Strategic and Operational Roles of Procurement within DHL

Strategic and Operational Roles of Procurement within DHL Executive Summary The aim of this paper was to analyze the strategic and operational roles of procurement at DHL. The company’s procurement function was analyzed using various procurement tools and concepts. Furthermore, secondary data was collected from a variety of sources that included the company’s website, peer reviewed journals and textbooks to complete the analysis.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Strategic and Operational Roles of Procurement within DHL specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The results of the analysis indicate that DHL uses a centralized procurement system to reduce costs. Its subsidiaries in overseas markets also participate in the procurement process by implementing the decisions made by the headquarters. The company has also embarked on implementing supply base optimization initiatives in order to reduce operating costs. DHL’s Procurement System DHL is the largest mail and logistics company in the world. The company was founded in German where its headquarters are located. Since its inception, DHL focused on rapid expansion by joining different markets in every continent. As a result, the company currently operates in over 200 countries and employs nearly four hundred thousand employees. DHL’s vision is to â€Å"remain the postal provider for Germany and become the logistics company for the world† (DHL 2013). In order to achieve this vision, the company focuses on providing excellent services. These include â€Å"dialogue marketing, press distribution, and corporate communications solutions† (DHL 2013). Moreover, the company provides mail delivery, transport/ logistics, and supply chain management services. Organizational Structure As a multinational company, DHL relies heavily on the effectiveness of its procurement department to access all the supplies that it requires to meet the needs of its customers. Currently, the comp any is organized into four divisions that have semi-autonomous divisional headquarters (DHL 2013). However, procurement and other functions such as finance and personnel are centralized. Figure 1: DHL’s organizational structure Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Procurement plays a vital role at DHL by facilitating effective and efficient sourcing of products/ services, supporting functions such as marketing and reducing operating costs. For instance, the procurement unit often assists the company’s sales team to perform activities such as reviewing response to requests for proposals (RFP) (DHL 2013). In order to leverage the capabilities of its procurement unit, the company has embarked on innovation and use of advanced technology. Furthermore, the company is collaborating with its suppliers to help them to achieve innovation, which in turn improv es efficiency in its supply chain. Business Conduct and Operational Activities DHL has strategically chosen to simplify its procurement system in order to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in its business and operational processes. The company’s procurement strategy focuses on the use of advanced information and communication technologies (ICT) and partnering with only a few certified suppliers. ICT is important to DHL’s procurement unit because it facilitates efficient flow of the information that is required to complete transactions such as placing orders. DHL’s business strategy is to streamline its operations in the markets it operates in by working with selected suppliers who are able to help it to reach customers in different geographical areas (DHL 2013). The company expects to reduce its direct and indirect costs by working with a limited number of suppliers. In particular, purchasing various supplies in large quantities from a single or a few supplie rs is likely to reduce costs through discounts (Pooler, Pooler Farney 2004, p. 47). Working with a few suppliers also helps in centralizing procurement functions (Benton 2006, p.92). DHL has centralized its procurement functions in order to avoid duplication of roles in processes such as selection of suppliers and supplier relationship management. This leads to reduction of indirect costs associated with duplicating procurement activities (Weele 2009, p. 89).  Although DHL’s global procurement decision–making processes are centralized, the company encourages the participation of its overseas subsidiaries in strategy formulation (DHL 2013). In most cases, the company’s purchase decisions are made at its headquarters. However, the subsidiaries in various regions are responsible for implementing the decisions. For instance, the company has worldwide contracts with providers of services such as printing and labeling to enable its subsidiaries to purchase their su pplies easily (DHL 2013). This strategy also reduces the costs associated with shipping materials from a centralized purchasing unit to the overseas subsidiaries (Ogden Carter 2008, pp. 5-28).Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Strategic and Operational Roles of Procurement within DHL specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Analysis of DHL’s Procurement Function The effectiveness of the procurement unit is partly determined by its position in the organizational structure (Yin Khoo 2007, pp. 7-24). The organization of the procurement unit illustrates the extent to which it is integrated into the business strategy (Yin Khoo 2007, pp. 7-24). In addition, the organization of procurement function determines its relationship with other departments, which in turn affects its effectiveness (Ashenbaum, Maltz, Barratt 2009, pp. 169-186). Figure 1 shows that DHL’s procurement function is a department under the glo bal business services unit. In this regard, the head of procurement unit has limited ability to influence procurement strategies and policies since he or she reports to the head of global business services, who in turn forwards his concerns of the CEO. Generally, DHL’s procurement function plays a facilitation role since its involvement in various business processes is moderate. In particular, the procurement team is mainly concerned with the purchase of goods and services that facilitate the operation of other departments. (DHL 2013) These include printed materials such as envelops, as well as, maintenance, repair, and operational (MRO) services (DHL 2013). The effectiveness of the facilitation model that has been adopted by DHL’s procurement unit can be evaluated based on its effect on supplier selection, supplier relationship management, and purchase decisions. An ideal â€Å"procurement organization must balance the desire to leverage purchasing power through comp lete ownership with the need to maintain the flexibility of individual business units† (Noor, Khalfan Maqsood 2013, pp. 802-826). This balance can be achieved by adopting an appropriate organizational structure that aligns procurement processes to the company’s needs (Noor, Khalfan Maqsood 2013, pp. 802-826). Moreover, procurement roles, responsibilities, and decision rights must be distributed in a manner that prevents tensions among business units (Pushmann Alt 2005, pp. 34-51). The facilitation model adopted by DHL is effective since it leads to distribution of decision rights according to what is being purchased. The limited involvement of the procurement unit enables the functional units to participate actively in the purchase of complex equipment such as aircrafts (DHL 2013). In this case, the executives in the air freight division are allowed to perform duties such as product specification and most of the sourcing activities. The rationale of this strategy is that the functional units have good knowledge of each of the complex equipment that they use (Stolle 2008, p. 67). Thus, their involvement in the purchase process helps in avoiding the mistakes that might occur due to the limited knowledge of the procurement team (Stolle 2008, p. 68).Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For products or services that are â€Å"less business specific such as repair and maintenance, the facilitation model promotes cooperation between the procurement team and the business units† (Stolle 2008, p. 69). For instance, DHL’s procurement team often provides technical assistance such as evaluation of requests for proposals, whereas the business units identify the product’s specifications. At the corporate level, DHL’s procurement team manages the entire process of purchasing standardized products and services such as office supplies. The advantage of this strategy is that it helps in reducing procurement cycle time and costs (Nicosia Moore 2006, p. 91). However, it can lead to tensions between the procurement team and other business units since the later is hardly involved in the purchase of standardized products. Centralization versus Decentralization The choice between a centralized and a decentralized procurement system is often difficult to ma ke because each system has its advantages and disadvantages (Farmer, Crocker Jessop 2008, p. 123). DHL uses a centralized procurement system where most of the purchase decisions are made at its headquarters. The subsidiaries and each division participate in the procurement process by identifying their supply chain needs and making purchase requests to the head office (DHL 2013). Moreover, they participate in product or service specification and make recommendations to the procurement team.  The centralized approach has the following advantages. Apart from reducing procurement costs, centralization facilitates control of contracting terms and practices (Farmer, Crocker Jessop 2008, p. 123). This helps in maintaining good relationships with the suppliers and sealing the loopholes that can lead to fraud. In addition, centralization leads to specialization and development of skills such as negotiation among procurement staff (Zaman 2011, p. 78). This has enabled DHL to secure the be st deals for its supplies throughout the world (DHL 2013).  Despite its benefits, the centralized system is likely to create the following problems. To begin with, it leads to delays when the company’s subsidiaries are making ad hoc purchases since requisitions have to be processed by the headquarters (Wincel 2004, p. 93). This can adversely affect operations if the goods are needed urgently. DHL has responded to this challenge by providing its subsidiaries with purchasing cards that allow them to spend a limited amount of money to make ad hoc purchases. This has enabled the company to reduce its purchasing costs by 50% and to acquire its supplies in time (DHL 2013). Nonetheless, a decentralized system would enable the company to achieve faster approval of ad hoc purchases (Cherif Maira 2011, pp. 860-877). Involvement of the Procurement Team According to Anderson and Katz (1998, pp. 1-13), the procurement team should be strategically involved in the purchase process at an early stage. Early and strategic involvement enables the procurement team to improve efficiency and reduce costs in processes such as planning and negotiation (Seshadri 2005, p. 98). Thus, DHL focuses on promoting cooperation and effective coordination of the activities of its procurement unit and other departments. This includes using advanced information technologies to share transaction information between departments (DHL 2013). In addition, the company has introduced training programs to improve its procurement team’s managerial skills. The training programs are expected to improve the procurement managers’ ability to work strategically with the functional leadership teams of the company’s suppliers. Apart from improving efficiency, early and strategic involvement creates clarity of the procurement objective that has to be achieved (Moser 2007, p. 145). Furthermore, it enables the procurement team to make accurate product or service specifications, which in turn leads to development of the best technical solutions (Sollish Semanik 2011, p. 117). However, pursuing strategic objectives in procurement is likely to eliminate the possibilities of cost reduction at DHL. Since the company works with a few certified suppliers, the difference between the prices quoted by the highest and the lowest bidders is likely to be very small (Sollish Semanik 2011, p. 119). In this case, the company will not be able to save on procurement costs. In addition, failure to achieve high savings is likely to have negative effects on the motivation of the procurement team since their effort is often measured in terms of cost performance. The procurement team will not be rewarded if they are not able to realize meaningful savings. Thus, they will have little or no incentive to participate in strategy formulation at the corporate level. Supply Base Optimization Supply base optimization refers to the process â€Å"of determining the right mix and number of supp liers to maintain† (Ogden Cater 2008, pp. 2-28). The objective of supply base optimization is to identify the ideal number of suppliers who are able to deliver the required goods in a timely and cost-effective manner (Ogden Cater 2008, pp. 2-28). DHL’s approach to supply base optimization involves switching suppliers and reducing the number of tier one suppliers (DHL 2013). In order to select the right mix of suppliers, DHL incorporates supplier development functions in its supply base optimization process. The process begins with identification of the company’s strategic supply chain needs. Once the needs are identified, the company recruits competitive suppliers and sets performance metrics to assess their achievements. The company uses a problem-solving approach to develop its suppliers. This approach involves cultivating open relationships with suppliers through feedback and sharing of information (DHL 2013). Supply base optimization initiatives can only be effective if they are supported by an appropriate supplier evaluation system (Chang, Tsai Hsu 2013, pp. 34-51). In addition, the company must be able to reward its suppliers by awarding them long-term contracts. This is likely to be a challenge to DHL since it lacks a clear guideline for rewarding its suppliers. In addition, DHL is likely to lose its competitive advantage by entering into long-term contracts with suppliers of commodities such as oil whose prices keep fluctuating (Vagstad 2000, pp. 949-963). For instance, the company might not be able to benefit from price reductions in the market after entering a contract for the supply of a particular commodity at a specific price. Recommendations DHL should consider the following recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of its procurement unit. To begin with, the procurement unit should be allowed to play a strategic role in the organization (Ukalkar 2000, p.78). The company should reorganize the procurement function by allo wing it to operate as an independent unit that reports directly to the CEO. This will improve the process of making strategic decisions by enabling the head of procurement unit to participate in strategy formulation at the corporate level.  The company should also rethink its supply base optimization objectives because reducing the number of suppliers does not necessarily lead to a reduction in costs. Specifically, the company should have an optimal number of suppliers in order to reduce costs (Weber Ellram 1993, pp. 3-14). The gist of this perspective is that the competition between suppliers will be minimal if their number is very small. Consequently, the possibility of reducing costs through low bids will be diminished. On the other hand, having a large number of suppliers will increase the cost of supplier relationship management. Apart from identifying the right number of suppliers, DHL should establish a better reward system for its procurement team. Cost performance should be used in conjunction with other metrics to evaluate the achievements of the procurement team (Benton 2006, p. 137). This will motivate them to participate in strategy formulation in order to improve the company’s efficiency.  DHL should also improve its supplier development approach by adopting advanced technologies such as e-learning. Currently, the suppliers are supported through periodic training programs and incentives to innovate. However, better performance can be achieved if advanced information technologies are used to enable supplier to access the company’s knowledge base to improve their performance (Doherty, McConnell Chadwick 2013, pp. 495-515). In addition, the company should establish a proper supplier reward system that recognizes performance and innovation. This will enable the company to benefit from its supply base optimization initiatives. Implementation Plan The company should begin its restructuring process by identifying its procurement need s and setting appropriate objectives. Once the procurement objectives are clearly specified, the company should redefine its organizational structure by establishing the procurement function as an independent unit that reports directly to the CEO. The Unit should be allowed to shape policy and to set guidelines for procurement functions such as purchasing and evaluating suppliers. Adopting advanced information technologies to support the suppliers should be considered as a strategic spend and a long-term corporate objective (Murray, Rentall Geere 2008, pp. 540-555). The company should focus on incremental improvement of its supplier development model through systematic acquisition and implementation of user-friendly information systems. The incremental approach will help in alleviating the resistance that is likely to be experienced if the improvements are implemented as a revolutionary change. Conclusion The procurement function is central to the success of DHL since it enables it to access key supplies that determine the quality of its services. However, the procurement function has not been given adequate recognition by being allowed to operate independently. The company has adopted a centralized procurement system to reduce its operating costs. Similarly, it has embarked on supply base optimization to reduce the costs associated with managing suppliers. However, these initiatives might not lead to cost reduction if they are not implemented effectively. For instance, a significant reduction in the number of suppliers will eliminate the opportunities for cost reduction through competitive bidding. Thus, the company should rethink its supply base optimization objectives and improve its supplier development model in order to achieve a competitive advantage in procurement. References Anderson, M Katz, P 1998, Strategic Sourcing, International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 23 no. 2, pp. 3-14. Ashenbaum, B, Maltz, A Barratt, M 2009, Organizational Alig nment and Supply Chain Governance Structure: Introduction and Construct Validation, International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 20 no. 2, pp. 169-186. Benton, W 2006, Purchasing and Supply Management, Sege, London. Chang, H, Tsai, Y Hsu, C 2013, E-procurement and Supply Chain Performance, International Journal of Supply Chain Management, vol. 18 no. 1, pp. 34-51. Cherif, O Maira, S 2011, Collaboration as an Anti-crisis Solution: The Role of the Procurement Function, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, vol. 41 no. 9, pp. 860-877. DHL 2013, Annual Report 2012. Web. Doherty, N, McConnell, D Chadwick, F 2013, Institutional Responses to Electronic Procurement in the Public Sector, International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 26 no. 6, pp. 495-515. Farmer, D, Crocker, B Jessop, D 2008, Procurement Principles and Management, MacMillan, London. Moser, R 2007, Strategic Purchasing and Supply Management, Butterworth-Heinemann. London . Murray, J, Rentall, P Geere, D 2008, Procurement as a Shared Service in English Local Government, International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 21 no. 5, pp. 540-555. Nicosia, N Moore, N 2006, Implementing Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, Butterworth-Heinemann, London. Noor, M, Khalfan, M Maqsood, T 2013, The Role of Procurement Practices in Effective Implementation of Infrastructure Projects in Pakistan, International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 6 no. 4, pp. 802-826. Ogden, J Carter, P 2008, The Supply Base Reduction Process: An Empirical Investigation, International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 19 no. 1, pp. 5-18. Pooler, V, Pooler D, Farney, S 2004, Global Purchasing and Supply Management, Routledge, New York. Pushmann, T Alt, R 2005, Successful Use of E-procurement in Supply Chains, International Journal of Supply Chain Management, vol. 10 no. 2, pp. 122-133. Seshadri, S 2005, Sourcing Strategy: Principles, Policy and Designs, Sage, London. Sollish, Fred Semanik, J 2011, Strategic Global Sourcing Best Practices, John Wiley and Sons, New York. Stolle, M 2008, From Purchasing to Supply Management, McGraw-Hill, New York. Ukalkar, S 2000, Strategic Procurement Management, McGraw-Hill, New York. Vagstad, S 2000, Centralized vs. Decentralized Procurement: Does Dispersed Information Call for Decentralized Decision-Making, International Journal of Industrial Organization, vol. 18 no. 6, pp. 540-555. Weele, A 2009, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, John Wiley and Sons, New York. Weber, C Ellram, L 1993, Supplier Selection Using Multi-objective Programming: A Decision Support System Approach, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, vol. 23 no. 2, pp. 3-14. Wincel, J 2004, Lean Supply Chain Management, McGraw-Hill, New York. Yin, X Khoo, L 2007, A Hierarchical Model for E-supply Chain Coordination and Optimization, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 18 no. 1, pp. 7-24. Zaman, N 2011, Procurement Management, Palgrave, London.

How to Refer to Former and Future States

How to Refer to Former and Future States How to Refer to Former and Future States How to Refer to Former and Future States By Mark Nichol A variety of prefixes and words that express former and future states of being are available to writers. Here’s a discussion of the possibilities. In reference to people who are no longer in a particular position or profession, the most common wording, for example, is â€Å"former stockbroker John Smith† or â€Å"ex-stockbroker John Smith.† Other, more elaborate terms, in ascending order of ornateness, include onetime, erstwhile, and quondam. One can also use once or â€Å"at one time,† but not as a simple description preceding the name, as in the examples above; one would have to write, depending on context, something like â€Å"John Smith, once a stockbroker himself† or â€Å"John Smith, who at one time was a stockbroker.† Descriptions might also use then as an adjective, as in â€Å"then stockbroker John Smith† (note that the phrase consisting of then and a descriptive word is not hyphenated), which is distinct in meaning from phrases that include former or ex-: For example, â€Å"The book was written by former stockbroker John Smith† means that Smith wrote the book after he was no longer a stockbroker, whereas â€Å"The book was written by then stockbroker John Smith† means that Smith wrote the book while he was a stockbroker but is no longer working in that profession. A more complex form is to use turned as a transitional term between a former state and a current one, as in â€Å"stockbroker turned mechanic John Smith.† (Note that hyphens are not used to connect the terms; that common error likely arises from confusion with phrases that include the term cum from the Latin word for â€Å"and† and therefore not synonymous with turned which appears in such constructions as â€Å"teacher-cum-coach John Smith.†) Unfortunately, this variety of solutions is not available for expressing future states. Future is the only simple description, as in â€Å"future stockbroker John Smith.† Otherwise, one might write, â€Å"John Smith, who will become a stockbroker† or, in retrospect, â€Å"John Smith, who went on to become a stockbroker.† (However, politicians who will take office on a specified date can be referred to as, for example, â€Å"President-elect John Smith.†) The effect on a job title of the insertion of former, ex-, or any other similar term (or any adjective, for that matter) before the title varies according to style. The Chicago Manual of Style and similar handbooks generally treat the job title as if has joined the adjective as part of an epithet, a generic description rather than a capitalized title. Therefore, someone who no longer holds a particular office would be described, for example, as â€Å"former president Bill Clinton,† as opposed to the designation â€Å"President Bill Clinton† for a sitting president. The Associated Press Stylebook, by contrast, does not make this distinction: The form most newspapers follow is â€Å"former President Bill Clinton.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Rhetorical Devices for Rational WritingThe Parts of a Word20 Ways to Laugh

Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Political Science - Essay Example This includes the pattern of Supreme Court’s rulings, its tendencies towards the over rulings, the cases for it that have been taken to court, along with certain states and their municipal courts allowing the same sex marriage. The paper would also look into the interracial marriages and the patterns being followed by the higher Courts towards it, along with the response of state, senate and other legislative and regulative entities. Keywords: Same Sex marriage, Supreme Court, interracial marriage, Legal considerations Striking analogy: The movers of the bill and movement for same sex marriage draw a relationship with the inter racial marriages which were equally denied in the earlier days, their statements are defended by facts and data from past to the present based on the percentage of people permitted and the percentage and exact number of people who are enrolled in a different race based marriage. This paper will make use of the research papers, and literature reviews by following the proceedings as they have taken place in recent pasts along with an overall historic tracing of how the entire event has unfolded and what has been the response of state pillars from time to time. Interracial Marriage: Historical proceedings over interracial marriages: Inter racial marriages were an issue and non practicing term till the middle of 20th century. One prime example in this regard was seen in 1950s when Richard and Mildred were denied the right to wedlock based on their racial affiliations and differences. The dynamics of inter racial marriage changed in 1967 when the Supreme Court granted permission to inter racial marriages. Hence a co relation and analogy is being drawn between the two forms of matrimonial relationship. Defining of the term marriage in context of inter racial marriage: According to the proponents of the movement of same sex marriage, the inter racial marriage didn’t lead to changing of definition of marriage, in the same manner th e same sex marriage does not lead or require changing the definition, and thereby there is no conclusive need for obstruction in its approval. Over period of time, these concepts have totally changed, the interracial marriage trends are on the rise in United States, and according to a finding, one in ten marriages are that of couples hailing from totally different backgrounds. This is seen as over 25 percent increase in the trend the last decade. This is leading to the multi dimensional shape of the society as a whole. As of present standing over 4.8 million (Bell) weddings are between different races, and this figure has risen by multiple proportions in less than four to five decades, comparing to the times when they were not approved by the state. Cultural significance of Inter racial marriages: The inter racial marriages have led to pluralistic society concept with more tolerance and acceptance towards one another. A co relation between inter racial marriages and Gay marriages: A ccording to a find

The topic is to respond to the question in the assignment Essay

The topic is to respond to the question in the assignment - Essay Example State can also be described as a political institution with a core government that maintains a command of the rightful use of coercion to achieve loyalty within a definite territory. States worldwide have increasingly misused (exaggerated) their power, and this sometimes led to violent protests or revolutions, as witnessed recently in the Arab countries. Dictatorial leadership styles where leaders want to stay in power more than they are required are to be blamed for this. The protests have resulted in countless deaths of innocent citizens and atrocities against humans committed by state machinery such as the army and police. States behave like this because there is no power that holds them accountable. This paper will illustrate how the state operates, the role of the state and its obligations to its citizens, the various instruments that the state uses to obtain allegiance, the role of the media in shaping the image of the state and its representation of situations such as war, and, lastly, the rise of resistance and rebellion against the state. Nation is a term used to refer to people who belong to a shared cultural community with a historical trajectory (Heywood, 2011). Every state, whether capitalist or democratic, uses various forms of coercion. Even under pluralism, where a lot of official democratic liberty exists, the state uses tyranny, sometimes in enormous quantities. A case in point is the penal structure in the United States of America. Approximately two million prisoners, or 60 percent, are black, and this shows that the legal system has been utilized as a tool of repression against the black community. In every society, there is likely to be a set of regulations which are largely acknowledged by the society. These forbid anti-social actions such as murder, rape, and theft. Through such laws and their enforcement, a country attains its class as an impartial watchdog of the society. Nevertheless, law has been used by the system to control its

The Term of Coaching Essay Example for Free

The Term of Coaching Essay Coaching is a method of teaching or training in which a coach helps for trainee to achieve a specific personal or professional result or goal. Coaching is a way to help people make the best use of their own resources. It is a way to bring out the best of peoples capabilities. Coaching helps people set goals and then reach those goals. Coaching is goal and results oriented and can focus on virtually any area of life: business, career, family, health, personal growth, spirituality, intimacy, simple living, and financial development. Historically the evolution of coaching has been influenced by many other fields of study including those of personal development, adult education, psychology (sports, clinical, developmental, organizational, social and industrial) and other organizational or leadership theories and practices. Since the mid-1990s, coaching has developed into a more independent discipline and professional associations such as the Association for Coaching, The International Coach Federation, and the European Coaching and Mentoring Council have helped develop a set of training standards. There are many definitions of coaching, mentoring and various styles of management and training.What follows are more succinct definitions of the various forms of coaching. However, there may be overlap between many of these types of coaching activities. Managing is making sure people do what they know how to do. Training is teaching people to do what they don’t know how to do. Mentoring is showing people how the people who are really good at doing something do it. Coaching is none of these – it is helping to identify the skills and capabilities that are within the person, and enabling them to use them to the best of their ability.Professional coaching uses a range of communication skills (such as targeted restatements) to help clients shift their perspectives and thereby discover different solutions to achieve their goals. These skills are used when coaching clients in any field. In this sense, coaching is a form of meta-profession that can apply to accompanying clients in any human endeavor, ranging from their concerns in sports and personal, professional, social, family, political, spiritual dimensions, etc. Types of Coaching Although the most popular type of coaching is Business one, coaching can be used for various purposes: Performance coaching. Coaching activities here are aimed at enhancing an individual’s performance in their current role at work, to increase their effectiveness and productivity at work. Generally, performance coaching derives its theoretical underpinnings and models from business and sports psychology as well as general psychological theory. Skills coaching. This form of coaching focuses on the core skills an employee needs to perform in their role. Skills coaching provides a flexible, adaptive, ‘just-in-time’ approach to skills development. Coaching programmes are tailored specifically to the individual and are generally focused on achieving a number of skill development objectives that are linked to the needs of the organisation. Career Coaching. Coaching activities focus on the individual’s career concerns, with the coach eliciting and using feedback on the individual’s capabilities as part of a discussion of career options. The process should lead to increased clarity, personal change and forward action. Personal or life coaching. This form of coaching provides support to individuals wishing to make some form of significant changes happen within their lives. Coaches help individuals to explore what they want in life and how they might achieve their aspirations and fulfil their needs. Personal/life coaching generally takes the individual’s agenda as its start point. Business coaching. Business coaching is always conducted within the constraints placed on the individual or group by the organisational context. Executive coaching: One to one performance coaching is increasingly being recognised as the way for organisations and individuals to improve performance. By improving the performance of the most influential people within the organisation, the theory goes that business results should improve. Executive coaching is often delivered by coaches operating from outside the organisation whose services are requested for an agreed duration or number of coaching sessions. The scheme below shows the general process of coaching: Business Coaching Business coaching is mostly related with human resource and personal development . It provides positive support, feedback and advice to an individual or group basis to improve their personal effectiveness in the business setting. Business coaching includes executive coaching, corporate coaching and leadership coaching. There are almost as many different ways of delivering business coaching as there are business coaches. Some offer personal support and feedback, others combine a coaching approach with practical and structured business planning and bring a disciplined accountability to the relationship. Particularly in the small business market, business coaching is as much about driving profit as it is about developing the person. Coaching is not a practice restricted to external experts or providers. Many organizations expect their senior leaders and middle managers to coach their team members toward higher levels of performance, increased job satisfaction, personal growth, and career development. Business coaching is not the same as mentoring. Mentoring involves a developmental relationship between a more experienced mentor and a less experienced partner, and typically involves sharing of advice. A business coach can act as a mentor given that he or she has adequate expertise and experience. However, mentoring is not a form of business coaching. Few link coaching activities to compensation, however, resulting in less coaching by managers. The chart below, shows typical model of business coaching: Excercises of Team Coaching Here are some exaples of simple excercises of coaching, which leader can conduct for his team by his own. 1. Knowledge develpment. Divide the entire group in to pair of individuals. For example if there are 30 people, make 15 pairs. Then the first individual will have to identify three areas of improvement or weakness of organisation and ask the other person to give suggestions for improvement. Then the other can play the same role. 2. Juggling. Over a two day course with 4 x 20 minute sessions around 70% of people can do a basic juggling process. Typically people should work in groups of three : Juggler, Coach and observer/ball fetcher. Session1 : Demo or hand out a document that explains how balls flow in juggling and get them to see their initial competence level. Session 2 : 6 minutes each : set a goal and get coached to improve. The observer counts how many instructions were given compared to questions and a quick feedback round is done after each person juggles. Session 3 : Similar to session 2 but only three commands / ideas given. Session 4 : Only questions can be used in the coaching. 3. Roles. Divide the group into 3 and give them 3 rounds of role plays. For each role play have a manager, an employee and an observer. Employee will come to the manager with an issue which the manager needs to find out more about. Role play 1. I cannot get along with Tom/Fiona, you have to do something about this! Role play 2. I am nervous about the upcoming presentation to senior managers, I am seeking your help. Role play 3. I want to improve how I come across in meetings, can you help Run 3 five minute rounds and allow 2 mins of feedback at the end of each round. Conclusion Coaching – is an easy and effective method for personal, business and team work develpment. Coaching can be used to improve not only business sellings, team building etc. But also individuals life, health etc. Even great success companies should use coaching, not only as a business planning, but as a team motivation method. If the leader is competent enough, the coaching session for team building, can be conduct by his own.

Vonneguts Slaughterhouse-Five as an Antiwar Novel :: Slaughterhouse-Five Essays

Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five as an Antiwar Novel War can affect and inspire people to many degrees. Kurt Vonnegut was inspired by war to write Slaughterhouse-Five, which is a unique book referred to sometimes as a science fiction or semi-autobiographical novel. But, if facts are inferred in the novel, like the similarity of Vonnegut to Billy Pilgrim, facts about other characters (specifically the Tralfamadorians), and the themes and structure of the novel, another way of viewing ;this book can be seen that is as an anti war piece of writing. In fact, Vonnegut demonstrates his own antiwar sentiments throughout the novel. This novel's main character, Billy Pilgrim is like Vonnegut in many ways. Kurt Vonnegut is an American novelist from Indianapolis, Indiana, born in 1922. A very important part of Vonnegut's life was when he served in WWII, and was a prisoner of war (POW) in Dresden, Germany. During that time he experienced the firebombing of Dresden, which affected him greatly. This event had around 135,000 causalities, which is about twice the number killed in Hiroshima by the atomic bomb (1969 Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five). Many claim that his involvement in the war is what made him write Slaughterhouse-Five. When Vonnegut created Billy Pilgrim, he made Billy subject to the experience of war. In fact, Billy experiences it almost exactly the same as Vonnegut himself had, including the experiences of being a POW and in the firebombing of Dresden. But in Billy's case, Vonnegut writes it with a particular point of view, which is against war. For example, when Vonnegut writes of the ways Billy views things, especially in the war, he makes Billy's view "slanted, which makes the reader perceive the war as

Swot Analysis of the Green Directory

SWOT Analysis Of The Green Directory Strengths: –The Green Directory (â€Å"GD†) allows unlimited access for all users and no fee is required. –The relevant information is available to all visitors. –GD recommends and presents only classified, selected and specialised companies –Website presentation is clearly structured and designed. –Provides ‘one-stop service’ website, as well as the leading ‘green’ guides within Australia. –Easy to find directory – GD provides direct links to its partners, sponsors and advertisers. -Wide range of services and products as well as topics has made the website easy for user to find anything related ‘Green’. Weaknesses: — Unclear information on the support and recommendations by the Australian Government. — GD is just facilitator which means that interested visitors have to contact the listed companies directly. –The benefits for adverti sing are not clearly shown in the website. –Online enquiry form is not available – Interested visitors in ‘green’ products and services have to contact the listed companies directly. -Certain information provided in the web page is not up to date. –Poor maintenance of the website as there are few missing links found in the website. –Limited information about local events, fairs and exhibitions. –No contact number or hotline number for customer enquiry Opportunities: –Increase the profile of GD by cooperation with nationwide and regional publishers (such as Yellow Pages, newspaper, magazine) as well as popular ‘green’ institutions. -It is a green awareness happening all over the world and it’s about social responsibility and ethic of environmental friendly. –Further enhance the website by placing more latest offers and products photos to attract more users. –Send frequent e-mail to users to keep them updated with the latest information. –Provide a hotline number to handle real-time customer call-in enquiry to improve the customer service –Provide hardcopy brochure when requested by user so as not only limit the usage to internet users only Threats: -People without internet access have not the opportunity to receive the requested information. –Unavailable/ inaccurate information to users due to the missing/ outdated contents might cause reputational risk to the GD. –Easy to copy by competitor to create new business/ competition. –Green products price usually higher than normal product that would cause very big investment to the users. Thus there is a challenge in convincing user to purchase without much attractive promotion/ offer. –Data security is not clarified and this might affects customer confidence.

History of English Literature, Essay

The ghost also speaks of the underworld, a Classical belief that brings out Humanist beliefs also. This instantly makes Hamlet doubt the ghost, which causes him to hesitate before seeking revenge for his father’s death until he has discovered the truth. Seeking the truth is one of Hamlet’s obstacles as many layers cover it. He desires to know which religious belief system is the true one and the best to die by. This reflects on Renaissance society and Europe as they too were torn between two or even three, philosophical positions. By using a variety of religious ethics Shakespeare has made both the audience and Hamlet question which system is the true one. Arnold Kettle, in his essay entitled, â€Å"Hamlet in a changing world† states that, † because of the death of Hamlet’s father and the hasty marriage of his mother and his uncle, Hamlet’s views of the world change. These views affect his ideas in every aspect possible and Hamlet has difficulty living with them†. Kettle believes that Hamlet was putting into practise new Renaissance humanism ideas. The theory of humanism rejects the abuse of tyranny, cruelty and murder; all three were present in England and the court of Denmark. Hamlet decides that he cannot accept this in Denmark because he sees this as rottenness and Claudius as the source of it. Wilson Knight, in his essay entitled, â€Å"The Embassy of Death† does not agree with Kettle as he states, â€Å"Hamlet is inhuman. He has seen through humanity. And this inhuman cynicism, however justifiable in this case, on the plane of casualty and individual responsibility, is a deadly and venomous thing†. I agree with Kettle as Hamlet seems to be trying to maintain his humanism and he does this by seeking the truth so he can get his revenge and still live by the laws of God. He searches for evidence to back his theory that Claudius is the source of rottenness so he is able to kill him and rid Denmark of all its rottenness. If, like Knight states, Hamlet were inhuman he would not hesitate in getting his revenge as much as he does and he would not question all the different religious belief systems. In The Short Oxford History of English Literature, Andrew Sanders states that, † Hamlet’s public problem is how to avenge a political murder in a culture where private vengeance is politically and morally unacceptable† (page 157). I disagree with Andrew Sanders as I have collected evidence that shows that in the Renaissance there were groups that strongly believed that humans were god-like, thus able to carry out revenge. I do not think it was totally morally unacceptable in this society to seek revenge and I believe the Shakespearean audience would have been aware of this. Shakespeare has provided the clues for Hamlet and the audience in the plays imagery. The play is fuelled by images of poison, rot and decay. This is enveloped in the theme of illusion verses reality. Things appear in the play to be true and honest but the reality is that they are infested with evil. Shakespeare has included a lot of imagery that is related to the bible, particularly Genesis. This creates a different theme in the play, one of inherited sin and corruption. Humans are fallen creatures, victims of the devils trickery, according to Genesis. Shakespeare has used this throughout the play, as there are many references to Adam, the Garden of Eden and original sin. â€Å"Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, A serpent stung me – so the whole ear of Denmark Is forged process of my death Rankly abus’d – but know, thou noble youth, The serpent that did sting thy father’s life Now wears his crown†. Act 1, scene 5, lines35-40. Here Shakespeare has used a metaphor to show that Claudius is perceived in this play as the devil, reflecting that Hamlet is not the only thing rotten in Denmark. Many of the characters hide behind masks of falseness and this makes it extremely difficult for Hamlet to uncover the truth that he desires in order to rid Denmark of Claudius and its rottenness. If Claudius is the devil, according to Humanist values, Hamlet could act god-like and do the state a favour and rid society of his infestation. If Hamlet followed his Christian ethics he would have to leave the justice to God and that would mean that society suffered. This would make the audience decide which belief system they would favour but would also bring in the question of what would happen to Hamlet when he died. Margreta de Grazia writes in her essay entitled, â€Å"Hamlet’s thoughts and antics† that † Hamlet fights against becoming rotten like Claudius, he struggles in a rotten world. He struggles to overcome his nausea by trying to unmask men, strip them of their fines appearances and show their true nature†. The one thing Hamlet does not want to do his lower himself to Claudius’ level and this is reflected in the play when he refuses to kill Claudius while he is praying. † Now might I do it pat, now a is a-praying. And now I’ll do ‘t. (Draws his sword) And so a goes to heaven; And so I reveng’d. that would be scann’d: A villain kills my father, and for that I, his sole son, do this same villain send To heaven†¦. † Act 3, scene 3 lines 73-79 I agree with Grazia as she backs what I have suggested above that Hamlet wants to be the executioner and not the assassin, as this would make him as low as Claudius. Hamlet is battling with all the ethics that his society has to discover whether or not he holds the power to deal out justice as God would. In conclusion I would have to say that Prince Hamlet is not the only thing rotten in Denmark. And as T. S Eliot puts it in the 1920 essay called ‘The Sacred Wood’, â€Å"If Hamlet is rotten, why would it be a tragedy? â€Å". The tragedy in this play is the fact that an intelligent, philosophical, sensitive character has been placed in a society that is rotten due to the King that governs it. My findings show that Claudius is the source of the rottenness in Denmark and Hamlet suffers against upholding traditional family values and his religious ethics. Hamlet has to put his ethics through every test imaginable, even at the risk of his own sanity. This does not make him rotten, this should make him commendable. Shakespeare has provided a character that wears his heart on his sleeve. We see every single one of his thought processes and watch in awe as he muddles through each dilemma. We watch as he loses his faith in mankind and achieve catharsis in the final scene when that faith seems to have been miraculously restored. This may be due to his coming to terms with his own fear of death or his realisation of mans role in the cosmos, we can’t be certain. But by having Hamlet regain some faith Shakespeare allows the audience and reader to regain their faith in mankind too. He is an example to us all. 3, 107 words (including extracts and quotes) 2, 264 words (excluding extracts and quotes) Shell Woodward. Bibliography Bate, J (1975) Shakespearean Constitutions, Politics, Theatre, Criticism 1730-1830 Clarendon Press, Oxford. Bevington, D (ed) (1968) Twentieth Century Interpretations of Hamlet, A Collection of Critical Essays Spectrum Books New Jersey. Brown Watson, C (1960) Shakespeare and the Renaissance Concept of Honor Princeton University Press New Jersey. Gurr, A (2001) The Shakespearean Stage 1574-1642 Cambridge University Press London. Jenkins, H (ed) (1993) Hamlet Arden Shakespeare Methuen & co ltd St Ives. Joughin, J, J (2000) Philosophical Shakespeares Routledge London. Jump, J (ed) (1985) Hamlet: A Selection of Critical Essays Macmillian London. Marsh, N (2003) Shakespeare, three problem plays. Palgrave New York. Sanders, A (2000) The Short Oxford Dictionary of English Literature Oxford University Press Oxford. Smith, D, N (1964) Shakespeare Criticism Oxford University Press London. Wells, R, H (2000) Shakespeare on Masculinity Cambridge University Press UK. URLS Eliot, T, S â€Å"The Scared Wood† essay www. bartleby. com/200/sw9. html Kettle, A – â€Å"Hamlet in a changing World† essay www. faculty. millikin. edu/~moconner. hum Knight, W â€Å"The Embassy of Death† essay www. mtsn. org. uk/staff/hamlet Rist, T Religion, Politics, Revenge: the dead in Renaissance drama www. shu. ac. uk/emls/09-1/ristdead. html.

Ronger Essays

Ronger Essays Ronger Essay Ronger Essay The Business School and the University regards as a very serious matter the action of a student who acts dishonestly or improperly, including plagiarism or cheating, in connection with his or her academic work. Under University Regulation 6. 1. 1 Plagiarism is defined as The presentation of the works of another person / other persons as though they are ones own by failing to properly acknowledge that person / those persons. Plagiarism may take many forms including: direct copying of sentences, paragraphs or other extracts from someone elses published work (including on the Internet and in software) without acknowledging the source; paraphrasing someone elses words without acknowledging the source; using facts, information, ideas, concepts or diagrams derived from a source without acknowledging them; producing assignments which should be the students own independent work, in unauthorized collaboration with and/or using the work of other people (e. . A student or tutor, or working in pairs or groups and producing similar assignments on individual assessment tasks not referencing accurately (e. G. To citing correctly the work you have actually read) and later using other students work (e. G. Taking discs, picking up others marked assignments) recycling your own work / assignments or double dipping (e. G. E-submitting whole or significant parts of assignments across units, across years or across courses) th e Internet for sale) which is intended for submission for assessment, or which has already been submitted, so that it can be copied in part or whole and handed in by another student as that students own work. Students are warned against making assignments etc. Available to others, as they then could be regarded as a contributor to plagiarism and may be penalized as if they themselves had committed an act of plagiarism. Students are expected to be proficient with referencing and must always acknowledge any sources for work that is not their own. Inadequate referencing of cited materials is considered to be plagiarism. Details of referencing can be found on the following University web address: http://queering. Ballard. Du. AU/gasp/student/ learning_support/generalized/chic. HTML or Ballard. Du. U/current-students/learning-and-study/student-learning- skills/resources/downloads/avoiding-plagiarism Students Statement I have read and understood the information provided on this assignment cover sheet relating to plagiarism and other unacceptable behavior and therefore declare that the attached work is entirely my own, except where work quoted is duly acknowledged in the text, and that this work has not been submitted for assessment in any other course or program. Signature Date c CROSS provider NO. 30TH

Carta de invitación para sacar la visa de turista EE.UU

Carta de invitacià ³n para sacar la visa de turista EE.UU Las cartas de invitacià ³n se utilizan frecuentemente como parte de la documentacià ³n que se entrega a una embajada o consulado americano cuando se solicita una visa de turista para Estados Unidos. No es un documento necesario, pero sà ­ que es  frecuente  porque puede ayudar a que el oficial consular se decida aprobar la visa que se solicita. Pero es importante entender que, por sà ­ sola, la carta de invitacià ³n no es suficiente para obtener la visa, sino que es un elemento ms a tener en cuenta y para inclinar la balanza a favor del solicitante.   Asimismo, si no se presenta una carta de invitacià ³n eso no quiere decir que la visa no pueda obtenerse. En otras palabras, es un documento de presentacià ³n voluntaria que puede ayudar a obtener la visa. En este artà ­culo se informa sobre quià ©nes pueden escribir la carta de invitacià ³n, quià ©n es el destinatario de la misma, cul es el formato adecuado y quà © documentos adicionales se pueden incluir en apoyo de la veracidad de la carta. Quià ©nes pueden escribir la carta de invitacià ³n para sacar la visa de turista La carta de invitacià ³n no la escribe la persona que solicita la visa, sino otra distinta que es a quien se va a visitar en Estados Unidos. En este punto, es fundamental el estatus migratorio de dicha persona en Estados Unidos ya que determina si tiene capacidad para redactar este tipo de documento. Pueden hacerlo las siguientes personas: En primer lugar, los ciudadanos americanos, que debern acreditar tal situacià ³n mediante documentos como copia del pasaporte americano o del certificado de nacimiento en Estados Unidos. En realidad, cualquier documento oficial que pruebe su condicià ³n de estadounidenses. En segundo lugar, los residentes permanentes legales. En este caso, debern incluir con la carta una fotocopia legible por los dos lados  de su tarjeta de residencia, tambià ©n conocida como green card. Y, en tercer lugar, pueden redactar la carta de invitacià ³n los extranjeros que se encuentran legalmente en Estados Unidos  porque tienen una visa vigente. En este caso  debern adjuntar a la carta de invitacià ³n su certificado original de nacimiento, fotocopia de todas las hojas de su pasaporte y, si su visa estuviera en otro ya expirado, tambià ©n incluir copias de à ©ste. Si la visa est expirada pero se ha pedido su renovacià ³n, una copia de dicha peticià ³n. Adems de esos documentos los extranjeros con visas L1 de transfer entre sedes de una misma empresa  o H1  para profesionales debern incluir su à ºltimo I-797, una carta que reciben del Servicio de Inmigracià ³n y Ciudadanà ­a (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s). Por otro lado,  los migrantes que està ©n en situacià ³n de ajuste de estatus pendiente  se recomienda que envà ­en junto a la carta de invitacià ³n una copia del documento que pruebe tal situacià ³n, como por ejemplo el permiso de trabajo, conocida en inglà ©s como  EAD card. Por à ºltimo, tener en consideracià ³n que si la invitacià ³n se hace a favor de un familiar por razà ³n de matrimonio, como por ejemplo un suegro o un cuà ±ado, deber acompaà ±arse la carta de invitacià ³n con una fotocopia del certificado de boda de la persona que invita y fotocopia del pasaporte de su marido o de su mujer. Por ejemplo, si un ciudadano americano est casado con una mexicana y quiere invitar a su suegra a que les visite en EEUU con ocasià ³n del bautizo de su hijo deber incluir no sà ³lo prueba de su ciudadanà ­a estadounidense, sino tambià ©n de estar casado con su esposa mexicana y copia del pasaporte de à ©sta. Finalmente, los migrantes indocumentados no deben  escribir una carta de invitacià ³n. No facilitarà ­a la solicitud de visa del solicitante y, por otro lado, servirà ­a para revelar la situacià ³n de indocumentado de dicho migrante y datos importantes como, por ejemplo, dà ³nde vive. Adems, si una persona invita a sus padres a visitar Estados Unidos y esos padres tienen ms hijos en ese paà ­s, deber tambià ©n acreditarse el estatus legal de todos los hijos que viven en el paà ­s y no sà ³lo el del hijo que extiende la invitacià ³n. Destinatario de la carta de invitacià ³n para sacar la visa de turista La carta se envà ­a a la persona que se desea invitar y  no al consulado  o embajada que debe tramitar el visado. Este punto da lugar a mucha confusià ³n ya que es comà ºn creer que el consulado es el destinatario de esta carta. Sin embargo, esa creencia es equivocada. En todos los casos, la persona que invita debe enviar la carta a la persona invitada. Formato de la carta de invitacià ³n para la visa de turista para EE.UU. No hay una forma determinada que diga expresamente cà ³mo tiene que ser la carta. Es decir, cada persona puede escribir lo que quiera, pero utilizando un lenguaje formal, respetuoso y claro. Adems, deberà ­a seguir las siguientes pautas: Estar escrita en inglà ©s.  Incluir la fecha en la que se escribeNo olvidarse de firmarIdentificar expresamente  a la persona que se quiere invitar. Por ejemplo, si son padre e hijo, hermanos o simplemente amigos.Redactarla en una computadora e imprimir el documento. Documentacià ³n adicional que deberà ­a aà ±adirse a la carta de   invitacià ³n Se recomienda enviar documentacià ³n que pruebe la capacidad econà ³mica de la persona que invita a un extranjero a visitar EEUU y puede ser uno o varios de los documentos siguientes: Copia de la declaracià ³n de impuestos federales de los à ºltimos tres aà ±os. Si no se tienen tantos aà ±os declarados, los que se tengan. Y tambià ©n copias de los W2. Si se es empresario por cuenta propia, enviar prueba de tal situacià ³n y cuentas bancarias corporativas. Tambià ©n serà ­a apropiado enviar una copia de los extractos bancarios de al menos los à ºltimos seis meses. Deben demostrar cierta fortaleza econà ³mica. Otra opcià ³n es incluir una carta en papel oficial de la empresa que emplee a la persona que hace la invitacià ³n y que identifique al empleado, desde cundo trabaja allà ­, cul es su salario y si su contrato es temporal o no. Finalmente, tambià ©n es vlido una carta del banco en papel oficial en el que se diga cundo la persona que redacta la carta de invitacià ³n abrià ³ la cuenta en una de sus oficinas, cunto dinero se deposità ³ el aà ±o anterior y el saldo en el momento actual. Ejemplos de cartas de invitacià ³n Aquà ­ se puede consultar  ejemplos de cartas de invitacià ³n. Estn en inglà ©s porque es el idioma en el que deben escribirse.   Consejos migratorios para turistas en Estados Unidos No todos los extranjeros necesitan sacar una visa de turista para ingresar a Estados Unidos. Y es que los ciudadanos de los paà ­ses acogidos al Programa de Exencià ³n de Visas  pueden ingresar solicitando una Autorizacià ³n Electrà ³nica conocida como ESTA si llegan al paà ­s por avià ³n o llenando el formulario I-94 si llegan por barco o se presentan en una frontera terrestre. Como no necesitan visa, tampoco precisan de una carta de invitacià ³n. Por à ºltimo, destacar que las visas de turista se pueden negar por muchas causas, pero que pueden resumirse en dos grandes categorà ­as: por ser inadmisible para ingresar a Estados Unidos y/o por ser inelegible.   La causa ms comà ºn de rechazo de la aprobacià ³n de la visa de turista es que el oficial consular considere que no se ha probado ms all de toda duda que el solicitante tiene lazos familiares y econà ³micos fuertes en su paà ­s de origen o de residencia habitual. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Arab-Islamic Civilization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Arab-Islamic Civilization - Essay Example The new contributions improved human life and also became the vital part of modern civilization in the history of humankind. Arab architecture is one of the greatest contributions that Arabic civilization brought in the history of man. Like in other fields, such as mathematics and astronomy, Arab architecture was invented for purposes of glorifying Islam. The architects of the time devoted much of their skills and time to the construction of mausoleums and mosques (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, 1). Their style was quite unique; in spite of its being borrowed from the Romans, horseshow arch was redesigned into their own outstanding architectural feature. The construction of the Damascus Great Mosque is one of the excellent demonstrations of the utilization of Roman horse arch, which inspired Arab architecture. Many historians have argued that the Arab architectural design that was used in the construction of Ibin Tulun mosque in Cairo brought about the insight behind the construction of some of the European outstanding cathedrals. The Arab architecture was also evident in the construction of the chalets in France, as well as the cathedrals of Wells. These constructions used Arab ogee, tefoil, and cusp arches. In Europe, the construction of ribbed vaults was greatly inspired by the designs borrowed from the Arab mosques of Constantinople, Cairo, Jerusalem, Tripoli, Damascus, and Mecca, all of which were built during the reign of Islamic civilization. As for the construction of the cathedrals, the Europeans borrowed from the Arab architecture the use of cubal transitional supports, especially during the 11th and 12th century. Thus, the contribution of Islamic civilization in terms of architecture cannot be overemphasized. The contribution of Arab civilization in the field of architecture is quite evident even in modern day

Read the case, and answer the question Case Study

Read the , and answer the question - Case Study Example The good point showcasing about being socially responsible in the given case is the idea that Vermont Teddy Bear was trying to consider their customers as partners, which is tantamount to the the actual formation of relationship with its customers. In doing so, they only are not going to earn long-standing trust, but above all, the ability on the part of the customers to distinguish the kind of service they provide. Vermont Teddy Bear therefore knew the key to a long-lasting penetration and operation in the market and that is to create a meaningful relationship with their customers, an act that one could potentially consider as socially responsible. Here is another important point how Vermont Teddy Bear has become socially responsible. It was able to support charitable causes (LHMVTB Case). Supporting charitable causes is an indication that the company is trying to involve and consider itself as integral part of the community. It does not stand alone by itself, but has considerable o bligations for the people and the community as a whole. In addition, Vermont Teddy Bear strongly adhered to understanding customers’ needs. Criticism concerning its insensitivity was not directly coming from the customers, but from a national agency trying to be closely critical about its products. Vermont Teddy Bear has remarkable point not to listen to this criticism because for them there was a positive approval and response from the customers concerning their product offerings (LHMVTB Case). It is clear that through this incident, Vermont Teddy Bear must be a customer-centric organization that would be willing to understand customers’ needs and create decisions based on these requirements. The case therefore has remarkably shown the level of Vermont Teddy Bear’s socially receptive response by highlighting their ability to directly listen to the customers’ needs and build their critical decision on these patterns. 2. Discuss the external environmental factors that impact VTB overall. Additionally, discuss the external environmental factors that impacted this particular situation/controversy. Explain specifically how the external environmental factor(s) impacts VTB overall and this particular situation. In general, Vermont Teddy Bear’s actual business growth were influenced by seasons of the year and technological advancement associated with sharing marketing information such as the presence of internet and other relevant media (LHMVTB Case). In fact, the remarkable controversy against Vermont Teddy Bear occurred in February which is the month of the year noted for the celebration of Valentines day. Moreover, the ability of the company to generate sales and income was due to the easy implementation of direct marketing via phone calls and its website. In other words, social activities and advancement of communication technology have evidently paved a way for Vermont Teddy Bear to spread its influence to its market industry. However, the socio-political response could have a significant impact on Vermont Teddy Bear as its criticism against the company’s product offerings could create a negative marketing advantage over the actual product involved in the controversy. The national agency was reacting badly against the very controversial one product of Vermont Teddy Bear which is an indication that there is a great deal of issue that needs settlement on the part of the company. In addition, this issue or controversy could also be a damaging factor