Atmospheric Ozone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Atmospheric Ozone - Essay Example Although Ozone occurs naturally in the atmosphere it can be produced by numerous chemical reactions in a chemical laboratory. Atmospheric Ozone results from a mechanism when O2 absorbs Ultra Violet (UV) radiation at wavelengths of about 242 nanometers (nm) [1m = 109nm] but is removed by a phenomenon called Photo-dissociation from sunlight at wavelengths greater than 290nm (Ozone in the Atmosphere "n.d"). Ozone occurs in the atmosphere in Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere and Thermosphere. The amount of Ozone found in the atmospheric layers is dependent on the temperature. The troposphere which is the bottom layer of atmosphere has the lowest amount of ozone. The deterioration of the Ozone layer leads to a phenomenon known as the 'Greenhouse' effect. The effect is caused by greenhouse gasses known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) including carbon dioxide and is a major cause of many environmental problems. Greenhouse gases are said to be the leading cause of Global warming (Ozone in the Atmosphere, "n.d"). The amount of ozone in the atmosphere is measured using Dobson units (Du), [1 mm of O3 thick layer = 100 Du] if compressed at sea level pressure. The threat to the atmospheric ozone balance has been on the increase as industrialization and modernization grows around the world. These events have significantly increased the rate of ozone removal, resulting in a gradual decline in the global ozone levels (Wikipedia, "n.d"). Ozone Depletion Man-made industrial activities produce massive amounts of CFC's. The dangerous and ozone depleting compounds are used in many industrial processes and can be found in many household products. CFC's are used as coolants in refrigerators and as propellants in various spray cans. These gases are also employed in the production of certain foam mixtures, in electronic and mostly in solvents (The Atmospheric Zone "n.d"). CFC's have a very long lifespan. A single molecule of a CFC gas can exist for centuries before it is eliminated once it escapes into the atmosphere. After their release into the air through a simple human activity like the spraying of a CFC containing can, studies have shown that the gases can reach the stratosphere between a 1-5 year periods. Once the released CFC reaches the ozone layer, it depletes it causing less UV rays to be absorbed by ozone layer. This happens when the CFC molecules breakdown upon reaction with UV rays from sunlight, the reaction releases free radical chlorine atoms and it these atoms that destroy and deplete atmospheric ozone layer. The depletion of the protective ozone layer and the subsequent passage of UV rays which are known to be harmful are the cause of various effects and illnesses. Skin cancer is said to be on the increase, various problems and diseases are plaguing crops around the world. Temperatures are rising around the earth leading to more floods, hurricanes like Katrina in 2005, and record braking heat waves in Europe. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC) a United Nations Advisory body, environmentalists and researchers have linked (through the use of ground-based and satellite measurements) the depletion of the

Cultural Behaviour in the Workplace Research Paper

Cultural Behaviour in the Workplace - Research Paper Example According to Condon & Yousef (1975), people skills and intercultural communication competence contribute to successful cross-cultural business interactions. Culture determines the nature of the business interaction of individuals. Cross-cultural business interactions happen between different countries with distinct political, economic, and cultural backgrounds. For economic development, different countries and international companies collaborate to contribute positively to the global economy. However, cultural intolerance is a major cause of conflicts and misunderstandings experienced in the world today (Ayoko 2007). It is difficult for people of different cultures to understand each other since they are cultured to do things in a specific manner. Sebenius (2002) notes that this problem faces most companies engaged in cross-border business. Therefore, there is the need for all companies to adopt an international global perspective of conducting business.   This study based on the a ssumption that culture is important in determining business interactions in the workplace. Basing on the challenges experienced by employees, this study will answer the question; how does culture influence business interactions of Americans, Chinese, and Russians. This will also develop propositions for addressing challenges that arise in a multicultural workplace. The study findings will offer guidance on how to ensure effective business communication with Russians, Chinese, and Americans. The study setting is the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry. This United Arab Emirates Company serves a major purpose of organizing economic life and ensuring the prosperity of trade in the region. This includes making proposals for economic projects, engagement in legislation dealing with industrial and economic affairs, and launching opportunities for investment (SharjsaCityGuide n.d). The nature of this company allows for interactions with companies from different parts of the world, in or der to work jointly on projects or negotiate on business deals. During such cross-cultural communication, cultural differences lead to considerable challenges. The participants in this study are employees of this company, who have experience working with foreign delegates, specifically, Russian, American, and Chinese. These will share their experiences and major challenges in their dealings with the foreign delegates. Methodology This study aims at gathering information concerning the experiences of the employees of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry in dealing with delegates of Russian, American, and Chinese origins. The experiences of participants reflect their attitudes toward the foreign delegates, therefore, this study explores subjective data. Therefore, in order to achieve the aims of this study, a qualitative approach will be employed, as this is concerned with subjectivity understanding.

Training on Performance of Employees in Etihad Airways

Training on Performance of Employees in Etihad Airways This research project aims to investigate the impact of training on the employees of El Etihad, a well known airline based in the Middle East with operations across the world. 1.1. Overview Training and development play very important roles in the enhancement of individual abilities and professional advancement of organisational employees (Gerber Lankshear, 2000). Numerous changes have occurred in the global economic and business environment since the end of the Second World War. Such changes, which have intensified in nature and scope since the 1980s, include rapid advancement in technology, the dismantling of physical and economic barriers between nations, the development of instantaneous methods of communication across long distances, and sharp reduction in costs of international travel (Gerber Lankshear, 2000). The phenomenal increase in international travel is an integral part of globalisation and has in turn led to immense churning in the airlines industry (Craig Douglas, 2000). The airline industry has witnessed the emergence of numerous new airlines across the world, even as well established and once famous airlines have had to close down. Whilst new airlines like Ryan Air and Easy jet have come up in the UK, numerous new airlines have sprung up in China, India and the Middle East. Such growth in the airline industry has resulted in intensification of competition, segmentation of customers, and the emergence of low cost airlines and chartered trips (Craig Douglas, 2000). Etihad is one such airline, which was established in 2003 in Abu Dhabi and has in a short period of time grown significantly both in operations and in sales. Operating in an intensely competitive environment, the organisation needs to improve its sales and operational efficiencies in order to break even and become fin ancially viable (Craig Douglas, 2000). It is widely recognised that with all other things being equal, the competitive advantage of organisations, both in production and in service sectors, is determined by the quality of organisational employees and the levels of customer service (Eaton, 2001). The role of employees is especially important in service sectors like hotels and airlines, where individual customer satisfaction is often dependent upon the quality of service provided by organisational employees. All modern day airlines, big and small, recognise the importance of employees and their role in the achievement of competitive advantage and organisational growth (Eaton, 2001). Airline employees, both on the ground and those who fly, are chosen with great care and trained continuously and intensely in order to improve operational efficiencies, customer service and competitive advantage. 1.2. Aims and Objectives This research project aims to determine the role of training of employees in Etihad airlines on the organisational efficiency, customer service, and competitive advantage of El Etihad Airlines. Its objectives are as under To examine the role of training in improvement of organisational efficiency and competitive advantage of organisations. To investigate how training can improve the performance of employees in the airlines sector. To investigate and assess the ways in which training can help the performance of employees at Etihad Airways 1.3. Research Questions The research questions for this project are framed as under: Research Questions 1: What are the organisational advantages of training? Research Question 2: How can such advantages improve the performance of employees in the Airlines sector? Research Question 3: How can training improve employee and organisational performance at Etihad Airways? Research Question 4: How will such improvement impact the operational and financial performance of Etihad Airways? 1.4. Terms and Definitions Terms and Definitions Details Epistemological Approach The approach of knowledge Quantitative and Qualitative Methods The two main methods of social research Population The group of people or things under study in research projects Sample A small portion of the population that is expected to have the attributes of the larger population 1.5. Limitations of Study This study will be limited by the amount of information accessed during the course of investigation of primary and secondary sources. Whilst extensive efforts will be made to obtain relevant information, it is very possible that some facts that are relevant may not be unearthed. Such inadequacies could limit the final analysis and results of the project. 2. Literature Review Etihad Airways Etihad Airways was established in July 2003, through the proclamation of a royal decree by Sheikh Khalifa, the President of the UAE. Etihad is the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, and offers air travel within country and to numerous other global destinations (iloveindia.com, 2009). It is based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE. The company is yet to post a profit and has faced difficult times in the wake of the global economic downturn of 2008 (iloveindia.com, 2009). Competition in the Airline Industry The airline industry has faced very challenging times over the course of the past decade and continues to face multifaceted and tough situations. The industry suffered extremely in the days after the September 11 attacks, when worldwide drops in air travel compelled a number of celebrated airlines, counting the likes of Swissair, to seal operations because of enormous operational and financial losses (Yousfi, 2008). The huge hike in fuel costs in recent years, which in 2007 shot up to more than 140 USD per barrel and now floats between USD 70 and 75 per barrel, is adversely affecting the operations and finances of all passenger airlines. The airline industry, globally, has suffered losses worth billions of dollars in recent periods and expects to make a nominal profit of 0.05% in 2011 (Yousfi, 2008). Etihad has not just been adversely affected by adverse global environmental circumstances but also by competition from strong Middle East airlines like Qatar Airlines and Gulf Air. The o rganisation faces extremely strong international and local competition, and is finding it difficult to break even and thereafter make profits (Yousfi, 2008). Training and Development Training and Development constitutes the overall organisational strategies and policies that are adopted by organisations for helping employees to improve their individual and collective organisational abilities and skills (Adiele, 2009). Training initiatives aim to build workforces with better ability in order to allow organisations and employees to attain their objectives for customer satisfaction and service. Training represents all the activities that are taken up, both by organisations or individually by employees, to improve employee performance in existing or associated areas of employment (Adiele, 2009). Training in organisations comprises of two important segments, i.e. internal training and external training (Vemic, 2007). Internal training is provided within the organisation. Such training can be classified into off-job and on-job training, on-job training standing for the improvement of skills through the actual participation of workers in their jobs and off-job training standing for learning enhancement through observation; either in class rooms or in the work place (Vemic, 2007). External training represents training that is arranged outside companies, mostly by consultants and professionals (Vemic, 2007). Need for Training and Development Employees need to be trained for various reasons. Whilst staffing of employees is carried out on the basis of their overall suitability for the jobs expected of them by way of educational background and achievements, prior training and working experience, changes in work place and environmental conditions, as well as alterations in work requirements, often require employees to enhance their skills (Lowson, 2002). Training needs could arise because of reasons like (a) the inculcation of fresh technologies and work processes, (b) alterations in manufacturing, service or other work processes, (c) the need to prepare employees for additional responsibilities, (d) the need to prepare workers to take on improved responsibilities, (e) the need to develop their awareness about environmental and business circumstances and (f) the need to develop or alter their attitudes and behaviours (Lowson, 2002). Organisations are progressively emphasising on the importance of ethics in the work place (Vemic, 2007). Modern organisations are informing employees about the ethical direction of their organisations and the requirement for employees to maintain ethical codes of conduct. Apart from ethics, training programmes are frequently designed to give employees interpersonal skills and conflict minimisation techniques (Vemic, 2007). Inculcation of the requirement for preservation of work place harmony also helps workers in improving their relationships with others. Training also plays a key role in inculcating safety in working processes (Vemic, 2007). Benefits of Training and Development HR experts are agreed on the positive benefits of training, not just for junior members of the workforce, but even more for supervisors and managers, for augmentation of individual and organisational productivity and performance (Gerber Lankshear, 2000). Suitable and well planned training assists workers to develop their skills and knowledge, as well as to acquire new skills. Many studies have shown that employees can toil considerably faster and with lesser errors after proper training. Such training allows them to do their jobs better and enables them to take on new responsibilities. Whilst training assists organisational performance and efficiency, it also increases employee worth and augments their value in the employment market (Gerber Lankshear, 2000). Please see Appendix 2, which details the various benefits of training and development in the form of a chart. 3. Research Methods 3.1. Methodological Perspectives 3.1.1. Important Research Factors Research in areas management come under the broad scope of economic research (Bryman Bell, 2007). The research methodology for such assignments is determined in agreement with the doctrine of social research and is shaped by the character of the subject under study and the infrastructural and other resources available with the researcher. The choice of suitable research methods and techniques involves the selection of precise research methods and the most appropriate sources of information (Bryman Bell, 2007). 3.1.2. Quantitative and Qualitative Methods of Research Social research methods are fashioned by two broad and different research approaches, namely the quantitative approach and the qualitative approach. These approaches are fashioned by dissimilar epistemologies and require the use of distinct research techniques, both for acquisition and for analysis of data (Darlington Scott, 2002). Please see Appendix 1 Most theories put forward by researchers need substantiation, measured by relevant quantitative data Quantitative research is an inquiry into an identified problem, and based on testing theories. The goal of quantitative methods is to determine whether the predictive generalizations of a theory holds true. Quantitative political research thus refers to the use of measurement in the analysis of behaviours and attitudes. Quantitative political analysis makes great use of statistical concepts and theories in its execution. In a situation that involves the behavioural analysis of large numbers of people, sometimes running into hundreds of thousands, statistical analysis is the most convenient way of arriving at a logical conclusion. The use of statistics by way of various tools like predetermined sampling methods, probability, correlation and regression analyses is used to present findings that support or contradict research hypotheses. Quantitative analysis is initially somewhat bewildering to stereotypical political researchers, who mostly have backgrounds in the liberal arts and are unfamiliar with statistical models. However, the models used are reasonably simple and decision making is restricted to choosing the level of data to be used, the choice of the sampling technique, the sample size and the appropriate tool for measuring variability. The measurement of variability, which involves computation of means, medians, modes, standard deviations and coefficients of correlation and regression, is the only stage in quantitative analysis that requires a certain amount of number crunching. However, software for their computation is universally available and researchers, these days have little to do other than feeding in the results of surveys and questionnaires. Apart from these descriptive techniques for data analysis, statistical inferential techniques that involve generalising from a sample to the whole population are also regularly used in qualitative research methodology. Quantitative analysis involves two other major tasks that influence the quality of the final analysis, namely data collection and the final validation of results. Data collection can happen directly through the use of questionnaires and surveys, from opinion polls or from pre-existing material, like results of other research efforts or official statistics. Harrison (2001) states that opinion polls are often used to obtain indications about public preferences while exit polls help in forecasting results. The voluminous material available from official sources is also used as base data in quantitative research on many occasions, after satisfaction of its validity for the Qualitative methods of analysis are fundamentally different and are applied when the issue under study is subjective in nature and open to different ways of interpretation (Neuman, 2005). Qualitative research methods are fashioned by interpretivist epistemology and concern detailed examination of multifaceted subjects that are frequently profound and incapable of being satisfied with yes or no responses. Qualitative techniques involve obtaining understanding human behaviour in depth as well as the reasons that govern such behaviour, i.e., the how and why behind attitudes and consequent decision-making. Samples are therefore small and focussed and techniques incorporate skilled and extensive interviewing of respondents, observation and examination of documents (Neuman, 2005). The major difference between quantitative and qualitative research techniques lies in much greater involvement and the elimination of detachment, which however is integral to quantitative research involving large samples and surveys. Numerous techniques, including participant observation, ethnography, ethno methodology, dramaturgical interviewing, case studies, unobtrusive observation, content analysis and historiography form part of the repertoire of the student using qualitative methodology for research. There are very few step by step rules in this methodology and the objective is to arrive at the real reasons behind what people actually do, as opposed to what they say, e.g. in surveys. Whilst most research assignments call for the use of either quantitative or qualitative methods, some multifaceted and multidimensional issues necessitate the use of both techniques (Neuman, 2005). 3.1.3. Choice of Information Sources Information sources are generally categorised into primary and secondary sources. Secondary information sources consist of all the information on the subject that is available to the public at large in the form of published material, more specifically books, articles, both journal and magazine, and other publications (Bryman Bell, 2007). Primary information is obtained from sources that are part of or are integral to the subject under study (Bryman Bell, 2007). Whilst primary information is commonly obtained from interviews and focus group discussions, such information is also available from specific public domain sources like organisational or departmental publications, publications authored by the subjects under study, interviews given by them to reliable media publications, and otherwise from information disseminated through personal or organisational websites (Bryman Bell, 2007). 3.2. Research Design The research project is complex and its design will need to incorporate both quantitative and qualitative methods of research. It is proposed to investigate the responses of a small group of 25 airline employees of Middle East airlines on the proposed benefits of training. This will help in obtaining information from airlines employees on their perceptions of training, especially on the training techniques that could help them in their jobs. Whilst it could be difficultly to obtain permission from airline managements for the conduct of such a survey, a recommendation letter from the institution should help in obtaining their agreement to participate. Qualitative interviews with three senior or middle level airlines staff, especially with people associated with the HR function will also help in obtaining detailed information about the role of training in improving the performance of airline employees. 3.3. Population and Samples The population, for the purpose of this assignment, consists of the employees of Etihad Airways. With the operations of employees of most employees in the airlines sector being reasonably similar, the population can be taken to be all people employed in the airline sector in the Gulf States. The sample for the quantitative survey is fixed at 25 airline employees. The size of the sample is fixed on a non-probabilistic basis and has been decided in line with the abilities and resources of the researcher in conducting the survey. Qualitative interviews are expected to be conducted with three airline employees. The choice of three respondents for qualitative employees is reasonable considering the detailed work required in conducting qualitative interviews. The sample size for qualitative interviews is thus determined at three respondents. 3.4. Data Collection Data collection for quantitative interviews with 25 airline employees will be through carefully constructed questionnaires that will contain a maximum of 15 multiple choice questions. The questionnaire will be easy to use and will be administered by 3 volunteers at airline terminals, only after approval of airline managements. Data will be collected for qualitative analysis from direct interviews with carefully chosen officials, engaged in middle or senior management positions in the airline sector in the Gulf countries. The questions for the interviews will be both open and close ended in nature. The interviews will be audio taped and thereafter transcribed into typed documents. 3.5. Research Ethics Appropriate care will be taken to ensure the adoption of ethical rules and norms that are pertinent to business research (Bryman Bell, 2007). All information sources used for the purpose of study will be acknowledged carefully and comprehensively (Bryman Bell, 2007). All participants will be informed of the nature of the assignment and its purposes. Respondents have been informed of their right to confidentiality and of refusing to answer all or any of the questions asked of them. All respondents have also agreed in writing of their unilateral and unforced willingness to participate in this study (Bryman Bell, 2007). 3.6. Data Analysis The analysis of data will need to be done with reference to the research questions of this project. Data collected from the questionnaire survey will first be carefully transcribed and tabulated, and thereafter analysed with the use of standard statistical tools and techniques. Analysis of data obtained during direct interviews will be conducted after the contents of the audio tapes are carefully transcribed along with notes on behaviours of respondents during the course of interviews. It is important in such cases to bring out the nuances that are not available in the typed manuscripts of the interviews. References Adiele, N., 2009, Importance of Training and Development in a Firm, Ezine, Available at: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ndunuju_Adiele (accessed October 13, 2010). Bryman, A., Bell, E., 2007, Business Research Methods, 2nd edition, New York: Oxford University Press. Creswell, J.W., 2003, Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches, 2nd ed, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Darlington, Y., Scott, D., 2002, Qualitative Research in Practice: Stories from the Field, Crowà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s Nest, N.S.W.: Allen Unwin. Eaton, J., 2001, Globalization and Human Resource in the Airline Industry, 2nd ed., Ashgate Publishing Ltd: Aldershot, UK. El Etihad Airways, 2010, à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Company Profileà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ , Available at: www.etihadairways.com/sites/etihad/global//default.aspx (accessed October 13, 2010). Elliott, D., Stern, E. J., 1997, Research Ethics: A Reader, 1st edition, Institute for the Study of Applied and Professional Ethics at Dartmouth College. Gerber, R., Lankshear, C., 2000, Training for a Smart Workforce, London, Routledge. Craig, C. S., HYPERLINK http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=111420252HYPERLINK http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=111420252 Douglas, S. P., 2000, HYPERLINK http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=111420252International Marketing ResearchHYPERLINK http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=111420252 (2nd ed.), New York: John Wiley HYPERLINK http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=111420252HYPERLINK http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=111420252 Sons. iloveindia.com, 2009, Etihad Airways, Available at: www.iloveindia.com/airlines-in-india//etihad-airways.html (accessed October 13, 2010). Kervin, J. B., 1992, Methods for business research, New York: Harper Collins. Lowson, R, H., 2002, Strategic Operations ManagementHYPERLINK http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=102807829, The New Competitive Advantage,HYPERLINK http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=102807829 New York, Routledge. Morrison, S., Winston, C., 1995, The Evolution of the Airline Industry, The Brookings Institution, 4 Washington, D.C. Neuman, W. L., 2005, Social Research Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches, 6th Edition, Allyn Bacon. Penslar, L. R., 1995, Research Ethics: Cases and Materials, Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A., 2009, Research methods for business students, 5th ed, Essex: Pearson Educational. Vemic, J., 2007, Employee training and development and the learning Organisation, Economics and Organisation, 4, 2, 209-216. Yousfi, J., 2008, Troubled Global Airline Industry Battered by Fuel Costs, Labor Problems, Money Morning, Available at: moneymorning.com//troubled-global-airline-industry-battered-by-fuel-costs-labor-problems/ (accessed October 13, 2010). Appendices Appendix 1 Differences between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Is Objective in nature Is Subjective in nature Depends upon Measurement Depends upon Interpretation Researchers are independent of the Process Researchers are part of the Process Sample size is very important Sample size is not important Used for testing theory and dependent upon early Literature Review Used for developing theory and as such Literature Review is an ongoing process Reasoning is logistic and deductive and establishes relationships and causation Reasoning is dialectic and inductive and establishes meaning, discovery Report is generally in the form of statistical analysis and strives for generalization Report is narrative in nature, dependent upon interpretation and works towards uniqueness

My Future in The Intelligence Community of the U.S. Navy Essay

Introduction As a student and a midshipman at University, my college life has been divided into two responsibilities; one, being a student majoring in Mathematics and two, a midshipman training to become an officer in the U.S. Navy. During my freshman year here in University, having these two roles put me in a very difficult situation. It was difficult, in the beginning, because I was torn between wanting to become a Mathematics teacher someday and wanting to be a part of the military. However, after three years of training and learning more about the military, it became easier for me to decide as to where I want to be; and that is, to serve in the military. The more I learn about the U.S. Navy, the more I want to become a part of it. There are many different communities in the Navy, and the community that I am hoping to become a part of is the intelligence community. Technology and Intelligence Community of the U.S. Navy Technology plays a big role in the military. One of the primary reasons technology changed and became so advanced in the military, nowadays, is because of the role that the wars played in the past and the tragic events that have occurred recently such as the attacks in 2001. Wars in the past changed the military’s technology because the military had to adapt and learn from the mistakes from the past to find better ways to protect the nation’s and everyone’s safety. For instance, during the War of 1812, the U.S. Navy used certain technological advances that made it difficult for the Royal Navy to attack. ("War of 1812:," ). â€Å"In the 200 years since the war of 1812, technological innovation has been an essential component in the ships, aircraft, sensors, and weapons that have contributed to victories by America... ...sourcing affect workforce stability. Retrieved from http://www.afcea.org/signal/articles/templates/Signal_Article_Template.asp?articleid=1440&zoneid=222 Pappas, A., & Simon, J. (June). Central intelligence agency. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol46no1/article05.html Stanovov, A. (2010, May 05). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20100505/158882709.html War of 1812: The navy & technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ourflagwasstillthere.org/why-commemorate/the-navy-a-technology.html Image/Video (2010). Navy reserve intelligence officer. (2010). [Web Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEW2EVFrtec (n.d.). WWII: The war that changed the world. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://en.rian.ru/images/15888/28/158882814.jpg

Functional Areas in Business

Task 1: Research different functional areas, provide definitions of each of these functions: * Customer Servise Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. Customer service is a series of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction – that is, the feeling that a product or service has met the customer expectation. Its importance varies by products, industry and customer; defective or broken merchandise can be exchanged, often only with a receipt and within a specified time frame.Retail stores often have a desk or counter devoted to dealing with returns, exchanges and complaints, or will perform related functions at the point of sale; the perceived success of such interactions being dependent on employees â€Å"who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer servi ce should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement.A customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer has of the organization. * ICT Stands for â€Å"Information and Communication Technologies. † ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. It is similar to Information Technology (IT), but focuses primarily on communication technologies. This includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums. In the past few decades, information and communication technologies have provided society with a vast array of new communication capabilities.For example, people can communicate in real-time with others in different countries using technologies such as instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP), and video-conferencing. Social networking websites like Facebook allow users from all over the world to remain in contact and communicate on a regular basis. Modern in formation and communication technologies have created a â€Å"global village,† in which people can communicate with others across the world as if they were living next door. For this reason, ICT is often studied in the context of how modern communication technologies affect ociety. * Distribution Distribution means ensuring that goods are delivered to the right place on time and in the right condition. Commerce: The movement of goods and services from the source through a distribution channel, right up to the final customer, consumer, or user, and the movement of payment in the opposite direction, right up to the original producer or supplier. Securities: Payment of principal, interest, or dividend by the issuer of a security to the security holders, on a regular (typically monthly or quarterly) basis.Statistics: An order or pattern formed by the tendency of a sufficiently large number of observations to group themselves around a central value. The familiar bell-shaped curve is an example of normal distribution in which the largest numbers of observations are distributed in the center, with progressively fewer observations falling evenly on the either side of the center (average) line. See also frequency distribution, normal distribution, and standard distribution. * Marketing The management process through which goods and services move from concept to the customer.As a practice, it consists in coordination of four elements called 4P's: (1) identification, selection, and development of a product, (2) determination of its price, (3) selection of a distribution channel to reach the customer's place, and (4) development and implementation of a promotional strategy. As a philosophy, marketing is based on thinking about the business in terms of customer needs and their satisfaction. Marketing differs from selling because (in the words of Harvard Business School's emeritus professor of marketing Theodore C.Levitt) â€Å"Selling concerns itself with the trick s and techniques of getting people to exchange their cash for your product. It is not concerned with the values that the exchange is all about. And it does not, as marketing invariably does, view the entire business process as consisting of a tightly integrated effort to discover, create, arouse, and satisfy customer needs. † * Human resources The division of a company that is focused on activities relating to employees. These activities normally include recruiting and hiring of new employees, orientation and training of current employees, employee benefits, and retention.Formerly called personnel. * Sales The activity or business of selling products or services. Contract involving transfer of the possession and ownership (title) of a good or property, or the entitlement to a service, in exchange for money or value. Essential elements that must be present in a valid sale are (1) competence of both the buyer and seller to enter into a contract, (2) mutual agreement on the terms of exchange, (3) a thing capable of being transferred, and (4) a consideration in money (or its equivalent) paid or promised. Finance Finance is the study of how investors allocate their assets over time under conditions of certainty and uncertainty. A key point in finance, which affects decisions, is the time value of money, which states that a unit of currency today is worth more than the same unit of currency tomorrow. Finance aims to price assets based on their risk level, and expected rate of return. Finance can be broken into three different sub categories: public finance, corporate finance and personal finance. * ProductionThe processes and methods employed to transform tangible inputs (raw materials, semifinished goods, or subassemblies) and intangible inputs (ideas, information, knowledge) into goods or services. * Research and development Systematic activity combining both basic and applied research, and aimed at discovering solutions to problems or creating new goods and knowledge. R&D may result in ownership of intellectual property such as patents. In accounting for R&D costs, the development costs may be carried forward but the basic and applied research costs are often written-off as incurred. Administration Management: The interpretation and implementation of the policy set by an organization's board of directors. The administration of a business is synonymous with the performance or management of business operations, maybe including important decision making. Thus it is likely to include the efficient organization of people and other resources so as to direct activities toward common goals and objectives. Task 2: Using Newcastle College website find out about entry requirements to a Level 3 Business related course: 5 GCSEs A – C or equivalent at Pass level, ideally inc English ; Maths.If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 5. Task 3: Using the college library research using a book the area of business you are most interested in: Business administration is the process of managing a business or non-profit organization so that it remains stable and continues to grow. This consists of a number of areas, ranging from operations to management. There are many different roles related to business administration, including business support, office manager, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), among others. Most companies have a dedicated group of administrators.Main Areas The main areas incorporated into business administration are operations, logistics, marketing, economics, Human Resources (HR), and management. An administrator oversees these parts of an organization to make sure that they're all functioning properly and efficiently individually, and that they're all working together to make the business profitable. He or she may also come up with ways to make the department more profitable, and often delegates tasks to employees in the department. Large companies usually have at least one ad ministrator assigned to each area. RolesMost companies have a range of administrative roles in different parts of their corporate hierarchy. At the office level, there are business support officers, who might develop and maintain an office database, oversee other employees for projects, and help the manager with analyzing performance trends. At the next level there are office managers, who oversee an entire office, make budgets and analyses of staff performance, design procedures, and assign projects, among other things. If an organization is large, it may have several assistant managers to help the overall office manager.After office-level managers, there are division administrators, who oversee large portions of an organization. They generally specialize in one area of business administration. For instance, a company might have a person with a specialization in HR administration oversee that department and make sure it's working efficiently to meet the business' overall goals. Thi s includes things like measuring the performance of HR staff members, hiring new staff for the department if needed or getting rid of non-performing staff, and making sure that the process for hiring is workable.The head of overall operations in business administration is usually referred to as the chief executive officer (CEO) or president. The CEO and president may be the same office, but this varies between companies. The CEO, depending on the size of the company, may have several vice presidents, each responsible for one area of company operations. For example, there could be a vice president for marketing, one for research and design, and one for sales or customer relations. Each of these operate independently. Work EnvironmentThe work environment for someone in business administration depends largely on the type of job he or she is doing. Those on the lower end of the hierarchy often work in structured environments and make frequent reports to their superiors, while those high er up may have more freedom with their schedules. Depending on the type of organization, work hours may be 9 to 5 or they may be more flexible. Overtime is often required when big projects are nearing completion, or when annual analyses and presentations need to be made.Generally speaking, anyone in this type of position needs to have excellent communication skills, as he or she will be working with a lot of different people, sending out memos, and making reports. They also need to be comfortable with making presentations, and they need to be able to lead people. Another important skill is being able to understand how many different parts of a system or organization work together, so that they can make workable systems and figure out what's wrong with those that don't work.Most are also very good at math and have an understanding of economics, since they usually make budgets and analyze their office, department, or company's performance. Education Many universities offer business ad ministration programs for both online and offline study. A typical curriculum covers the critical aspects of operating a business such as customer service, business finance, marketing, and human resources. Aspiring administrators can improve their marketability by minoring in a related field such as an applied science for engineering or psychology for marketing and sales.Most large companies want applicants that have at least a master's degree in a business-related field. This involves getting hands-on experience, typically by interning at a corporation to get a feel for how the different aspects fit together. Depending on a student's chosen area, he or she may need to write and enact a business plan to prove your competency; for example, he or she might need to come up with a marketing or sales plan for a hypothetical product, targeting it at a given demographic.

L’oreal and the Globalization of American Beauty Essay

How did L’Oreal become the world’s largest beauty company? What was the role of acquisitions in the growth? The global strategy of Loreal started first from European countries like Austria, Italy, and the Holland providing hare care and hair color products. After the launch in the USA, they decided to expand their market share by mainly M&A of many similar but way smaller companies. With proper acquisition strategy over the years, they finally became the largest company in beauty industry. L’Oreal offers consumers worldwide â€Å"American† and â€Å"French† concepts of beauty. Are there any limits to the national beauty images it can globalize? There may be some limits for Lorear to go more ‘worldwide’ even if they have huge branches and offices over the world. I think it may be related with ‘racial issues’. The society for ‘minority’ is changing faster than ever before, but still, the ‘majority’ of American and European countries are white but Asian, African American, and Hispanic. Thus, if they really care about optimal ‘globalization’ in all ways, they should probably consider making their diversified strategy in other markets (minorities). What are the global opportunities for Kiehl’s? What are the limits, if any? Even though Kiehl’s were taken over by Loreal through M&A, their products are not easily found at many stores, unlike there are so many producsts of Lorean in any store. And this is mainly because their products line are simply expensive targeting luxury market, so I think if they really want to go ‘global’ they should find proper way to make their products easily available to the customers through mega-stores like walmart, or target.