Leadership Influences Organizational Culture And Employee...

â€Å"There is a need for greater attention to be paid to understanding the mechanisms and processes through which leadership influences organizational culture and employee commitment, in order to develop a more complete understanding of the inner workings of leadership† (Bass, as cited by Aolio et al 2004 p.952) . Ellemers, Gilder, and Haslam (2004) agree that â€Å"additional understanding of work motivation can be gained by incorporating insights into social identity processes† (p. 459). Since motivational processes may be processed in group contexts, similarly as they are [do] in individual goals or outcomes, it is advantageous to understand how people are energized to engage in behaviors that are significant primarily at a collective level†¦show more content†¦Cooke and Rousseau, in their article Problems of Complex Systems: A Model of System Problems Solving Applied to Schools, agree that a study of school culture and leadership behaviors, along with organization commitment and social identity (identities affecting beliefs, values, and assumptions) will assist educators to think sophisticatedly in â€Å"comprehending complex relations in schools, processing inputs, determining the obstacles in front of change, and problem solving† (Recepoglu 2013 p. 43). Cooke and Rousseau (1981) along with Dunning (2009), assert that â€Å"all systems are characterized by the property of entropy - the tendency to move toward a state of maximum disorder or disorganization† (Cooke and Rousseau, p.16, Dunning 2009). The field of education, as a complex system, has inefficient reform efforts against entropy. Fullane Miles (1992) purport â€Å"as reform is an even more complex system, reform as a systemic process needs to continuously explore the key [number] aspects of school inputs and the structures that create continuous improvement† (p. 746). Schoen and Teddlie (2008) express the need for â€Å"research with designs that include a variety of data sources on all the dimensions and levels of school culture† (p.146). â€Å"Prior research suggests that work experiences, personal and organizational factors

Social Issues in The House on Mango Street Essay - 986 Words

The House on Mango Street: More than a Story In today’s world there are countless social problems. People are often treated as an inferior or as if they are less important for many different reasons. In The House on Mango Street, the author Sandra Cisneros addresses these problems. Throughout the story Cisneros does a thorough job explaining and showing how these issues affect the public. This novel is written through the eyes of a young girl, Esperanza, growing up in a poor neighborhood where the lifestyles of the lower class are revealed. Cisneros points out that, in today’s society, the expectation of women and their treatment, discrimination based on poverty, and discrimination because of a person’s ethnicity are the major†¦show more content†¦Esperanza tells us many stories where it is evident that women are treated as possessions and often have little or no say in the affairs of the family. Too often it seems that in Esperanza’s experi ences women are beaten by their husbands’ or fathers’. One such example of a beating is when Sally explains to Esperanza why she often has so many bruises. â€Å"He never hits me hard† (92), is how Sally tells Esperanza that her father often beats her. During many instances in The House on Mango Street people are treated according to their wealth. People often look down upon Esperanza and her peers with no reason except that they live differently because they have less money. During one part of the story Esperanza talks about strangers by saying: Those who don’t know any better come into our neighborhood scared. They think we’re dangerous. They think we will attack them with shiny knives. They are stupid people who are lost and got here by mistake. (28) Cisneros shows how people often have misconceptions about people who are different from them and are often too quick to judge. This idea is shown again when Esperanza is talking to a nun and the nun asks, Where do you live? She asked. There, I said pointing up to the third floor. You live there? There. I had to look to where she pointed- the third floor, the paint peeling, wooden bars Papa had nailed on the windows so we wouldn’t fallShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Sandra Cisneros s The House On Mango Street Essay1075 Words   |  5 PagesSara Fitzsimmons Meola English 2 Honors 6 September 2016 Get Out In Sandra Cisneros novel The House on Mango Street the characters experience the challenges of growing up in a society full of racism, discrimination, and class distinction. Their experience is exceedingly similar to people in urban areas and cities today. Both the protagonist Esperanza, a young teen and people in today’s hispanic cities experience discrimination making progression in life challenging. The indifferent attitudes regardingRead MoreAnalysis Of The House On Mango Street1406 Words   |  6 PagesThe novel, titled The House on Mango Street in its unassuming and sincere writing style shines a beacon of truth on the socioeconomic condition of the time it is set in (of its setting), by scrupulously describing the living situations of the protagonist and her immediate family. The narrator of the story, Esperanza paints an accurate picture of her family’s inability to remain anchored at any residence up to the point when we catch up with her in the story, where s he reveals that â€Å"We didn’t alwaysRead MoreIdentity: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros1068 Words   |  5 Pagesreligious, and/or social affiliation (Babylon). In the story, â€Å"Everyday Use†, two young girls are raised by the same family but one child acts as if race is not an issue whereas the other child’s race becomes the center of her identity. Maggie knows more about her African American heritage than Dee does. Dee’s identity comes from her upbringing, from her great grandmother, to grandmother, to her own mother. Maggie’s identity seems to be solely based on her race. The House on Mango Street deals withRead MoreThe House On Mango Street Analysis1328 Words   |  6 Pageslife of a young Mexican girl named Esperanza in her coming-of-age novel The House on Mango Street. The book records a year of Esperanza life, in which her family moves into a rented house on Mango Street in Chicago. While searching for her independence, Esperanza and her friends meet the issues of racism, sexuality, and male dominance. Esperanza forms the realization she will have to leave the toxic environment on Mango Street for her future, however, she plans to return and help those who are unableRead MoreThe Awakening By Kate Chopin And The House On Mango Street1732 Words   |  7 Pagesworks, in particular, have been major agents to this cause, serving as both reminders of those struggles and remembrance to readers of the endeavors those authors sought to accomplish. Two particular works, The Awakening by Kate Chopin and The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, spearh eaded movements for freedom by tackling the prejudice of gender roles, expressing through their novels’ characters and experiences the arguments for individual freedom and the challenges that must be conquered to achieveRead MoreThe House On Mango Street Essay On Poverty1031 Words   |  5 PagesIn the novel The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, the main character Esperanza is raised in a poverty stricken neighborhood with few positive role models in her life. In the few scenes school is mentioned, they do not mention Esperanza’s grades or schoolwork, but focus rather on superficial events. The House on Mango Street reveals that the surplus of events associated with growing up in extreme poverty can cause children to lack academic ambitions and accumulate social based goals insteadRead MoreSuffering and Assimilation Essay1111 Words   |  5 Pagesthe white society. Minorities have always been socially pressured to assimilate into the society in which they liv e. They are subtly encouraged in the United States to become a part, The American Dream. These two themes can be seen in, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, Sonnys Blues, by James Baldwin and even the real life of Jean Toomer, a famous writer. In Sonnys Blues the main theme is the suffering of black people in America. The death of Sonnys uncle being killed byRead MoreThe House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Essay example2527 Words   |  11 PagesThe House on Mango Street, is written by Sandra Cisneros. Sandra Cisneros was born and grew up in Chicago. She was raised by her mother and father who were both of Mexican descent. She grew up in a relatively large family; she was the third child out of seven children. Cisneros’ childhood consisted of her growing up in one of Chicago’s Puerto Rican neighborhoods. As a child she also traveled back and forth to Mexico with her family. Understanding Cisneros’ background is important for understandingRead More Essay on Themes of House on Mango Street, and The Bluest Eye1602 Words   |  7 PagesDisturbing Themes of House on Mango Street, and The Bluest Eye  Ã‚   Sandra Cisneros was born in Chicago and grew up in Illinois, the only girl in a family of seven. Cisneros is noted for her collection of poems and books that concentrate on the Chicana experience in the United States. In her writing, Cisneros explores and transcends borders of location, ethnicity, gender and language. Cisneros writes in lyrical yet deceptively simple language, she makes the invisible visible by centering on theRead MoreChronicle Of A Death Foretold By Gabriel Garcia Marquez1492 Words   |  6 PagesThere is a common misconception that one can know where someone is from or what they have gone through by knowing their current social location or address. This could not be further from the truth. There is always a story within a story that is waiting to be told. A story that may not be apparent to the public or even those closest to the person in question. Living in a nation like Latin America, Latin American experience this more often than not they must claim a mi staken identity that does

Marron Strategic Services Business Analysis Report - Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Marron Strategic Services Business Analysis Report. Answer: Introduction: In the recent past, some political events have emerged, which the MOOster organizations board executive and the board members are not able to control. The government has initiated policies to increase and enhance housing affordability in Grippsland, hence the need to construct more houses within the region. The emergence of new residential areas around the company means that the operations are at risk due to the possible conflicts between the new residents and MOOster. Therefore, it is very important for the CEO and the executive members to liaise with the government and political leaders to develop long-lasting solutions to the emerging conflicts. These solutions would involve effective communications about any developments around the company premises just to ensure that there are no more conflicts in the future(Newton, Paul; Bristoll, 2013). MOOster should stay in constant consultations with the political class to ensure that all the new policy developments affecting their area of operations will be captured to allow inputs and contributions from the organization. Also, the MOOster should make sure that all their operations are streamlined to avoid conflicts with the created policies that govern the region. Therefore, adhering to all the rules and regulation of the region, a good and favourable external political environment will be created to allow better returns. Apart from the local politics in Australia, MOOster management should understand that the stability of international and other specific national politics would directly affect their business operations. Therefore, they should be in constant watch of the progress of the political environments especially in countries where investments have been set up like New Zealand, China, and the UK. For instance, issues on BREXIT should be well analyzed to understand their effect on the future of the business set up in the UK. MOOster has been doing well by liaising with Victorian Dairy Marketing Board (VDMB) to understand the current research findings on dairy products and marketing strategies. In this case, MOOster is able to develop production policies according to the current expectations from the consumers. MOOster has entered into collaborations with distributors in other countries such as Singapore and China to manage their products in those markets. This decision was propelled by the advice of VDMB through an interactive consultative process. Finally, more interactive and consultative relationship should be developed between MOOster and the government to ensure an effective contribution to the policy development to safeguard the interests of the organization(Newton, Paul; Bristoll, 2013). Sociological factors affecting the external business environment include the characteristic of the population such as age distribution, career attitudes and health consciousness among others. MOOster has existed for some years in Bairnsdale, Victoria and it has been relating well to the community. It has created employment for the local residents and acted in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) duties(ODWYER, 2009). However, the changes in population are making the business operation of the organization challenging because of the complaints being received from the new residents. MOOster should not miss the opportunity of using the changes of the population into their advantage. For instance, more people means more consumers, which is a direct benefit to the producer. Also, this translates to more professionals which can be an outsourced local community, hence improving the human resource of the company. Therefore, MOOster should focus on making the smooth relationship with the community by meeting all the required CSR standards. The environmental factors have only been much considered in recent past as a result of harmonizing the conflicts between the population and manufacturers. Generally, environmental consideration was developed to evaluate and regulate the effect of manufacturing processes to human beings, animals and the environment as a whole(Hervani, Helms and Sarkis, 2005). The spoilage of the dairy products being shipped to the northern area of Western Australia has led to air and water pollution, hence affecting the local residents. These issues have been ignited by the poor relationship between MOOster and Long Haulage the logistics company which have been in delivering the dairy product within Australia(Schaltegger and Burritt, 2000). MOOster should focus on healthy and safe operations for the local residents and the employees. This pillar should be effectively implemented as a form of respect to the human life who are ultimate stakeholders. Also, any other stakeholder collaborating with MOOster should be informed of the standards of MOOsters business operation. Policies on safe disposal of waste products should be adopted to avoid endangering the lives of the residents and the environment. For instance, more research can be performed to understand whether more products can be developed from the wastes, which will be beneficial to both the organization and the environment(Nasir, 2004). MOOster needs to improve the productions, distribution and communication methods by strengthening and using up to date technologies. Knowledgeable and experienced human resource is needed to implement and install the best technological systems to ease the task of business operations at MOOster. Therefore, a technology company should be contracted to perform this tasks, which will reduce costs of production, increase the efficacy of operations and improve the quality of the products and services(Comacchio, Scapolan and Bonesso, 2007). Internal Capabilities using MOST Analysis Approach This approach is designed to provide and create targets for all the team member to ensure that every process within the organization is running towards one focus. The core concerns of MOST analysis approach are discussed in detail in the case of MOOster. It is very important to elaborate and outline the mission of the organization as it helps in streamlining the business processes. Therefore, having a mission is streamlined to serving the customers would lead to the long-term success of the business. Establishing the mission statement and actualizing it jumpstarts the other M-O-S-T analysis values(Yeates et al., 2006). The defined objectives should be SMART Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. In this case, the CEO should facilitate the development of SMART objective within MOOster, which will help in working towards the mission of the organization(Cadle, Paul and Turner, 2006). The objectives might include:- Solving issues such as spillage and pollution from dairy products. Resolving the conflict between MOOster and the new residents at Bairnsdale, Victoria. Designing concrete advertisement plan Improving the production, distribution and communication process by incorporating ICT technologies. Streamlining the decision-making process by building up a strong executive team. Acquiring resourceful personnel. Strategies After defining the objectives, strategies are to be set which outlines the criteria and approaches. For instance, the issues of spillage and pollution should be handled within a short period by ensuring that the tankers are well maintained and there is an effective method of handling the wastes. This process will require effective communication among the stakeholders and provide a rationale for meeting the objective. Also, since MOOster has not been using technology effectively for its operations, an objective of upgrading the systems for better business operations. Another objective should be targeted marketing of the products to the local and international markets because of the emerging competition from Canada and New Zealand(ODWYER, 2009; Indris and Primiana, 2015). Due to the effectiveness of the internet, social media platforms should be highly used to advertise the products with effective strategies to ensure that the target population is reached. Also, the media and billboards are effective ways of advertisements. Employees who are not working effectively are to be demoted or laid off to allow for more competent personnel(Lee, Lee and Pennings, 2001). Also, for the case of the improvement of the ICT, the organization can decide to employ new personnel to achieve the objective or advertise a contract for an established firm to install and recruit personnel to run and maintain. The CEO is supposed to bring the board members together, hence streamlining the governance and decision-making process. The methods to be used in implementing the strategies should be small and SMART. In these cases, the personnel will be able to follow the clearly defined step to actualize the strategies in order to meet the objectives. The management should not develop complex strategy implementation plans because they might lead to failure of the defined objectives(Pearce, 2011). Troubleshooting tactics should also be defined to assist in cases of failures, hence creating a smooth way to re-align processes. MOOster Business Analysis Plan MOOster needs to improve the quality of their products to make sure that the customers are fully satisfied, hence maintaining their market share. To achieve these objectives, it is important to partner with several stakeholders for consultations on production quality and marketing strategies. VDMB is a stakeholder in the decision and policy-making process regarding the marketing and distribution of dairy products within Australia and exportation. As a result, MOOster has been benefiting from advice on the new and emerging export markets. Also, based on the changes in the business environment, the cooperation and working together between the organization and VDMB allows consultations on sensitive policy changes regarding production and marketing policies. There should be a strong relationship between these distributors and the management from the headquarters and local coordinators within those markets to ensure that there are no lags within the collaborations. Also, more B2B collaborations should be developed to ease the task of doing business, hence improving the possibilities of making more returns by creating favourable working conditions for all the employees, especially the executives because they will not be controlling and supervision every operation within and outside Australia. Audits should be commissioned frequently to allow early detection of possible operational and decision-making issues which might drag the progress of the business. According to the new CEO Janet Kingdom, she is concerned that the actions of the organizations should be centred on the interests of the customers and MOOster itself. This indicates that the customers are on the front line and any decision and action should be based on the views and options of the customers. Since the company is focused on foods beverages, the customers have the final word and the success of the company depends on the perceptions of the end user(Liu, 2006).Vested interests have been dragging development of MOOster. It has been observed that board members who owned dairy companies have been focusing on them, hence leading to decreased committed to MOOster. I recommend that MOOster take legal steps to making it a fully merged enterprise to avoid personal interests on the management and executive level, which threatens the general progress. This can be achieved by dissolving all the previous cooperatives and signing a substantive memorandum to accommodate all the stakeholders. This will improve the decision-making process among the board members because the stakeholders accepting to merge and dissolve the businesses into one concrete enterprise will lock out the issues of vested interests. The new CEO Janet understands the ICT capabilities and the possible business opportunities. We recommend that suitable technologies are to be installed by a reputable company to enhance the local and international business operations(Baden-Fuller and Haefliger, 2013). For instance, having fast internet would enhance tele- and video- conferencing to enhance the management of the businesses in China, UK, Singapore, and New Zealand by holding meetings frequently to discuss the business situations. Tasks and Outputs We use predictive business analysis approach to ensure that firm and long-term business operations solutions are provided. In this case, MOOster will create a firm base to gain a significant market share by defining the strategies of processing and marketing their products. The CEO board members, distributors, customers and the business strategist firm conducting the business analysis are the stakeholders. The effectiveness of the solutions and proposals to be provided by Marron Strategic Services and any other external business strategists will depend on adaptability and flexibility of the CEO and the board members. Therefore, all the board members should avoid serving their personal interests, which might affect the effectiveness of the decision making and implementation processes. Good governance is which consultations are conducted among the stakeholders to ensure that there are minimal conflicts for better decisions. MOOster consults in occasions of reviewing the marketing initiative to allow sound decisions, which paves ways for new business ventures. Therefore, I recommend that the existing memorandum of understanding between MOOster and VDMB should continue and be strengthened for it dictates the success of the business(Kissinger, 2017). Data and information management professionals with ensuring that the data is stored well; no manipulations and it can be accessed easily. Only the authorized personnel are to access the data from the database for business analysis. References Adeoye, A. O. and Elegunde, A. F. (2012) Impact of External Business Environment on Organizational Performance on Food and Beverage Industry in Nigeria, British journal of arts and social sciences, 6(2), pp. 5665. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/download/36809779/interntional.pdf (Accessed: 27 March 2018). Baden-Fuller, C. and Haefliger, S. (2013) Business Models and Technological Innovation, Long Range Planning, 46(6), pp. 419426. doi: 10.1016/j.lrp.2013.08.023. Cadle, J., Paul, D. and Turner, P. (2006) Business Analysis, Techniques. Available at: https://usir.salford.ac.uk/8445/. Comacchio, A., Scapolan, A. and Bonesso, S. (2007) Innovation, complementarities and performance in micro/small enterprises, International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 7(1), pp. 528. doi: 10.1504/IJEIM.2007.012171. Hervani, A. A., Helms, M. M. and Sarkis, J. (2005) Performance measurement for green supply chain management, Benchmarking: An International Journal, 12(4), pp. 330353. doi: 10.1108/14635770510609015. Indris, S. and Primiana, I. (2015) Internal And External Environment Analysis On The Performance Of Small And Medium Industries ( SMEs ) In Indonesia, ijstr.org, 4(4). Available at: https://www.ijstr.org/final-print/apr2015/Internal-And-External-Environment-Analysis-On-The-Performance-Of-Small-And-Medium-Industries-smes-In-Indonesia.pdf (Accessed: 27 March 2018). Kissinger, D. (2017) Tesla Motors, Inc. PESTEL/PESTLE Analysis Recommendations - Panmore Institute, Panmore Institute. Available at: https://panmore.com/tesla-motors-inc-pestel-pestle-analysis-recommendations. Lee, C., Lee, K. and Pennings, J. M. (2001) Internal capabilities, external networks, and performance: A study on technology-based ventures, Strategic Management Journal, 22(67), pp. 615640. doi: 10.1002/smj.181. Liu, A. H. (2006) Customer value and switching costs in business services: developing exit barriers through strategic value management, Journal of Business Industrial Marketing, 21(1), pp. 3037. doi: 10.1108/08858620610643157. Nasir, M. A. (2004) Legal Issues Involved in E-Commerce, Ubiquity, pp. 12. doi: 10.1145/985610.985607. Newton, Paul; Bristoll, H. (2013) PESTEL Analysis: Strategy Skills, Free-Managment-Ebooks, pp. 131. doi: https://www.free-management-ebooks.com/dldebk-pdf/fme-pestle-analysis.pdf. ODWYER, B. (2009) Making Sustainability Work: Best Practices in Managing and Measuring Corporate Social, Environmental, and Economic Impacts., Accounting Review, pp. 10011003. doi: 10.5860/CHOICE.46-0995. Pearce, R. (2011) Strategic Management: Formulation, Implementation and Control. Available at: https://library.perbanas.ac.id/images/book/PHKI11/strategic management formulation.pdf (Accessed: 27 March 2018). Schaltegger, S. and Burritt, R. (2000) Contemporary Environmental Accounting-Issues: Concepts and Practice. Available at: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781351282512 (Accessed: 27 March 2018). Yeates, D. et al. (2006) Business Analysis, Business. doi: 10.1201/b13096-17.

Richard Iii Essays (295 words) - Shakespearean Histories

Richard Iii Richard was a bad guy. This was one of his speeches: Was ever woman in this humor wooed? Was ever woman in this humor won? I'll have her, but I will not keep her long. What, I that killed her husband and his father, To take her in her heart's extremest hate, With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes, The bleeding witness of my hatred by, Having God, her conscience, and these bars against me, And I no friends to back my suit at all But the plain devil and dissembling looks? And yet to win her, all the world to nothing! Ha! Hath she forgot already that brave prince, Edward, her lord, whom I some three months since Stabbed in my angry mood at Tewkesbury? A sweeter and a lovelier gentleman, Framed in the prodigality of nature, Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal, The spacious world cannot again afford. And will she yet abase her eyes on me, That cropped the golden prime of this sweet prince And made her widow to a woeful bed? On me, whose all not equals Edward's moiety? On me, that halts and am misshapen thus? My dukedom to a beggarly denier, I do mistake my person all this while! Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot, Myself to be a marv'lous proper man. I'll be at charges for a looking glass And entertain a score or two of tailors To study fashions to adorn my body. Since I am crept in favor with myself, I will maintain it with some little cost. But first I'll turn yon fellow in his grave And then return lamenting to my love. Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass, That I may see my shadow as I pass. Bibliography None Shakespeare

Strategic Management and Competitive Forces Essays

Strategic Management and Competitive Forces Essays Strategic Management and Competitive Forces Paper Strategic Management and Competitive Forces Paper COMPETITION IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY (WEEK 7) What is competition like in the golf equipment industry? What competitive forces seem to have the greatest effect on industry attractiveness? How is the golf equipment industry changing? What are the underlying drivers of change and how might those driving forces change the industry? What does your strategic group map of the golf equipment industry look like? Which strategic groups do you think are in the best positions? Which are in the worst positions? What recommendations would you make to Callaway Golf to improve the company’s competitive position in the industry and its financial and market performance? NINTENDO (WEEK 7) What is competition like in the video game console industry? Do a five-forces analysis to support your answer. Which of the five competitive forces is strongest? Which is weakest? Would you characterize the overall strength of competition in video game consoles as fierce, strong, moderate to normal or weak? Why? What is Nintendo’s strategy? Which of the five generic strategies discussed in Chapter 5 is Nintendo using? Is it fair to characterize Nintendo’s introduction of the Wii as a blue ocean strategy? Why or why not? What recommendations would you make to Nintendo to improve its competitiveness in the video game console industry and to maintain its favorable positioning vis-a-vis Microsoft and Sony? GOOGLE (WEEK 8) Discuss competition in the search industry. Which of the fi ve competitive forces seem strongest? weakest? What is your assessment of overall industry attractiveness? What are the key factors that define success in the industry? What are the key competencies, capabilities, and resources of successful search engine companies? Have Google’s business model and strategy proven to be successful? What are the company’s key resource strengths and competitive capabilities? What competitive liabilities and resource weaknesses does it have? What recommendations would you make to Google’s top-management team to sustain its competitive advantage in the search industry? How should it best capitalize on its strategic initiatives in mobile search, cloud computing, and its auctioning system for traditional media ads? RESEARCH IN MOTION (WEEK 8) What is competition like in the wireless phone industry? Which of the five Competitive forces is strongest? Which is weakest? What competitive forces seem to have the greatest effect on industry attractiveness? What strategic approach has Research in Motion chosen to employ in international markets? Would you characterize its strategy as a global strategy or a localized multicountry strategy? How has it utilized location to build competitive advantage? How important is it for Research in Motion to increase the size of its pool of software developers? What are the different options for substantially increasing its RD staff? Which option for increasing the number of software developers should Research in Motion pursue? Explain how your recommended course of action is consistent with Research in Motion’s resources, organizational capabilities, and management preferences. APPLE (WEEK 9) What are the chief elements of Apple’s overall competitive strategy? How well do the pieces fi t together? What does a competitive strength assessment reveal about Apple’s computer business, as compared to the leaders in the personal computer industry? Does it appear that the company’s competitive positions in personal media players and smartphones or stronger or weaker than its position in computers? Does it make good strategic sense for Apple to be a competitor in the computer, personal media player, smartphone, and tablet computer industries? Are the value chain activities that Apple performs in computers, personal media players, tablet computers and smartphones very similar and â€Å"compatible† or are there very important differences from product to product? What recommendations would you make to allow Apple to strengthen its position in its most important markets? KOMATSU (WEEK 9) Briefly identify the various strategies that Komatsu used in the different stages of their internationalization process. What were the implications for Komatsu’s management policies as they responded to changing domestic and global market conditions? To what extent the leadership and management of Komatsu responsible for its success or failures? Why? What strategic action should Komatsu take to bring back an sustain the leadership position of Komatsu? ADIDAS (WEEK 10) What is Adidas’ corporate strategy? Was there a common strategic approach utilized in managing the company’s lineup of sporting goods businesses prior to its 2005-2006 restructuring? Has the corporate strategy changed with restructuring? What does a 9-cell industry attractiveness/ business strength matrix displaying Adidas’ business units look like? Does Adidas’ business line-up exhibit good strategic fit? What value-chain match-ups exists? What opportunities for skills transfer, cost sharing, or brand sharing are evident? Based on your analysis of adidas businesses, did the restructuring undertaken in 2005 and 2006 make sense? Does it appear the acquisition of Reebok International will produce higher returns for shareholders? PEPSICO (WEEK 10) What is PepsiCo’s corporate strategy? Briefly identify the business strategies that PepsiCo is using in each of its consumer business segments in 2008. What is your assessment of the long-term attractiveness of the industries represented in PepsiCo’s business portfolio? What is your assessment of the competitive strength of PepsiCo’s different business units? Does PepsiCo’s portfolio exhibit good strategic fit? What value-chain match-ups do you see? What opportunities for skills transfer, cost sharing, or brand sharing do you see? What strategic actions should Indra Nooyi take to sustain the corporation’s impressive financial and market performance?

Applying for Federal Loans for Online College Students

Applying for Federal Loans for Online College Students Federal student loans offer distance learners the opportunity to pay for their online class tuition without draining their bank accounts or seeking additional employment. By filling out a single online application, you might qualify for federal student loans with reasonable interest rates and terms. Federal Student Loan Benefits Many banks offer private student loans. However, federal student loans are almost always the best choice for students who qualify. Federal student loans generally offer the lowest interest rates available. Federal loan borrowers are also given generous terms and might be able to defer loan payments if they return to college or are facing hardship. Types of Federal Student Loans The federal government offers several financial aid opportunities for students. Some of the most common federal student loans include: Federal Perkins Loans: These loans offer a very low interest rate and are available to students who demonstrate â€Å"exceptional financial need.† The government pays the interest on Federal Perkins Loans while the student is enrolled in school and for a nine-month grace period following graduation. Students begin making payments after the grace period.Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: Federal direct loans feature a low interest rate. The government pays the interest on subsidized loans while the student is enrolled in school and during a six-month grace period after graduation. Students begin making payments after the grace period.Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Unsubsidized loans also feature a low interest rate. However, these loans begin accumulating interest as soon as the loan money is dispersed. After graduation students have a six-month grace period before their first payment is due.Federal Direct PLUS Loans: The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students is available fo r parents who intend to pay for their child’s education. Parents must pass a credit check or have a qualified cosigner. The first payment is due after the loan is disbursed. Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Degree Students: Adult students may also take out PLUS loans after exhausting the limits for other federal loan options. Students must pass a credit check or have a cosigner. Interest begins accumulating after the loan is disbursed. However, students may ask for a payment deferment while they are in school. In the case of a deferment, the first payment is due 45 days after the end of the deferment period. Online School Student Loan Laws Before 2006, many online students were unable to receive federal aid. In 1992, Congress enacted the 50 Percent Rule, mandating that schools qualify as financial aid distributors by offering more than 50 percent of courses in traditional classrooms. In 2006, the law was overturned. Today a growing number of online schools offer federal student aid. To offer aid, schools must still meet requirements, but the percentage of online courses no longer applies. Online Schools Offering Federal Student Loans Keep in mind that not all online schools offer federal student loans. To find out if your school is able to distribute student loans, call the school’s financial aid office. You might also search for the college’s federal school code on the federal financial aid website. Qualifying for Federal Student Loans To be eligible for federal student loans you must be a U.S citizen with a social security number. You must have a high school diploma, a GED certificate or have passed an alternative exam. You must be enrolled as a regular student working toward a certificate or degree at a school that is eligible to offer federal aid. Additionally, you must not have certain drug convictions on your record (convictions that happened prior to your eighteenth birthday don’t count, unless you were tried as an adult). You cannot currently be in default for any student loans you already have, or owe the government refund money from grants you were awarded. If you are a male, you must register for Selective Services. If you don’t meet these qualifications, it’s still a good idea to discuss your situation with a financial aid counselor. There is some flexibility with the rules. For example, some non-citizens are eligible to apply for federal aid, and students with recent drug convictions may be able to receive aid if they attend drug rehabilitation. How Much Aid Will You Receive? The type and amount of federal aid you receive is determined by your online school. Aid amount is based on several factors including your financial need, your year in school and the cost of attendance. If you are a dependent, the government will determine an expected family contribution (how much your family should be expected to contribute, based on your parent’s income). For many students, the entire cost of college attendance can be covered by federal student loans and grants. Applying for Federal Student Loans Before applying for federal student loans, set up an in-person or phone appointment with your online school’s financial aid counselor. He or she will be able to offer advice for applying and suggestions for alternative sources of aid (such as scholarships and school-based grants). Once you’ve collected the needed documents such as social security numbers and tax returns, it’s easy to apply. You will need to fill out a form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be filled out online or on paper. Using Student Loans Wisely When you receive your federal aid award, the bulk of the money will be applied to your tuition. Any remaining money will be given to you for other school-related expenses (textbooks, school supplies, etc.) Often, you will be eligible to receive more money than is necessary. Try to use as little money as possible and return any money you do not need. Remember, student loans must be repaid. Once you finish your online education, you will begin student loan repayment. At this point, consider refinancing your student loans so you have one monthly payment at a lower interest rate. Meet with a financial counselor to discuss your options.

Acid Mine Drainage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Acid Mine Drainage - Essay Example In such it discusses all the possible avenues with which AMD can emerge and gives in depth analysis with regard to the chemical composition, reaction and eventual production of the AMD. This paper also strives to give in summary different sources of the AMD and the appropriate remedies that can be put into practice to quench the lethal problems associated with AMD. In the same breadth, it discusses the health related problems associated with AMD as well as those of ecological. This paper can be of meaningful help to those who work in the mines and risk contracting the problems linked with the site. When the precautionary measures that are discussed in this paper are stringently followed by the concerned individuals with the appropriate technology and man power, there is no doubt the problem of the AMD will be a thing of the past. 2.0 Introduction Acid mines drainage (AMD) is one of the major environmental threats that comes as a result of extraction of minerals for economic purposes. If these mines are not properly managed, then the exercise of extraction results into a serious environmental menace. Essentially acid mines drainage is a peculiar kind of a wastewater that that results from the continuous processes of weathering as well as leaching of coal and metalliferrous compounds that contain sulphur as an element in them. The various activities of mining for example, strip and underground mining exposes the sulfide (pyrite) and other metallic compounds that incorporate sulphur to a level of oxidation given the availability of oxygen and water. The oxidation process will increase the acidity level i.e. low P.H value, as the value of the P.H decreases, the oxidation process of the metals equally increases increases and this significantly reduces the water quality and culminate into water pollution (Drever 133). The formatio n of the acid mines drainage process can also be facilitated by through biological processes. The microorganism thiobaccillus ferroxidants is an acid tolerant microbe and is known to be associated with acid mines drainage sites as it enhances the oxidation of the compounds that contain sulphur compounds (Drever 147). . The resultant water in the acid mines drainages are very hazardous to health, in that the acidity and the components of water from the mines contain lethal chemicals. As stated above, without the buffering processes of the process, the acidity level will exponentially increase accelerating weathering process and subsequent development and continuation of the acid mines drainages (Drever 151). 3.0 Origin of Acid Mine Drainage Several factors can bring about development of the acid mines drainages, coming into contact between the surface water (oxygenated) with the pyritic ores is one of the ways that largely contribute to the formation of the acid mines drainage. This interaction takes place in three different ways; when the mining processes change the direction of flow of the water pattern to areas endowed with rocks that have been in constant touch with the ground water that is anoxically stagnant (Berner and Berner 98). The other possibility is when the spoils form the pyritic mining is disposed in an area of percolating oxygenated water, and when the pyritic minerals waste materials are directly discharged into the aquatic environment. 4.0 Results The formation of the acid mines drainages results into several environmental degradative processes that are vey detrimental to the survival biological life, in such, measures are always put into place as precautionary obligation to ensure