Wwek2 dicussions Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Wwek2 dicussions - Case Study Example Secondly, an individual may also fill the tax advice document claim form to inquire on how to handle non-disclosure matters. It mainly helps the taxpayer to provide information that he ought to have filed with the tax return but was discovered late. In addition, individuals may also fill the tax contextual information disclosure form. The option implies to the IRS that the taxpayer is sincere and may not recommend any audit process to unveil any undisclosed income information. Thirdly, a client may also make a voluntary disclosure in the case of offshore accounts since it makes them become compliant and avoid criminal prosecution. Such an option shows the taxpayer is willing to cooperate, and, therefore, the IRS may waive the penalty and may not indulge auditing team to probe the client. Finally, the client may decide to take the risk and wait to be summoned by the IRS for non-disclosure. However, this option may land the client in trouble. As a practitioner, I recommend that the client becomes sincere and retrieves the missing information from his partner. After that, he should voluntarily disclose to the IRS all the income information that were not disclosed. One should file the amended return information or contact IRS immediately to avoid penalties or any criminal prosecution that may arise. Acting sincerely without any push helps the client avoid IRS audits. Desai, R., & Roberts, R. (2012). Deficiencies in the Code of Conduct: The AICPA Rhetoric Surrounding the Tax Return Preparation Outsourcing Disclosure Rules.  Journal of Business Ethics,  114(3), 457-471.

Cells Biological Essay Example for Free

Cells Biological Essay I) Observation of starch grains 1. A potato was cut by using a cork barrier to obtain a piece of it. 2. The small piece of potato was placed on the centre of the glass slide and enough pressure was applied with fingers to squeeze it until small amount of juice was force out. The piece of potato was discarded leaving the juice behind on the glass microscope slide. 3. A drop of water was added to the potato juice and the glass slide was then covered with a clean cover slip. 4. The slide was examined: under low power (10X), then high power (40X). A drawing of 4-6 starch grains was made to illustrate the shape and other observable details for each, low power (10X) and high power (40X). 5. The experiment was preceded by staining the grains using the irrigation technique. (Irrigation technique: A drop of iodine was placed at one edge of the cover slip. A filter paper was brought into contact with the water at the opposite edge of the cover slip. As water was absorbed by the filter paper, iodine on the other side of the cover slip was drawn underneath it and the sample was stained.) 6. The iodine-stained mount was examined under low power (10X) and high power (40X). 4-6 starch grains were drawn to illustrate their shape and structure. These drawings were included in the microscope data sheet as results. II) Observation of onion cells 1. An onion was cut into half and one of its fleshy scale petals was removed. 2. The onion petal was snapped backwards and a forceps was used to tear away a piece of thin epidermal lining from inside the onion. A 1cm square piece of lining was placed onto the microscopic glass slide. 3. A drop of water was placed on the onion epidermal lining and the lining was covered with a cover slip. It was examined under a microscope at low power (10X) and then high power (40X). A drawing of the observations was made. The details that were observed in the preparation were included. . The parts of the onion cells were labelled accordingly. 4. The experiment was preceded by staining the onion lining with iodine by irrigation technique as described earlier. 5. It was examined again under low power (10X) and high power (40X). 4-6 onion cells were drawn in the microscope data sheet as observation. The parts of the onion cells were labelled completely. III) Observation of cheek cells 1. A clean glass microscope slide was obtained and a drop of water was placed in the centre of the slide. 2. A flat toothpick was hold against the inner cheek and the inner cheek was gently scraped with the flat edge of a toothpick. The cheek cells were spread in the drop of water on a microscope slide. 3. The specimen was covered with a cover slip and air bubbles were avoided. 4. It was observed under high power (40X) and a drawing of 4-6 cells was made. 5. The details that can be observed in the preparation were included and were labelled accordingly. 6. The experiment was preceded by staining the cheek cell slide with methylene blue by irrigation technique. 7. The cell with structures observed was drawn in the microscope data sheet as part of the results. Nucleus, nuclear membrane and cell membrane were labelled. Discussion: Under microscopic examination, organelles of the cell are enlarged to be observed. In onion cells (plant cell), cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus are observed. In cheek cells (animal cells), cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus are observed. The difference between plant cells and animal cells are presence of organelles and their cell shape. From the observation of onion cells and cheek cells, it there is presence of cell wall in onion cell (plant cell) but it is absent in animal cell .The presence of cell wall contributes to the fixed, rigid shape of plant cell whereas animal cell is irregular in shape. Different types of stain colour for particular parts of a cell respectively so that the translucent parts of the cells can be viewed more clearly and can be studied easily. Iodine is often used as an indicator for starch. Hence, starch grains and onion cells are more clear and visible when iodine stains starch present in the cells. During observation of starch grains, starch is mixed with iodine solution where dark blue solution is observed, representing a starch/iodine complex. Staining a plant cell with iodine allows us to see the onion cell wall. Methylene blue binds well with negative charge molecules (DNA) which allows us to see the nucleus of the cell. It stains nuclei acid found in the nucleus, making nucleus more observable. For precaution, glass slide is make sure is clean and perfectly transparent by holding the slide by its edge. Glass slide is make sure not to be dry so that the cell can be observed under the microscope. During wet mount, air bubbles that will interfere the viewing the organisms’ movement is to be avoided by putting the covers lip gently on the slide. When observing the specimen, adjust the iris diaphragm or light level to achieve optimum contrast. Low power is always to be used first as to know the location of a good area for observation.

Producerscareer Paper -- essays papers

Producerscareer Paper Introduction I believe by researching this career, I will learn more about what it’s like to be a producer. I also believe that my research will help me choose what occupation I’d like to have when I finish school. I chose this profession as the topic of my career paper because I want to learn more about it because I may be interested in going into this career. Job Description Producers have financial and administrative control over the making of movies, plays, and TV shows. Producers hire directors, principal members of the cast, and negotiate contracts with artistic personnel, often in accordance with collective bargaining agreement (â€Å"Actors, Directors, and Producers† 180). Together with the director, the producer also hires other members of the staff. A large staff includes several production assistants, associate producers, or assistant producers who are in charge of various parts of the production. These assistants help producers perform their task. During production, the producer is in charge of all the people involved in the movie, television, or theater project, including actors, directors, and production workers (CIC 154). Kaci Wall Anyone with enough money can produce a play or movie. A person successful in business who has contacts in the theater may raise the money to produce a play. Someone experienced in films, such as a director, may raise enough money to produce a film. Producers are entrepreneurs. The...

Islamic Art Essay

To start this topic, the first question that arises in the mind is that what is art? Basically art is not a word, which has a specific definition, but in literal meanings art can be defined as a spiritual sense of a human being, which he or she notes down in an artistic way. Art refers to creativity. Creativity is something very similar to art. The human mind is a congregation of many ideas. These ideas when get note down beautifully on a piece of paper, it is called an art. An artwork is usually considered as a masterpiece when its concept reaches the mind of the people and it is considered as an appreciable piece of work among the people. Masterpieces of art are just not paintings but spray painting, wall painting and other forms of art created for buildings are much appreciable. Islam is not only a religion but it is a way to lead a happy life. Islamic culture and traditions express its importance in the life of a person. Islam has always supported everything either it is of any field. Today the topic is about arts in Islamic religion so an outlook on the past Mughal and Muslim rulers will serve the arts in Islam as a great commodity. Islamic art is not only features which have been introduced to make beautiful mosques or tombs but in fact in true and literal meanings Islamic art is a beautiful creativity which is in every country conquered by Muslims in past centuries. Muslim art has been one of the wonderful one in the world. Islam is not only a religion but it is a pattern of life. It is a beautiful way of life through which every new aspect of creativity has been launched. The reason of Muslim art is not only extension in this field but to introduce new designs throughout the world and improve skills, which have been unknown since centuries. The newly conquered lands by the Muslims have many things old created by the Muslim rulers of past centuries. However, the architectures working there are now working according to the Muslim motifs and strategy. It has been a fact in almost every era that Muslims have succeeded in every field of creativity and this can be seen in Agra. Taj Mahal is considered as one of the most beautiful monuments of the Sub continent. Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is still recognized as one of the most beautiful monuments of the Sub continent. The grave of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan lies inside the Taj Mahal and the beautiful calligraphy and textile designing on the beautiful bluish tiles can be seen from inside. But something really drastic happened with the laborers who built Taj Mahal. According to resources some 22,000 laborers built it and after its completion the laborers lost their hands as Shah Jahan said that no body could be able to build such a beautiful monument. This incident rocked the world but still now the laborers are not valued for their creativity but Shah Jahan is praised for laying the base of such a beautiful monument. â€Å"In the time of Muhammad the Arabs had little or no art of their own, but, in their conquest of Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Iran they adopted the highly developed art of these countries. It is known from literary sources that the caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty (661-749) requisitioned materials and craftsmen from all the provinces for the construction of new cities, palaces, and mosques. Byzantine and Syrian masochists were employed to decorate the mosque at Damascus, for which an Iranian was the chief architect. Artists from Egypt worked in Jerusalem, Damascus, and Mecca. † (Dimand, 1947) It is a fact that Muslims in the beginning had no art of their own but soon as they started conquering other Muslim countries, they started introducing various forms of art and cultures adapted from other civilizations. Islamic art is basically an old art form, which started ruling the territories since seventh century. It reached the minds and eyes of people when Muslim rulers of past started preaching of their wonderful ideas. The fields in Muslim arts contain ceramic painting, calligraphy, painting and architecture. There is a sort of unity among the Islamic arts and artists. The merchants, traders who buy the antique pieces created by Muslim artists of high quality have much more understanding with the consumers than any other buyer or sellers around the world. Moreover, the art of ornaments among Muslim craftsmen is an art of great common sense and attention or concentration. Today, Muslim ornaments of past and present are valued most among the people. Muslim jewellery is much more appreciable than that of any other country. The most important feature in the classification of the Muslim art is architecture. Because of pious mosques and imambargah’s the Muslim architectures have to work very hard on the designs and decoration motifs of the mosques they are building. Muslims have many beautiful mosques and religious and visiting monuments on their credit such as the Great Mosque of Cordoba, Dome of the Rock mosque and the Taj Mahal. Apart all of that the religious places, such as Kahan-e-Kaaba and the Shrine of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A. S, whose dome is made of gold). Besides architecture another important and most valued feature in Islamic art is of calligraphy. Calligraphy plays an important role in the history of Islam. Islam values calligraphy both piously and artistically. Artistically Muslim calligraphy is of high quality and piously it is used for writing the phrases of Quranic. Quranic verses when written through calligraphic wittings look more beautiful than ever. Besides all of these creations Islamic artists or craftsmen have been master in metal work and pottery making. The sand of nearly all-Muslim countries is very fertile being close to rivers and seas so pottery work is very courageous here and appreciated too. Metal making, carpet weaving and ceramic work are also very common features in all of the Muslim countries especially in villages that is the reason why Muslim art is so much demanded in all of the foreign countries. â€Å"Islamic Art is an illustrated history that takes a broad approach, covering architecture, crafts, and aesthetics as well as â€Å"art† in the narrow sense, and placing them within their social and historical context. It extends to around 1700, but does not cover the entire Islamic world, only the arid area from Morocco to Afghanistan. Mosques are central to Islamic architecture, but have by no means been static. â€Å"Minarets may now be seen as entirely characteristic of Muslim religious architecture, but the very first mosques had none. † Patronage was critical, and rulers often reworked earlier buildings, making major monuments â€Å"architectural palimpsests. † (Irwin, 1997) Islamic art has always been a way to enhance the skills of workers and people who work for the betterment of Islamic society. Islam is not just a religion but it is a patron to lead a happy life. Even today many visitors from foreign countries and people interested in arts and crafts come to see the creativity or Muslim artists, who work according to the Islamic principles and bring out the designs of those Mughal Muslim rulers who have been now hidden under some old rocks. It can be said like that â€Å"Removing the sand from old rocks†. Conclusion Muslim art has been defined clearly. Research clearly shows that Muslim art is one of the most demanded and old forms of art in the world. Muslims has been working in this field since 7th century. However, when Muslims started conquering other states, they introduced new forms of art and craft there and now they are conquering the peaks of this creativity. Muslims and Islam has always guided people throughout their life in every field. Islam gives us better knowledge to lend a wise and proper life. Islam has given a perspective to us. Today if Muslims are reaching high in this creative field then it is just because of the principles of our prophets and the guidance of Islam. Following of Islamic principles can lend to live a better and happy life and through this one can be able to touch those peaks, which sometimes remained in just imaginations. References M. S. Dimand, (1947), A Handbook of Muhammadan Art, Hartsdale House. New York Robert Irwin. Irwin Islamic Art: Art, Architecture and the Literary World. Laurence King 1997.

Political Disputes by 1860 Essay

During the 1800’s, Americans in the North and South often had conflict but could no longer resolve their political disputes through compromise by the year 1860. In this time period, compromise was not an option because slavery and states rights’ caused political disputes between the north and south.The two political parties in the north and south lost their ability to cooperate and by the mid 1800’s increased the issue of the division of the states. The political view on slavery and states rights grew as compromise between the north and south political parties began to collapse during the mid 19th century. Henry Clay stated that it is impossible for South Carolina to become an independent state. (Doc A) A report of the American Anti-Slavery Society was opposed to slavery naming slave owners as â€Å"man stealers† and believed that slaves should be free. (Doc B) Political compromise was not greatly effected by their belief but the Compromise of 1850 resulted in the Fugitive Slave Law being passed which caused the collapse in the political parties. The issue of slavery continued to increase as compromise slowly disintegrated. Abolitionism increased by the encouragement of Frederick Douglass, a leader, who promoted freedom for all slaves. Also, â€Å"Uncle Toms Cabin† published by Harriet Beecher started up abolitionism in the North while the South to oppose against abolitinists. Senator Daniel Webster who is opposed to secession stated that the North is not complied with the Fugitive Slave Law. (Doc D) In addition, a New York Tribune comparing working class men in the north to southern gentlemen (Doc F) caused more conflict between the states over the issue of slavery. The division of the states over the issue of slavery enhanced the collapse of compromise between the North and South political parties.

10 of the Most Annoying Things about Working in Retail

10 of the Most Annoying Things about Working in Retail Even if you love your career in retail, the common truth is that it can really be a thankless job. It’s wrongly considered a job that â€Å"anyone† could do, but it takes a lot of stamina, skills, and smarts to juggle the many elements of the gig successfully, and with grace. Here are some of the biggest annoyances that often come with retail gigs.1. â€Å"The Customer is Always Right.†That’s just not true. You’ve seen rude customers in stores before, right? As the poor employee  working behind the counter, you have to smile and appease that rude person. You  have to keep your cool while being berated. It’s hospitality under fire. And if a customer walks in five minutes before you’re scheduled to close, then that’s your problem.2. Working Double ShiftsYou’ll often have to work a 12  to 16  hour shift†¦ for minimum wage. And you’ll be standing. The whole time. And a lot of opening hours are early. That means you need to be there two and a half hours prior to open to make sure inventory is done and things are spic and span.3. Old PeopleOld people are lovely, but sometimes someone will come in and pay with a combination of pennies and coupons that they dig out of their purse. Meanwhile the line backs up around the aisles or denim displays and the other customers are growing increasingly irate.4. The SoundtrackSeriously. You get sick of the music within five minutes of shopping. Imagine having to listen to it for hours on end, day after day, month after month.5. Mandatory â€Å"Uniforms†You can’t afford the clothes you sell, even with the 10% employee discount, but still you’re required to wear them. Maybe the company should be required to pay you more, hmm?6. Working HolidaysYou know how you look forward to holidays and three-day weekends and vacations? Yeah, you don’t get those in retail. Because those stores never close. The world doesn’t care if you are fasting for Ramadan, or missing Christmas dinner. You’re working.7. Being Treated Like You’re InvisibleCustomers, even nice customers will often treat you like you aren’t a real person. They’ll be on their phones. They’ll be mumbling at you like you aren’t human. They certainly don’t bother looking at your name tag to ask how your day is going.8. Silly RulesSometimes your company will require you to show up 10 minutes before your shift starts- but won’t compensate you. Sometimes they make stupid rules like outlawing talking between employees. Like that makes employees more positive in their demeanor.9.  Misplaced AngerCustomers hold you personally responsible when things run out of stock. Do they realize you’re not the one that does the ordering? They also get mad if an item was put back on a sale rack by accident, but gets rung up at full price.10. The Pile of Clothes in the Dressing RoomSeriously. Theyâ€⠄¢re not even right-side out.

The Definition of Natural Experiment in Economics

The Definition of Natural Experiment in Economics A  natural experiment  is an empirical or observational study in which the control and experimental variables of interest are not artificially manipulated by researchers but instead are allowed to be influenced by nature or factors outside of the researchers control. Unlike traditional randomized experiments, natural experiments are not controlled by researchers  but rather observed and analyzed. Natural Experiments Versus Observational Studies So if natural experiments are not controlled but rather observed by researchers, what is there to distinguish them from purely observational studies? The answer is that natural experiments still follow the primary principles of experimental study. Natural experiments are most effective when they mimic as closely as possible the existence of test and control groups of controlled experiments, which is to say that there is a clearly defined exposure to some condition in a clearly defined population and the absence of that exposure in another similar population for comparison. When such groups are present, the processes behind natural experiments are said to resemble randomization even when researchers do not interfere. Under these conditions, observed outcomes of natural experiments can feasibly be credited to the exposure meaning that there is some cause for belief in a causal relationship as opposed to simple correlation. It is this characteristic of natural experiments - the effective comparison that makes a case for the existence of a causal relationship - that distinguishes natural experiments from purely non-experimental observational studies. But that is not to say that natural experiments arent without their critics and validation difficulties. In practice, the circumstances surrounding a natural experiment are often complex and their observations will never unequivocally prove causation. Instead, they provide an important inferential method through which researchers can gather information about a research question upon which data might otherwise not be available. Natural Experiments in Economics In the social sciences, particularly economics, the expensive nature and limitations of traditionally controlled experiments involving human subjects has long been recognized as a limitation for the development and progress of the field. As such, natural experiments provide a rare testing ground for economists and their colleagues. Natural experiments are used when such controlled experimentation would be too difficult, expensive, or unethical as is the case with many human experiments. Opportunities for natural experimentation are of the utmost importance to subjects like epidemiology or the study of health and disease conditions in defined populations in which experimental study would problematic, to say the least. But natural experiments are also used by researchers in the field of economics to study otherwise difficult to test subjects and are often possible when there is some change in law, policy, or practice in a defined space like a nation, jurisdiction, or even social group. Some examples of economics research questions that have been studied through natural experimentation include: The return on investment of higher education in American adultsThe effect of military service on lifetime earning  The effect of public smoking bans on hospital admissions Journal Articles on Natural Experiment: The Economic Consequences of Unwed Motherhood: Using Twin Births as a Natural ExperimentNatural and Quasi-Experiments in EconomicsA Natural Experiment in Jeopardy!

Is the ACT Hard 9 Key Factors, Considered

Is the ACT Hard 9 Key Factors, Considered SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The ACT is a nerve-wracking test considering the impact scores can have on college admissions prospects. But how hard is the ACT, really? It's intimidating, sure, but it's not as difficult as it seems. The material on the ACT becomes much less challenging if you're familiar with the structure of the test and the way questions are asked. In this article, I'll go over a few aspects of the ACT that tend to make it more or less difficult and provide essential tips on how to get past some of these obstacles and end up with a great score! Is the ACT Hard? At its core, the ACT tests relatively basic concepts, so you're unlikely to see any content that's totally unfamiliar to you. However, it can definitely be challenging depending on how much you prepare and how well you've learned the material in school. The English section tests grammatical and stylistic writing concepts that will be familiar to you based on your work in English classes in late middle school and early high school. The Math section doesn't test any material past the concepts you would have learned in algebra II and trigonometry, classes which many students have taken by the end of their sophomore year of high school. The passages in the Reading section are written at approximately the reading level of an average college freshman, but they don't contain obscure vocabulary words, and most questions rely on basic reading comprehension. The Science section deals with evaluating experimental scenarios and scientific theories that you'll most likely be able to understand if you've taken a high school science class with a lab component. The main challenge of the ACT for most students is its format. You have a very limited amount of time to answer each question, and there's a significant amount of reading involved. You'll need to overcome the challenges presented by the structure of the test before you can successfully apply your knowledge of the content. 5 Factors That Make the ACT Harder There are a lot of considerations that go into answering the question "Is the ACT hard?" Here I'll list a few different qualities of the ACT that might make it difficult for you. #1: Time Pressure The ACT is challenging for many students because of its strict time constraints. On the English section, you'll answer 75 questions in just 45 minutes, which is equal to a mere 36 seconds per question. On the Math section, you'll answer 60 questions in 60 minutes, so you have a minute at most for each question. On both Reading and Science, you'll answer 40 questions in 35 minutes, meaning you get 52 seconds per question. There's no time to linger on difficult questions, so if you're not used to the test, you may run out of time before finishing one or more sections. #2: Lots of Reading The ACT includes long passages in both the English and Reading sections, and the Science section also requires quite a bit of reading (especially for conflicting viewpoints questions). There are four passages (or pairs of passages) on the Reading section that accompany sets of questions. Often, the questions don't include line numbers for reference. This can mean spending lots of time searching through the passage to find the information you need. If you don't have a good reading strategy in place before the test, you might not get to the end of the section. #3: High-Stress Environment As I've mentioned, the ACT is a high-pressure test because it can strongly impact your chances of admission to competitive colleges. Even on a test that doesn't contain extraordinarily challenging content, stress can make everything seem significantly more intimidating. If you're too worried about making mistakes, you might get distracted by anxiety and inadvertently make the test more difficult for yourself. #4: Unfamiliar Data Some students find the science section of the ACT difficult because it asks you to interpret unfamiliar data from types of experiments that you might not have encountered before in class. It can be a challenge to interpret these charts and graphs if the units are in an unusual form or are measurements of things that you can't easily visualize. Here's an example: At first glance, graphs like this are somewhat unintelligible (watts per meters squared? wut?). You can learn to get past all this to locate the core information that you need to answer the questions, but it's tough if you're not used to the test. #5: Some Challenging Math Concepts (And No Formulas) The ACT tests the occasional advanced math concept that you may not have learned yet, including a few questions on basic trigonometry. To make it even tougher, the ACT doesn't provide commonly used math formulas at the beginning of the section like the SAT does. You'll have to rely mostly on memory in that area. However, questions will provide you with the formulas you need to find the solution if they happen to be a bit more obscure. For example, this is always the case when trigonometric identities are involved. You'll probably encounter the less exciting type of pi(e) on the ACT. 4 Factors That Make the ACT Easier Now let's look at the other side. Here are a few factors that might make the ACT an easier test compared to other exams you've taken in school. #1: Consistent Structure and Question Formats The ACT is always structured the same way with the same types of questions. This standardization means it's relatively easy to predict what will show up on the test in what order. It's much simpler to prepare for a test when you know exactly what to expect. Every time you take the ACT, you can be positive that the order of the sections is English, Math, Reading, Science, and optional Writing. Within the Reading section, you can even predict the order of the passages in terms of subject matter. You can learn more about the structure of each section in this comprehensive guide to the format of the test. #2: All Multiple Choice Every question on the ACT (minus the optional essay) is multiple choice. Unlike the SAT, there are no grid-in questions on ACT Math. That means that you don't have to come up with any answers independently. All the correct answers are right there in front of you! You just need to figure out how to eliminate the choices that don't make sense. #3: ACT Science Isn't Really That Sciencey Some people are very intimidated by the Science section of the ACT because it seems like you must have to know a bunch of obscure scientific facts to do well. That's not true! The science section is just reading comprehension and data interpretation combined with basic logic. You don't need to dive back into your notes on electrochemistry or memorize physics formulas. Even if you lack confidence in your academic skills in scientific domains, you can learn to do very well on this section with some practice. #4: No Guessing Penalty The ACT doesn't take points off for incorrect answers, so leaving a question blank and answering it incorrectly are functionally the same. This means that you don't have to agonize over whether or not it's worth it to fill in a random answer bubble on a question that totally stumps you. Provide an answer for every question just in case you get lucky! Commit whatever guessing infractions you want - there's no penalty! 3 Tips to Make the ACT Easier for You I just went over a bunch of fixed qualities of the ACT that might make it easier or harder, but the biggest factor in determining how easy the test will be for you is how you choose to approach it. Here are some tips that will help you manage the challenges of the ACT and reduce anxiety surrounding such an important test. Tip 1: Take Lots of Practice Tests The number one way to make the ACT easier for yourself is by taking practice tests at frequent intervals as a part of your studying. Practice tests help you get used to the format and timing of the real test so you can avoid any unpleasant surprises. As I've said, time pressure is one of the hardest aspects of the ACT, so if you learn to manage your time well on practice tests, you'll already be much closer to a high score. Practice tests also get you accustomed to aspects of the test that appear scary at first glance but are totally manageable once you understand the format better. Tip 2: Stay Calm Test anxiety is the downfall of many students who are otherwise perfectly capable of understanding the content of the ACT. It's important to find strategies to combat the stress that accompanies these high-pressure exams so it doesn't ruin your performance. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful during the test, and being aware of the structure of the exam before you go into it can also alleviate stress. Keep in mind that your fate in life will not be determined by your score on this one exam. You'll have multiple chances to take it as long as you start the process early enough. Tip 3: Make Note of Your Mistakes Always pay attention to where you encounter errors on practice tests so you can focus on improving in those areas. The more time you devote to addressing content areas that you don't understand, the more comfortable you'll feel on test day. If you keep taking practice tests without attending to your mistakes, you'll have the format of the ACT memorized, but you won't fix any of the deeper issues that are causing you to lose points. Ultimately, if you want to gain confidence, you need to take the time to understand where you went wrong and how you can change your strategy to avoid the same mistakes on test day. You should learn to catch yourself before you start taking an incorrect route to find the solution to a question. Bottom Line: How Hard Is the ACT? The first time you take an ACT practice test, you might perceive the difficulty level as challenging, average, or relatively easy depending on your educational background. The ACT may be more difficult for people who have a hard time reading quickly or who aren't as comfortable with some of the advanced math concepts. However, it's always possible to improve your performance by continuing to practice questions that are tough for you, getting more comfortable with the timing and structure of the test, and learning to relax even when things aren't going perfectly. What's Next? For more tips, check out this article on when you should start studying for the ACT based on your goals. Thinking about getting a review book to prepare for the ACT? Read our review of the official ACT prep guide Aiming for a super high score on the ACT? Take a look at this article on how to earn a perfect or close to perfect score with the help of some expert study strategies. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

Organizational Power or Politics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational Power or Politics - Term Paper Example They should serve as guiding principles for the success of an organization and particularly in managing and empowering employees. Power is such an important element for the success of an organization, but it is a broad concept at the same time. It could either harm or help an organization depending on how it is implemented. In the context of an organization, it is defined as the ability to do or acquire something (Nelson & Quick, 2011). In this definition, power is concerned on the capacity of an individual to influence and employ authority over a certain organization or group. In other words, there is a clear distinction between power, influence and authority. Power is the ability, influence is a process and authority is the right of a person to create impact on the lives of others (Nelson & Quick, 2011). Power can be significantly viewed as the ability to influence and employ one’s authority. Thus, power should consist of combined ability to apply influence and authority. It is in this reason why power is such an important concept that for a long period of time continues to be one of the most signific ant issues that need to be taken into account in leadership and other related essential activities within an organization. In this paper, the proponent tries to discuss and analyze the basic and essential concepts of power and political behavior in an organization based on the ideas of Nelson and Quick. The essay starts with the discussion of their ideas on power and political behavior, followed by analysis and conclusion. Nelson and Quick discuss important issues regarding power and political behavior primary within the context of a group or an organization. First, they place substantial distinction among the concepts of power, influence and authority. For them, each of these has different impact and usage. A manager may have the right to take control over employees but this would not

Conflict Analysis Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Conflict Analysis Paper - Essay Example When I go home after a hard day, I have to pick up unending coffee cups, ash trays, cushions, close open windows, secure locks and switch off lights, before washing the used dishes, as I need them for cooking and eating. Actually they are my own and he does not have many earthy possessions. He would rather spend money on male perfume, pointed shoes and manicure. Our conflict cannot come under philosophical, demonic, classical theories. It is definitely not ecological. It comes under the Functional theory and perhaps this kind of conflict is needed for the social functioning. Also it comes under Anomie theory, because both of us are confused about how to treat the other. "This meant that rules on how people ought to behave with each other were breaking down and thus people did not know what to expect from one another. Anomie, simply defined, is a state where norms (expectations on behaviors) are confused, unclear or not present. It is normlessness, Durkheim felt, that led to deviant behaviour" http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimtheory/week8.htm Triggering events that brought conflict into mutual awareness were his smoking inside flat, not cleaning, leaving used dishes all over, being unreasonable about buying things for flat, and arguing on every possible matter. According to him, they are my obsession with cleaning, tidiness, my overbearing desire to have my own way, shrill reaction to smoking and dominating behavior. Historical context on this ongoing relationship, could be from my point of view Communism produces only selfishness and cunning behavior. According to him, Asian people are overbearing, fastidious, without any scope for easy, laid back relationship. External events could be his late hours of work, his unhappiness over not getting a musician's job paying $300 per day, his failure in finding permanent, caring (read money spending) provider in the form of a girl friend and external environment that makes him hesitate to mingle, and thus, more aggressive. He believes that my external events are study pressures, my inability of generating a steady income, my being short of money perennially, and nervousness in completing my degree. I am sure I do not have any prior assumption about conflict, though, could have been a bit biased about erstwhile communism, and the way of expressing the particular bias, whereas Olek definitely has an annoying way of putting things across about colonialism, middle European male supremacy, and Eastern ignorance and poverty. I express the struggle by being grumpy, silent, unresponsive, cleaning the place with obvious unhappiness and by being unfriendly. Olek shows it with supreme indifference while continuing same attitude that is bound to raise my hackles. Perceived incompatible goals mainly are smoking, uncleanliness, loud music, unending heating of the flat, disturbance, using things without asking, and leaving them to clean themselves and find their own way to their proper places etc. Perceived scarce resources are gallantry, carelessness, sensitivity, co-operation, fellow-feeling and genuine friendship. We, being flat mates, are interdependent on mutual harmony and peace in the flat, paying of bills, maintaining a level of mutual respect and concern for one another.

Insurance Cover for Bio-Sport with Regard to Diversity Essay

Insurance Cover for Bio-Sport with Regard to Diversity - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that the most important feature of the policy or range of policies decided upon must conform to Ohio diversity requirements so that it is not challenged on grounds of illegality. The unique product is intended to generate business to Bio-sport and the insurance company to eventually translate to reduced insurance costs and expand the range of insurable interests to cover violations of diversity requirements by Bio-Sport. The policy will ensure that Bio-Sport accords its customer goods and services at attractive rates due to lower insurance costs. Gradually, Bio-Sport can turn over its staff and athletes that consume its products to the insurance company as part of fulfilling its obligations under the agreement and also to reduce costs. Once conformity to diversity requirements is confirmed, the policy should be fine-tuned as explained below to cater for stakeholder interests. The new policy is proposed to be all inclusive of athletes of all a ges with regard to the requirement to avoid discrimination on account of age. Most insurers offer higher premium rates for older people especially athletes in the belief that they are more susceptible to injury or diseases. This unnecessarily drives up the cost of insurance for older athletes. It also triggers older athletes to retire at an early age because of fear of injury and diseases that may be unaffordable after retirement. Bio-Sport loses on clients if they choose to retire at an early age as they will also quit using Bio-Sport products because they will no longer need them. A uniform insurance product is set to benefit Bio-Sport by ensuring that clients do not retire early, benefit the insurance company through continued revenue streams as athletes will not retire early. For the athletes, the security offered by the insurance cover will facilitate the achievement of their dreams. All stakeholders are set to benefit under such a policy.

Security findemental (Work place violence policy exerise) Essay

Security findemental (Work place violence policy exerise) - Essay Example Thus, policies are usually applicable in normal and ideal conditions. Policies are common in workplaces, institutions, teams, boards, and committees. In places where the people involved are in different groups, each group usually has its own policies to follow. Policies are usually short, precise, and accurate. Policies usually define later or possible courses of action that should be followed in varying circumstances. Generally, policies control the particular actions of concerned people in different circumstances or times. A security policy is of paramount importance in any workplace. It defines and guides the particular doings of employees regarding the maintaining of peace and calm in a workplace, and possible actions should the situation turn violent (Karen, 58). This paper seeks to examine and outline the security policy of ABC Company. It describes the possible actions that employees should take in case of physical danger in the company, from either outside or within the premises. The security manager has drafted this particular policy and its purpose is to guide the actions of all employees in the event of issues concerning workplace violence and possible physical harm like gun threats in the company. When outlining this policy, the security manager has taken into consideration that potential sources of harm can be from outsiders or from fellow employees. The ABC company security team upholds nil lenience to any kind of violent behavior within the company. The intention of this policy is to offer guidance that will preserve an atmosphere at and inside the company premises and proceedings that are void of hostility or any threat of aggression. Aggressive character or any example or form of hostility, direct or indirect, is forbidden at ABC Company, its grounds, and at any occasions or ceremonies of the company. Such behavior by a

Why did Britain want a trading post on Singapore Research Paper

Why did Britain want a trading post on Singapore - Research Paper Example The Sultan of Singapore, Abdul Rahman, was under relatively tight Dutch control and as such, could not allow for the British to set up any trading post in Singapore. However Raffles formulated a plan through which the Sultan’s elder brother would be able to take up the sultanate. Sultan Abdul Rahman’s elder brother Tengku Hussein Shah was supposed to be the rightful ruler due to his having been the eldest son (Rahim, 2010). Sir Raffles drew up papers that effectively recognized Hussein Shah as being the lawful sultan of not only Johor, but also Singapore. After recognizing Hussein Shah as sultan, Sir Stamford Raffles signed a treaty in February 1819 with Hussein Shah and Temenggong Abdul Rahman, the treaty declared the approval the establishment of a British East India Company trading post in Singapore (Rahim, 2010). The treaty also specified that Sultan Hussein Shah and the Temenggong would in turn receive an annual income from the British. In the establishment of this trading post, it can be noted that Sir Raffles undertook a number of drastic measures in what can be construed to be an indicator of the importance that Britain attributed to the establishment of this trading post (Yew, 2013). This paper will seek to establish why Sir Stamford Raffles and Britain wanted a trading post in Singapore. The geographical location of Singapore is believed to have been one of the key reasons as to why the British essentially chose it as the location where they would set up a new port in the region. The Straits of Melaka had become an important trade route for British traders who would use it when travelling to China during the 19th century. The strait had proven to be a relatively great source of income for these British traders as a result of its facilitation of the lucrative opium-tea and silk trade with China (Yew, 2013). When using the route, British traders would travel from Europe, around the African continent to SEA,

Security findemental (Work place violence policy exerise) Essay

Security findemental (Work place violence policy exerise) - Essay Example Thus, policies are usually applicable in normal and ideal conditions. Policies are common in workplaces, institutions, teams, boards, and committees. In places where the people involved are in different groups, each group usually has its own policies to follow. Policies are usually short, precise, and accurate. Policies usually define later or possible courses of action that should be followed in varying circumstances. Generally, policies control the particular actions of concerned people in different circumstances or times. A security policy is of paramount importance in any workplace. It defines and guides the particular doings of employees regarding the maintaining of peace and calm in a workplace, and possible actions should the situation turn violent (Karen, 58). This paper seeks to examine and outline the security policy of ABC Company. It describes the possible actions that employees should take in case of physical danger in the company, from either outside or within the premises. The security manager has drafted this particular policy and its purpose is to guide the actions of all employees in the event of issues concerning workplace violence and possible physical harm like gun threats in the company. When outlining this policy, the security manager has taken into consideration that potential sources of harm can be from outsiders or from fellow employees. The ABC company security team upholds nil lenience to any kind of violent behavior within the company. The intention of this policy is to offer guidance that will preserve an atmosphere at and inside the company premises and proceedings that are void of hostility or any threat of aggression. Aggressive character or any example or form of hostility, direct or indirect, is forbidden at ABC Company, its grounds, and at any occasions or ceremonies of the company. Such behavior by a

Having good study skills can improve student Essay

Having good study skills can improve student - Essay Example There are various good studying skills and these skills are of utmost importance as they can lead to provide for betterment in the student with regard to their education. An important studying skill that students should know is that they should choose the most comfortable location for their studies. It is essential that students are easy and relaxed while studying and thus they should choose their spots of studying as per their requirements. An individual should consider his spot according to his own comfort level rather than trying to choose spots where their peers can study well. This is because every individual has his own way of studying and to try to accommodate oneself in a spot where others are comfortable may not be a very suitable option. A perfect example to support this stand is the library. Many students find it easy to study in the library owing to their liking of the studying environment. On the other hand, some students find it very difficult to study in the library as they get distracted by the new people who enter the library or because they feel more comfortable while studying at home. Thus, it is important for a student to choose his specific spot of studying as per his own needs and requirements. ... In this way, the student would be able to stay in pace with the teachings in the class and he would also be able to understand what is required from him during lectures and in his assignments. There are a few students who hesitate to contact their teachers out of fear that their teachers would look down upon them and consider them to inattentive and slow. This is extremely wrong and it further worsens the educational level of an already struggling student. Thus, an important skill of studying is to have a good communication with the instructor. Organization in studying is also a very essential skill that can help students to improve in their studies. Students should not only organize their studying times but they should also organize the way in which they study. Organized schedules allow students to dedicate the required time to their studies. A student should create his timetable by devoting the maximum time to the subjects that he is weak in. In this way, he would be able to concen trate more on his weaknesses and hence improve his performance in those subjects. Apart from creating timetables for studying times, students should organize their study pattern. Haphazard studying leads to more confusion and the students are not able to retain what they study. An easier way is to study the most difficult and important topics and highlight the important points. Very important points that may help at the last minute before an exam can be written down in a notebook for later revision. In this manner, a student can revise his work easily and go through the highlighted sections and the notebook for overviewing the important points. Thus, time organization as well as organizing the study

Romeo and Juliet Essay Example for Free

Romeo and Juliet Essay The Montague’s and the Capulets are also holding a grudge for one another for very pointless reason. Now a day’s people all around the world hold grudges on people for very minor things. This is why Shakespeare is still relevant to today. Shakespeares idea on love in Romeo and Juliet relates a lot to today’s point of view on love. Romeo and Juliet know their families hate each other and disobey they parents just to see one another. This also relates to the 2002 movie ‘Bend it like Beckham’. Jesminder disobeys her parents and continues to do what she loves which is to play soccer. This is similar to Romeo and Juliet because the star-crossed lovers and Jesminder continue to disobey their parents. These just prove that Shakespeares plays are still relevant to today because Bend it like Beckham is a movie of this time period meaning Shakespeares play Romeo and Juliet influenced it. Loyalty is an important theme in Romeo and Juliet. Loyalty is displayed when Mercutio (Romeo’s best friend) to a blow for Romeo. Loyalty is still a very important aspect to today, as friends and family would do anything to keep one another alive. A great example of loyalty is John Marsden’s novel ‘Tomorrow When the War Began’. In the part where Lee was shot in the leg, Robyn could’ve left Lee to die and save her own life instead she helped lee. Robyn put her life on the line to save a friend. This is a great example of loyalty as it targets the young children of this generation. Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet is still relevant to today. To conclude, Shakespeares plays are still relevant today because they deal with issues and themes that are still relevant today. Shakespeare has used Pointless fights and grudges, Love and loyalty as main points in his play Romeo and Juliet and all these ideas transcends across time.

How Technology Has Progressed Over The Years History Essay

How Technology Has Progressed Over The Years History Essay Throughout history technology has been progressing very rapidly. Man has created things that are used in daily life everyday. Inventions from the creation of fire to the telephone have changed life immensely. In the year 2010 people do not notice how life would be without our everyday tools such as the computer or the light bulb. People today heavily rely on these items that it would be very difficult to live without them. One invention that changed life was the creation of the automobile. Looking back the automobile has been here for a very long time. Since the 1700s Man has tried to create a tool that would help someone progress faster than on foot. From the steam engine to the electric car the automobiles design has came a long way. The automobile was created for one simple method of easy and faster way of travel. Through time the automobiles main function has changed. When it was created its sole purpose was just take someone from point A to point B. In the 1930s the role of cars changed. During the 1930s America was going through the Great depression. The Great Depression was a very struggling time for many Americans. Many families were forced into poverty and their everyday lifestyle changed. Cars became a big part of society. Even with many people in debt during that time there was still a need to have social class. The few individuals that could afford to pay for more luxurious cars bought to show how hard times do not affect them. Back then cars did not come with all the gadgets they have today but there was a difference in class. Cars were not just a method of travel but to some during those times, it was there home. In the 1930s there was a variety of new innovative cars being processed into the world. In the 1920s America was going through the vintage era. In the 1920s most cars were just a luxury but through time it became easier for cars to become produced faster and cheaper. New techniques such as the assembly line help build the widespread of cars. The ford model t was one of the first cars to be mass-produced with the assembly line. By the time the 1930s came around cars have already been apart of average American life. When the Great depression hit the production of cars in America had decreased immensely. Cars such as the Auburn 1931 Convertible Cabriolet were very affordable during those times. It was priced at $1045 Includes finest leather upholstery specially designed window construction that positively prevents rattle finger tip door handles and adjustable steering wheel in the Convertible Cabriolet. Another Car that set new standaards for cars was the Cadillac v-16. The new car attr acted rave reviews from the press and huge public attention. Cadillac started production of the new car immediately. January production averaged a couple of cars per day, but was then ramped up to twenty-two cars per day. By April, 1,000 units had been built, and by June, 2,000 cars. These could be ordered with a wide variety of bodywork. The Fleetwood catalog for the 1930 V-16 included 10 basic body styles; there was also an envelope containing some 30 additional designers drawings. Research by the Cadillac-La Salle Club, Inc. puts at 70 the number of different job/style numbers built by Fisher and Fleetwood on the sixteen chassis. Beginning in June 1930, six new V-16s participated in a promotional tour of major European cities including Paris, Antwerp, Brussels, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Frankfurt, Hamburg, MÃ ¼nich, NÃ ¼remberg, Vienna (where they won prizes), Berne, Geneva, Lausanne, ZÃ ¼rich, Madrid, San Sebastian, La Baule and Ange rs. On the return journey from Spain, the V16 caravan stopped also in the town of Cadillac, in south-western France, although that city bears no relationship to the marque, other than its name. After the peak in V-16 orders in mid 1930, production fell precipitously. During October 1930, only 54 cars were built. The lowest figures for the 452/452A cars of 1930-31 were August 1931 (7 units) and November 1931 (6 units). Minimum production continued throughout the rest of the decade with a mere 50 units being built both in 1935 and in 1937. 1940 was only marginally better with a total of 51 units. Not surprisingly, Cadillac later estimated that they lost money on every single V-16 they sold. But during that time your car was not just a car but your home. In the 1930s because of the great depression, your car became your home for many. The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s. It was the longest, most widespread, and deepest depression of the 20th century, and is used in the 21st century as an example of how far the worlds economy can decline. The depression originated in the United States, starting with the stock market crash of October 29, 1929 (known as Black Tuesday), but quickly spread to almost every country in the world. Many people because of this had lost there homes because they could not afford to live in it anymore, they began to use there cars as there homes. The first mobile homes were created during the 1930s. In order to save on gas people would use there cars as a wagon by attaching horses to the vehicle. Man y farmers used this method to travel. The term hitchhike was first originated in the 1930s.Because not everyone could afford a car but needed to travel,they would try to hitch a ride with passer byers.Many people charged hitchhikers a small fee.People tried to make business of each other in order to fight the depression. The idea that in order to survive ment that you had to do anything in order to save yourself. Your car was probably the only item that you kept since the depression. Everything that would not help americans would get rid off because it would only hold them back from survival. Even with the Great Depression there were stilll grand prix racing taking place. Beginning in 1934, the Germans stopped painting their cars, after the paint had been left off a Mercedes-Benz W25 in an effort to reduce weight. The unpainted metal soon had the German vehicles dubbed by the media as the Silver Arrows.French cars continued to dominate (led by Bugatti, but also including Delage and Delahaye) until the late 1920s, when the Italians (Alfa Romeo and Maserati) began to beat the French cars regularly. At the time, the Germans engineered unique race vehicles as seen in the photo here with the Benz aerodynamic teardrop body introduced at the 1923 European Grand Prix at Monza by Karl Benz. In the 1930s, however, nationalism entered a new phase when the Nazis encouraged Mercedes and Auto Union to further the glory of the Reich. (The government did provide some money to the two manufacturers, but the extent of the aid into their hands was exaggerated in the media; government subsid ies amounted to perhaps 10% or less of the costs of running the two racing teams.)[6] The two German marques utterly dominated the period from 1935 to 1939, winning all but three of the official Championship Grands Prix races run in those years. The cars by this time were single-seaters (the riding mechanic vanished in the early 1920s), with 8 to 16 cylinder supercharged engines producing upwards of 600Â  hp (450Â  kW) on alcohol fuels. As early as October 1923, the idea of an automobile championship was discussed at the annual autumn conference of the AIACR (Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus) in Paris. However, discussion centered around the increased interest in racing by manufacturers and holding the first European Grand Prix at Monza in 1923. The first World Championship took place in 1925, but it was for manufacturers only, consisting of four races of at least 800Â  km (497Â  mi) in length. The races that formed the first Constructors Championship wer e the Indianapolis 500, the European Grand Prix, and the French and Italian Grands Prix. A European Championship, consisting of the major Grand Prix in a number of countries (named Grandes Epreuves) was instituted for drivers in 1935, and was competed every year until the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Cars during 1930s influenced American life in many ways. They set a new standard for living. Even with the hard times and stuggle americans still felt the importance of buying cars. Automobiles has been something since time that had grabbed Americas wallets since the begginging. Today there is still the same basic need ot have the best car. Every year there is a new must have design that people want to buy. Cars are something that is a basic necessity. No one knows what will be the next big thing in the automobile indusrty.

Free Joy Luck Club Essays - Movie vs Book :: Movie Film comparison compare contrast

The Joy Luck Club: Movie versus Book In the novel, The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan, it tells of four Chinese women drawn together in San Francisco to play mah jong, and tell stories of the past. These four women and their families all lived in Chinatown and belong to the First Chinese Baptist Church. They were not necessarily religious, but found They could improve their home China. This is how the woo's, the Hsu's, the Jong's and the St Clair's met in 1949. The first member of the Joy Luck Club to die was Suyuan Woo. Her daughter, Jing-mei "June" Woo, is asked to sit in and take her mother's place at playing mah jong. Memories of the past are shared by the three women left, An-mei Hsu, Lindo Jong and Ying-ying St Clair. June Woo learns of the real secret her mother carried to her grave from her mother's friends. The twin baby girls, her half sisters, Suyuan pushed in a Wheelbarrow as she escaped from the Japanese. Due to sickness, Suyuan can no longer carry her babies, and is forced to leave them on the side of the road. She lives her whole life not knowing if they are alive or dead. In the book, the Woo's left for America to build a better life for themselves. Suyuan Woo wanted to have a daughter like herself, and no one would look down on her. It was important that she speak perfect English and hopefully not share in the same tragedies and sorrows she had known. The movie brought this concept out very vividly. You were able to imagine the time and place and the emotions of the characters. Their anger in the early years, how women and children were treated as possessions. The book spoke of Rose Hsu Jordan, daughter of An-mei Hsu, who had seven brothers and sisters. A very tragic time in her life when her brother Bing drowns at age 1 while she was in charge of watching him. The movie does not touch upon this tragic event and brings out the rich family Rose marries into, and the instant rejection from her boyfriends mother. Rose unhappiness in her marriage with Tod, is similar to the unhappiness her mother had throughout her life. Lindo Jong was a special character in the book , referring to promises she made to her mother as a young girl, and keeping them throughout her life.

Moderating Conflict

According to Barrosse (2007, p.210) there are three main ways to deal with conflict: â€Å"Try to change the other party, try to alter the conflict conditions, [or changing] your own communication and/or perceptions.† Each of these methods is employed by the average person when faced with conflict; however they are not all equally successful when it comes to actually moderating a difference of opinion.   When it comes to taking control of uncomfortable situations, one is certainly better off avoiding the first method. Trying to change the person you are dealing with so that they see your point of view is â€Å"a natural response [and is] usually highly unsuccessful† (Barrosse, 2007, p.210). We are all inclined to be stubborn about our own situation, and even though a compromise would generally calm the other party and afford peace, we as humans are quite unwilling to let our side of the story slip past unnoticed. The fact is, unless we get over this natural tendency to advocate our own viewpoint, there is no such thing as effective conflict moderation. When people are forced to see the other side of the argument through authoritative measures, â€Å"a subterranean resentment and desire to retaliate may well emerge† (ibid). â€Å"It is no accident that Aristotle wrote about the ‘Golden Mean’ and Buddha preached about the ‘Middle Way’† (Barrosse, 2007, p.214). These great philosophers understood that without compromise, there is no moving forward; without finding a middle ground between differing parties we will all remain isolated and controlled by our own dogged opinions. When we employ the second method of conflict moderation – trying to change the conditions of the disagreement – we are attempting neither to find a middle ground nor to ‘win’ the dispute. Changing the situation is merely a way of trying to disengage from the conflict, and quickly. This can work on a superficial level, in that the situation is handled speedily, but it may backfire and leave the other party resenting you for changing the rules. This type of behaviour can be classified as avoidance, according to Barrosse, and â€Å"when you engage the other [party] in productive conversation, you will find that (1) your behaviour is being misinterpreted by the other and (2) your perception of the other is skewed† (2007, p.216). Changing the circumstances surrounding a conflict is really not a proactive form of moderation, since by engaging in clear conversation you can take control of the dispute and work towards a solution. The final resolution method – changing your own communication or perceptions – is truly the most successful tactic you can use. The fact is that â€Å"conflict parties may know that they want to engage but not know how to start† (Barrosse, 2007, p.217). Taking charge in these situations requires understanding and patience, which may be difficult for many people, but it is nevertheless necessary for successful conflict resolution. Many people struggle with restraint: this â€Å"includes the difficult task of holding back one’s desire to act on vengeful feelings† (Barrosse, 2007, p.221). In practise there is no successful way to incorporate such feelings into conflict moderation. It is important to remain focused on the issue at hand and lay out clear objectives for all parties involved. This way, no one is distracted or perhaps made more upset at the introduction of new conflict topics and extraneous information.   Remain calm, concentrate and listen to the opinions of all parties while trying to find a common solution. â€Å"Low productivity occurs when interpersonal conflicts are not identified or openly expressed to the other party† (Barrosse, 2007, p.214). Therefore it is best practise to approach conflict moderation from the perspective that teamwork prevails.   Finding a compromise is the most sound solution. Reference: Barrosse, E. (Ed). (2007). Interpersonal Conflict. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies.    Moderating Conflict The current personal conflict that I am experiencing right now is regarding my parents and having a part-time job. I decided to have a part-time job so that I could somehow support myself while I’m studying, something which could give me a spare money during my free time. For me, I can manage to work and study at the same time because I’m a dedicated person when it comes to academic matters. When it comes to my examinations, I devote enough time to study so that I would get good marks. When it comes to projects and requirements, I make sure that I pass it before the deadline so that there won’t be any problems with my teachers. But the real problem is not with me, but with my parents. They are afraid that I might spend so much time with my part-time job and less time with my studies. They fear that as I go along with this part-time job, I would slowly loose interest with academic matters. They think that it could hinder me from pursuing my education, especially if I would start earning money. Both my mother and my father disagree, arguing that I would be better off if I just concentrated on my studies. I know they’re just concerned with my well-being, since they know how dedicated I am with my studies. The problem however, is that they don’t understand my reasons why I wanted the part-time job. I have many reasons why I wanted the part-time job. One would be the financial support that I could get from it. I wouldn’t have to rely to my parents for extra money when it comes to my personal expenses. It could also introduce me to an independent lifestyle, which I know would really come one way or another. Having this part-time job is not solely for the money, but also a good way to learn. It could be a very important experience for me, especially when it comes to my attitude towards work and my studies. Surely, it is important to prioritize my studies. However, it is also important to be introduced to the real world, wherein I’ll be able to learn how it is like to be handled by superiors, and develop a certain work attitude. The best way to moderate this conflict between me and my parents is through dialogue (Hamel, Doz, & Prahalad, 1989). The key for them to accept my decision regarding the part-time job is for them to understand my reasons. It is best if I would be able to explain to them my point. This could be done by looking for the right situation to talk to them, and it would be best if I could talk to them separately, so that they’ll understand without bothering about the opinion of the other. During the dialogue, I should be able to clearly explain why it is ok for me to have this part-time job (Pfeffer, 1999). The approach that I think would best be accepted by them is how important it is to my future. An experience such as this would greatly help me to have a grasp of what lies ahead after my studies. This is the point which I think would connect my parents and the part-time job. Both my parents are concerned about my future that’s why they are wary about the decisions I make and take. If they would be able to see how this part-time job could positively affect me and my future, then I am sure that they would approve of it. The key is for them to fully understand it (Pfeffer, 1999). Moderating conflict is a case-to-case basis. The resolution of the conflict is dependent on the situation being faced (Wilmot & Hocker, 2001). In this conflict which I have with my parents, the best approach is to have a dialogue with them and explain to the possible outcomes of the decisions I take. Through this, I would be able to show them that having a part-time job could help me build a future instead of clouding it. References: Hamel, G., Doz, Y. L., & Prahalad, C. K. (1989). Collaborate with your competitors – and win Harvard Business Review, Vol. 67(No.1). Pfeffer, J. S. (1999). The smart-talk trap. Harvard Business Review, Vol. 77(No.3,). Wilmot, W. W., & Hocker, J. L. (2001). Interpersonal Conflict (6th ed.). New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill.      

Organisational Change Case Study

Introduction This essay will explore a case study of Origin Energy to illustrate an organisation that has undergone a change. The organisational culture before and after the change will be described, management styles within the organisation will be analysed, the relationship between motivation and performance will also be explored and finally the change management strategies used by the organisation will be discussed as well. Each of these sections will be explored to support the hypothesis that culture is an integral part of an organisation.Before the individual sections are discussed however, the essay will look at the background of Origin Energy. Background Origin Energy is a leading energy provider within the Asia-Pacific region. It is involved in finding new sources of energy, producing and retailing it. After the de-merger of Origin Energy from Boral in 2000 it officially became an energy company. It began as a gas company that later ventured into the electricity industry as w ell. Origin Energy has made many investments and undertaken many acquisitions of various businesses in both industries to ensure its place on the market.The environment that Origin Energy trades on is ever changing due the deregulation of the energy market in Australia (Waddell, Cummings & Worley, 2007). Therefore, certain measures have been undertaken by Origin Energy to increase the efficiency of its work and provide better service to its customers. Origin Energy did not have the resources in the founding years of their business to manage the credit and billing sections of their business and therefore it outsourced these functions to a financial business named Wipro.After many years of this function being performed by Wipro and the constant expansion of Origin Energy it was decided in 2007 that to increase the proficiency of Origin Energy’s billing and credit processes the teams that were performing this function at Wipro were provided with the opportunity to be transitione d across to work internally for Origin Energy. Organisational Culture Culture is said to be the representation of social discourses such as belief systems, attitudes, values, behaviour and norms that distinguish a society Wood et al. , 2010). This definition on culture is closely matched to the definition of culture as the accumulation of human traditions and customs and that culture is a social construction (Berry & Sam, 2006). Culture exists on a nationalistic level, however it also exists within organisations (Wood et al. , 2010). Organisational culture can often be derived from the national culture’s shared discourse (Wood et al. , 2010). It is also possible because organisations are sub-systems of a society (Wood et al. 2010). Although organisations share similarities to the host culture each organisation has their own individual culture (Select Knowledge, 2001). Organisational culture can be defined similarly to the definition of culture provided previously in that it i s the shared discourses of the people belonging to it (Bartol, 2008). It is through the process of interacting with others that a person learns culture and cultural discourses are transmitted (Schein, 1987).Organisational culture is reflected by the shared assumptions held in the organisation as well as in its rituals, policies, systems, and procedures which influence the assumed desired behaviours that the organisation believes is part of their culture (Bartol, 2008). The culture of an organisation can be explained by using Hofstede’s (1997) dimensions of values, which for the purpose of this essay will only include power distance and masculinity versus femininity.In diagnosing Origin Energy’s existing culture within its billing team after their transition from Wipro, it has been suggested that firstly the culture before the transition was completed should be compared to the current culture so that the current culture can be more clearly identified (Waddell, Cummings & Worley, 2007). The first dimension power distance describes the level at which power is distributed throughout the organisation, meaning that an organisation might have levels of power for its employees or not (Hofstede, 1997).In terms of this relating to Origin Energy’s billing teams before their transition from Wipro is that their experience with Origin Energy has let them be less subject to a power hierarchy than they were at Wipro where the structure of power is more rigid (Origin Energy, 2010). Origin uses a more collaborative approach to making decisions in that the managers communicate with and value input and feedback from their employees (Origin Energy, 2010). Also employees have autonomy is handling complex issues, although the managers hold a position of power in aking the final decision and are involved in the maintenance of procedures and behaviours (Origin Energy, 2010). This was not their experience at Wipro where they had less autonomy, as they were boss-sub ordinate and this means that they needed their manager’s approval to make decisions on issues (Waddell, Cummings & Worley, 2007). In the other dimension used to illustrate the culture before and after the billing teams were contracted to Origin is masculinity versus femininity (Hofstede, 1997).Masculinity refers to the emphasis on competition and assertiveness in an organisation and there is more attention placed on success (Hofstede, 1997). In regards to the billing team they have experienced a stronger sense of this strive for success with Origin Energy than they did with Wipro as the energy market that Origin Energy trades on is more competitive than the finance industry in light of the deregulation of gas and electricity which was mentioned previously (Origin Energy, 2010; Waddell, Cummings & Worley, 2007). Femininity refers to the emphasis on relationships and the quality of life (Hofstede, 1997).The billing team have experienced higher value on the quality of life and t he fostering of relationships with Origin Energy as they were more openly communicated to by their managers at Origin Energy as it has a more collaborative approach to involving staff participation in organisational processes than they had at Wipro where they experienced a more authoritarian approach to decision making from their managers and this is evident by the use of fortnightly meetings conducted by Origin Energy’s managers (Origin Energy, 2010).Origin also offers more flexible start and finish times for employees as long as their hours are properly completed where Wipro was more rigid about their working times (Origin Energy, 2010). Throughout this comparison of culture various leadership styles have briefly been mentioned, as they are part of organisational culture and help to facilitate it (Hoffman, 2005). Management and Leadership Styles Two leadership theories can be used to explain how Origin Energy has fostered this culture and explain their approach in managing their newly contracted billing team.These two theories include House’s Path-Goal Leadership Theory and the Transactional Leadership Theory. House’s Path-Goal Theory gives insight into the reason for the identified culture of Origin Energy as it factors in that leaders affect the motivation of employees to accomplish tasks to receive rewards and the leader’s style will influence the performance and satisfaction of their employees (Shriberg & Shriberg, 2006). The theory states that a leader is responsible to motivate employees to achieve goals and the level of motivation of the employees is dependant of the clarification of expectations (Lussier & Achua, 2010).It can be used to identify and explain different leadership styles (Shriberg & Shriberg, 2006). As mentioned previously Origin Energy takes a more collaborative approach in the process of decision-making and is less power distant (Hofstede, 1997) with its employees than Wipro. According to House’s Pat h-Goal Theory, Origin’s managers use a participative leadership style as the managers consult with and account for employee’s suggestions before a decision is made and provide employee with an understanding of the circumstances surrounding the decision (Landy & Conte, 2007).Another theory that demonstrates Origin Energy’s approach to leadership is the Transactional Leadership Theory. Transactional Leadership Theory involves the agreed expectations between managers and employees that are exchanged daily between the two parties to ascertain routine tasks on performance are completed successfully (Wood et al. , 2010). According to this theory leaders are more task driven and make employees more compliant in striving to achieve organisational goals (Martin, Cashel, Wagstaff & Breunig, 2006).Importance is placed on employees’ contribution and responsibility regarding the organisation (Kakabadse, Bank & Vinnicombe, 2004). The transactional leadership perspectiv e states that leaders will be involved with their employees when the employees require direction (Martin et al. , 2006). The focus is on the self-purpose of the employees and therefore the manager has little involvement with the employees (Kakabadse, Bank & Vinnicombe, 2004). This is evident in the organisational culture of Origin Energy as the billing teams’ employees have autonomy in their roles as discussed previously (Origin Energy, 2010).Like House’s Path-Goal Theory there are elements to leadership styles in Transactional Leadership Theory (Wood et al. , 2010). Transactional Leadership Theory may state that managers have little involvement with their employees however the theory applies to task-orientated leaders that are able to facilitate the achievement of goals (Martin et al. , 2006). The leadership styles of this theory reflect that and the style used by Origin Energy’s managers is the active management by exception approach (Wood et al. , 2010). This means concentration is placed on the correction of irregularities and mistakes of the employees’ activities (Wood et al. 2010). This is the case for Origin Energy as mentioned earlier the managers allow employees autonomy in their roles, although they are responsible for maintaining expected norms and standards of the organisation and therefore can correct any deviation from the organisations procedures and standards of behaviour (Wood et al. , 2010). Leaders have an impact on the motivation of their employees and motivation is also influenced by organisational culture, which in turn has an influence on performance (Bartol, 2008). Motivation and Performance Theories of motivation can be used to describe the relationship between performance and motivation.Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is one of the theories that can be used to demonstrate this. In this theory Maslow identified five basic human needs (Maslow & Stephens, 2000). Namely these needs Maslow identified, in orde r from the most fundamental, are physiological, safety, belongingness, esteem and self-actualisation (Pattanayak, 2005). Physiological needs refer to the basic needs of eating, having shelter and wearing clothes (Hodgetts & Hegar, 2008). As Origin Energy has contracted the billing team from Wipro they aid employees in satisfying this need. Safety needs involve security and stability (Wood et al. 2010). Origin Energy’s managers openly communicates with their staff to ensure they are made aware of change and understand the reasons for it which allows the employees to feel more secure in their positions within the organisation (Wood et al. , 2010). Third is the need for affiliation and acceptance, which comes from a desire to belong, and as previously discussed Origin Energy’s culture is feminine (Hofstede, 1997) in the sense that the organisation fosters relationships between its staff and this can be seen through the use of their fortnightly meetings.The esteem need rel ates to self-esteem, respect, achievement and recognition of performance (Hodgetts & Hegar, 2008). Origin Energy aids employees to satisfy this needs by allowing their participation in organisational processes. The highest need on the hierarchy is self-actualisation and this need is about realising one’s own potential as well as the growth and development desired to fulfill that potential (Agarwal, 1982). Origin Energy allows their employees autonomy in their roles, training to be successful in them and there are opportunities for advancement (Origin Energy, 2010).Another Theory that helps to describe the relationship of motivation and performance is Herzberg Motivation-Hygiene Theory. Herzberg’s theory is based on the assumption that there are factors that add to employees’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction (Daft, 2005). Hygiene factors relate to factors in context to the job such as organisational policies; supervision, salaries, communication and the condition s at work (Borkowski, 2010). Motivation factors are associated to factors related to job content (Montana & Charnov, 2000).Motivators directly influence individuals’ attitudes and performance at work (Waiguchu, Tiagha & Mwaura, 1999) and consist of having recognition, achievement, responsibility, advancement and the work itself (Borkowski, 2010). When motivators are present they affect the satisfaction of the job for employees and in turn creates high motivation, which leads to job enrichment (Daft, 2005). Job enrichment relates to the use of hygiene and motivators within the job roles (Sapru, 2006). Participative management is a product of this theory (Sapru, 2006).As Origin Energy is seen to use participative management, incorporate the motivators and provides the hygiene factors specified by Herzberg into their roles to lessen job dissatisfaction, they have increased the performance of the billing teams and this is evident in their productivity and behaviour since they wer e contracted to work for Origin Energy (Origin Energy, 2010). The successful performance of the billing teams and their adaption to Origin Energy’s culture can also be attributed to the implementation of effective change management strategies.Change Management Strategies Organisations are affected by the changes that occur not only in their internal environment but also from the external one in which they exist (Wood et al. , 2010). Therefore, from this awareness organisations are required to respond to change (Anderson & Anderson, 2010). The reasons for change are crucial to understand as they provide the context for the change to occur in (Anderson & Anderson, 2007). As mentioned reviously Origin Energy contracted the billing teams from Wipro in an attempt to improve operational efficiency to meet ongoing customer requirements (Origin Energy, 2010). Origin went about implementing certain strategies to successfully implement this change. Firstly, Origin Energy analysed the c urrent and future states of their business regarding the issue, which is essential to begin and prepare for the process of organisational change (Origin Energy, 2010; Anderson & Anderson, 2010).Secondly, Origin Energy and Wipro planned for the change in attempt to create communication with all stakeholders as well as evaluate and pre-empt the risk involved and ensure that there was an operational way for the change to occur, which according to Oakland and Tanner (2007) is a measure for successful change management (Origin Energy, 2010). Origin Energy implemented the change by understanding communication was the key for the success of the transition (Anderson & Anderson, 2010; Origin Energy, 2010).The managers of Origin Energy and the ones moving over from Wipro were engaged regularly by briefing meetings to inform them of the processes being undertaken to confirm the change flowed down and directed their teams, which is an effective way to implement change (Oakland & Tanner, 2007; O rigin Energy, 2010). Another change management strategy used by Origin Energy was the training of each team as they moved them over in stages (Origin Energy, 2010). This was performed by Origin Energy to align the billing teams with Origin Energy’s culture and processes (Oakland & Tanner, 2007).Origin Energy’s evaluation of the change indicated the objective of increasing the proficiency of its credit and billing function was achieved (Origin Energy, 2010. ) Conclusion Earlier in the essay the background of Origin Energy was described. A definition of organisational culture as well as Origin Energy’s culture before and after it underwent the change was discussed. It explored the management and leadership styles within the organisation, the relationship between motivation and performance and the change management strategies utilized by Origin Energy.Each of these sections was analysed to support the hypothesis that culture is an integral part of an organisation a nd this was proven through each discussion as culture influenced the process of Origin contracting the billing teams to work internally for it. References Agarwal, R. D. (1982). Organization and management. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw-Hill. Anderson D. , & Anderson, L. (2010). Beyond change management: How to achieve breakthrough results through conscious change leadership (2nd ed. ). San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer. Bartol, K. (2008). Management: a Pacific Rim focus (5th ed. . NSW, Australia: McGraw-Hill. Berry, J. , & Sam, D. (2006). The Cambridge handbook of acculturation psychology. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Borkowski, N. (2010). Organizational behavior in health care (2nd ed. ). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Daft, R. (2005). The leadership experience (4th ed. ). OH, USA: Thompson Higher Education. Hodgetts, R. , & Hegar, K. (2008). Modern human relations at work (10th ed. ). OH, USA: Thompson Higher Education. Hoffman, S. (2005). How do motivation a nd leadership affect the corporate culture of multinational firms?.Germany: GRIN Verlag. Hofstede, G. (1997). Cultures and organisations: Software of the mind, intercultural co-operation and its importance for survival. New York: McGraw Hill. Kakbadse, A. , Bank, J. , & Vinnicombe, S. (2004). Working in organizations. Burlington, VT: Gower Publishing Limited. Landy, F. , & Conte, M. (2007). Work in the 21st century: An introduction to industrial and organizational psychology (2nd ed. ). Carlton, Victoria: Blackwell Publishing. Lussier, R. , & Achua, C. (2010). Leadership: Theory, application, & skill development (4th ed. . OH, USA: Cengage Learning. Martin, B. , Cashel, C. , Wagstaff, M. , & Breunig, M. (2006). Outdoor leadership: Theory and practice. Maslow, A. , & Stephens, C. (2000). The Maslow business reader. New York, USA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Montana, P. , & Charnov, B. (2000). Management (3rd ed. ). New York, USA: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. Oakland,J. S. , & Tanner, S. (2007). Successful change management. Total Quality Management, 18(1-2),1-19. Origin Energy. (2010, November 12). Source. Retrieved November 16, 2010, from http://source. riginenergy. com. au Pattanayak, B. (2005). Human resources management (3rd ed. ). New Delhi, India: Prentice-Hall of India Private Limited. Sapru, R. K. (2006). Administrative theories and management thought. New Delhi, India: Prentice-Hall of India Private Limited. Schein, E. (1987). Organisational culture and leadership. San Fransisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Select Knowledge. (2001). Succeeding in the modern organizational culture. Retrieved from Google Books database. Shriberg A. , & Shriberg, D. (2006). Practicing leadership: Principles and applications.United States of America: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Waddell, D. , Cummings, T. , & Worley, C. (2007). Organisation development and change: Asia Pacific (3rd ed. ). South Melbourne, Victoria: Thompson. Waiguchu, J. , Tiagha, E. , & Mwaura, M. (1999). Manag ement of organisations in Africa: A handbook and reference. USA: Quorom Books. Wood, J. , Zeffane, R. , Fromholtz, M. , Wiesner, R. , Creed, A. , Schermerhorn, J. , Hunt. , & Osborn, R. (2010). Organisational behaviour: Core concepts and applications (2ND ed. ). New York, USA: John Wiley & sons, Inc.

History of Management Information System Essay

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