa. The car multinationals are directly providing employment to more than 20 million people and to a lot more in the associated industries. Today these are in position to decide the fate of government. The ownership and power is same with other industries also. Today two corporations control 80 percent of the coffee production of world; merely four corporations account for 87 percent of the world's tobacco industry, and two corporations--Boeing and Airbus have almost monopoly over civilian airplane production by having a share of 95 percent. The top 200 firms now control one fourth of the world's monetary activity. Among the top 100 of these, increase in total assets has been extraordinary. Their assets have gone up to USD 4.2 trillion in 1995 from USD 0.5 trillion i n1980. For example, the wealth of the food and retail multinational Wal-Mart, after buying Asda in Britain, has become more than 161 countries including Israel, Poland and Greece. General Motors is bigger than Denmark while Ford is bigger than South Africa [Morgan (2000), pars.3-5]. These multinationals are better organized than the states where they invest their money. It gives them power to negotiate and manipulate deals particularly in weak and developing nations [Kehl (2009), p.2]. The globalization is not only changing the powers of state, it is also changing the territories of the states. Ohmae [1993 as cited in Axtmann (1996), p.119-120] explained that global economy is

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 3

Strategic Management - Essay Example It is the process through which organizations follow a certain path to achieve desired short term and long term goals and can maintain a desired level of output. A proper strategic planning can help an organization to develop a clear long term vision and would help the management to visualize where the organization would be after five to ten years or may be even more than that. Strategic Planning can be treated as a milestone for each and every organization. Without strategic planning, the organization can actually never identify the present position in the industry and cannot develop a strategic guidance for the future (Henry, 2008, p. 89). This study has been conducted with a motive to develop a strategic plan for Tesco, one of the large retail supermarkets in the U.K. The study looks to focus all the aspects related to the development of a strategic plan of an organization including the assessment of the mission and vision statement, situation analysis and final development of the strategy to gain competitive advantage over the competitors. Here it needs to be mentioned that the although Tesco is a global retailer, but still the study has been conducted with respect to the UK market as it happens to be the home country and largest market of Tesco compared to other markets in the world. Getting Ready Choosing Organization Tesco PLC. Developing Organizational Profile Tesco PLC is a multinational retail grocery retailer and general merchandiser. The company is headquartered in Chest Hunt, UK. It happens to be the largest retailer in the United Kingdom and the third largest retailer in the world after Wal-Mart and Carrefour. The company was originally founded by Jack Cohen in 1919. As on April 2012, Tesco had 6,351 stores all over the world. The company has 2,975 stores in UK market. According to annual financial report of 2012 the total revenue of the company is ?64.539 billion. Specific issues to be addressed Over the past few years the retail business in the UK has seen a lot of changes. One of the key issues to look for while developing the strategic plan would be the effect of the changes external environmental factors and the impact of those on the company’s day to day business activity. The present industry scenario also plays a major role in the development of the business strategy and hence this has to be taken into account. Along with the external environment assessment, the internal environmental factors would also be reviewed as it would help the company to identify the core competencies, strengths as well as the weaknesses (Kolb, 2008, p. 92). Key Information to be collected To understand the impact of the external environmental changes, political, economic, social and technological factors need to be assessed. Also to understand the present market scenario especially market competitiveness, Porters Five Forces will be analysed. It consists of bargaining power of the buyers and suppliers, industry